Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, July 28, 1993 TAG: 9307280078
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
The 4-1 vote Monday followed a hourlong public hearing where some of the church's neighbors charged that the Planning Commission acted improperly when it recommended approval of the proposal last month.
Several area residents also complained the 60-by-120-foot structure would increase traffic, lower property values and alter the character of the neighborhood.
Councilman Bobby Nicholson cast the only "no" vote.
"There have been some questions raised that I'd feel more comfortable if they were answered," he said before the vote.
At issue was whether the new structure qualified as an "accessory building" under the city zoning code in effect when the proposal was filed last year.
The church withdrew its original application after initial objections and filed a modified proposal earlier this year. City Development Director David Ridpath told council the city's old zoning code still applied since the application process had only been "suspended."
In June, the Planning Commission voted 6-1 to recommend council approval of the new plan. Chairman H.M. "Mac" Harvey Jr. opposed it, citing concerns about high-density development in the neighborhood, which is zoned R-2 residential.
Speaking at the council hearing, neighborhood resident Jeff Chase said the new addition doesn't meet the zoning code's definition of an "accessory building" because it's attached to the church.
"Code states clearly, if it's attached, it's not an accessory," he told council.
Chase contended the addition would become part of the church building, which already fails to conform to code requirements.
Nicholson said he questioned the "accessory building" definition and told his colleagues he would like to hear the city attorney's interpretation.
Calvary Baptist's pastor, O.D. Morgan, said his church needs the new building to accommodate programs for children, youth and senior citizens.
"This is not a giant organization swallowing up the community," he said.
In other business, council unanimously approved a resolution endorsing the Ingles Ferry-Wilderness Road proposal.
The city is seeking federal transportation grant money for the project, which would restore the historic Ingles Ferry to carry pedestrians across the New River, re-open a section of the historic Wilderness Road, and restore the Ingles Tavern and its surroundings on the other side.
Council also pledged $29,000 as its share of the $170,000 project.
by CNB