Sheetz, Self Storage Plus,Roads, Churches, and Developments

The Walkersville Planning Commission met last night for a public hearing. Topics included the expansion of Sheetz and possible expansion of the self-storage facility on Stauffer Court.

The meeting began with the approval of an extension for the Mill Run housing development’s plans. Due to delays in securing approval to swap property with a neighbor, the developers plans were due to expire before the Planning Commission’s next meeting. Planning Commission members granted the extension to give the developer time to break ground and get the project moving. In all, twenty-two homes will be built on land off of Pennsylvania Avenue in Walkersville.

Members continued their discussions of updating the Town’s Design Manual. The focus was on LED lighting for street lights. The town engineer provided sample specifications, but the Planning Commission found the recommendations too narrow and specific. They will seek to broaden the choices available in lighting design and gather more information on the costs of lighting the town now.

Finally, the Planning Commission reviewed preliminary plans and questions from property owners on Stauffer Court. Sheetz sought input on requirements to extend Stauffer Court and the timeline for building Richard Winn Lane. They already presented preliminary plans for replacing their current store and fuel pumps with a larger store, a drive-thru, and car wash on their existing lot and another lot that will be bisected into two lots by the proposed Richard Winn Lane.

Richard Winn Lane is to be built by the owners of Century Center as part of an annex agreement. The details of that agreement require the road to be built “within the next year or two,” according to Susan Hauver, Town Planner and Zoning Administrator.

Now, Sheetz may build an office building for a subsidiary on the third lot created by the road being built. They would also move the on-site parking of their fuel trucks during shift change from the Sheetz store property to the office building lot.

The owners of Self Storage Plus also approached the town about Stauffer Court, because they may purchase an adjoining lot to expand their business. That lot requires a right of way for Calvary Assembly of God; theiry current driveway is a direct connection to MD 194 and the location of many accidents. The Town of Walkersville’s Planning Commission has repeatedly tried to get their current entrance closed and have them connect to Stauffer Court for safety reasons.

The Planning Commission asked that Century Center be contacted about building Richard Winn Lane and suggested changing the configuration of Stauffer Court to end with connections for Self Storage Plus, Calvary Assembly of God, a farm lane for the farm on that road, and Sheetz. They will work with all parties to make requirements that the roads improved meet the needs of the property owners and the Town of Walkersville.