Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 20, 1990 TAG: 9006200297
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-4 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: BY MIKE WOLFE
DATELINE: COVINGTON LENGTH: Medium
George E. Clemons' request to rezone one of his pieces of property near the Jackson Heights subdivision east of Covington had generated long discussion at two previous meetings and did so again Tuesday.
Opponents claimed the request - to allow unidentified business uses in the predominantly residential area, which has only one entrance - would generate too much noise and traffic. They also protested that Clemons was not telling the public his intended use for the property.
Clemons told the board Tuesday that he had never revealed his plans because, "I don't have any intentions except to rent or sell" the property.
Clemons said there are other businesses in the area and that traffic would not increase.
Joe Carpenter, the supervisor who represents the area, countered that while Clemons might have good intentions, Clemons could not guarantee what use the property would be put to by future owners.
The vote to refuse rezoning was 4-0, with Vice Chairwoman Janet Nelson absent.
In a related matter, the board also tabled a request by Zoning Administrator Noel Beach to rezone several other properties.
Beach had requested that other property near Clemons' land also be opened to business. He also asked that several properties between Valley Ridge Road and Interstate 64 or near the Mallow Mall be granted business zoning.
The board refused to consider a change for any property on the Jackson Heights side of the CSX railroad tracks, but directed Beach to readvertise the other property for rezoning as a more restrictive business zoning classification.
by CNB