ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, March 18, 1997 TAG: 9703180078
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DAN CASEY THE ROANOKE TIMES
The development of linear parks throughout the Roanoke Valley is the group's goal.
The Roanoke Valley is on the verge of getting another commission.
Roanoke City Council on Monday approved the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission -15 people from four jurisdictions who would spearhead development of linear parks throughout the Roanoke Valley.
The proposal will be taken up by Vinton Town Council tonight, and Salem City Council and the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors next week.
For more than two years, greenway efforts have been led by a largely grassroots coalition of linear park advocates from other organizations. A steering committee made up mostly of staff members or officials from the four jurisdictions has also been involved. But the steering committee is set to expire.
"This would give the local greenways movement more permanence," said Elizabeth Belcher, the valley's greenway coordinator and the only paid greenway advocate in the valley.
Under the proposal, the governing bodies of each of the jurisdictions would appoint three citizens to serve on the commission.
One more person would be chosen from the Metropolitan Planning Organization or the Fifth Planning District Commission.
The commission would meet quarterly or more frequently, and planning officials from each locality could serve as non-voting members.
The new organization would annually apply for funds to each of the four localities.
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