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

DATE: SATURDAY, May 12, 1990                   TAG: 9005120029
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV4   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: KIM SUNDERLAND NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG                                LENGTH: Medium

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TAKES ANOTHER STEP TOWARD ADOPTION

Montgomery County's comprehensive plan, a blueprint for growth in the next five to 10 years, came a step closer to approval Thursday night as the county Planning Commission reviewed the environmental section and bikeway and walkway plans.

The environmental plan, which has drawn the most attention from residents at hearings, calls for long-term protection of the county's natural resources, including preservation of agricultural land.

The commission made only cosmetic changes to the environmental section and had no objections to the bikeway and walkway plan. It will adopt a final version of the plan and submit it to the Board of Supervisors by May 29.

Citizens' concerns for the county's envrionment were left intact in the comprehensive plan Thursday as the commission made only small changes, such as combining the increase in recreational programs with a goal to develop more facilities.

The bikeway and walkway plan also whizzed by commissioners, who had only minor questions. By following the Virginia Department of Transportation's six-year road improvement plan, bike lanes will be installed as improvements occur.

With major projects, like the Huckleberry Trail that will serve as a commuter route between Christiansburg and Blacksburg, the bikeway and walkway plan has been developed as cheaply as possible.

"The committee tried to come up with cost effective routes since we know the supervisors probably won't look at any highly expensive projects," said planner Susan Swain.

It has been a long process for the planning commission and one that's likely to continue at least until May 29 when it needs to have the revised plan in the hands of supervisors.

"We've had about 42 meetings on the entire plan," said county planning director Joe Powers. "And that's besides the regularly scheduled meetings."

More plan revision has been set for the commission's meeting Wednesday to go over the other goals and neighborhood plans. Other items on that agenda include rezoning requests by the First National Bank of Christiansburg, Norwood Development and Carl Hungate, as well as reports on the U.S. 460 and Virginia 114 corridor advisory committee and the economic development committee.

by CNB