Amherst County officials deny rezoning of residential complex

By Justin Faulconer

Published: October 21, 2008

AMHERST — Amherst County officials Tuesday denied rezoning for a residential complex intended for elderly and disabled persons in Madison Heights.

After the county’s planning commission voted 6-0 to recommend denial, with member Leslie Irvin absent, the Board of Supervisors unanimously opposed rezoning several acres on Lakeview Drive from a business district to a multi-family residential.

“We need the project — but Lakeview Drive is the wrong location,” said Supervisor Leon Parrish.

The developer, Ron Mittelman, said he settled on the location because of its accessibility to public transit. The plan, called Lakeview Commons, proposed 22 units.

During a public hearing last month, the plan drew opposition who argued it would lower property values and cause a disruption in the area with traffic.

Others supported it, saying it meets a definite need for affordable housing.

Several commissioners said they visited the site and disagreed that it was the best place for the project, though they did acknowledge its merit.

“There’s absolutely no doubt there is a need,” said Commissioner Claudia Tucker. “I hope this doesn’t make this stop,” adding that the county could work with the developer to find another site.

Business owners Wes and Cynthia Peters said in a letter to officials that a rezoning could hurt future plans they have for their land.

“If we were to try to sell this property, we and others feel it would hinder our sale,” they wrote.

Patricia Wood, a county resident who also wrote officials, said she supported the project because of the need for the elderly.

“The location is perfect for those who need to walk or use a scooter to attend to everyday duties and luxuries,” she said in her letter.

Parrish, whose district includes Madison Heights, said mixing pedestrians in such a well-traveled area could prove dangerous.

“Those cars are moving on Lakeview Drive,” said Parrish. “I wouldn’t want to cross it with a scooter.”

Mittelman said Tuesday he had expected the plan would get denied and doesn’t know yet if he wants to pursue another site.

“The real issue here is that there’s an existing market for Amherst County residents to move into this particular project,” he said. “There’s already an oversupply of people who would be qualified to live there.”