University of Virginia Library

Developer Cancels Zoning Petition

Accord On JPA Complex Sought
After Board Of Visitor's Protest

By Mike Gartlan
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

Photo By Lovelace Cook

Cite For Motel And Apartment Complex Runs Into Delays.

Board Of Visitors Voices Opposition, Developers Seek Advice Of Student Council.

The developers of the proposed motel,
business and dormitory complex to be
located on Jefferson Park Avenue across
from Cabell Hall last night withdrew their
petition for rezoning of the proposed site.

According to William D. Cannon of
Construction Finance Management, the
developers of the proposed complex, the
petition is being withdrawn so that a plan
can be worked out that conforms with
the long range plans of the University and
the community.

This action follows a resolution passed by
the Board of Visitors Saturday that voiced
opposition to the plan because it did not serve
the best interests of the University.

Announcement of the withdrawal was made
before the city planning Commission at a public
hearing on the complex last night.

The proposed complex calls for an
eight-story Sheraton convention motel on one
side of the 3.5 acre plot and a five-story
dormitory-type apartment building on the
other side.

In between there will be an S&W Cafeteria; a
movie theater and a shopping area. Beneath the
buildings there would be three floors of paid
parking, enough for between 500 and 1,000
cars.

According to the developers, this project
uses the land for its best purpose and offers
much needed facilities close to the Grounds.
With the criticism expressed by the Board of
Visitors, however, the developers are now
actively seeking a compromise that will use the
plot effectively and will parallel the University's
long range development plans.

To Aid Shortage

Many groups within the University have
insisted that this area be developed so that it
will help solve problems such as housing and
parking. The proposed complex does however
make efforts towards solving these problems.

The complex will require only 350 parking
spaces, and the rest will be available for student
use at a nominal charge, according to the
developers.

The dormitory-type apartments are designed
for student occupancy and will be priced with
similar housing in the area and will help fill the
demand for housing. The present demand for
student housing calls for approximately 800
new units per year.

The shopping facilities to be located within
the complex are designed to serve women here
and to provide shops close to the academic
buildings on the Grounds. These shops will
create a "supportive business" area similar to
the Corner.

Convention Motel

The convention-type motel is designed to
serve the need of continuing education groups
that come to the University for special
conferences and lectures. The proximity to the
Grounds is designed to facility faculty
movements to and from the conferences and to
offer facilities for these meetings which now
take up space in classroom buildings.

According to the plan, access to the
complex will be provided by Jefferson Park
Avenue, and Valley Road Valley is to be
widened to four lanes by the city and will be
extended to Interstate 64. It will serve as the
primary entrance to the complex. It is felt by
the developer that this will not complicate the
traffic situation on either street.

The developers are now requesting that all
ideas and alternatives for the area be presented
to them through the Student Council. They
hope that this will bring about a compromise
that will be satisfactory to all parties involved.