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

DATE: SATURDAY, May 22, 1993                   TAG: 9305220064
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-8   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST
DATELINE: DUBLIN                                LENGTH: Medium

NEIGHBORS OPPOSE APARTMENT PLANS

Residents in the Oakwood Avenue area near Virginia 100 said they oppose rezoning for more apartments near them. Others complained of a neglected property.

Several residents objected to plans to rezone a section along Virginia 100 to permit a developer to build additional apartments there to serve New River Community College students.

About 60 people signed a petition asking council to leave the zoning as it is. Council recently approved a new zoning map for the town, but left the door open to change zoning in that area.

Hilda Crigger said new apartments would eliminate access to Virginia 100 from that part of town. Others complained about the potential for additional storm-water runoff, additional traffic, and noise at all hours from apartment dwellers.

John Wiseman told of hearing a woman's screams at 2 a.m. from the apartment house along Virginia 100.

"Something's going on over there that needs to be looked into," he said.

Mayor Benny Keister advised Wiseman to call police if it happens again.

Neighbors also expressed concerns about the deteriorating condition of property left vacant by the death of the person living there.

Larry Moye said he's seen "rats as large as small dogs" roaming the Whitaker property, where neighbors also feel the rapidly growing grass and weeds will attract snakes.

Town officials said the Whitaker estate had been told to remove a noncomplying mobile home from the lot and that the town intends to enforce its grass-and-weed mowing ordinance.