Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 26, 1992 TAG: 9202260144
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: GREG EDWARDS
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
MONTGOMERY SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE TO GET MORE WORK
A proposed revision in Montgomery County's subdivision ordinance needed more work following a joint public hearing between the Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission.Although no one from the public complained Monday night about the proposed revisions, several supervisors found problems.
"I will not approve it like it is," Supervisor Chairman Ira Long told planning commissioners at the end of the hearing. Long, however, did not elaborate on his objections.
The Planning Commission wants to improve the subdivision law, including closing loopholes that have allowed people to escape its provisions.
Among the proposed changes is a requirement that all divisions of land be defined as subdivisions. This would eliminate the exemption for divisions that create no more than three lots or lots greater than five acres.
Supervisor Joe Stewart said he didn't like the proposed changes.
"It seems to be what you're trying to do is just tighten the noose around the landowner," he said.
Among the new requirements causing concern for Supervisor Larry Linkous were that all roads in new subdivisions be paved with asphalt and that all subdivisions of land be surveyed.
But requiring asphalt roads could save taxpayers money when the county takes over maintenance, Planning Commissioner Orrin Arvold said.
Planning Commission Chairman Edwin Keith sympathized with those concerned about increasing the regulation on landowners. But he said such regulations are necessary when what someone does with their land affects another person's property.
The proposed changes were a compromise among commission members, Keith said.
In other action Monday, the supervisors:
Heard objections from M.D. Saunders of the Lighthouse Baptist Church to Earlie Hollandsworth's request for a dance-hall permit for his restaurant on Radford Road in the Plum Creek Community.
Saunders presented supervisors with a petition signed by 145 Plum Creek residents opposed to the dance hall.
"They don't want any more taverns; they don't want any more beer joints; they don't want any more dance halls," he said.
Approved an application to the Virginia Community Development Block Grant program for $700,000 grant to help pay for a $1 million sewer line project in the Upper Slate Branch and Merrimac areas. The project would serve 355 homes, of which nearly three-fourths belong to low-to moderate-income families.
Scheduled special meetings to work on next year's county budget for tonight at 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7 p.m.