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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 27, 1991                   TAG: 9102270157
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-9   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: KIM SUNDERLAND/ NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG                                LENGTH: Medium

TRASH TRAIN, REZONING CONCERN COUNTY CITIZENS

"We haven't got the supervisors to talk to us yet," said James Underwood, 47, of Bradshaw Valley where Roanoke County plans to route a trash-hauling train.

"It's like they refuse to talk to us," Underwood said. "I think they believe it's easier for the trash train to get put in without going through the people that elected them."

Underwood, who has lived in the Bradshaw area for 14 years, and some neighbors held posters that read, "Don't Ignore Us, We Need Answers" and "We Do Not Want Roanoke Garbage."

"We're very concerned about the environmental issues," said Pat Lavery of Elliston, who's worried about potential ground water contamination. She says the supervisors should investigate before deciding.

But that's the problem, according to many of the residents. The supervisors haven't voiced their opinion on the proposed rail spur, which - according to a preliminary map - would connect with a main line in Montgomery County and stretch about five miles back across the Roanoke County line. The spur would follow a path roughly parallel to Bradshaw Road.

The residents have attended several supervisors' meeting waiting for some type of comment. But they did not get one Monday night, either.

"We're starting to harass them with phone calls and letters," Underwood said. "I hope we'll get them irritated enough to talk with us."

In other business, the board amended the county's comprehensive plan to allow approval of a rezoning application.

County Planning Commission member James E. Martin of Christiansburg filed a request last year to rezone about two acres he owns at 2808 Peppers Ferry Road from agriculture to general business to allow for a beauty shop or other businesses.

Some residents and supervisors opposed changing the county's plan until the 114-460 Corridor Planning Advisory Council completes its study, which will be presented to Christiansburg Town Council and supervisors in July.

"We've been piecemealing this thing to death," said Phil Howell of Belmont Farms. "The plans to develop the corridor should not be just for one person, but for everyone."

Supervisor Ann Hess agreed. She sent a note to her colleagues during the meeting that said changing the comprehensive plan for one parcel "is premature and undermines the planning process."

Hess and Supervisor Jim Moore were the only members to vote against the ordinance, which passed, 5-2. The action is subject to Martin's condition that he will abide by the conditions in the Virginia 114 corridor study when it's complete.

In another matter, Jim Griffith, a C&P Telephone manager, praised the board for implementing the 911-emergency phone program.

However, Griffith said the proposed license tax on telephone companies was discriminatory. He also said the proposed utility tax on consumers could be competitive if kept lower than those in Radford and Pulaski.

And finally, the board approved - with Joe Stewart abstaining - the county administrator's applying for a community development block grant of $700,000 to build 26 low- to moderate-income housing units in the Springview development.