Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 4, 1993 TAG: 9302040438
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: E-7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
MIDWAY RESIDENTS ASK COUNCIL FOR WATER, SEWER IMPROVEMENTS
Vinton residents, who have been telling town staff of their water and sewer problems in community meetings, went to Town Council Tuesday night."The best way to get something done is to come to council and ask," said Harry Martin, who has lived in the Midway neighborhood for 70 years.
Martin, who said he believes in community government, said the area has had problems for years and that town staff should pursue federal funds.
Midway has been plagued with poor water pressure, sewer contamination and related problems for a number of years because the water and sewer system was installed more than 50 years ago, said Joan Drewery, a neighborhood leader.
The problems, she said, and town staff agreed, have worsened since the 1985 flood.
Vinton is seeking a $1.25 million federal grant for improvements in Midway, and residents told council they wanted some improvements even if the grant is not approved.
A similar grant was turned down last year, but acting Town Manager Bob Benninger said he feels good about the town's chances this year, because the types of improvements now fit well into the parameters established by the Department of Housing and Community Development. The agency provides funds for improvements in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods in need.
Benninger also told residents that about $120,000 is being earmarked in the 1993-94 budget for the Midway improvements, regardless of the outcome of the funding request.
He said money already spent for in-kind services may be applied to the town's share for the project, including routine cleanup after last April's flood. Additional matching funds could be spread out over a three-year period.
Council will get a look at the final grant application March 7. If the application is approved, improvements would begin in about a year.
Residents also told council that as a show of faith they are organizing a neighborhood cleanup for Feb. 20.
In other action:
Mayor Charles Hill reported that Vinton has received 104 applications for the vacant town manager position. Eight applicants have been selected to be interviewed, and Hill said a new town manager could be on the job by mid-March.
Applications came from many areas of the United States and from other Roanoke Valley governments, Hill said. One came from as far away as Germany.
"I am impressed with the qualifications of the applicants," Hill said, mentioning that a large percentage of the applicants have municipal management experience.
Council granted a special-use exception to an out-of-town businessman who is renovating a vacant grocery store for bingo games.
During a public hearing, Robert Taylor told council he intends to run a professional bingo hall with security and an alcohol-free snack bar. He said he will offer "a safe and secure environment for patrons."
While he has never organized a bingo operation before, Taylor said he became exposed to bingo as a commercial printer providing services to a Tidewater operator.
He said the Vinton location, at a former Winn-Dixie store, is excellent because of the size of the facility and available parking.
He plans to open the hall by the first of March and said several groups have expressed an interest in using the building for fund-raisers. Because of state law, the facility will operate only two days a week, Saturday and Sunday.