04-17-1972 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

APPEAL #300 VA 72-9 SHANNON J. ELLER - (Continued) Mr. Orson H. Hunter, 1600-H N. Mabury, stated he owns the property at 830 S. Mal/~ Street; that this is not the first time Mrs. Eller has endeavored ~o use her property beyond its limits and without regard to its effect on South Main Street; that the frontage on Main Street will be what amounts to a tenement; that it should be preserved as a business area; and that you can't maintain a business/ cornrnercial area with that type of construction. Mr. Ted Jessee stated he owns 300' of frontage in the 1000 block of South Main Street; that for 20 years it has been the intent to maintain South Main Street as a business street; that the R 2B zone was created as a device to facilitate the development of Main Street without injuring the residential areas backing it up; that there has been trouble developing it because the lots were 50' and residentially inhabited; that with the advent of the parking zone requirements, these lots became inadequate to maintain good substantial business enterprises; that Mrs. Eller has tried to cooperate in developing this property; but that the danger to South Main Street's future in business would be the encroachment of apartment house parking on the street; and he suggested a reduction in the number of covered parking stalls. Mr. Hunter stated that this is a misuse of the property; that it is a C 1 District; and that the apartments would affect the business atmosphere and business future of Main Street. Mr. Foster stated that, basically, they have met the requirements of the zone; that the President of the South Main Street Association expressed personal approval of the plans and thought it would be a big help to South Main Street. There were no further proponents or opponents, and the Mayor closed the public hearing. The Mayor re-opened the hearing to allow Mrs. Jennifer Partridge, 825 Cypress to speak. She stated that this will be a great improvement on South Main Street, and everyone on the street is very happy about the project and is hoping it will be approved. The Mayor closed the hearing. Councilman Patterson stated that IViain Street needs new development but the issue is whether it is good or bad development; that the proposed construction provides . no open space; that the apartments face a driveway; that it is a good place for a business, but not a desirable place to live; and that the appeal should be denied. Councilman Herrin stated that if the appeal is denied the property will continue to remain with the two old houses, which is not the most desirable use of the land; that perhaps it is the hope that someone will develop it as business, but that seems very unlikely; that if it would be permitted to reduce the number of covered parking areas it would be more acceptable° In response.to Councilman Evans' question, Councilman Markel stated that he did not know if the South Main Improvement Association was opposed to it, but that Mr. Jillson was the Association president. CITY COUNCIL -169- April 17, 1972