Christiansburg Town Council's agenda was packed on Monday night, and the absence of one member may have been the deciding factor on a rezoning (recommended for approval by the Planning Commission) to be denied.
The
rezoning of 6.74 acres along Diana Drive failed because of concerns about policing the occupancy, which was stated as being geared towards seniors. There also was no transition between existing single family residences and this high-density proposal. Notably, the new bus route would not have served this population due to its location. Other proffers appeared minimal as these simply conformed with current zoning requirements. While no one knows for certain how Mike Barber would have voted, his absence prevented a potential tie which the mayor would have then decided.
Opposing the rezoning were council members Ann Carter, Henry Showalter and Brad Stipes.
And the
bus service was approved, with a grand kick off scheduled for November 23. The existing Two Town Trolley will cease effective Sunday, Nov. 22. Rides will be free on all three routes until January 1 to help encourage use. The
routes were named Shoppers Express (mall area) the Explorer (downtown loop) and the Go Anywhere (call ahead service).
More information on regular hours and fares is expected via traditional media advertising and a direct mail campaign; however no service will be provided on Sundays or before 9 am. End times range from 4 to 5 pm on weekdays, and 6 pm to midnight on Friday or Saturday. The "community" committee that developed the fares, hours of operations and decor of the buses included a council member, a staff member, the town manager and the mayor.
Council also adopted
hours of operations and fees for the new aquatic center, (much
more affordable than what was previously considered) after hearing from the project's contractors that they were pressing ahead in order to have the facility
open by the end of January 2010. There were questions about whether events scheduled for February were prudent to keep on the calendar at this point.
The
Police Department was recognized with two awards for traffic safety and education initiatives, and a conditional use permit for an expanded day care for children was approved (with a review in six months).
Two joint public hearings were scheduled for Dec. 1, including a
rezoning on Melody Drive from agricultural to R3 Multi-Family (Windsong Heights area) and a CUP for a
cell tower on Palmer Street (site of Abbott Bus depot).
The town manager advised council could require traffic impact studies without restrictions or approval from VDOT (as related to
Boxley Concrete decision), passing the associated costs on to the applicant. By consensus, council agree to participate in the
NRV PDC regional energy efficiency and conservation block grant as it appeared aligned with the town's
Vision 2020 and VML
Go Green initiatives.
Council's next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on
Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 7:30 pm.