"Looks like a prison," was Vice Mayor Darlene Kirk's reaction to an initial architectural concept for the main building of a proposed new development, located on eight to ten acres adjacent to East Washington Street on the north side of Route 50, with its main access road directly across from The Cidery.

The facility, as currently proposed, would comprise "over 120" residences, "apportioned to independent living, assisted living, and memory care units," designed to allow "residents to age comfortably in place, amongst family friends and community." Cooking, dining and cleaning services would be available, as well as "skilled nursing at the ready"

Submitted formally for discussion by Council at its February 14 regular monthly meeting by P. Daniel Orlich's Townview Properties, the presentation was the latest iteration of an on-again/ off-again series of discussions of the project by the Town's legal, zoning, planning, and other relevant committees.

Building the facility, on land currently owned by Eric Prince, would require Council to grant a "special exception" for the project in the face of very specific language in the Town's Comprehensive Plan, and other guidelines and regulations governing land use in the town, including provisions limiting an "assisted living facility" to a "maximum of about 24 units" and "independent living apartments" to a maximum of 20.

Mayor Bridge Littleton made clear at the beginning of the Orlich team's presentation that any action by council would require significant prior review by staff and committee members.

Council's questions centered on the "look and feel" of the early draft designs for the buildings, the amount of new traffic that would be produced by the comings and goings of residents, staff and suppliers; the safety of locating a main entrance for another 120 homes on a relatively blind curve; and the effect of such a project at the east entrance of town on the image of the village.

The prospective developers emphasized not only the need for such facilities but the economic benefits to the town and its business community.

Asked "Why here?" in a later interview, Orlich cited "personal preference." He loved Middleburg, he said and would hate to have to leave the Town, his family, and friends, as he grew older. "Currently," he noted, "there's really no choice for most people other than leaving"

On a practical level the Town's excellent water and sewer infrastructure were particularly appealing for developers.

Asked about the degree to which the property would be energy-efficient/green, Orlich's team indicated that cost would play a major role in those considerations.

Despite what could only be described as a "lukewarm" at best reception from the town to date, the Orlich team seemed confident that the project would move forward in the end. Noting the number of empty storefronts the Orlich team said, economically, a "yes" decision was "a no brainer." Safety concerns, they were sure, could be addressed. Aesthetics, they noted, were negotiable, pointing out that the current Salamander facilities looked nothing like the designs originally submitted.

Discussions and negotiations with Town Staff will continue. Town Council expects to make no decisions on the project until it has been thoroughly vetted and formal recommendations submitted by Staff.