Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 23, 1993 TAG: 9309230420
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: E-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
At least 54 people who signed a petition hope to block construction of an assisted-care residential facility, even though Vinton's planning commission has given the project the green light.
"We knew that something would eventually need to go in there," said one resident, Peggy Fizer. Residents object to the facility, she said, because it operates 24 hours a day and because not enough is known about how assisted-care services are operated and regulated.
The 3.5 acres is zoned so that 20 to 30 duplexes or a library or a bank or a barber shop could be built. Because assisted-care facilities are a relatively new concept, council will need to amend the ordinance before it can approve the facility.
At least three residents said they object to the proposed 57-unit residential facility because of traffic, security and aesthetic concerns.
Assisted-care facilities, such as the one proposed by The Wilkinson Group, generally are for elderly persons who need assistance with day-to-day tasks, but who do not need the level of services offered by a nursing home. Similar facilities exist in Roanoke and Roanoke County, but not in Vinton.
"Our entire interest is to serve the 1 out of 5 people in Vinton who are 65 years old or older," said Dale Wilkinson, who is coordinating the project.
He said that because of changing regulations, "People who used to be in nursing homes don't have a place to go anymore."
Wilkinson's research indicates that the typical resident of the proposed facility would be "an 80-year-old female, probably from Vinton, who needs help for daily living needs."
He said the facility would give people who live in Vinton the opportunity to remain there. Wilkinson said residents would utilize doctors, stores and other businesses during outings arranged by staff.
"I think the people who live in Vinton want to stay in Vinton," he said. "But if this is the way Vinton feels about their elderly, we can put the project elsewhere."
Wilkinson said he is offended that the people of Dillon Woods would resort to a petition to stop a project he has discussed with them in their living rooms and made every effort to adjust to suit their needs. He said he has tried to ease their fears by offering fencing, security and a facility that "looks as residential as possible."
Gary Jones, a resident who did not sign the petition, said that if residents knew that duplexes could be built on the property, it may have some bearing on whether they would support the proposed project.
"I'm really concerned that the time will come when someone wants to put duplexes on Hardy Road," said Vice Mayor Roy McCarty.
Roger and Debra Wade, whose front yard would be obstructed by the facility, said they have concerns about the facility but did not sign the petition because they may move out of town.
"It's a nice place to live, but we knew this could happen," said Debra Wade, a private-duty nurse. In her work, Wade said, she has visited an area assisted-care facility.
Mayor Charles Hill said a number of Vinton senior citizens have said more facilities are needed for the elderly. He recommended that council visit several area centers to see how they work.
Council delayed action until its Oct. 5 meeting.
In another action, council strengthened a 1992 noise ordinance, increasing the maximum punishment from $250 to $2,500, confinement, or both.
The amended ordinance also gives judges more latitude in dealing with repeat offenders.
by CNB