Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, November 10, 1993 TAG: 9311100127
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: MICHAEL STOWE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
The two parcels on opposite sides of Prices Fork Road are covered with trees. Several previous attempts by developer J.D. Nicewonder to rezone the land for commercial use were denied by the town after opposition from neighbors.
The latest rezoning request, however, was initiated by the Planning Commission. There was no opposition from the public.
The new zoning will allow offices, institutions, art galleries, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, non-retail computer centers, churches and funeral homes.
Adele Schirmer, director of engineering and planning for the town, said the zoning change was needed because the university no longer owns the land and it isn't included in Tech's master plan.
Nicewonder acquired the site in 1986 when Tech traded three prime development parcels totaling 257 acres for 1,679 acres of agricultural land.
The smaller parcel, 0.65 of an acre, is in front of the Best Western Red Lion Inn; the other 9.9 acres are on the other side of Plantation Road.
Developer Bill Matthews represented Nicewonder at the meeting. He told council the property owner supports zoning the larger parcel office and institutional but thinks the smaller lot is suitable for a higher-density use.
"How can you in good conscience consider limiting the use of this property to 35 percent lot coverage?" he asked.
Council member Waldon Kerns pointed out that Nicewonder still will be able to request that the land be rezoned for a different use.
The office and institutional district was created by the town this summer to allow low-intensity commercial use. The Prices Fork site is the first in the new classification.
by CNB