Affordable housing, infringement on the historic Fotheringay property and the effect on the horizon driving view were three concerns expressed this past week by individuals on a proposed 300-plus housing project in Elliston.
Stateson Homes is proposing a 263.5-acre residential development 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 two weeks ago.
The Montgomery County Planning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning request for the property, sending the proposal to the board of supervisors. Last week, residents were given the opportunity to speak on the plans.
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 nearby 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 a maximum of 740; Shawsville Middle has 171 students with a maximum of 377; and the nearby high school has 254 students with a maximum of 600.
A new group called Preserve East Mont is against the project.
In a statement, the group said it believes this proposal deserves greater public attention because of its potential impact on the Elliston community, including:
The loss of farmland and open land in an area where preserving rural character is important to residents
An estimated 2,790 additional vehicle trips per day
Potential traffic impacts involving local schools, I-81 detour traffic and Virginia Tech game-day traffic
Questions and concerns about stormwater, drainage and flooding
The impact on existing infrastructure and the potential costs to taxpayers
Concerns about whether the proposal is consistent with Montgomery County’s comprehensive planning for Elliston and Shawsville; and
The preservation of the historic character and natural resources of the property.
In the statement, the group said it wants to emphasize that our group is not opposed to growth or to people building homes in Montgomery County. “Our concern is whether this particular development, at this size and in this location, is appropriate for Elliston and consistent with the community’s long-term vision.”
Preserve East Mont has been working to educate residents, encourage community involvement and make sure local voices are heard before a decision is made.
The Blue Ridge Land Conservancy opposes this rezoning because of the detrimental effect it would have on the village of Elliston and the beautiful, rural character of the Elliston Straightaway, one of Virginia’s most scenic mountain valleys.
During public comment, Paige Williams called the development too dense and in the wrong location.
“The new construction is not priced for people in this community,” she said.
But there were some speakers who supported the plan, saying Eastern Montgomery County needs more housing.
Carey Kingery said Elliston and Shawsville simply do not have new housing to attract new families.
“We need to think what the community will look like 10, 20 and 30 years from now. This development is more than a want. It’s a need,” she said.
Brittany Holly, who lives in Elliston and is a teacher in the school system, expressed a similar opinion.
“With the approval of this housing development, this will bring a positive change to our community and schools. I look forward to the growth and development of this community and the opportunities that will become available with its approval.”
Alan Childress also expressed support for the future plans.
“I understand the desire to preserve the rural character of Eastern Montgomery and I value that too,” he said. “But preventing it from growing is two very different things. If Eastern Montgomery is going to have a future, we need growth. New families can help strengthen our education programs. It (this plan) makes sense. It is planned growth and gives Eastern Montgomery an opportunity to move forward.”
Childress said we can protect the community’s history while building a future where schools will remain strong, our children have opportunities and the next generation can choose to live and raise families in this part of the county.
Supervisors postponed a vote on the proposal to their next regularly scheduled meeting on Oct. 26.
