The Roanoke Times | File January

A proposed ordinance before Blacksburg Town Council would address a loophole in the town code that came to light in the council's January decision to deny a demolition permit for the old Taylor's Frames & Things building at 103 S. Main St., also known as the Bennett-Pugh House.

| Sharla Bardin

sharla.bardin@roanoke.com, 381-1669

BLACKSBURG -- Town council will take another look at an ordinance that would allow for more mandatory powers from the board charged with preserving the integrity of the town's historic district.

Town officials say the proposed ordinance is also intended to help protect the character of the historic district when it comes to redevelopment plans for demolished structures.

Council members opted Tuesday to delay action on the ordinance and are anticipated to review it again in February. Some said they would like to make some tweaks to the ordinance.

Residents who spoke in Tuesday's council meeting asked the council to postpone action and said the town should better inform property owners in the historic district about the proposal.

The proposed ordinance would make the town's Historic Design Review Board's recommendations mandatory, instead of advisory, when it comes to redevelopment plans for construction on a site where a historic building has been demolished or relocated.

Anne McClung, Blacksburg's planning and building director, said the board does have mandatory recommendations now on the demolition of contributing structures.

Contributing structures are those that reflect a unique architectural, historic, cultural or archaeological feature and, in order to be a contributing structure, the structure must be at least 50 years old, according to the town's zoning ordinance.

The proposed ordinance would also address a loophole in the town code that came to light in the council's January decision to deny a demolition permit for the old Taylor's Frames & Things building at 103 S. Main St., also known as the Bennett-Pugh House.

The council upheld the Historic Design Review Board's decision to deny a demolition permit for the historic structure, and officials said then that the ruling against demolition was to avoid setting a precedent of destroying historic buildings that fall into disrepair.

If the council had overruled the board's decision, the code allows little regulation of what could replace it.

Town staff responded to Tuesday's concerns by residents by saying that ordinance details had been advertised and sent out on the town's e-mail alert system. There was also a meeting in September to allow for resident input on the ordinance, McClung said.

Some of the speakers also said they worry that the redevelopment plan process may be too cumbersome and could deter potential development for the historic district.

Councilman Tom Sherman said the proposed ordinance is intended to ensure that the character of the district is maintained and not intended to eliminate development or progress in the district.

Mayor Ron Rordam said he supported a delay in council action to give members time to make some tweaks if they see the need. One part he mentioned that could use some clarification is what is considered a significant demolition.

With the proposed ordinance, if an applicant disagrees with the board's recommendations, then an appeal can be made to the town council.

As for the Taylor property, the home's owner, Beverly Taylor, has been trying to sell the property.

Jeremy Waldoch, an agent with Long and Foster Real Estate Co., said last month that there is a strong buyer interested in the property and, if that transaction is completed, the house would be restored and put to a different use than it once served.

Also Tuesday, the council honored the service of outgoing councilmen Sherman and Al Leighton, who both opted not to seek re-election. Their terms expire Dec. 31.

The council also approved a resolution of appreciation for Mike Rosenzweig, who was appointed by the council in March to fill the seat held by Derek Myers, who died in February.

The term ends in 2011, and state law required that the seat go up for election in November. Rosenzweig said he would not run for election.

In November, voters elected incumbent Susan Anderson and newcomers Krisha Chachra, Cecile Newcomb and John Bush to the council.

Rosenzweig, Leighton and Sherman all received standing ovations from the audience.

Leighton has served on the council since 1974 and has said his decision not to run was based on "medical reasons."

Leighton said in the meeting that he has enjoyed his service and the opportunity to contribute to such a progressive town.

Sherman was first elected to the council in 1998 and re-elected in 2002 and 2006 and has said that "seems to me enough time to be in that service."

Rosenzweig said it was an honor to serve on the council.