Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 14, 1995 TAG: 9506140089
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MAURICE A. WILLIAMS III STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The Roanoke County Board of Supervisors voted to allow the company to present a modified proposal for a special-use permit to erect the 80-foot structure.
Supervisors voted 3-2 against the measure last month, citing concerns of the tower obstructing the view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. After the rejection, the company persuaded the board to reconsider the permit, provided Virginia Towers changes its proposal.
"In order to get support, it's going to have to be different," Chairman Frank Thomas said. "It's only fair to hear them again."
Thomas said he wants to prevent the mountain from having too much construction, as Poor Mountain has.
"I plan to go and view it myself," Thomas said. "I am very much concerned about ridgeline protection."
The board approved the measure 4-1, with Supervisor Bob Johnson voting against it.
"In all fairness, I don't see anything that has changed," Johnson said. "Either you protect these viewsheds or you don't. That's the only issue."
Johnson added that allowing the permit would lead to other companies requesting permits for towers, resulting in Read Mountain resembling Tinker Mountain, which he said has six towers. "At some point in time, let's just say enough is enough."
Mary Ellen Goodlatte, an attorney representing Virginia Towers, said the company will attempt to make the tower less noticeable.
"It would be painted in a color that would minimize its appearance," Goodlatte said. She said the company has also agreed to remove an existing FAA beacon if given the permit.
"There's a concern that it's a nuisance that may attract trespassers," Goodlatte said.
The issue will be heard again at a public hearing July 25 at 7 p.m.
Memo: ***CORRECTION***