Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, June 30, 1990 TAG: 9006300377
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CATHRYN McCUE NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
Plans for the residential community in southwest Blacksburg are foundering because of a deadlock with the state over road access, looming deadlines and a housing glut, he said.
"Let's put it this way," he said. "It's becoming a lesser priority for us. It doesn't mean we've given up."
Reemsnyder said the company continues to study alternatives, but has not resolved a dispute with the Virginia Department of Transportation.
The department will not allow Snyder Hunt to extend South Gate Drive across the U.S. 460 bypass into Hethwood II unless the developer dedicates land in its proposal for a future road to areas west of the Hethwood community.
But Reemsnyder said his plan for a self-contained development, with limited access roads, provides a safe environment and adheres to the concept of a planned community.
"We clearly felt that was the best proposal," he said. "It's doubtful that's not the only option."
Another access road would bring unwanted traffic through the neighborhoods and divide the community, he said.
Meanwhile, two deadlines are fast approaching on the project. Snyder Hunt has until Oct. 24 - one year after the town rezoned the property - to hand in a final site plan to the planning department.
"We don't have a final development plan to take to them," Reemsnyder said.
Also, the company's option with Henry Heth, who owns the 389-acre site, is limited, with no clause for an extension, he said.
Asked if there was any time left on the option, Reemsnyder replied, "Barely." He said it would run out almost the same time the town's deadline was up.
Heth was unavailable for comment.
An overdeveloped housing market in Blacksburg also played a role in the company's putting Hethwood II on a back burner, Reemsnyder said. He estimated that demand will take about a year to catch up with the supply, but he said that's too late for Snyder Hunt's plan.
"That's part of the Catch-22 of real estate development: You get caught in the middle."
He added that Snyder Hunt doesn't plan to seek an extension from the town, nor would it expect to revive the Hethwood II proposal in the future if it fails this year.
"You never say never. On the other hand, how does that Kenny Rogers song go? `You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em,' " Reemsnyder said.
The issue of road access arose last year during contentious public hearings before the Planning Commission and Town Council.
Several groups of citizens argued that the proposed road would serve only the Hethwood community, and that another access should be provided to Merrimac Road or another road.
Because of money constraints and safety concerns, the highway department has said it will allow only one interchange on the bypass between Prices Fork Road and the Blacksburg business exit.
"I don't think it's an issue where necessarily we won and they lost," said developer William Price, who strongly advocated a western access road from the development.
"I think it became more obvious that this is an important issue to the community, and it needs to be studied," he said. Price met with highway officials and the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, which passed a resolution supporting a western access route.
If the Hethwood II project disappears, it would take with it the developer's offer of 15 acres for an elementary school site that many citizens were anxious to have.
Supervisor Todd Solberg - a long-time advocate of a Hethwood school - said that he might consider approaching Heth to obtain an option on the site if Hethwood II does not materialize.
"We're going with the premise that, no matter what, we have a school site in Hethwood II.
"I don't think [the highway department] should be shaping the communities and neighborhoods," he added.
Mayor Roger Hedgepeth said the town would feel little impact if Hethwood II is not developed, although most of the council members said they would like to see it proceed.
"The Snyder Hunt Corp. . . . they did a good job developing that large tract" in Hethwood I, Hedgepeth said.
Hethwood homeowner Jim Shuler said not only would the loss of the school site disappoint him, but also that he's concerned the Heth property might be developed piecemeal if Hethwood II falls through.
He said most Hethwood residents would prefer to see the property remain in pasture, but that if it were going to be developed, "we much prefer a developer with a proven track record. It was a better risk than going with an unknown situation."
by CNB