Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, June 23, 1995 TAG: 9506230046
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: BETTY HAYDEN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
The Planning Commission voted 5-3 Wednesday to recommend denial of Ray Epperly's request to rezone 2.33 acres of agricultural land to residential status.
The board will consider the request Monday along with a mobile home park's plan to add 25 spaces.
The Planning Commission discussed its options regarding Epperly's request in response to citizen opposition at a public hearing held May 22.
Under its current agricultural zoning, Epperly can divide his property into five lots. He is seeking R-3 residential zoning, which would allow him to carve out six lots from the tract.
As part of the rezoning, he has pledged that only double-wide manufactured homes would go in. But he said Thursday if the board rejects his rezoning request, he may consider single wides.
"We could end up putting in whatever the ordinance allows us to," he said.
Epperly's property is located on Oldtown Road approximately one-half mile west of the Shawsville Historic District.
Some Shawsville residents spoke out against Epperly's plans because they believe double wides will drive down property values and such developments aren't appropriate for land of historic value.
One of the possible sites of the 18th century Fort Vause is near Epperly's property. George Washington inspected the Colonial fort before Indians destroyed the outpost in 1756. Historians say the site is in one of two spots in Shawsville.
Epperly said he's not surprised the Planning Commission recommended denial of his request.
"You comply with what [county officials] want and then they won't approve it," Epperly said. "We've offered to comply with all the regulations that are in the ordinance."
The Planning Commission voted 6-2 to recommend approving Smith Village Mobile Home Park's request to amend its special-use permit with five conditions.
The conditions include the requirement that all new units be hooked up to public water and sewer. New wells and septic systems are prohibited.
The park also would be limited to installing no more than seven units a year over five years up to a maximum of 25 units.
If the board approves the amendment, the park could expand to 185 units.
by CNB