Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 6, 1994 TAG: 9404060068
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: KENNETH SINGLETARY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
Council also shot down Pilot Homes' plan to store new mobile homes temporarily on the old Hechts property on Roanoke Street.
Fayette Booth had asked council to rezone a 1.42-acre tract, near the livestock market on Depot Street, from limited industrial to general business use so he could operate a used-car business.
But the Planning Commission and council did not recommend approval. "In my judgment, it's not a good location for a used-car lot," Town Manager John Lemley said during the commission's hearing.
Several of the more than 50 residents at the meeting were more vocal.
"We would have no problem with a used-car lot in Christiansburg, but not on that property," said Elain Dove, a 25-year resident of Christiansburg who lives in the nearby Hans Meadow neighborhood.
"Some of the zoning that is being done right now is quite frankly pro-business, but anti-people," she said.
Several speakers said the lot would mar the neighborhood's appearance and decrease property values.
Others wondered if the added traffic would make the area more dangerous for their children and increase the potential for crime.
Booth left during the meeting and was not available for comment.
In a separate matter, Pilot Homes told council that the winter's bad weather had delayed the installation of mobile homes, making a temporary storage site necessary.
The Planning Commission approved a 60-day conditional-use permit for the Hechts site; but in a rare move, council overruled the commission and rejected the permit request.
"We know why they want to do it, but it just looks bad," said council member Scott Weaver.
"All I wanted to do was park a few brand-new homes there," said Greg Bullion, a manager at Pilot Homes. "We'll have to work something out."
by CNB