HomeMy Public PortalAboutTOL PR 2012-06-07 Cornerstone Chapel Appeal
Town of Leesburg
News Release
For Immediate Release
Town of Leesburg Prevails in Appeal of Cornerstone Chapel
Rezoning Case
Virginia Supreme Court reverses decision made by the Loudoun Circuit Court
Leesburg, VA (June 7, 2012) – Today, the Virginia Supreme Court reversed a decision by the
Loudoun County Circuit Court that voided town ordinances that rezoned property owned by
Cornerstone Chapel, amended the Town Plan to remove a portion of Tolbert Lane, and
approved a special exception to allow Cornerstone Chapel to operate a day care center on its
property.
The subject property is located at the corner of Battlefield Parkway and Sycolin Road, in the
southeast sector of Leesburg. The Virginia Supreme Court ruled in a unanimous decision that
the town acted pursuant to its statutory authority in rezoning the neighboring property and
granting it a special use permit, and there is no evidence that Council’s actions were
unreasonable. The court agreed with the Town that a landowner cannot acquire a vested right
in a road shown on a town plan. The town's amendment of the town plan was a legislative act
that did not require the landowner's consent and was not unreasonable. Accordingly the
Supreme Court reversed the judgment of the circuit court and entered final judgment in favor
of the Town and Cornerstone Chapel.
Contact:
Jeanette Irby
Town Attorney
jirby@leesburgva.gov
703-737-7175
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