Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, July 20, 1995 TAG: 9507200037
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: B. LYNN WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PEARISBURG LENGTH: Medium
Tuesday night, he told the Giles County Board of Supervisors about a problem with water runoff that has occurred since development of Piney Estates subdivision near Pearisburg.
"I've got to wade in mud to get to my mailbox," said Gautier, who owns a home down the hill from the subdivision. He said he's been seeking relief, without success, since October, when he first complained to local officials.
Claiming he had been bounced around by the town, the county Planning Commission and county officials for many months, Gautier asked the board to enforce the subdivision ordinance so the runoff can be corrected.
"We've got a problem with the water standing in the state road and the mud, rocks and silt" that comes from the nearby development, Gautier explained.
According to the law, he said, "you can't develop your land and destroy mine."
Last week he came before Pearisburg Town Council to complain that town officials were dragging their feet after "acting like they would take care of the problem."
The town lobbed Gautier back to the county, where his house is located, telling him to take his problem before the Board of Supervisors.
Supervisor Jay Williams said that because the town, not the county, had approved the subdivision, the town is responsible. The town regulates subdivisions within one mile of its limits.
Gautier suggested the board place a "hold" to prevent the owner, Ted Johnson Jr., from selling any more lots until the problem is corrected.
Chairman George Hedrick assured Gautier the board would discuss the matter with the county attorney, but the board took no action.
Contacted later about the run-off, Pearisburg Town Manager Ken Vittum said "the town's jurisdiction is limited to the subdivision."
All zoning, land use, building permits and inspection fall under the county's umbrella. Vittum said that because the road is state-maintained, the county has the responsibility to get the Virginia Department of Transportation's approval to deal with the problem.
"The town has met with the county on at least two occasions to design a structure that would take care of the problem" but it can't be done without state approval, which the county has not requested, Vittum said.
Vittum said town officials would try to meet with County Administrator Janet Tuckwiller and County Building Inspector John Mills to resolve the situation. Future incidents like this would be avoided if the pending annexation agreement between the county and town receives approval, he said.
On another matter, county911 consultant Katherine Smith asked the board appropriate up to $7,500 to buy a computer to maintain and update the database and the board approved. The system is to go on line in March 1996.
She said community volunteers have begun work in the Poplar Hill fire district and will start soon in Newport visiting homes to verify the resident's name, telephone number, and assign a new address.
Smith
Supervisors also:
Endorsed Tuckwiller, the county manager, as the county's agent to comply with the Federal Emergency Management Agency resolution.
Scheduled a public hearing Aug. 1 on the County Water Service Policy.
by CNB