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Council approves special-use permit for duplex at 2016 Fourth Street amid neighborhood objections
Summary
Radford City Council accepted the Planning Commission recommendation and approved a special-use permit to allow a duplex at 2016 Fourth Street. Neighbors submitted a petition and expressed legal and neighborhood-character concerns; the Planning Commission recommended approval 6–1.
Radford City Council voted to approve a special-use permit allowing a duplex at 2016 Fourth Street, following a public hearing that included a petition with 146 signatures opposing the permit and testimony from the applicant and supporters.
Karen Simkins Wills, speaking for opponents, told the council she had collected 146 signatures opposing the special-use permit and raised concerns about precedent, zoning consistency and transparency. "The homes located at 408 And 410 are not duplexes and should not be used as a precedent," Simkins Wills said, urging the council to delay a decision so formal records could be reviewed.
Connor Compton, the applicant and property owner, asked council members to follow the Planning Commission recommendation. "I asked as a young man looking to build his first home to start a family here in Radford," Compton said, asking council to approve the permit so he could move his plans forward.
Planning staff member Melissa (last name not specified in the public transcript) explained that the zoning review is based on current ordinance definitions and uses. She said the Beverly Street properties cited by opponents are classified under the present code as duplexes. The Planning Commission reviewed the matter and recommended approval by a 6–1 vote.
Council voted to accept the Planning Commission's recommendation and then to adopt the resolution granting the special-use permit. After the approval vote, one council member requested a correction: they said they intended to change their recorded vote on approval from yes to no (they remained yes on accepting the Planning Commission's report). Council clarified that acceptance of the planning commission recommendation had been received and that the final approval carried.
What this means: The permit allows a two-unit dwelling at 2016 Fourth Street under R-3 zoning with the conditions specified in the council resolution. The council's action followed the city's standard public hearing process and the planning commission review. Opponents cited neighborhood character and precedent; supporters said existing infrastructure and similar nearby uses support approval.
Ending: The council asked staff to ensure all records and conditions are clearly documented in the resolution and to notify neighbors about permit conditions and any required inspections.
