Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 18, 1994 TAG: 9405180111
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
In the most crowded Town Council meeting Vinton Mayor Charles Hill could recall in 18 years of service, Vinton's teens begged approval of the track. Vinton's elderly and nearby homeowners opposed the project.
By the time a one-hour public hearing on the matter was concluded, proponents of both viewpoints had left the room in tears and Hill's gavel had quieted a number of arguments.
The controversy centered around creating a recreational activity for Vinton's youth without disturbing Vinton's large elderly population with noise and pollution.
"This go-cart track is finally something that will keep us off the streets and give us something to do. Please don't be so die-hard against it," said 13-year-old Gavin Hard.
"You've never had a problem with bowling or hockey. We go out of Vinton to have fun. Why can't we keep our money in Vinton?" asked teen-ager April Cooper.
One-by-one, residents of Clearview Manor, a retirement community bordering the LancerLot, objected, saying a go-cart track and a retirement community could not peacefully coexist.
"It's a disgrace, putting a business of this type so close to our homes," said Clearview resident Barbara Goodwin.
If it had been approved, Carico's go-cart track would have operated seven days a week until 11 p.m. at the site of the former ice rink, which was closed after its roof collapsed last year. Carico had offered several compromises, including encasing the track in plexiglass and quieting a public address system after 8 p.m.
Explaining council's position, Councilman Joe Bush said, "I think this is an appropriate business but I'm not sure this is the best place for it."
Despite council's offer to help him locate an alternate site in Vinton for the track, Carico said he now would attempt to locate the business in Roanoke County.
Memo: ***CORRECTION***