Car dealership proposed on Main Street

From streetscape improvements and new businesses in downtown, to residential developments, there’s been a lot happening in Marshall recently. I wanted to inform you of a chance to weigh in on another proposal that would impact the town’s future.

On October 5, the Fauquier Board of Zoning Appeals will consider a special use permit to allow the Leckner Ford Dealership to build an additional car dealership near downtown. The site is located in a highly visible gateway to the community, at the corner of Old Stockyard Road and East Main Street.

We are concerned that this proposal is not consistent with the community’s vision for a thriving main street – one that reflects the area’s unique character. If located here, this development may actually hinder further positive economic development of Marshall.

Proposed Location and Design

1) Degrades a principal gateway into Marshall. As you approach Marshall on Rt. 55 from the east, this area is planned to be the “gateway” into town – a transition into the heart of Marshall.

2) Negatively impacts Main Street. The gateway is envisioned to be pedestrian-oriented and complementary to main street, landscaped with trees and green spaces, with a mix of uses that are designed to fit in with the historic look and feel of downtown.

3) Conflicts with the Comprehensive Plan. Residents helped develop a vision for Marshall that is described in the Service District Plan — the text specifically states that auto dealerships should not be located in this gateway and that any auto oriented use should include enhanced screening and pedestrian oriented design.

4) Provides minimal economic benefit to the County.
-Car dealerships take up a lot of space and taxes are not collected on their inventory.
-The core of Marshall is valuable real estate that is envisioned to be higher density development.
-The tax base benefits from real estate improvements and sales are small when compared to other commercial uses.

5) Makes more sense in the industrial areas of Marshall. Car dealerships are a more compatible form of economic development in the 395 acres of the Marshall Service District that is already zoned industrial (which is about ¼ of Marshall).

Weigh In

Please send your comments or concerns to Adam Shellenberger, the staff liaison for this project: Adam.Shellenberger@fauquiercounty.gov.

You can also speak at the public hearing on October 5 at 2pm in the Warren Green Building (10 Hotel St., Warrenton VA 20186).

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Julie Bolthouse
Fauquier Field Representative
The Piedmont Environmental Council
jbolthouse@pecva.org