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By Kevin Allen
Rappahannock News Staff Writer
Paul Stevenson’s concept to convert the Sperryville Antique Market into 24 condominium units seemed to be well received on May 16 at the monthly meeting of the Rappahannock County Planning Commission.
But commissioners and audience members expressed skepticism about whether demand and infrastructure are sufficient to make the project viable.
Stevenson’s proposal is not a formal application. His idea was on the commission’s agenda to gauge the county’s receptiveness to condominiums in Sperryville.
“If it’s something that’s a nonstarter, then I can’t really afford to spend a lot of money” on the surveys, studies and other requirements of an official proposal, he said.
Stevenson said the condo idea was born out of many conversations he has had with county residents about the need for affordable housing in Rappahannock.
“What is your definition of affordable housing?” asked Stonewall-Hawthome District commissioner Tom Tepper.
Stevenson said he plans to sell the condos for $200,000 to $300,000 and charge a monthly fee of $200 to $300.
The units would likely be marketed toward persons over 55 years old. He said he would like to be able to sell some units to teachers, sheriffs deputies and other public servants, but he is not sure if that is legally practical.
Tepper, who is an architect, told Stevenson he should approach the project “with extreme caution.” Unforeseen expenses on a 1940s-era building like the Antique Market may push construction costs well above the projected $175 per square foot, he said.
Hampton District Commissioner Alvin Henry said similarly price condominiums exist in Warrenton and Culpeper and other areas that have hospitals, pharmacies, grocery stores and other amenities that elderly residents would need nearby.
Henry also said he had worries about the impact of taking a 30,000-square-foot retail space out of Sperryville and overly stretching the volunteer fire and rescue services.
“I think that’s going to have a spillover and affect the other commercial activity that has
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