BLACKSBURG COUNCIL TURNS DOWN ZONING FOR DEVELOPMENT

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 10, 1993                   TAG: 9303100293
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: MICHAEL STOWE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short
BLACKSBURG COUNCIL TURNS DOWN ZONING FOR DEVELOPMENT
Town Council voted unanimously Tuesday to deny a developer's request for commercial zoning on 10.5 acres at Prices Fork and Plantation roads.
Developer J.D. Nicewonder wanted the commercial zoning so he could build three office buildings and 38 town houses.
The heavily wooded site bordering a residential neighborhood has been the subject of much controversy. Last week a circuit judge issued a 15-day restraining order preventing anyone from cutting trees there.
About 20 neighbors turned out Tuesday to voice their opposition to the proposed development. They told council that the development was unneeded and would harm the environment.
"I just don't see how we can get very much out of this development," said Steve Adkins.
Council member Michael Chandler said the proposed development was too dense and wasn't sensitive to the natural features of the site.
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.
This was the fifth time in six years that the Blacksburg Town Council has rejected Nicewonder's request to develop some or all of the site.
Under the town's code the developer must wait at least one year before submitting another application for rezoning.

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB