Staunton believes a zoning
change will help preserve the character of historic neighborhoods all across
the city.
Dozens of homes along West
Beverley Street have long been "grandfathered" under Staunton's
business zoning. But that makes it tough
for property owners to sell their houses, or get bank financing for purchase or
renovation.
So the city is looking at
a new mixed-use zoning class that aims to revitalize these neighborhoods.
Amy Arnold, a Staunton
city planner, said, "We value these older neighborhoods, and it's part of our
job as planners to see that they thrive and survive. The community has said to us, we like these
places. We want to keep them."
The Staunton Planning Commission
took up the rezoning issue during a work session Thursday. The proposal will eventually make its way to
city council for final approval.
