ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, May 30, 1996 TAG: 9605300061
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG
SOURCE: KATHY LOAN STAFF WRITER
The developer of a massive Price Mountain housing proposal has offered self-imposed restrictions that will "hopefully gain stronger acceptance" for his plans.
William H. Price sent Montgomery County a letter Monday outlining several revisions to the 538-acre development.
The total acreage to be rezoned from agricultural to residential remains the same. But the key changes are legally binding promises concerning the maximum number of dwellings and the percentage of open space.
The Price proposal is one of the largest rezoning requests in county history, and would have long-range effects on roads, utilities, schools and the appearance of the dominant ridge that divides Blacksburg and Christiansburg.
Price's rezoning request was delayed in April after supervisors kicked it back to the county Planning Commission. The planners had narrowly recommended approval of the development, by a 4-3 vote with two members abstaining. That vote was later ruled illegal because the planners' bylaws at the time required at least five affirmative votes in order for the matter to be sent to the supervisors.
Price's new conditions come in advance of a June 24 public hearing, which the supervisors scheduled after the planners' vote mix-up.
In his latest proposal, Price offers to reduce the density of homes and increase open space as follows:
* The 251-acre southeast tract visible from northern Christiansburg, which would be developed first, remains in a zoning category that allows one-third acre lots. But Price has restricted himself to no more than 250 lots, with 20 percent open space.
* The original 77-acre northwest parcel designed for multifamily zoning to allow for duplexes and town houses will be expanded to 107 acres. But Price will keep the maximum number of units at 180, with 30 percent of the acreage devoted to open space. This part is visible from Blacksburg.
* The 203-acre northeast tract, also visible from Blacksburg, that Price wanted to develop into half-acre lots has been reduced to just under 148 acres with no more than 74 units. Price offers 20 percent of open space in this parcel.
* A newly identified parcel of 30 acres, where no more than 30 houses would be developed and four acres would be reserved for open space. The 30 acres abuts the multifamily parcel and the 148-acre tract. It was cut out of another part of the original rezoning request.
* Price kept in the plans an additional 152 acres, on the Christiansburg side, that is reserved for future development but that he is not yet seeking to have rezoned.
Price's plans show a total of 534 houses or dwelling units under the new zonings.
Opponents of Price's plans have cited concerns about traffic, open-space planning and density, public utilities and the possible need for a new school in the area once the development is complete. They also say the development contradicts Montgomery County's comprehensive plan, in which Price Mountain is designated as a conservation area.
Price has said the development will proceed at a pace of 20 to 30 units a year, giving the county and state time to improve roads in the community and develop water and sewer lines.
LENGTH: Medium: 65 linesby CNB