Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, August 19, 1995                   TAG: 9508210037
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: B. LYNN WILLIAMS
DATELINE: PEARISBURG                                LENGTH: Short

NOW THEY'RE DESIRABLE

She and her husband, a veterinarian, wanted to build a combination animal clinic and home in the town.

In 1972, they purchased an option on property zoned for residential and professional offices because "we felt like we fit in that category." But zoning did not state specifically that animal facilities would be permitted.

The Painters requested a variance that would have permitted construction of a veterinary practice.

But town residents complained the facility would be unsafe, unhealthy, noisy and emit an unpleasant odor.

Council did not approve the variance, and the Painters built their home and clinic in Virginia Heights.

"Now, with the annexation [by Pearisburg] we are considered desirable and we think that's strange. Our business has not changed," Painter said.

"Now, we don't want to be in town."