Appeal filed to stop massive Purcellville development

An appeal to the Town of Purcellville challenging the Town’s Board of Architectural Review’s approval of the Trail’s End development plan, has been filed. Trail’s End would be located near the W&OD Trail in an historic area of old town on Hatcher Avenue. The Purcellville Town Council should hear the appeal before Dec. 22.

In a 3-2 vote, the BAR in October, approved the proposed scale, architecture, and building materials for a new three-story building on the three parcels. The existing three homes are to be demolished – but as of press time have not been approved for demolition. A lot consolidation will have to be approved – since 141, 151, and 161 Hatcher Avenue are three separate lots with three single family homes.

The property owner envisions a mixture of commercial on the main floor with an additional two stories of more than 30 apartments.  A site plan, and a zoning permit for this project have not been approved, nor have they been applied for.  

Examples of uses that are currently allowed in the C-4 zoning district, according to the Town Zoning Ordinance, include a hotel, eating establishments, retail, and office. Multi-family dwellings are not a permitted use in this area. However, these uses are supposed to blend in with the neighborhood. The block of Hatcher Avenue where Trail’s End is proposed – is comprised of single family houses. 

Questions about the process, by which such projects are reviewed, and acted upon may be directed to Andy Conlon, Town of Purcellville Senior Planner, at 540-751-2341.