By DAVE HAMRICK
dhamrick@thecitizennews.com

Developer Brent Scarbrough wants to build an industrial park on First Manassas Mile Road, but he would like an exception to Fayetteville's buffer requirements.

Although it's zoned agricultural-residential, the land next door is owned by Fayette County, part of its old land fill, and Scarbrough said it doesn't make much sense to require a 125-foot buffer between an industrial park and a landfill. Scarbrough wants to divide the property into three industrial lots.

But the Fayetteville Planning Commission last week told Scarbrough that if he wants a variance, he has to have a specific tenant in mind. “We'd rather see you get a tenant, then come in for a variance,” said commission member Allan Feldman.

“It seems a little strange that we're going to be required to buffer against their [county's] contamination,” Bob Rolader, Scarbrough's partner, told the commission.

The buffer would eat four acres of the 25-acre tract, said Rolader.

Rolader and Scarbrough withdrew the request, pending more definite plans.

In other business last week, the Planning Commission:

” Unanimously approved an addition to development plans for Fayetteville Church of Christ. Since its plan for a new sanctuary at Price Road and Redwine Road was approved last year, the church has decided to add educational space. The plan includes a 703-seat sanctuary and 7,000-sq. ft. classroom building.

” Approved Gene Barber's site plan for a building on lot six of the East Fayette Industrial Park. Barber withdrew his request for an exception to the city's impervious surface requirements after city planners counseled him on the use of pervious pavers for the parking area.

” Approved an addition to lawyer Geoffrey Slade's Jeff Davis Drive office.

” Approved a preliminary plat for phase two of Highland Park subdivision. The plan includes 14 home lots on 11 acres.