Clicks Lane Development Controversy Arises Again

New Market Town Council Faces Renewed Scrutiny Over Clicks Lane Development Push 

Despite strong community opposition and a prior vote rejecting the Clicks Lane development, the New Market Town Council has continued advancing the project, leaving many residents unaware of its persistence. Originally tied to an annexation proposal, the development has raised concerns about transparency and its alignment with Shenandoah County’s long-term land use vision. 

Former Mayor Larry Bompiani’s abrupt resignation from the Town Council has intensified scrutiny over the project’s handling, fueling speculation about internal disagreements and outside influence—particularly the involvement of a major residential developer pushing the project forward despite local resistance. 

Residents and local businesses have rallied against the proposal, frustrated by the council’s lack of transparency. District 1 Supervisor and Board Chairman Josh Stephens advocates for measured growth, stating, “New Market can continue to be a beacon for small-town Shenandoah County living. I encourage the town to engage business owners and residents in exploring growth strategies within its current incorporated limits.” He further noted that while residents support growth, the scale of residential expansion proposed contradicts the majority’s vision. 

Shenandoah County Planning Commission member and District 1 Supervisor candidate Mark Dotson echoed concerns about land use, stressing the need to balance development with agricultural preservation. “We must ensure our land is utilized appropriately—whether maintaining productive farmland or supporting businesses and housing in areas with existing infrastructure.” 

The council’s continued push for Clicks Lane has drawn comparisons to the opaque decision-making processes of the 2020 Shenandoah County Public Schools Board, which left residents feeling excluded from key developments and fostered distrust in local governance. 

Previously, the Board of Supervisors rejected changes to the Voluntary Settlement Agreement (VSA) with a 4-2 vote, siding with those advocating for responsible land use and adherence to the county’s comprehensive plan. However, the Town Council’s persistence reignites concerns about whether community voices are truly being respected. 

Speculation persists that a national homebuilding company is influencing efforts to advance Clicks Lane, though no official ties have been confirmed. Given ongoing concerns about large-scale residential expansion in rural Shenandoah County, residents demand greater transparency from local leadership regarding who stands to benefit from the development. 

Bompiani’s resignation has only deepened distrust, occurring amid growing frustration over the lack of communication surrounding Clicks Lane. Though no official reason for his departure was available at the time of this article, residents see it as further evidence of the council’s opaque handling of the project. 

Shenandoah County recently passed its 20-year comprehensive plan, a guiding document for development decisions emphasizing responsible growth, agricultural preservation, and sustainable infrastructure. Stephens underscored the importance of adhering to this plan, stating, “Town officials must use this document in planning, as it will be the standard for county approval of future projects.” 

With Clicks Lane failing to align with the county’s land-use vision, the Board of Supervisors rejected proposed changes to the VSA last year. Many believed this decision was final, only to later discover that town officials had quietly continued efforts to advance the project. 

Following the abandoned annexation attempt, Mayor Peter Hughes acknowledged the setback, stating, “We have abandoned the attempt to annex the property and will not pursue changes to the VSA.” However, when asked about alternative growth strategies, his response lacked direction: “This was our plan, now we are back to square one.” 

His remarks have left residents questioning the council’s vision beyond large-scale residential development. With growing concerns over transparency, outside influence, and leadership uncertainty, New Market’s future remains unclear. 

The town’s situation mirrors a broader trend in Shenandoah County, where residents are increasingly vigilant about governance and development decisions. Large-scale housing expansion in rural communities has sparked debate over balancing growth, infrastructure limitations, and preserving the county’s character. 

The parallels between the Town Council’s handling of Clicks Lane and the 2020 school board’s transparency issues are hard to ignore. Residents who recall the school board controversy now demand better accountability, seeking to prevent similar mistakes at the town level. 

While New Market recognizes the need for economic growth, residents insist expansion must be carefully planned and community-driven—not dictated by developers or private interests. To rebuild trust, town officials must engage in open dialogue and establish clear, documented processes for future land-use decisions. 

As New Market navigates the fallout from this controversy, one thing is clear—the community is watching closely. Residents will no longer accept decisions made behind closed doors, and town officials must demonstrate a commitment to transparent governance that respects the values of those they serve.