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

DATE: SUNDAY, February 3, 1991                   TAG: 9102010294
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

NEW APARTMENTS COULD HURT MANY FOLKS BADLY

Many citizens of Blacksburg have been upset to learn that a local attorney, Donald Irons, plans to build 24 four-bedroom apartments around the fine old Thomas-Conner house in the center of town. They see this as a desecration of one of the town's most attractive and historically significant landmarks.

One other aspect of the Thomas-Conner house situation should not be overlooked.

Because of its proximity to the Virginia Tech campus, the 96 bedrooms in these apartments would draw many students away from their present living quarters in private homes throughout the city. In many cases, these homes are owned or rented by citizens (some elderly) with limited incomes who depend upon the rental of their rooms and apartments to help pay their living expenses and their taxes.

As we all know, housing is already in oversupply in Blacksburg. When the students are drawn out of their present living quarters, it will be difficult if not impossible for some of the apartment owners to replace them. A lot of good people are going to be hurt and hurt badly.

Donald R. Fessler\ Blacksburg

by CNB