Residents Pack Hearing On Rezoning Proposal

The projections show that the amendment could result in 23,406 new homes, 63,144 new residents and 12,340 new students in the affected area. Ten more schools and 10 more parks would be needed to provide services to the larger population, the county said.

Opponents showed up at the hearing holding signs reading, "What's the Rush?" and wearing orange stickers saying, "Don't Supersize Loudoun!" They cited higher taxes and increased gridlock as reasons for their opposition.

But supporters of the amendment cited the inevitability of growth in Loudoun, one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation.

They also said that new homes would make living more affordable for young people and that developers would help build roads and bring amenities -- including a proposed George Mason University campus -- to the transition area.

"I am not supporting limitless growth," said Rose Ellen Ray, who lives in the Blue Ridge District and supports the amendment. "But we all know people are coming to Loudoun County. You're young, you've got a job here, where are you going to live?" she said.

Aubrey Skinner of Leesburg agreed, saying: "I've seen Loudoun transform from cornfields to one of the most sought-after places to live. People are moving here, and we need a place to put them."

But Andrea McGimsey of the nonprofit group Loudoun's Future, said the commission was not giving residents the full picture.

"We've got the data, and we don't believe your marketing spin," she told commissioners.