The City of Fredericksburg Planning Commission is holding a public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016, on a proposal by Silver Companies to purchase and demolish a 3,694-square-foot single family home at 1500 College Ave., and build a 9,800-square-foot Hillel Jewish student center for the University of Mary Washington.
The home is within the College Heights neighborhood, which is predominantly single family homes. The University of Mary Washington is on the west side of the neighborhood.
Some residents of College Heights are against the proposal, citing issues including construction noise and parking issues. “Those owning houses in the middle of blocks on College Ave cannot park, ever, in front of their houses, or even on the same block,” wrote resident Tim Brown in an email to UMW, Silver Companies, City Council, and City Manager Tim Baroody. “The area simply cannot handle any more growth and traffic.”
The residents recommend an alternative location along Snowden Street and The General Store restaurant property. That business is closing at the end of December 2016. This location is adjacent to two UMW parking garages, Brown said.
The commission is recommending denial of the special use permit as submitted. They say a special exception could be approved for a lower floor area ratio, where adequate parking and screening are provided.
Read Zoning Administrator Mike Craig’s entire memo online.
The meeting will be held in Council Chambers at City Hall, 715 Princess Anne St.
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