
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, April 19, 1991                   TAG: 9104190532
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: CATHRYN McCUE NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG                                LENGTH: Medium

DEVELOPER TO FIGHT FOR APARTMENT PLAN

Don Irons said Thursday he plans to pursue his application with the town to build student apartments downtown next to the Thomas-Conner House.

"I'm going to consider all my options," including taking his case before the town's Board of Zoning Appeals, Irons said.

Earlier this week, Blacksburg rejected for the third time his plans for Draper Place - two three-story buildings with a total of 96 bedrooms.

Irons also proposed converting the historic Thomas-Conner House into apartments, with 10 bedrooms.

Planning Director Bill West, in a letter Monday to Irons, said the buildings are too large, too close to the street and not "in harmony with surrounding structures," as required in the zoning ordinance.

Irons has maintained that architectural compatibility is only a guide, not a standard for developers in the zoning district that includes his property at Draper Road and Wall Street.

Opponents, through petitions, letters to the editor and public statements, have blasted the project as ruinous to the century-old house and the last large open space in downtown Blacksburg.

"I think it's a very courageous and appropriate decision by the town, and I think it reflects their good sense and a wide public opinion," said Jo Wiecynski of the Draper-Preston Neighborhood Association. "I'm delighted."

Irons would not say Thursday whether he plans to sue the town, but the issue appears headed for a legal showdown.

Blacksburg planner Roger Hunt said Irons has 30 days to appeal the town's decision to the zoning board. Irons would have to file today in order to get on the board's May 8 agenda.

The board has 90 days to make a decision. The town and Irons then would have another 30 days to appeal the board's decision to the Montgomery County Circuit Court.

Irons had hoped to start construction soon and finish the apartments in time for the start of Virginia Tech's fall semester in mid-August.

"Every day that goes by, it's less likely he'll be able to do that," Hunt said.

by CNB