Candidates state their views on new Cornerstone Development near Greenview Drive

By Alicia Petska

Published: March 29, 2008

This is the first installment of a biweekly Q&A session designed to help our Lynchburg readers learn more about their choices for City Council. From now until Election Day, The News & Advance will ask all nine candidates for office about issues ranging from taxes to development to schools. Each candidate is given two days and a maximum of 100 words to form their response.
We also want to hear from you. If you have a question you’d like to see appear in this series, let us know by e-mailing or leave a suggestion in the comments section below.

The Question:
In 2006, City Council approved plans for the new Cornerstone development off Greenview Drive, a project that spans more than 100 acres and includes commercial space and up to 1,000 residential units.
Explain what you feel the pros and cons of such a development are. Specify whether you feel the project will, overall, have a positive or negative effect on Lynchburg, and whether you agree or disagree with council’s 2006 decision.

Mike Gillette, Ward I
“In approving the Cornerstone development, City Council successfully secured concessions from the developer to protect the integrity of the nearby neighborhood, generate appropriate scale in economic development, and reduce environmental impact. Cornerstone does not connect to any existing neighborhood, it includes a buffer of single family detached homes contiguous to the nearby neighborhood, it preserves the view-shed, and it provides extensive green space. Growth is important. Smart growth is imperative. We want development, but we must insist on high standards. Please click on ‘issues’ at http://www.lynchburgva.gov/Index.aspx?page=1062, to see why I support Cornerstone, and to read about other important issues.”

Jim Martin, Ward I
“According to the Comprehensive Plan this type of development was designated for the Greenview Drive area therefore it should bring additional revenue in the form of additional taxes as well as provide additional jobs in the commercial spaces. Currently we are seeing a slow down in sales and rentals in the Wyndhurst area. If businesses decided to move from Wyndhurst to Greenview this could worsen the effect on Wyndhurst. I feel the benefits from the additional revenues will have a positive effect on the city and given the above I would agree that Council made the right decision.”

Tom Shahady, Ward I
“How could anyone
support Cornerstone? It produced yet another injustice further torturing our streams and degrading our environment to give us more condominiums and empty business space. Our city’s return on investment so far has produced erosion stop work orders, sedimentation of neighborhoods, notice of violations, unauthorized bulk grading and additional rezoning applications. Let’s hope the finished product provides some economic boost to overcome this environmental disaster. Some homework on Wyndhurst by council would have seen this coming. Beware Ward I residents! Future land use poses a similar mixed use disaster between Waterton and Boxwood. Don’t let this happen again.”

Ceasor Johnson, Ward II
“As a member of City Council who voted for the Cornerstone development. I am really proud of this type of smart growth for our community. This is the future for development in the city, because we can no longer annex land we need to plan properly every new development. This was a well thought out process and gave all parties a chance for input and open dialogue. Smart growth is when citizens and business have a win win situation. The city as a whole benefits when we can direct projects to the best areas for that type of growth.”

David Johnston, Ward II
“Real Estate development is a delicate issue that requires proper balance. Over developement is possible and can have a negative enviromental impact. However, growth is inevitable and can be beneficial. The increase in revenues will help ease the existing tax burden. I believe the long term effects will benefit Lynchburg. Without being privy to all the details the current council had, I would have voted in favor of the project.”

Jeff Helgeson, Ward III
“I have worked hard to defend homeowners by opposing this type of high-density zoning
change in Lynchburg’s residential neighborhoods. The safety and well-being of the citizens in Windsor Hills and along Greenview Drive are put at risk when subjected to this type of reckless over population. I disagreed with Council’s decision to rezone. The strength of our city is in our families and the neighborhoods in which they reside. We need to protect current homeowners, as we make responsible decisions to provide room for additional families in our neighborhoods. I do not believe this was done with the Cornerstone development.”

Nat Marshall, Ward III
“We must ask three simple questions concerning new developments: 1) Will it improve the quality of life? 2) How will it strengthen the community? 3) Will it cause environmental degradation? The Cornerstone developers have tried to answer these questions for the community — with little perceived success thus far. This development will potentially add up to 10,000 more vehicles daily. It will put greater strain on our school system, garbage collection, and fire & police. I agree with the opportunity and concept of this planned community, but not its size. Therefore, I would have disagreed with Council’s decision.”

Turner Perrow, Ward IV
“I walked through Cornerstone on Friday. Smart growth is critical to our economy, and as a professional engineer, I am most qualified to review these developments. I like the layout, density, and planned mixed use, creating a town center. While traffic will certainly increase, the close proximately to several major roads will mitigate future congestion. The proposed park, walking trails, and green space will help create an open feeling in our City’s urban environment. I agree with council’s decision and the development will benefit the City. In addition, tax revenues generated by these projects will keep tax rates from increasing.”

Marie Waller, Ward IV
“Council in approving the development was following the comprehensive plan for the city. I was present at the public hearing and witnessed the emotions and concerns expressed by the residents living around the area to be developed. The major concerns expressed were: the changing landscape, the increased traffic on Greenview Drive, the six story buildings, the cut through traffic in Windsor hills and the effect on the environment. As a member of Council I would promote communication among the developer, the residents, and the city staff about concerns and insure that development guidelines are enforced through out the
project.”

*Responses exceeding 100 words were edited for length.

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