ROANOKE TIMES 

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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 10, 1991                   TAG: 9104100413
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

PROPERTY-VALUE ERROR DULY CORRECTED

POLITICS and the manner in which articles are written in newspapers can produce undesirable results or intent. The articles March 19 and 21 alluding to the appraised and assessed values on property at 2720 Shenandoah Ave. NW is such an example.

Apparently, the professionally prepared appraisal properly valued the property in full compliance with the definition and economic concept of highest and best use. The director of real-estate valuation, Von Moody III, acted properly and appropriately once the apparent error was brought to his attention: i.e., the value attributed to the dwelling being inappropriate based on an industrially oriented value applicable to the site.

While the timing is unfortunate, the decision to correct the acknowledged error is in keeping with state law and the standards of ethical conduct that Von Moody must adhere to - because of both his position and professional appraisal designation.

Any property owner under the threat of eminent-domain proceedings has a legal right to challenge an offer to purchase, and City Council needs to bridle its tongue and let due process take its course. JOSEPH S. DURRER JR. ROANOKE COUNTY 


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