Few Blacksburg residents could have missed the yearlong debate over a big-box retail store thought to be a Wal-Mart Supercenter proposed for land along South Main Street.

But a smaller fight in the larger battle between Ohio developer Fairmount Properties, its First & Main development and groups that oppose some aspect of the 40-acre project will continue at tonight's town council meeting.

The newest controversy centers around a Sonic drive-in restaurant Fairmount wants to build on less than an acre at 1430 S. Main St.

To build such a restaurant under the town's zoning rules, the company must get two council-approved special-use permits. One permit would allow the construction of the restaurant, the other would allow the restaurant to install external speakers on the property.

The town's planning commission has voted to recommend that council approve the permits with some limits on the noise level of outdoor speakers, among other conditions.

But at a work session last week, council members expressed several concerns about the request, including pedestrian access and safety around the site, traffic flow and congestion and even worries about the level of pollution from car exhaust that might be caused by the drive-in.

Blacksburg United for Responsible Growth has issued a public statement opposing the project. It reads in part: "The drive-in restaurant is a relic of mid-20th century car culture. It is one of the most car-intensive uses of space, creating a forbidding environment for pedestrians and bikes. It is a powerful generator of noise, light, air pollution, as well as traffic."

BURG is also a major player in the opposition to Fairmount's proposed big-box store, on which the town has so far spent $147,000 in legal fees.

The council must consider several factors in tonight's vote, including prior approvals of similar special-use permits nearby Fairmount's project.

Council did approve permits for a Wendy's restaurant and external speakers just across the street from the proposed Sonic.

In weighing his own position on the issue Monday, Blacksburg Mayor Ron Rordam said, "You've got to be even-handed. You've got to look at how it all fits in. You can't be arbitrary."

Council is scheduled to hear public comment and take action on the Sonic project at 7:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building at 300 S. Main St.