Lori Graham
Contributing Writer
MONTGOMERY Co. – The Montgomery County Planning Commission met on Mar. 18, 2025, to visit a proposed site for a housing development and hold a discussion on a request to change the site’s current policy map designation.
According to the Planning Commission’s agenda, the CP-2025-00867 request is “by Fotheringay, LLC (Agent: Balzer and Associates) for an amendment to the 2025 Montgomery County Comprehensive Plan to change the policy map designation of approximately 633.72 acres of property, located off Route 11/460 (Roanoke Road) between Crozier Road and Graham Street, from Resource Stewardship to Village Expansion. The request would further designate 307.72 acres of the total 633.72 acres in Village Expansion as Open Space, with the remaining 326 acres designated as Medium-Density Residential, within the Elliston Lafayette Village.”
Additionally, as stated in the Rezoning Application Summary submitted by Steve Semones, Balzer and Associates, a current zoning of Agriculture A-1 would be changed to Planned Unit Development Residential, and a special use permit would allow for a maximum of 40 feet high single-family detached and villa lots and a maximum height of 45 feet for single-family townhome lots. At this time, no more than 409 housing units are proposed for the site.
Citizen correspondence has revealed mixed emotions about the proposed housing development. Of those opposed, one major concern is the destruction of a historical landmark.
Adjacent to the site location is the Fotheringay historical home of Revolutionary War Officer George Hancock (1754-1820). Hancock later held the position of Colonel in the Botetourt County militia, served in the Virginia House of Delegates and the U.S. House of Representatives, according to the National Register of Historic Places marker posted on the Route 460 roadside. The site is also identified as part of the Lewis and Clark Legacy Trail. Hancock’s daughter Judith was married to the famous explorer William Clark.
Another citizen wrote to the Planning Commission that they felt the density of housing would be too much for the location and that it would also cause too much runoff of water on the Roanoke River. They also suggested an archeological dig prior to any construction due to the historical significance of the area.
However, some citizen response has been supportive of more housing bringing economic growth to the area. James Cole, CPA in the region, cited the Shawsville area as a perfect “bedroom community” providing centrality to work in both Roanoke and Montgomery counties.
“Strategically located housing is critical to economic development,” Cole wrote.
Julie Pope, a Shawsville resident living nearby the proposed site, wants to see the area also increase their economic opportunity.
“While I understand history is important, and agriculture is needed, and beautiful untouched views may be the preference, the reality is that we need revenue on this side of the county. Our community is not going to survive on its history and beauty alone, we must have money to support the needs of the people here,” Pope wrote.
A petition is currently circulating in opposition of the potential housing development citing, among other things, protection for the agricultural views and tourism, and concern for the height of the housing units that suggestively exceed the current allowable residential heights.
The Planning Commission Public Hearing is scheduled for April 9 and the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on May 12.
