Bedford County sees largest development request in years with "Harmony"

Plans for the “Harmony” development of more than 200 homes off a busy stretch of U.S. 460 in Bedford — the largest project to come before the county in years — were shown to residents Wednesday.

The residential and commercial neighborhood is envisioned between Woodhaven Drive and Pony Acre Road with 49 acres in the county and 16 in the city of Bedford.

Before the planned 55 homes and 181 townhomes can be built, the project needs a rezoning from county officials. The plan also includes commercial uses along the highway in the west end of the city.

Developer George Aznavorian, who steered the Downtown Moneta and Mayberry Hills development on Virginia 122 near Smith Mountain Lake, is looking to attract business to Bedford at a time when the city is pursuing a reversion to town status for economic benefits.

At an information meeting at the county administration building Wednesday, Aznavorian told about 50 gatherers he looks at the project as a sort of “renaissance” to the west end of Bedford. Some businesses such as Golden Corral and a Mexican restaurant have closed their doors on that side of town. He feels the new development can help two existing hotels and other nearby retailers.

“We hope it will create a destination,” Aznavorian said. “It’s a good thing for Bedford … the west end in Bedford will get a new injection of traffic, and traffic brings revenue.”

The city considers the stretch of U.S. 460 at Woodhaven Drive a safety hazard and the Virginia Department of Transportation has plans to improve the crossover. The development on the south side of U.S. 460 would tie into making a safer corridor, Aznavorian said.

He said building the project in its entirety may take 10 to 15 years. He will focus on the commercial portion first. Some businesses have expressed interest but no “true commitments” have yet been made, he said. If given approval from the county, he would like to start construction by spring.

The U.S. Army Reserve plans to build a new training center on land next to the commercial portion of the project. The military center is not part of the rezoning request but would tie into the project, according to planners.

The townhomes would range from $120,000 to $160,000 and the single-family homes from $180,000 to $240,000, said Jody Lyons, a realtor at Downtown Moneta. The prices are geared to couples, young families and seniors interested in “maintenance free” housing, Lyons said.

Aznavorian moved to the area in 1989 and rented an apartment in Roanoke, he said, because there were none in Bedford. Having apartments could reduce commuting from Roanoke and Lynchburg, he and a few other residents said.

“I understand the hardship for a lot of people,” he said.

Aznavorian stressed he wanted to be a good neighbor and provided residents his cell phone number, welcoming questions or concerns. Some asked how he could market such a project in a struggling economy. He responded the development would proceed “responsibly.”

“My mantra is we leave it better than we found it, and we’re going to do that here,” he said.

Mary Joe Boone, executive director of the Bedford Area Family YMCA located near the project, said it would be good for the area.

“It would be so nice to bring some life to this side of town,” Boone said. “We’re very supportive of this.”

The portion of the project in the city is commercial and allowed by right through its zoning, Assistant City Manager Bart Warner said recently.

The Bedford County Planning Commission is holding a public hearing on the rezoning on Feb. 21. The board of supervisors will make the final decision.