RADFORD, Va. (WDBJ) – Residents say homes are rarely built in the quiet area on 4th Street in Radford that some have lived in for decades, but a proposed duplex is causing some commotion.
Timmy and Jimmy Simpkins live next to the property where the new duplex could be built. They say they are worried about the potential disruptions the development could bring, like increased traffic flow, noise, ruining the culture of the community, and how many people will live inside the duplex.
“I’ve got 4 kids at the house; my concerns are simple. Their safety,” said Jimmy.
Timmy and his friends recently went around the neighborhood with a petition, collecting nearly 100 signatures opposing the development.
In Monday night’s public hearing at the Radford City Council meeting, residents expressed their thoughts on the special use permit to build on the property. While others did not necessarily oppose it, they are worried about potential sewage and runoff issues.
“My porch is usually a little creek and with two houses or a large expansion of roof, what is going to happen with all the water that runs off of it?” said a resident who lives down the hill from the duplex.
The property owner of where the duplex would be located was also in attendance. He says he also wants the neighborhood to be safe. He says he wants to live on one side and wants a quiet neighbor on the other.
“I don’t plan on going anywhere, and I especially don’t want anyone living in my own house that’s bad or anything like that,” said the property owner.
Council members did not vote Monday night and say they will look into the community’s concerns.
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