At its first meeting in 2008, council heard the Planning Commission's recommendation to rezone property on Stafford Drive. This item had been tabled by council during the
Dec. 18 meeting in order for a concept plan to be developed.
One of the property's owners, Barbara Hise, stated she was "shocked" that the proposed plan could provide up to 39 homes on the land, much of which is very steep and could fall under conservation. New zoning limits allow an even higher number of homes, whereas existing zoning would have provided for up to 15 residences.
While the mayor and Councilman Canada had previously stated they were against further development until road improvements to Route 114/Peppers Ferry were made, both men reversed their positions and
voted twice in support of this development.
The mayor indicated VDoT's intentions to bid out a phase of the Route 114 construction -- at a point beyond where this development feeds into Peppers Ferry and without the addition of any new traffic lights -- gave him some hope improvements promised for 20 years would actually move forward.
With three new roads from this project feeding back onto congested Peppers Ferry Road and noting he didn't like the existing narrowness of Stafford Drive, Councilman Canada stated his vote was only fair for the land owners who wanted to develop their property.
Councilman Huppert said the proposed custom homes with promised walking trails and a gazebo were sufficient for his support. Councilman Wade referenced possible action by this year's General Assembly for restoring special funding for road projects -- while providing no guarantees, but better news than heard in the past -- which made him comfortable with supporting the rezoning.
Council members Stipes, Carter and Barber voted against the rezoning due to continuing concerns about safety and congestion, or lack of guarantees on how the project may actually be developed. Stipes, a civil engineer by profession and former long-time Planning Commission member, stressed the concept plan did not provide any specifics which would ensure how the development was actually built. The rezoning, he pointed out, allows much broader land use applications than what was shown in the developer's concept plan.
During these discussions, it was also noted 45 property owners on Stafford Drive had been asked to grant easements so the road could be widened. Only 25 responses were received, with 22 declining. Condemnation could provide the town with an avenue to proceed for widening the road, however, historically it has sought 100% support from impacted property owners. This project is separate and apart from the previously mentioned new development on this road and the related rezoning request which was approved.
Council also approved a resolution to VDoT requesting street maintenance payments for roads constructed within town limits in new developments.
Councilman Huppert brought forward discussion of moving council elections to November in odd-numbered years. This could save the town some money, stop confusion about polling places, and encourage voter turnout by aligning with other local elections (board of supervisors and school board). Mayor Ballengee stated he had met recently with Blacksburg's mayor and discussed that town's
change in elections. Councilman Stipes stated he had attended a meeting where extensive data on this topic was presented. Councilman Canada asked whether the matter could be placed before voters through a referendum and the town's attorney was directed to prepare a report. Councilman Barber stated he saw no need to take the matter further.
The Street Committee's recommendations for accepting a minor subdivision plat for two lots in Meadow Development off Harkrader Street, plats for the New River Center's utility, public utility and drainage easements and variable width sidewalks, and a plat for subdivision of two lots in the Christiansburg Industrial Park were all approved.
A closed meeting was then called and later certified, with no council action taken on the matter.
The town manager's progress report included a reminder for the Feb. 7, 2008 Legislative Day in Richmond. The mayor and three council members indicated they planned on attending.
The transfer of Sunset Cemetery to the town is proceeding with a new employee hired and legal or financial issues being addressed. Council may decide on whether to establish an advisory committee for this in the future, and in the meantime will continue to rely on the ad-hoc committee of Councilmen Barber and Stipes.
The
next Christiansburg town council meeting is scheduled for first Tuesday in February,
February 5th at 7:30 pm.