Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, January 29, 1995 TAG: 9501300011
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
I know of no effort as successful as community action programs at helping people take the first steps upward and out of poverty and welfare. Community action provides emergency assistance as a first step, but almost all other programs are destined to help low-income people help themselves.
New River Community Action receives funds for specific programs from a variety of sources, but state Community Services Block Grant funds are the core that provides staff to run the programs. Without these staff funds we could not even apply for many of the grants we receive.
I urge all concerned citizens to contact legislators seeking restoration of state funds for community action to the state budget.
William J. Dawson, Jr.
Dublin
Don't skimp on parks facilities
I am concerned with the recent proposal presented to the Christiansburg Town Council about new parks and recreation facilities. I favor the total proposal, two gymnasium areas, indoor walking area, indoor and outdoor pools, playing fields, etc. This is the direction the town should be moving if you want Christiansburg to continue to grow and prosper.
My children have enjoyed participating in the parks and recreation programs. The lack of sufficient facilities has been the major drawback. The scheduling must be a nightmare for the staff when any school function can cancel a planned event at a moment's notice. The town has been fortunate to have hours of time donated by parents. The concern and time given those volunteers should not be ignored. Statistics show that organized activities reduce problems adolescents have when left to their own devices.
I am a volunteer in the Christiansburg school system and have spoken to numerous parents. They are avid supporters of the needed facilities. I hope that they, too, will have the time to let their concerns be known to the Town Council. I have every confidence that council members will not let us down.
Vicky Helbling
Christiansburg
Looking at ways to fix bottleneck
The person who dubbed the intersection of Virginia 114 and U.S. 460 "Malfunction Junction" appropriately described this bottleneck. The article in the Dec. 29 Current mentioned the two considerations that presumably would improve safety and decrease congestion. Lowering the speed limit might aid safety, but would only compound the congestion. Widening Virginia 114 to four or five lanes would probably increase safety, but would not eliminate the bottleneck.
What could remove the bottleneck and improve safety?
The "smart" road will divert some traffic away from this intersection. Additional moves that would help are: an overpass with cloverleaf at this intersection. An overpass should have been included there and at the Christiansburg bypass on U.S. 460 in the planning and developmental stages. The traffic light at the New River Valley Mall on Virginia 114 should have been placed at the entrance nearer the railroad tracks to avoid congestion of traffic entering Virginia 114 from U.S. 460. A speed bump or some deterrent should be placed in the right-hand lane on Virginia 114, which must merge left, just to beat other traffic in line. Alternate routes should be made or improved to allow through traffic between Blacksburg and Christiansburg to avoid this intersection. Also extend westward the lane for a right turn from 114 onto 460 toward Christiansburg.
A permanent solution, though costly, will reap benefits. Traffic keeps moving; motorists are not unreasonably detained and delayed, so they are less frustrated or annoyed; drivers don't sense the compulsion or urgency to speed or take additional risks; cleaner environment and fuel savings result by minimizing great volumes of exhaust expelled as cars idle at traffic lights.
Ross G. Hill
Christiansburg
by CNB