The 62.69-acre farm near Fredericksburg that Bell & Evans recently purchased for $2.5 million in April 2023 is still undeveloped 19 months later. Company representatives remained silent about the Bell & Evans property’s future in the face of questions, refusing to disclose plans for it. The company immediately requested a zoning change from agricultural to manufacturing from the Bethel Township Planning Commission.
Bell & Evans, Mike Bracrella, and Alex Kinzey from Steckbeck Engineering discussed the adjustment in the April 2023 meeting. Bracrella acknowledged that no specific growth strategy was in place and explained that the request was made proactively. Before making a decision, the planning commission stated that it would like further details.
Previously, people used the farm as a poultry facility, according to Matthew Mack, a town engineer. During later talks, Bracrella offered to submit a draft proposal but acknowledged that approvals were not confirmed. Although specifics were not recorded in the minutes, feedback from the homeowners during the August 2023 meeting was encouraged. Beverly Martel, head of the planning commission, motioned to refuse the zoning change, and other members approved it. Township supervisors supported this refusal in September 2023. Richard Rudy, chairman of the board, thought that Bell & Evans had other properties that might be used for growth.
Light agreed and stated that although the judgment made now might align with the current requirements, they also have the potential to change in the future. Since the denial, Bell & Evans has not resubmitted a proposal to change the property’s zoning. As the government strives to make responsible plans for the neighborhood, the future of Bell & Evans property remains uncertain.
