Historic house rezoning delayed

FRONT ROYAL -- The Warren County Planning Commission has again delayed action on a rezoning proposal from town and county officials seeking to preserve land containing remains of the historic Robert McKay Jr. house and make the rest of the property eligible for commercial development.

Last month, the commission decided to table the request to rezone about 9 acres near the intersection of Reliance Road and U.S. 340-522 from agricultural to commercial after holding a public hearing on the matter. The McKay house, which had been recognized as the oldest home in Warren County, was destroyed by a fire last year. The property contains the ruins of the McKay house, outbuildings and a spring.

The commission chose to table the request last month in order to give town and county officials time to develop a more detailed presentation for their request. Town officials were unable to attend the commission's meeting Wednesday, and the panel decided to table the request until January.

Commission members said they want to be assured that the spring, a significant source of water, will be protected. County Administrator Douglas P. Stanley has said the specific area that officials are looking to rezone does not include the spring.