Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, August 31, 1993 TAG: 9308310175
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: KENNETH SINGLETARY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
Owners of the house, at 450 Peppers Ferry Road, want to rezone the property from agricultural to multifamily residential. In the face of vocal opposition two weeks ago, the planning commission decided to give itself more time to think about the issue.
Planning Commission Chairman Jack Via did not attend Monday afternoon's hearing, in which opponents again voiced their concerns. But Town Manager John Lemley downplayed some of those worries.
"I'm sure to them they're legitimate concerns, but it seems to me they're speculative in nature," Lemley said, citing trash, an issue raised in a petition against the proposal, as something that can happen anywhere.
Lemley said a general rule of zoning is to place a buffer, such as multifamily housing, between commercial properties and single-family dwellings. The house lies between commercial and single-family properties on Peppers Ferry Road.
Nearby residents had said they were afraid the house would be turned into student housing.
"We're a family-oriented neighborhood, and with this rezoning we could have students in there," said Dan Canada, a nearby resident. "What could happen is that you get a whole lot of noise in a real nice neighborhood."
"If all they're worried about is students, it's wasted effort," said Jim Stewart, who has been a co-owner of the 90-year-old house for five years. "We're not trying to turn it into subsidized housing or a roach-infested playground."
Stewart said he does not know what he and his partners will do with the property if the rezoning request is approved. David Larsen, whose wife, Gaynell, is a co-owner, said they might not sell the house, as some residents expect.
"We're seriously thinking of developing the property ourselves," David Larsen said.
"It's a lovely house, and we don't want to see it go to pot or be destroyed," Stewart said. He added that because the property already is zoned for agricultural use, the owners could put livestock on the tract. But they don't want to do that out of concern for their neighbors.
by CNB