LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 18
JULY 13, 2023
Towns
AROUND towns HAMILTON
Round Hill Planning Commission Hears Plans for 12-Acre Parcel
Shumaker Appointed to Vacant Council Seat
BY HANNA PAMPALONI
hpampaloni@loudounnow.com
The Round Hill Planning Commission on Tuesday heard a preliminary presentation from the Meladon Group about its plans for the 12-acre commercial parcel the company recently purchased at the town’s eastern gateway. The land was rezoned in 1990 as part of the larger development of 1,200 homes surrounding the town but has remained vacant. Past development proposals centered on converting the land to allow more residential use, concepts opposed by town leaders. The new plan would be permitted by-right under the existing zoning. Meladon CEO Don Wooden said the company envisions a project with approximately 144,000 square feet of commercial space, an assisted living center, and 39 single-level cottages for seniors. Tuesday’s meeting was just the first step in the review process. The preliminary concept includes several different types of buildings including multiple retail shops, a restaurant space with a waterside view and docks that extend over a pond,
Meladon Group
A rendering of the proposed Village Center at Round Hill shows plans for a retail center near the East Loudoun Street/Evening Star Drive intersection with an assisting living facility surrounded by senior living cottages.
three story buildings with the first floor acting as a recreational space with a patio and the top two levels as assisted living apartment-style residences, single floor individual cottages that will be designed
specifically for an older demographic, and possibly a child care center. Wooden also PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT continues on page 25
Lovettsville Hires LaPadula for New Economic Position BY HANNA PAMPALONI
hpampaloni@loudounnow.com
The Town of Lovettsville has filled a new staff position that was added with the adoption of the town’s fiscal year 2024 budget that began July 1. Jean LaPadula started as the town’s community engagement and economic development coordinator on Monday, July 10. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Virginia Tech with, an MBA from Mount St. Mary’s University, and a master of teaching degree from Frostburg State University. She also serves as a town commissioner in Middletown, MD. Town Manager Jason Cournoyer said the position will focus on aiding economic growth in town, as well as
work as a liaison with community organizations, nonprofits and residents. The intent is to offer additional services to residents and businesses. He introduced LaPadula to the council and the public at the July 6 Town Council meeting, thanking her for attending even before her official start date. “She’s already showing a great commitment to the town,” he said. “I’m very excited to have her on my staff.” During budget talks earlier this year, the council voted to raise the meals tax from 3% to 3.75% to offset the cost of the position, while voting to lower the real estate tax rate from 16.25 to 15.25 cents per $100 in value. The additional 0.75% in meals tax is expected to bring an additional $52,500 of revenue for the town. n
The Town Council on Monday voted to appoint Chris Shumaker to fill the council seat vacated by Elizabeth Gaucher last month. Shumaker said he moved to Hamilton with his family two years ago after living in New York City and Los Angeles. He said since he grew up in a small town in Michigan, he was glad to be back in a small town again. “I enjoy challenges,” he said to the council on Monday. “… I’ve got big city ideas, but also a small-town heart.” There were two applicants for the vacancy. Shumaker will serve until the special election in November, after which the winner will serve the remainder of the term which expires in December 2024.
LOVETTSVILLE Blues Fest Planned for Saturday The town’s first Blues, Brews and BBQ Fest is scheduled to take place on Saturday and boasts appearances by the Meisha Herron Band, DejaBlue and Big Brad’s Big Bad Blues Band. Food and drinks will be available by BomBurger, One Family Brewing, Always More Ice Cream, and CRYO Candy. The event will start at 3 p.m. on the Town Green with the movie “Soul” to begin playing at approximately 8 p.m.
Overnight Construction Scheduled
Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now
The Town of Lovettsville hired Jean LaPadula to serve as the town’s first Community Engagement and Economic Development Coordinator.
Phase One of the town’s Streetscapes Improvements began last week with storm drainage systems going in on South Church Street and East Pennsylvania Avenue along with the Municipal Parking Lot. AROUND TOWNS continues on page 19