Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, April 7, 1990 TAG: 9004070431
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: SANDRA BROWN KELLY BUSINESS WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Macher said that after he asked for the hearing on the density issue, he found a second building that has one too many units. He wants the appeals board to deal with both at its May meeting. The properties are at 618 Day and 540 Highland avenues in Old Southwest.
Late last year the city Building Department, acting on complaints from a disgruntled employee of Macher's, found that building permits had not been obtained for renovation work done on some of the 27 Old Southwest properties he owns with other family members.
Macher, who since has gotten the permits, said he had expected the people doing the work to take care of the permits and was unaware of the problem until he got a letter from the city. At the same time the permit issue arose, it was learned that at least one of his houses had more apartments than legal.
Macher then asked city building inspectors to do a walk-through of his properties and that's when the second violation was found, he said.
He said he also will be requesting an appearance before the city's Architectural Review Board because a couple of exterior changes on houses might have been done without the required approval. The ARB must OK exterior changes to properties in the historic district.
Macher said he wants to "clear the slate" on all of his properties. He said he will have an attorney represent him at the appeals board, which was another reason to ask for the postponement. "I didn't want to pay an attorney twice," he said.
Macher and his family own a chain of restaurants, including Macado's in Roanoke, and also own the Antiques Mall on the city's Market Square.
The Old Southwest Inc. neighborhood group made the Macher properties an issue in its recent newsletter and urged members to attend the appeals board meeting Tuesday.
Macher, a Republican, said the Old Southwest newsletter action was political, but Sceva Phillips, president, denied that. The organization and Macher have not had a congenial relationship.
The group is especially vigilant of rental property in the historic district and also sends representatives to all zoning and architectural review board hearings affecting the neighborhood.
Macher said recently that some of the Old Southwest properties are for sale because he wants fewer properties to oversee. Macher said he also is trying to keep his business interests and his political efforts separate.
The postponement will move the case to May 8, after the council election.
by CNB