Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 10, 1990 TAG: 9005100321
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B4 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: MIKE WOLFE SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: COVINGTON LENGTH: Medium
Residents of the Jackson Heights subdivision and others who live just east of the city limits told the county's Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission Wednesday that their area was meant to stay residential.
Ernie Jones, one of about 25 residents who attended the joint meeting, told the supervisors, "We supported zoning to protect us." He then questioned whether they were any more protected with zoning than they had been previously from uncontrolled development.
Jones and others suggested that a request from George E. "Eddy" Clemons for rezoning of a land parcel from residential to business be denied.
Jones presented Clarence Farmer, board chairman, with a petition he said was signed by 160 people who agreed with that request.
Clemons said he had lived in the area all his life. He told the proposal's critics the chronic traffic problems would be no worse if the rezoning is granted.
One narrow road goes through the Jackson Heights and Brentwood subdivisions. A railroad crossing, when blocked, prevents anyone from entering or leaving.
Clemons also said that, since his property had been used previously as a dairy distribution point, he already had a right to conduct a business operation.
Critics asked several times for Clemons to reveal his planned use. Clemons said that he had no current plans although the property is leased temporarily to Hillbilly Paving Inc.
Two opponents of the rezoning request suggested that Clemons planned to develop an asphalt plant.
Clemons had two surprises of his own.
After Clemons filed his request April 6, the county split its business zoning into two types and the supervisors were considering his request only for light business.
Also, zoning administrator Noel Beach, in what he said was an attempt to prevent "spot zoning," had asked supervisors to rezone about 30 nearby parcels of land to business.
Beach said that all parcels which are now residences would, under the zoning ordinance, be allowed to remain homes. The change would still allow business to develop around the adjoining Mallow Mall area near Exit 5 of Interstate 64.
The expanded proposal drew much of the criticism. Clemons complained that the board had "not notified" him of the changes.
The board did not take final action on the proposal. Instead, Farmer directed the Planning Commission first to make a recommendation to supervisors.
by CNB