Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, April 16, 1991 TAG: 9104160357
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: KATHY LOAN NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
The seven planners have been reviewing proposed changes to the zoning ordinance - last revised in 1982 - since last fall.
The draft revision limits the B-1 business district to general neighborhood businesses that encourage high foot traffic instead of vehicle traffic. Coleman Brittle, the city's planning director, said this limited business district would best fit in the west First Street area.
Bakeries, grocery stores, banks, churches, funeral homes, libraries, personal services outlets and the like would be permitted in this district, which closely resembles the current B-2 district.
Restaurants that did not provide live entertainment also would be permitted in this district, as would libraries, museums medical and dental offices and fire and rescue squad buildings.
But video arcades and billiard halls would not be allowed in the limited business district. Those establishments, along with theaters, art galleries and amusement centers were struck from the proposed district after a lively discussion.
Planner Wayne Saubert proposed that to some people, arcades and billiards are, "just as much amusement as art centers."
But Polly Corn, a planner and Radford's vice mayor, said the differences were in the group of people attracted to the arcades and the noise generated.
Saubert conceded that the businesses perhaps were not wanted in an area that would serve as a buffer between residential and general business districts.
Video arcades and billiard parlors would be allowed only in the new general business district. This B-2 district would accommodate a variety of retail, wholesale, service and office uses, primarily along principal highways and the vicinity. Automobile service stations, hospitals, hotels and motels, recycling collection centers, automobile and truck sales, manufactured home sales and enclosed entertainment facilities would fall into this district as well as all businesses allowed in B-1.
Veterinarian clinics, animal hospitals and animal shelters would be allowed in B-2, but not outdoor kennels or runs. Saubert opposed the limitation, saying dogs being kept for an extended period at an animal hospital should have room outside to get exercise. Frank Clark agreed, but the five other planners were concerned about barking dogs and odor.
A third business district, called B-3 and designated Central Business, would run along the Main Street program boundaries, incorporating the area along Norwood Street from Tyler Avenue to Wadsworth Street. It also would include some businesses along Grove Avenue, such as the building that houses the local paper, the News Journal. That building has been on the market, and there has been speculation a restaurant will locate there.
Charlie Whitescarver, director of the Main Street program, said he would prefer not to see any additional service stations or drive-up windows for fast-food restaurants in the area. The Main Street program's goal is to protect older buildings that eventually would form an historic district, he said.
The Main Street program wants to encourage people to get out and walk in the area, Whitescarver said. One side of Norwood Street, from the former United Virginia Bank building to Crestar Bank, is "not a pedestrian-friendly sidewalk" because of many curb cuts for banks, Hardees, and other businesses, he said.
But John Giesen, Planning Commission chairman, questioned whether the banks would have located in the city if drive-up windows had not been allowed. And he said the positive impact of a McDonald's locating in the area could possibly offset any negative impact of a drive-up window.
Saubert said drive-up windows at fast-food restaurants were convenient because adequate parking is not available in the city.
The commission seemed to favor allowing new businesses in the district to have drive-up windows since members had problems with allowing banks to have the windows but not the restaurants. But Corn abstained from voting.
Drive-in restaurants, where patrons eat in their cars, are not permitted in the ordinance.
The review should be completed tonight. The commission then will have the zoning document rewritten, hold a public hearing, make any necessary changes, then send the ordinance on to City Council for action.
by CNB