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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 23, 1993                   TAG: 9306230088
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD                                LENGTH: Medium

PLANNING HEARING SET ON WITNESSES' PERMIT REQUEST

The Planning Commission fielded special-use permit applications from three Radford churches Monday, including a controversial plan by the Radford Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses to build a Kingdom Hall on property that it owns on Tyler Avenue next to Grove United Methodist Church.

The Jehovah's Witnesses congregation wants to build a 4,000-square-foot building on the lot, which is zoned for a single-family dwelling.

The plan under consideration is nearly identical to one submitted last year that got commission approval but a thumbs-down from City Council.

Under city regulations, the congregation was able to apply again, since one year has passed since the previous application.

Last year, Grove United Methodist strenuously opposed the permit on grounds that the Kingdom Hall would have an "undue adverse impact" on the neighborhood and their church.

The commission has set a public hearing on the new application for July 19.

In other action, the commission recommended 6-1 that council approve a plan by Calvary Baptist Church to expand its Sixth Street building. The 7,200-square-foot addition, which requires a special-use permit, would house classrooms and multi-purpose facilities.

Commission member H.M. "Mac" Harvey cast the dissenting vote, citing concerns about high-density development in the neighborhood, which is zoned R-2 residential.

The commission attached some conditions to its recommendation, including requirements that the brick facade and roofline match, and that screening and greenery be put in place in consideration of the natural beauty of the area.

A public hearing on the application last month attracted about 70 people. City Council is expected to set a public hearing of its own on the question at its Monday meeting.

The commission also held a public hearing on an application from the Full Gospel Grace Tabernacle to build a 50-by-75-foot sanctuary and a parking lot on their Noblin Street property. The church now meets in a modular building.

The owner of an adjoining property expressed concerns about noise and screening of the parking lot. The commission will schedule a site review of the project.

by CNB