Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, October 6, 1993 TAG: 9310060334
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Residents are expected to explore ways they could block two four-lane roads slated for the historic Roanoke neighborhood. The meeting is at 6 p.m. at the Harrison Museum of African American Culture.
No lawsuits have been filed to halt the Wells Avenue or Second Street/Gainsboro Road projects proposed by the city.
But leaders of the Historic Gainsboro Preservation District Inc. - a principal opponent of the roads - have been talking with lawyers at the Beveridge & Diamond firm about the roads since last year.
The Washington firm has experience opposing controversial projects in historic areas. Two years ago, it successfully blocked commercial development next to the Manassas National Battlefield Park.
City engineers say the two Gainsboro road projects are needed to improve downtown traffic - as well as traffic to the Hotel Roanoke, which is under renovation, and a conference center planned for construction next-door. Opponents say the roads will divide and pollute one of the city's oldest neighborhoods.
Among those expected at tonight's meeting will be Devarieste Curry, an attorney with Beveridge & Diamond, and Yale Rabin, an MIT urban studies scholar and national expert on how government projects have damaged black communities across the country.
by CNB