Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, August 11, 1995 TAG: 9508110062
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RON BROWN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: DALEVILLE LENGTH: Medium
Like many people, he's not accustomed to words like "comprehensive stormwater plans," "B-1 zoning" and "setback requirements."
And that was the type of language being used quite often as planners heard officially from the public for the first time about the proposed Botetourt Center at Greenfield.
Last month, the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors shelled out $4.5 million to buy about 922 acres where it plans to build a school, a recreation area and a 600-plus acre industrial park.
"I don't know if I'm totally for it. I don't know if I'm totally against it. I do know I'm affected by it," said Rhoades, who lives near the proposed project.
As he moved from table to table in search of information, he couldn't help expressing some frustration.
"Everything is conceptual except the concept," he said. "I feel that this is almost a railroad job. I don't see a lot of openness. The words are there, but not the feelings."
Botetourt County Administrator Gerald Burgess said nothing could be further from the truth.
"We presented a vision for people to react to," he said.
About 100 of them reacted Thursday night.
County officials say they hope that those reactions will lead to a better development plan for the Greenfield project, which is already under fire from a citizens' group. Opponents said the project would ruin the quiet rural character of the Greenfield community, which is ripe with historic artifacts and buildings.
Thursday night's meeting resembled a job fair. There were information booths featuring placards showing development plans, utilities and roads, the planning process and the like. It took about two hours to make the entire circuit.
People were greeted at the door and asked to sign in. They then started the tedious process of shuffling from booth to booth in search of answers.
Most quietly waited their turns. Others argued in line. Burgess emerged from the night with a voice raspy from talking.
"Let me get my Coke?" he said.
Some of the citizens' concerns included the protection of historical resources, maintaining the views and the impact of runoff on a nearby earthen dam.
Others wanted to know the impact on property values, sewer and water systems, and roadways near the proposed project, which would also include land for a recreation area and school.
"It will include opportunities for several segments of the population," Assistant County Administrator Ned McElwaine assured citizens. "What we want to do is hear from the public."
Burgess said all those concerns will be funneled into a report compiled by a county consultant on the project. The county is planning another meeting Aug. 29.
Rhoades says he hopes the county is taking its responsibility seriously.
"It's going to have to be watched closely by the citizens," he said. "We're the ones who will have to live by the project."
by CNB