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The Hanover County Planning Commission last night unanimously deferred a vote on whether a historic home can be razed.

It also recommended approval with conditions for the owners of the Green Top Sporting Goods property to pursue a retail shopping center on that site.

Six residents spoke against a request by Oak Forest owner Charles B. Walker to tear down the circa-1828 home off Rural Point Road for the purpose of building a new home on the 15-acre lot.

His request states that the house is "structurally unsound."

Oak Forest is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmark Registry. It has been recognized for its architectural significance and, according to the county, it served as headquarters for Union Gen. Horatio Wright at one point during the Civil War.

Walker, who was not at last night's meeting, wants to eliminate a condition that came with the house that says Oak Forest "shall be maintained on the original site. This shall not prevent the owner of the site from adding to the home provided that its basic character remains."

In its place, he is asking for a condition that says the property owner can raze the structure but will take care to preserve "those items of historical interest or value for use in the new structure," including mantels, doors and hardware. It would go on to say that if the property owner doesn't want these items, they'll be given to the county.

He also is asking for a new proffer that says if the home is razed, a marker would be erected on a corner of the site to identify it as Oak Forest.

An person at the meeting on Walker's behalf asked for a deferral until next month.

Residents, including former Oak Forest owner Robert Branner, urged the board to deny Walker's request.

Resident David Deal said he, too, owns a historic property and anyone who buys such a structure knows what they're getting into.

The repairs "are never ending," he said, adding that anyone who doesn't want to care for an old home "shouldn't take that responsibility."

Deal said the county has about 30 historic properties, and it would be "a travesty . . . to be a willing partner in the destruction of one of these rarities."

He added that it would set a precedent for others who wish to tear down historic properties for their own purposes.

The home is within commission Chairwoman Elizabeth Moorehouse's district. Last night, she said she came to the meeting ready to deny the application.

"This is tough," she said. "It's an emotional discussion."

She said, however, that "Mr. Walker needs to have a chance to speak."

The commission will hear the case next month.

No one spoke during the public comment period for the Green Top case, in which the developers, Hopkins Properties II LLC, are seeking to redevelop about 25.5 acres. The plans include 160,000 square feet of retail space for two anchor stores, six retail shops and two outer parcels. Green Top would reside in the largest anchor space at one end of the shopping center.

A boat broker, used-car dealership, and truck storage and leasing business would be relocated once development begins. Plans state that once fully developed, the property would include a bank, a grocery store, restaurants and retail shops.

The commission unanimously recommended approval with the condition that proffers addressing the traffic improvements at U.S. 1 and Kings Acre Road are included.
Contact Holly Prestidge at (804) 649-6945 or .