Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 3, 1993 TAG: 9303030203
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: MICHAEL STOWE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
ZONING DENIAL URGED
The Planning Commission Tuesday recommended rejection of a developer's request for commercial zoning on 10.5 acres at Prices Fork and Plantation roads.Developer J.D. Nicewonder is asking the town for commercial zoning so he can build three office buildings and 38 town houses.
The heavily wooded site bordering a residential neighborhood has been the subject of much controversy. On Sunday, a circuit judge issued a 15-day restraining order preventing anyone from cutting trees there.
About 30 neighbors turned out Tuesday to voice their opposition to the proposed development. The crowd broke into applause when the commission unanimously voted to recommend disapproval.
No one spoke in favor of the project.
Paul Wisman, an agent for the developer, wrote a letter asking the Planning Commission to delay voting for 30 days. But the planners agreed that Nicewonder has had adequate time to prepare an acceptable plan.
Town Council will make the final ruling on the rezoning next Tuesday.
The Planning Commission said the project lacks a clearly defined vision and that the plan isn't sensitive to the natural features of the site.
"The buildings and parking lots are not situated in such a way as . . . to limit the number of trees that need to be removed," said the memo to council.
"Save the trees" has been a constant cry from opponents.
Tuesday night was no different, as several of the site's neighbors urged the Planning Commission to preserve the environment.
Byrgen Finkelman said that while the land may belong to Nicewonder, the trees are a community asset.
"He should no more be allowed to ignore the requirements for tree preservation than he should be allowed to dam up a river if it ran through the property," she said.
This was the second time the Planning Commission has recommended disapproval for commercial rezoning at the site. Frances Parsons, both a Planning Commission and Town Council member, said she expects Nicewonder to submit another proposal.
"We can't get rid of it," she said.
In February the Planning Commission recommended against Nicewonder's plans to build one commercial office structure, a hotel, a restaurant and 38 town houses.
The request was referred back to the planners because the developer made significant changes to the plan.