Calls for stricter oversight of big-box development should only apply to stores with more than 100,000 square feet, Lynchburg developers say.
That’s double the threshold proposed in a new set of regulations being worked up by the planning commission.
It was also perhaps the most significant change suggested Wednesday, when the business community got its first chance to offer detailed reaction to the proposed laws.
On Wednesday, planning commissioners held a stakeholders’ meeting with both developers and environmentalists to vet the suggested ordinance.
Criticisms covered an array of issues, but largely boiled down to fears that heightened scrutiny would dampen the city’s chances of attracting new retailers.
“It’s a huge deal (to get a project approved),” said Norman Moon, a realtor with Hall Associates. “It’s already two to three years without this on top of it.”
“Development’s like water. It follows the path of least resistance,” said Rick Read, a commercial broker with Coldwell Banker Real Estate. “The people I deal with, they don’t want to go to public hearings. They say show me only zoned sites.”
Under the terms of the suggested “big box” ordinance, retail stores with more than 50,000 square feet will no longer be considered automatically acceptable or “by right” land uses.
Instead, they’d require a special permit that would necessitate both public hearings and final approval from City Council.
An earlier version of the law brought to council last year was rejected because it didn’t include specific standards of which developers would have to comply.
New language added since lays out that detail. It also offers a second path that would allow developers to avoid the permit process by choosing to adopt a series of tougher measures, including incorporating more environmentally friendly measures and more aesthetically pleasing designs.
The planning commission will revisit this issue in late April. Chairwoman Laura Hamilton said they would consider having more stakeholders’ meetings, as well as debate whether the 50,000-square-foot standard is appropriate.
“I think the size was something we’ve always been really open to suggestion on,” she said. We’re trying to find something that works for this area.”
No formal deadline has been attached to the commission’s review. Developers urged them Wednesday to slow down the process and ensure the ordinance is done right.
The debate has been going on since at least January of last year.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement