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

DATE: THURSDAY, October 7, 1993                   TAG: 9310070511
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: E-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

DILLON WOODS RESIDENTS VOCAL ON HORSES, HEALTH-CARE FACILITY

Dillon Woods residents have been busy signing petitions - one opposing the development of an assisted-care facility at the edge of their neighborhood and another supporting a neighbor who has horses on residential property.

Roger and Debra Wade bought two Arabian horses as pets for their five sons several weeks ago. They live on a parcel that was formerly farmland and thought they could have the animals. However, a friend, who is an animal control officer, notified them they couldn't keep livestock in the town.

The Wades said they weren't going to breed or offer boarding, and that they have incurred considerable expense for fencing and shelter for the horses.

Several neighbors signed a petition so the Wades could keep the animals. The same neighbors, however, told council they do not want an assisted-care facility built in the 1200 block of Hardy Road because of noise, traffic and aesthetic concerns.

About 50 residents signed a petition opposing construction of the $2 million facility.

Last week, some Dillon Woods residents toured local health care facilities with council members to see the type of business is proposed near their properties.

"My main concern is the type of people who would be put there," said Peggy Fizer of Dillon Woods.

Fizer also said she needs more information how the facility will look before she would support it.

Supporters of the project, however, said such a facility is needed in Vinton and is more desirable than certain other businesses that could be constructed on the property without zoning changes.

"I hope you will look at this project as an asset," 77-year-old Frances Payne said. Payne, who is legally blind, said she learned about assisted-care facilities from friends.

"I am very interested in this," she said.

Leon McGhee, who owns the property, argued that the proposed project is appropriate for the area. He said he has refused to sell the land for other purposes.

"I don't know what would fit in there better," McGhee said.

Council postponed action on both rezoning requests until November.

by CNB