The Round Hill Planning Commission held a public hearing on a request to rezone 7 Main Street from R-2 residential to B-1 business for the purpose of opening a coffee shop/marketplace. The following is an overview of some of the comments made during that hearing.

Speakers in Favor

• As area grows, the need for local services will increase.  A coffee shop would provide a place for townspeople to gather and help Main Street retain its position as the center of the Round Hill community. Commercial development will bring increased business taxes that will then be reinvested into improving the town.
• This will help revitalize the center of town.
• "I'm tired of going to Purcellville for a good cup of coffee." Several speakers addressed the need for services to which townspeople could walk.
• A coffee shop would "fit in in a quiet sort of way."
• This fits the town's longstanding concept of developing Main Street as the Central Commercial District. (As described in the Town's Comprehensive Plan, which was last revised in 1993.)
• "Development is coming ... you have to pick your shots, and this is a good one."
• Local business owners have a vested interest in the town and in providing quality services; it is important to support local businesses.
• The plan will help mitigate parking problems along Main Street.
• Adjacent property owners cited their concerns about light, noise and stormwater runoff, but generally are in favor of the proposal because Jenkins' plan for the property seems to be addressing their concerns.
• Many speakers complimented Jenkins' good ideas, business plan, preparation ("she's done her homework"), and the work done so far on the property, as well as her willingness to work with adjacent property owners to address their concerns.

Speakers Opposed

• This is the wrong time to rezone the property. The town should change the Comprehensive Plan first to limit commercial uses in the district and establish clear guidelines before proceeding. You can't change the plan for just one business. There are too many questions to go ahead at this time.
• Prefer to see a family in the house. A business would create a new set of problems for the neighbors. Keep business in the Eastern Commercial District. What happens if this business fails? What then?
• Traffic will get worse.
• Central Commercial District should remain as it is; do not spot zone.