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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, July 11, 1990                   TAG: 9007110121
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV9   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: KIM ZEOLI  SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: RADFORD                                LENGTH: Medium

PART OF ALLEY AGREEMENT ILLEGAL FOR CITY COUNCIL

The Radford City Council, after reaching an agreement at its last meeting to close an alley running parallel to Lawrence Street, learned Monday that it could not legally approve one of the stipulations in the agreement.

City Attorney John Spiers told the council that it could not impose conditions on private individuals even if the individuals agreed, because council can only deal with city business. It cannot tell individuals to make an agreement.

This is exactly what council planned to do with Price Partnership, a Radford real estate rental firm, which had agreed to the stipulation for closing the alley.

Price Partnership had requested an alley be closed that runs parallel to Lawrence Street, beginning at Second Avenue and extending eastward to the intersection of another alley adjoining the property of Michael Canada.

Canada said closing the alley would cost his family access to their back yard as well as a place to park.

Council then agreed to close the alley with the stipluation that Price Partnership create two parking spaces for the Canadas or grade the alley to the Canadas' back lot for their use. Even though this compromise was suggested by Price Partnership, Spiers told the council it would be illegal for council to draft an ordinance with this stipulation in it.

Council removed this stipulation from the ordinance and voted to close the alley. Jeff Price and William Price, partners in the real estate firm, were at the meeting and said they would keep their commitment to the Canadas. Jeff Price said it is up to the Canadas to decide which option they want.

In other matters, Radford City Council:

Approved the changing of parking hours on the west side of Tyler Avenue from Grove Avenue to Lawrence Street. The new hours will be 8 a.m.-2 a.m. and will go into effect Aug. 1.

Authorized a letter supporting a House of Delegates bill calling for state funding for state mandates.

Reviewed a resolution to adopt a street banner policy. Council members will discuss the resolution further at their next meeting July 23.

Commended Radford sixth-graders for their high ranking in the state Literacy Passport test.

by CNB