Wednesday’s Town of Farmville Planning Commission meeting did little to settle a brewing battle over a proposal to build student housing on a one-block parcel that includes more than one historically significant house.

Property owners Bobby and Sherry Martin are seeking approval to raze some of the buildings, freeing up space for 10 apartments that would collectively house up to 30 people, presumably college students.

Opponents see the plan’s approval as the first domino to fall, eventually triggering the sale or demolition of other nearby properties, some dating to the mid 1800s. And while Tuesday’s meeting achieved neither a solution nor a compromise, it revealed the fervor both sides have about the issue.

There was also a touch of absurdity. At one point there was a lengthy discussion about whether the apartments constituted a single building or as many as three. The latter would run afoul of town zoning ordinances.

Mike Kelley, the architect hired by the Martins to revamp the block, looked at an architectural drawing projected on an overheard screen, declaring, “When I look at it, I see it as one building.”

That wasn’t satisfactory for commissioner Charles “Chuck” Ross.

“What is it? One building or three?” Ross asked. Increasingly annoyed, he added, “How can I vote on something that may not be legal?”

Opponents to the Martins’ project made their case on two levels: the potential destruction of what were once stately homes, and a palpable disdain for the noise and traffic that college students living off campus may generate.

Carole Fauci, who lives nearby on Gillam Road, was the first of nearly a dozen speakers against the Martin project.

“I dispute the assertion that more student housing, a.k.a. apartments, are needed in the Town of Farmville,” she told commissioners. “The university has done a good job of arranging housing for its students who want to live either on or off campus. If the university needs more dormitories, it has plenty of land to build them on.

“It would be irresponsible of us to partially destroy the beauty of High Street for an unnecessary purpose when there are apartments popping up everywhere,” Fauci continued. “What a shame it would be to see the delightful old house at 510 High St., built in 1880, torn down to make room for apartments of a 2018, big-city style. These homes are part of the fabric of Farmville. They are nevertheless important. If this is approved, it’s logical that other houses will meet the same fate.”

Grove Street resident Alison Martin voiced what is likely the root of neighbors’ rancor. “Why should four beautiful, historic homes be destroyed for 30 people? I see no purpose. There are students everywhere.”

Leigh Munsford saw the issue at a broader level.

“Farmville is at a crossroads,” she declared. “A lot of really cool things are going on here. I believe in the right to private property. The Martins have every right to tear their house down. They do. But we have laws, and our zoning laws say you can’t build a certain thing back. Enforce those laws, and preserve what we have.”

Others focused on whether there is a need for more housing. Chuck Dowdy, who lives on First Avenue, pointed to a solution on the horizon.

“Have you considered Longwood University has two high-rise dormitories under construction right now?” Dowdy asked the commission. “I’ve been told they want to fill those beds before they’ll send anybody outside of campus.”

Jim Fauci urged a cautious approach. “If approved, this will have a long-reaching effect. Once you agree, you can’t undo it. Why can’t we wait for the Comprehensive Plan?”

Planning Commission chair Sherry Honeycutt echoed the sentiment of her colleagues in desiring more input on the matter. Commissioners opted for a public hearing before making a decision.

Chuck Green, who lives on First Avenue, saw the issue as pivotal. “To be replaced with buildings that have no resemblance to what’s already here signals the beginning of the demise of Historic Farmville. There should be strict guidelines, and overseen by a panel of local residents.”