Continue doing the right thing for western Loudoun Villages

Dear Editor:

It took time, but those of us who represent the vast majority of residents in the Village of Philomont were given the opportunity to speak, field questions, and have an overall productive discussion with County staff on the true feasibility of a design concept that gives Loudoun County Fire Rescue all the health, safety and comfort requirements on two levels vs one – like so many firehouses in Loudoun and around the country.  

The modernization of the Philomont Firehouse with a well thought out village-friendly addition/renovation will meet our new zoning section, ‘Adaptive Reuse’, while saving our historic Horse Show Grounds, which is consistent with preserving open space under the County’s Heritage Plan.  

It was a good discussion. I invited Supervisor Caleb Kershner to see for himself that this is the right choice for Philomont. I invite all Supervisors (Chair Randall and Supervisor-elect Laura TeKrony have already visited) to meet with Bill Ridge et al and see that this will fully meet the 2019 Comprehensive Plan’s policies and new zoning language while respecting our recent designation of National Register of Historic Places.

Previous examples have proven that determination and strong support by those most impacted can result in the best outcome. Look at the number of years spent on correct placement of a firehouse in Aldie, and ultimately doing the right thing at Mickie Gordon Park. 

The final outcome was achieved by listening and working together. Why do we have a Comprehensive Plan, Updated Zoning, or Advisory Commissions, if projects that clearly go against all that is written are allowed to seek a Special Exception?  

This ability to undermine the power and authority of an established process is what will put the final nail in the coffin of western Loudoun.

We saw how the stakeholders’ process worked in the final stage of the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite; well done. We hope this continues on scheduled work on Western CPAMs/ZOAMs in 2024. 

Residents of Loudoun County let’s kick off the new year on a hopeful note and prior to the Public Hearing on January 10th , email your Supervisor to support a motion that directs County staff to fully develop the in-place design for the Village of Philomont as discussed at our December 21st meeting.

It is the right thing to do for Loudoun and its community.

Madeline Skinner
Philomont