Developer to try again on housing

By Scott Marshall

Published: September 3, 2008

A developer is again pursuing plans for a complex of affordable-housing units on Lakeview Drive Madison Heights, which he contends is needed but which he withdrew in July in the face of opposition.

“There’s a lot of misinformation out there,” said the developer, Ron Mittelman, who will meet with residents later this week to discuss his proposal.

Disabled people need affordable housing near public transportation, he said, although opponents say the project would adversely affect the area.

Mittelman in July withdrew the plan, a proposed rezoning for two acres on Lakeview Drive near the Madison Heights Post Office off U.S. 29 Business.

He sought rezoning from a general commercial use to multifamily residential. The 22-unit rental complex would be intended for the elderly and disabled.

After getting mixed reviews, Mittelman withdrew his application before any decisions were made.

Mittelman focused on the Lakeview Drive site because of access to Greater Lynchburg Transit Company routes. Some county officials expressed misgivings, given the location and that disabled people would potentially live in a multistory building.

Neighbors gathered 75 names on a petition opposing the project, citing what they contended would be lower property values, adverse impacts on jobs and tax revenue and increased traffic.

The agenda of the community meeting this week will include such topics as whether the proposed project is appropriate for Lakeview Drive; traffic; health and safety concerns; and what Mittelman characterizes as perception versus reality.

The public is invited and attendees will include the architect and advocates for disabled persons.

The meeting is at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Madison Heights branch library in the River James Shopping Center.