The big-box ordinance was the target of, by now, familiar criticism Tuesday during a public hearing before City Council.
Local developers renewed their concerns that the suggested regulations were overly restrictive and detrimental to economic development.
Commercial Realtors Gary Case, Rick Read and Norman Moon each came to register their objections. The three have a combined total of 88 years experience in real estate and development.
“I’d like the minutes to show that we’ve got such an impressive group opposed to this,” said Ward IV Councilman Turner Perrow, who himself expressed “flat out” philosophical opposition to the way the ordinance was crafted.
Local environmentalist Tom Shahady spoke in favor on the ordinance, calling it a progressive and positive move for the city. At the same time, he voiced concern the recommendations had become overly complex.
He was asked by council to provide further explanation of his opinion on that point in writing.
Council itself delayed taking a vote in deference to Ward II Councilman Ceasor Johnson, who was away in Florida representing Lynchburg at a conference of the National League of Cities.
The big-box ordinance will be brought up again during a work session Nov. 25.
Ward I Councilman Mike Gillette, who first proposed the contested ordinance, said he continued to be in strong support. He stressed the latest version of the language was initiated after consultation with Wal-Mart, which is building a new store on Old Forest Road, and local development attorney Herschel Keller.
Keller has since been a vocal critic of the current ordinance language.
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