Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 30, 1990 TAG: 9005300353
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CATHRYN McCUE NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
After almost four hours of brainstorming and discussion during a quarterly work session Tuesday night, council members nailed down seven issues they agree must be addressed by 1992.
Setting these goals helps guide town officials as they plan for the future.
"We have to do the never-ending trick of looking into the crystal ball and trying to predict what Blacksburg's growth will be," Mayor Roger Hedgepeth said.
The top issues - pared from a list of 34 - were:
A transportation network that includes bikeways, sidewalks, major routes such as the proposed Patrick Henry Drive extension and the east/west Southgate Drive connector, mass transit and the proposed link to Interstate 81.
"I haven't really seen a coordinated effort at taking a look and seeing how all these networks work together," said council member Waldon Kerns.
Revision of the zoning ordinance.
A downtown parking deck in cooperation with Virginia Tech, completed by the reopening of Squires Student Center, which Tech estimates to be in the fall of 1991.
Boosting the retail, commercial and industrial development in town.
Developing a municipal complex, including a proposed new library and expanded town hall.
Study and possible provision of water and sewer services to areas in and beyond town limits, including the Toms Creek Road basin and U.S. 460 corridor.
Dividing the town into "sub regions" for more citizen involvement in planning.
Town Manager Ron Secrist suggested that council adopt a mission statement, "so we can always focus on why we exist and what we are attempting to accomplish."
by CNB