Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 13, 1991 TAG: 9102130195
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: KIM SUNDERLAND NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
The chamber's downtown development committee, which is seeking cooperation among the town, county, chamber and civic groups, received updates on plans from government administrators.
"We want to discuss what the best use of that property is, both monetarily and aesthetically," said Chamber Director Kathy Mantz.
Last year, land between East Main and First streets was bought by Montgomery County, and a second tract on the corner of East Main and Pepper streets was purchased by Christiansburg.
Both tracts were home to several businesses, including Angle's Supermarket, Angle's Florist and Kittinger's Appliances.
Currently, the county's property is vacant. The town is still honoring leases that expire next year.
After the purchases, the chamber asked the county and town to study what development would be best for Christiansburg, Mantz said. The chamber would ultimately like to see the buildings razed to make room for more modern facilities.
The town, which paid $320,00 for its three buildings, plans to raze the buildings for public parking and future office space if it's needed, said Mayor Harold Linkous.
Montgomery County Supervisor Ann Hess said the only definite plans the board has made is to connect the old Angle's parking lot to courthouse parking with stairs.
Although a bond issue to build a new facility for some county departments was defeated in November, the board still hopes to solve those space problems.
Tuesday's meeting allowed the chamber to present its views and gave everyone a chance to see what alternatives exist to make the downtown a more pleasing place, said Kent Bond, committee chairman.
"We learned that the county is totally open to ideas," Bond said. "And I think open communication will help us all accomplish our goals."
FOR THE RECORD
PUBLISHED CORRECTION RAN FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1991
A Wednesday New River Current story on East Main Street plans in Christiansburg said a tract of land was home to several businesses before Montgomery County bought the property. Angle Florist is still operating at 15 E. Main St. in Christiansburg.
Memo: correction