The City of Charles Town recently resurfaced the basketball court at Evitts Run Park.
There are many reasons to vote in the upcoming election. There are also many candidates to choose from. The horse-race news coverage of the national races seems to be everywhere online, but closer to home we’re experiencing a more personal touch from most of the campaigns. I’ve been to a lot of small events and candidate forums for the County Commission and State Delegate candidates. With a few exceptions, most of these candidates seem to be running on issues that are very local, like funding park facilities, local infrastructure, and preserving the character of Jefferson County.
The 4 County Commission candidates who win election will be diving in quickly to some complex issues.
The Commission has already scheduled a public hearing and a vote on updating the impact fee ordinances immediately after the election, when 3 of the 4 newly elected commissioners will be participating. Looking into January, all 4 of the new commissioners will be voting on the 2045 Comprehensive Plan.
Updates to the county zoning ordinance will also be on the agenda in 2025.
Almost a year ago, the County Commission asked the Planning Commission to recommend edits to section 8.20 of the zoning ordinance that governs industrial solar projects. To date, the Planning Commission has not taken any action on that request other than to refer it to the planning staff. On top of that high profile issue, the 2045 Comprehensive Plan calls for a review of the entire zoning ordinance, to align it with the updated land use classifications proposed in the Comprehensive Plan.
A lot to think about as you cast your ballot.
By Steve Pearson