Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, May 1, 1990 TAG: 9005010329
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: MADELYN ROSENBERG NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
But the engine still turns over, and one thing's certain: This 1954 vehicle from London would be unique on the streets of Pulaski.
That's what prompted Jim Delehanty, president of Pulaski Motor Co., to rescue the vehicle from a Salem junkyard where it's been rotting since the Sheraton Red Lion Inn got rid of it a few years back.
"We thought this would be an unusual-looking bus," he said. "But it needs a lot of work."
Delehanty dished out $300 for the bus and another $150 to cart it to Pulaski, where he hopes it will one day serve as a partial solution to downtown parking problems.
He estimates that it will take $20,000 to $30,000 to get the bus running on public streets. But that's still cheaper than some of the alternatives. "Some of those new shuttle buses can cost $150,000," he said.
Pulaski Main Street Inc. officials are looking into various grants, said Doug Phelps, director of the program. "We have to do a lot of homework before this becomes a reality," he said.
But Phelps also said the vehicle could be a good attraction for the downtown area, and the renovation idea is worth exploring.
Phelps said he first looked into the possibility of acquiring the bus 18 months ago, with the hopes that classes at the high school and New River Community College could take on the renovation project.
"They said there were no real technological benefits in putting together a bus, so for all intents and purposes, we dropped it," Phelps said.
Delehanty picked up the idea again last week. After meeting with Phelps on Wednesday, he decided to buy the bus. He is absorbing the initial cost for the bus and the move to Pulaski.
If it can't be restored, Delehanty said, "I've made bigger mistakes. At least we have it here."
by CNB