Marty Gordon
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Stateson Homes is proposing a 263.5 acre residential development near the historic Fotheringay property located along Roanoke Road in the Elliston-Shawsville area.
The project shows a mix of 349 single-family and townhome units near Eastern Montgomery Elementary School.
The county’s planning commission would have to change the current zoning from Agriculture 1 to Planned Unit Development Residential. The group held a public hearing on the matter this past week.
The proposed scope of the new project features three- and four-bedroom detached homes, townhomes and villas, and would be built in three phases over a three-to-eight-year period.
One of the biggest concerns is how this would affect the historic Fotheringay, which is a historic plantation home built about 1796, and is a two-story, five bay brick dwelling. It features a projecting two-level provincial type portico.
It was the home of Col. George Hancock, was built by slaves and the bricks were fired on site. Hancock is entombed in a triangular vault on site. He is rumored to be in the upright position looking over his property.
According to county planning staff, approximately 300 acres would exist between the historic site and the new homes with tree buffering.
County staff noted this area of the county is expected to see more housing development.
The school system built three schools in that area to accommodate those rising numbers.
Currently, Eastern Montgomery Elementary School has 368 students with maximum of 740; Shawsville Middle has 171 students with a maximum of 377; and the nearby high school has 254 students with max of 600.
Walking trails are proposed through the site and around an existing pond.
The planning commission approved the proposal by a 7-1 vote and sent it on to the board of supervisors.
Also, the planning commission heard concerns over a proposed new wrestling training facility along Prices Fork Road. The proposal was to build a 6,000-square-foot building that would be used for nothing but wrestling activities for wrestling clubs and youth athletic programs.
Developers say the usage would be between 4-9 p.m. during the week. The group currently leases a space in Christiansburg that has become too small and not available at all times.
The building would have a rear entrance and be located at 4820 Prices Fork Road on a 12.822-acre site.
Many of the speakers during last week’s meeting expressed concern over possible traffic problems in and out of the site. Virginia Department of Transportation has reviewed how cars would come and off Prices Fork Road and said they did not see any major problem.
Brenda Hamlin, who lives near the site, pointed out Prices Fork is a very busy road, and she has concern about how dangerous it could be near the site. Phil Beaver, who lives nearby on Coal Hollow Road, agreed the location is dangerous because of the roadway and current traffic.
Commissioner Steve Spradlin asked staff to request VDOT look at it closer when it goes before supervisors.
The planning commission gave its approval for the plan and sent the matter to the board of supervisors.
