Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 18, 1991 TAG: 9104180378
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CATHRYN McCUE NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
The proposal for two three-story buildings is "totally out of character with most buildings there," Planning Director Bill West said Wednesday.
"It's just overwhelming and it doesn't meet the intent of the [zoning] ordinance," West said.
Project developer and local lawyer Don Irons, reached at home Wednesday evening, said he would comment publicly on the matter today.
Irons' proposal for 24 four-bedroom units adjacent to the century-old house on Draper Road has aroused fervent opposition over the past several months.
In a letter to Irons dated April 15, West said the buildings are too large and too close to the street. Further, West wrote, the facade, exposed stairwells and balconies are incompatible with the Thomas-Conner House and the neighborhood.
New construction in that district must be "in harmony with surrounding structures," as stated in the zoning ordinance, West wrote.
The question of architectural harmony has been a controversial issue since Irons submitted the project in November.
Critics have said the project would despoil the last open space downtown, as well as the Thomas-Conner House, which is listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register. The town tried recently to buy the property, but couldn't afford it. The price has not been disclosed.
Irons has previously responded to the design issue in a legal memo to the town from his attorney. The part of the ordinance that refers to architectural compatibility is intended as a guideline only, according to the memo.
West said this is the first time the town has rejected a development plan, other than a special-use permit, because of architectural features.
The idea of buildings being "in harmony" is a gray area, he admitted, but said "We think the intent of the ordinance is a valid basis for denying it."
He said he discussed the matter with the town attorney before writing to Irons, and that the town is prepared to defend its position if necessary. "It'll likely be a test," he said.
West also said the town was not necessarily prohibiting apartments at the site. He said Irons could decrease the number or size of bedrooms, rearrange the buildings on the property, redesign the project - "There are a lot of things that could be done to address this."
Irons has corrected all the technical problems noted in previous staff reviews, and the question of architectural harmony is the only issue that remains.
by CNB