On December 21, 2022, I addressed the Front Royal Planning and Zoning Commission during a pivotal public hearing for the town’s new Comprehensive Plan. At this point in my journey, I had recently interviewed for the Planning Commission and had spent significant time comparing the old plan with the proposed update.
A Plan Built on Clarity
One of my primary praises for the new document was its organization. The old plan was a fragmented collection of documents that made navigation difficult for the average citizen. I commended the commission on creating a more cohesive, streamlined vision that invited community involvement rather than discouraging it.
Checking Off the “Wish List”
It was encouraging to see that many items on my personal “wish list” for Front Royal had made it into the draft. As an owner of both an electric and a hybrid vehicle, I was particularly focused on:
- Environmental Sustainability: I was pleased to see a stronger commitment to green initiatives.
- Urban Canopy: The focus on planting and maintaining trees throughout the town.
- Forward Momentum: I expressed that while we can’t solve every problem overnight, this plan represented a significant step in the right direction.
From Planning to Action
The most important message I wanted to leave with the Commission was that a plan is only as good as its execution. After a year of development, I told them, “I want to see some action done.” Looking back, this testimony was a defining moment for me. It was the first time I publicly advocated for the town to move beyond “paper promises” and toward the tangible, sustainable improvements that residents can see in their own neighborhoods. Little did I know that this would set the stage for years of deeper dives into county and town governance.
Watch the Testimony
- 0:09 – Comparing the clarity of the new plan vs. the old “fragmented” documents.
- 0:44 – Discussing the “wish list” items including EVs and environmental sustainability.
- 1:11 – The call for action: “We can’t solve every problem, but we can move forward.”
