COMMERCIAL ZONING PROPOSAL BACK TO PLANNERS

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

DATE: THURSDAY, February 11, 1993                   TAG: 9302110192
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-4   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: MICHAEL STOWE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG                                LENGTH: Medium
COMMERCIAL ZONING PROPOSAL BACK TO PLANNERS
A developer's proposal for planned commercial zoning at Prices Fork and Plantation roads has been referred back to the town Planning Commission.
J.D. Nicewonder is seeking planned commercial zoning for a 10.5-acre site that consists of two parcels on opposite sides of Plantation Road so he can build several commercial office buildings and 37 town houses.
Council delayed voting on the request so the Planning Commission could review 10 changes that Nicewonder offered after the planners recommended disapproval of the project.
Council will rule on Nicewonder's request March 9.
The plans previously denied by the Planning Commission included commercial office space on the smaller half-acre site in front of the Red Lion Inn; and a restaurant, hotel and 37 town houses on the site across the street.
After the Planning Commission's decision, Nicewonder eliminated plans for the hotel and restaurant to make the development less dense.
The project has been the subject of some controversy because neighbors say the development is unneeded and will increase traffic and harm the environment.
About a half-dozen opponents urged council Tuesday to deny Nicewonder's request and not refer it back to the Planning Commission.
"This development doesn't take any of the community's needs into consideration," said Nancy Burke, president of the Oak Manor Homeowners Association.
Council did approve Nicewonder's request for planned commercial zoning for 14.9 acres at South Main and Hubbard streets. The developer plans to build commercial office space there.
Last year, Nicewonder tried to get the site rezoned so he could build a Food Lion grocery store and a small strip shopping mall, but withdrew the proposal after the Planning Commission recommended disapproval.

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB