Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, August 19, 1995 TAG: 9508210031
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: B. LYNN WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PEARISBURG LENGTH: Medium
They heard Del. Richard Cranwell, D-Roanoke County, the lawyer retained by the county to review a thick annexation agreement, say he would "try to get them removed from the annexation."
While he made no promises, Cranwell gave hope to the residents fighting annexation by the town of Pearisburg. After conferring with supervisors in executive session about the upcoming public hearing on the town's application, Cranwell lingered at the board's request to give the citizens a pep talk.
"The board is acutely aware of your concerns," Cranwell told the people who have become fixtures at supervisors meetings over the past year. He explained that the hearing Monday at 7 p.m. is merely the first step in a lengthy process.
Pearisburg also will make its case before the Commission on Local Government on Monday. The commission, Cranwell said, is an administrative court composed of five individuals with experience in local government. Appointed by the governor, they serve four-year terms.
It is their job to examine the annexation application and present a recommendation and report based on the "best interests of the state and the citizens," Cranwell said.
A panel of three judges hears the report next. Then the town and county have to pass an ordinance adopting the agreement before annexation takes effect.
Although Cranwell cautioned that there are "no absolute guarantees" for success, he did indicate some "wiggle room" probably existed.
Earlier in the meeting, citizens from Mason Court and Ingram Village subdivisions, also due to be annexed, heard Edwin Robertson from Ingram Village tell supervisors that 98 percent of the residents in his neighborhood had signed a petition against annexation.
Robertson reminded the board that it is an election year and people who "do not abide by the wishes of the people get voted out."
Supervisors also held a public hearing on the adoption of a Dangerous Structures Ordinance.
Under the proposed law, any building, wall, or other structure declared unsafe, has to be removed, repaired or secured by the owner.
If the owner does not take steps to remedy the situation, the county can authorize its employees or an agent to do so. The owner must pay all costs incurred in making the structure safe.
After brief public comment, supervisors unanimously approved the ordinance.
by CNB