COMMERCIAL-ZONING REQUEST RAISES ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRAFFIC CONCERNS

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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, January 20, 1993                   TAG: 9301200154
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: MICHAEL STOWE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG                                LENGTH: Medium
COMMERCIAL-ZONING REQUEST RAISES ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRAFFIC CONCERNS
A group of Blacksburg residents are concerned about a request from developer J.D. Nicewonder to get commercial zoning for 10.5 acres at Prices Fork and Plantation roads.
Nancy Burke, president of the Oak Manor Homeowner's Association, said she is concerned that commercial development in the area will increase traffic in the area and harm the environment.
The Prices Fork Road site, which consists of two parcels located on different sides of Plantation Road, is now zoned university.
On the smaller half-acre site in front of the Red Lion Inn, Nicewonder wants to build professional office space. His plans for the larger lot include a restaurant, hotel and 37 town houses.
The Blacksburg Planning Commission will hold a public meeting on the matter Feb. 9.
Byrgen Finkelman, an Oak Manor homeowner, said the development is unneeded because Blacksburg already has a lot of vacant commercial space.
"In 10 years this plan might be more appropriate, but right now it's definitely not needed," she said. "I think allowing any commercial development on that site would be a big mistake."
The first phase of Nicewonder's project on the smaller parcel is proposed to have about 5,000 square-feet of commercial office space. Nicewonder tried to get that lot zoned commercially last year, but withdrew the request after the planning commission recommended disapproval.
The second phase, across Plantation, is planned to have 33,000-square-feet and 75 parking spaces. It would be used as either a restaurant, hotel or office space. The third phase is proposed to have 77,000-square-feet and 50 parking spaces. It would be used as either an office or restaurant.
Nicewonder has told town planners that none of the restaurants on the site would have a drive-in window.
Elaine Echols, senior planner for Blacksburg, said the plan has a few rough spots, but that it meets the major requirements for commercial zoning.
"As far as the design itself goes, we don't have any major problems," she said.
Burke said the homeowners association also is opposed to the plant because it would mean cutting down many of the trees on the site.

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB