Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, May 15, 1990 TAG: 9005150537
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-3 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: LESLIE TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Council's vote came two weeks after DAV officers and residents of the nearby Boulevard Estates subdivision met - at council's suggestion - to allay citizen concerns.
The DAV wants to build a $250,000 "combined chapter home" on 1.4 acres in the 2200 block of Boulevard, to be used only by members of the organization. The property is across the street from a 17-acre site where construction of the state's first veterans' nursing home is to begin this year.
The DAV building would include a thrift store, an assembly hall and a club and would replace the facility currently operated by the DAV's Roanoke Chapter in the Wasena Park area.
At earlier hearings, residents questioned DAV officers about alcohol use in the building, thrift store clientele, traffic, drainage, the building's exterior and its operating hours.
Opposition peaked at a hearing last month, to the point where council recommended residents meet with DAV officers.
"Everyone was extremely cooperative," resident Jim Paxton said. "They were very willing to work out the concerns of the neighborhood. Everyone I've spoken to is relieved."
But apparently Paxton had not spoken with resident Loretta Hicks.
"I'm still against this zoning," Hicks told council. "I'm fearful the neighborhood will go the way of the rest of Boulevard."
The rezoning carries several conditions: that the building only be used for DAV activities and not be rented out for other purposes; that DAV meetings be soundproofed; that the thrift store serve as a distribution center and not a drop-off site; that a privacy fence be constructed; and that the building only be used for its stated purposes.
The rezoning will go before council again May 29 for a final vote.
by CNB