
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, July 6, 1994                   TAG: 9407060058
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

NOT ALL VISIONS FULFILLED

Roanoke's leaders traditionally have used the State of the City address to announce grand projects, but they have often not materialized. A few examples:

"Smart road": In 1986, Mayor Noel Taylor endorsed a high-technology "smart road" linking Blacksburg with Interstate 81.

Status: After eight years of debate, the $82 million highway now is in the planning stages.

Mountaintop hotel: In 1978, Taylor proposed a lodge, restaurant and theater on top of Mill Mountain.

Status: The idea was never acted on by City Council, although it remained on council's agenda for the next 14 years - until Taylor retired.

City-county merger: In the 1960s, City Manager Arthur Owens suggested to City Council that Roanoke surrender its charter in order to merge with Roanoke County.

Status: The idea was kicked around again in 1990, when a referendum on consolidation was held, but dropped after voters defeated the referendum.

by CNB