In a pivotal meeting held on July 29, 2025, the Loudoun County Planning Commission deliberated on the early withdrawal of a significant 1,233-acre property from the New Oak Hill Agricultural and Forestal District (AFD). This property, historically linked to James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States, is poised for potential conservation and transformation into a state park, contingent upon legislative approval.

The discussion centered around a request from the landowner to expedite the withdrawal process, which would facilitate a sale to a conservation fund. The county has pledged $22 million towards this acquisition, aiming to preserve the land and prevent its development into residential housing. However, concerns were raised about the implications of this withdrawal, particularly regarding the risk of the property being developed if the state park designation does not materialize.

Commissioner Meyers expressed skepticism, questioning whether the early withdrawal primarily benefits the landowner by allowing them to secure tax deductions sooner, rather than serving the community's interest in conservation. He highlighted the potential for the land to be subdivided into hundreds of residential lots if the state does not approve the park designation, emphasizing the urgency of understanding the transaction's full implications.

Vice Chair Miller echoed these concerns, noting the absence of representatives from the landowner or conservation trust during the meeting, which left many questions unanswered. He suggested that the commission should defer the decision until more information could be gathered, particularly regarding the state’s stance on the park designation.

Ultimately, the commission voted against the early withdrawal, opting instead to send the matter to a future work session for further discussion and clarification. This decision reflects a cautious approach, prioritizing the need for comprehensive understanding over hasty action, as the clock ticks toward the property’s scheduled expiration from the AFD in April 2026. The outcome of this meeting underscores the delicate balance between development pressures and conservation efforts in Loudoun County, as stakeholders await further developments in the legislative process.