Winchester, Virginia Development News
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Development News from the latest meeting
City Council Adopts Updated Public Comment Policy with Increased Online Character Limit
The council discussed and amended a resolution to update the Common Council Public Comment and Public Hearing Policy. Key changes included moving public comment submission from email to the city's portal and clarifying procedures. A significant debate arose regarding the character limit for online public comments, with a compromise reached to increase it from 2,000 to 5,000 characters to ensure more equitable access to communication with elected officials.
Referendum Initiated for Up to 1% Sales Tax for School Capital Projects
The council initiated a referendum to allow voters to decide on levying an additional general retail sales tax of up to one percent for city school capital construction and renovation projects. The potential revenue is estimated to be around $10 million annually after deductions. This tax would be limited to a 20-year period. The council expressed strong support for the initiative, viewing it as a crucial opportunity to address school capital needs.
Former Timbrook House Site Proposed for Rezoning to Residential for Workforce Housing
The council reviewed a first reading of an ordinance to rezone the former Timbrook House property at 305 East Piccadilly Street from an Educational Institutional Public Use (EIP) District to a Limited High Density Residential (HR1) District. The property is currently vacant and abuts Timbrook Park. The rezoning, recommended by the Planning Commission and PED Committee, would allow for redevelopment, with the EDA proposing a duplex as workforce housing. A conditional use permit (CUP) would likely follow if the rezoning is approved.
Winchester Medical Center Master Plan Update Discussion Focuses on Traffic and Proffers
The council considered a first reading of an ordinance to amend the master development plan for Winchester Medical Center's campus at 1840 Amherst Street. The amendment seeks approval for a new medical office building (MOB), a future garage, and a surgery expansion wing. Key discussions focused on traffic impacts on Linden Drive and Whittier Avenue, with the applicant agreeing to remove direct campus access from Linden Drive. Proffers include a potential contribution of up to $250,000 for roadway improvements and enhancements to Linden Drive's frontage. The council debated the sufficiency of the proffers and the process for traffic impact analysis.
Shenandoah University Performing Arts Center CUP Approved
The council reviewed a request for a conditional use permit (CUP) for a deviation from certain standards related to front setback and the location of accessory equipment for a new performing arts center at Shenandoah University. The university sought a CUP to allow the structure to be built more than 50 feet away from the public right-of-way and for accessory equipment to be located in the front yard. Greenway Engineering, on behalf of the university, presented the plan, which included sinking chillers below grade to mitigate visual impact and constructing an 8.8-foot retaining wall. The council approved the CUP with a unanimous vote.
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The Winchester News archive
Board of Zoning Appeals - 4:00 PM - Jul 08 2026
City Council - Planning and Economic Development Committee - 4:00 PM - Jun 25 2026
City Council Work Session - 6:01 PM - Jun 23 2026
Winchester Public School Board Business Meeting
Winchester Public School Board Business Meeting
Board of Architectural Review - 4:00 PM - Jun 18 2026
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