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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, December 8, 1993                   TAG: 9312080210
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: KENNETH SINGLETARY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG                                LENGTH: Medium

BIG CHRISTIANSBURG CROWD CHEERS ZONING ABOUT-FACE

In the face of vociferous and unanimous outcry against a rezoning request, the developer who proposed the idea unexpectedly dropped it at a standing-room- only public hearing.

Roger Woody, who wanted to rezone seven acres he owns between Craig Mountain and Blue Ridge Court subdivisions from single-family zoning (R-1) to multifamily zoning (R-2), went from goat to hero in minutes. Residents, who turned out for the hearing by the dozens, left relieved, shaking his hand.

Woody said after his announcement that he will probably build single-family homes on the tract, which is bordered on two sides by such homes. Also bordering the tract is a smaller parcel that is zoned for multifamily dwellings, which Woody owns as well. He did not say what he plans to do with it.

Twenty-one people spoke to Town Council against the proposal; no one spoke for it. More people were standing than sitting, making the hearing one of the biggest in Christiansburg in recent memory.

Residents were concerned that multifamily buildings would decrease property value, increase traffic danger and increase the chance of flooding.

"We we bought our property on Craig Mountain, we bought it under the pretense that it was R-1. . . . To change it would be grossly unfair to us," Ken Mundy told council. He added, to applause, that the increased traffic would make worse an already dangerous intersection where Arrowhead Trail meets Roanoke Road.

"It's one of the most dangerous intersections in town," James Whitaker said. "And it would be unconscionable for council to do anything that would increase traffic on that road."

Another speaker said she sold her children's bicycles because of the traffic.

Other people spoke about a nearby creek, asking how development would affect it. They wondered if the creek qualifies for federal wetlands protection.

Still others pointed out that construction would mean the ground could absorb less rain. Residents reported flooding in the area after rains over the weekend.

by CNB