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

DATE: THURSDAY, June 2, 1994                   TAG: 9406020174
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: N-10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

BUSINESSES BAND TOGETHER TO BEAUTIFY WILLIAMSON ROAD

A gentle breeze lifted the aroma of barbecue from beneath the canvas tent perched on the grassy lawn in front of Breckinridge Middle School on May 24 and sent it into the open windows of motorists.

Roger Dalton, the Williamson Road Area Business Association's new executive director, grinned. This was exactly the kind of help he was looking for.

Dalton had tackled the job of spreading the word about the completion of a community beautification project at Breckinridge. By lunchtime, the olfactory enticement of freshly cooked barbecue became his partner.

A crowd assembled for a free lunch. Dalton circulated among business owners, educators, city officials and residents of the Williamson Road community, wiping sweat from his brow, talking up the community.

"Williamson Road can be a very vibrant economic area for this city. There is tremendous commitment by the businesspeople here," he said.

Since 1989, business owners along Williamson Road, from Orange Avenue to the city line, have contributed money to improve the view along the road.

Last year, the commitment became more permanent when the association asked Roanoke City Council to consider the area a special service district.

In doing so, business owners also agreed to an additional assessment on property tax for their businesses.

"Special service district assessment status means that property owners are asked to pay 10 cents per $100 of assessed value for community beautification projects along Williamson Road," Dalton said.

With the help of these funds, Dalton's group purchased trash receptacles, erected an attractive neighborhood sign, and landscaped.

"This is to improve the image of the Williamson Road area, to foster economic development, and to strengthen the association's position as a viable voice in advocacy for all property owners in this area," said Dalton.

During a brief speech, Roanoke City Manager Bob Herbert likened the efforts of the association to a self-help group.

"I am impressed that you are willing to pay more taxes for your neighborhood," he said. "Count us as part of your team."

Wayne Harris, superintendent of schools for Roanoke, thanked association members for supporting the three city schools along Williamson Road.

"The education of our students is enhanced by community involvement," he said. "The WRABA has demonstrated an understanding of strong community through strong schools."

by CNB