Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, July 28, 1990 TAG: 9007270415
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: M.J. DOUGHERTY CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: FLOYD LENGTH: Medium
Six commissioners, as well as officials from Floyd and Patrick counties and the National Park Service and media representatives, toured the Rocky Knob area to examine the land and the existing facilities.
The tour concentrated on the undeveloped land along the secondary roads - which varied from paved to one-lane gravel - near the Parkway along the 11-mile stretch from Mabry Mill to Tuggle Gap.
"Don't just let the woods go by," cautioned Catherine Pulley of Floyd, who served as tour navigator. "See what else is there, look out for the possibilities."
The commission didn't see just woods. They saw breathtaking views of the area below the knob and open areas that could become the site of the proposed tourist-commercial development - including some tracts for sale.
The tour also had spread optimism among the commissioners.
"I think we've seen a lot of potential here," said William Whitlock, chairman of the Floyd County Board of Supervisors.
"We can all agree to that," added John "Mac" Deekens, the mayor of Stuart and chairman of the commission.
In a brief meeting after the tour, the need for more detailed maps of the area was expressed.
"I will get some maps," Harry Baker, a Blue Ridge Parkway landscape architect, told the commissioners. "But . . . to get all of the information, we may have to look at the county maps."
Floyd County Administrator Randy Arno reminded the commission of the Aug. 8 meeting between officials from both counties, the National Park Service and Virginia Tech.
No action was taken on bylaws.
by CNB