Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 20, 1992 TAG: 9202200612
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: E3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BETSY BIESENBACH SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
COUNCIL HEARS RECOMMENDATIONS ON DANGEROUS STRETCH OF ROAD
During the past seven years, there have been 265 accidents on Virginia 24 between Niagara and Hardy roads. That averages out to one about every 10 days.Chip Taylor and Anil Panicker of the Fifth Planning District Commission, who have just concluded a study on that stretch of road, reported these grim statistics during Vinton Town Council's regular meeting Tuesday.
Panicker said the road carries local and long-distance traffic, a factor that is responsible for many of the problems.
He made several recommendations, which included: creating turn lanes; adding more signals, particularly at the intersection with Vineyard Road; and coordinating those signals so they would work together.
The estimated cost of the plan totals $625,800, Panicker said, although that figure could double by the time the project is completed.
In thanking Panicker for his presentation, Mayor Charles Hill said, "I think it's a good study. It provides a good basis for the town's six-year plan."
In other action:
Council approved an application for a raffle permit from the League of Older Americans Inc. The organization plans to raffle off a videocassette recorder. The proceeds will benefit volunteer programs in the Vinton area.
Marvin A. Parson Sr., president of B&C Exterminators Inc., asked that his business license classification be changed. Hill asked Parson to meet with Town Attorney Buck Heartwell and Town Treasurer Joan Furbish to settle the matter.
Brad Corcoran was appointed the town's zoning administrator, a postion he unofficially has held since he became town manager.
Council agreed to request a boundary change from Roanoke city. Three lots in the Berkeley Hills subdivision owned by William Vinyard lie partly in Vinton and partly in Roanoke. Because the only access to the property is through the town, Vinyard is asking the town to request the boundary change. The total area involved is one-third of an acre.
Council agreed to pay for renovations to the Roanoke County Health Department office in Vinton. The cost of the project is estimated at $7,000.
Council officially accepted a $46,923 bid for the cab and chassis for a new refuse truck from McCormick/International and a $24,224 bid for the body from Cavalier Equipment. The cost of the truck is included in this year's budget.
Council decided to spend $9,000 to replace a 17-year-old pump and tank at the town swimming pool.
Council heard that P. Penny Beyer has been appointed the new senior citizens' coordinator. Beyer has extensive experience in handicrafts and in working with senior citizens. She will meet with club members at the Senior Citizens' center for a reception and a business meeting March 29 at 9:30 a.m.
Council accepted Councilman Ray Sandifer's offer to volunteer for a citizens' advisory committee to review the town's sign ordinance. The committee includes eight citizens as well as four town staff members who will review the current sign ordinance and report back to council.
During a work session after the regular meeting, Corcoran reviewed the goals and objectives set by the town staff last year. From that list of 53 items, he said, only four were not completed, due to lack of budgeted funds.
This year, he said, the staff has compiled a list of 127 items, most of which are related to public works. Corcoran said he plans to present the results to council again next year.
***CORRECTION***
Published correction ran on February 27, 1992 in Neighbors\ Because of a reporter's error, the wrong date for a reception and business meeting of the Vinton Senior Citizen's club was given in the Feb. 20 edition of Neighbors. Penny Beyer, the new senior citizen's coordinator, will begin work Monday and attend the reception and meeting.
Memo: Correction