Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 7, 1995 TAG: 9509080053
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: E6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CHARLES STEBBINS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
It is particularly aggravating for Earsel Bailey of 1139 Halliahurst Ave., because another resident parks his commercial truck in the neighborhood unchallenged, Bailey told Town Council members Tuesday.
Also, Bailey said, there is an inoperable car in the driveway at another house.
Bailey said a Vinton policeman told him the town zoning code prohibited parking of commercial vehicles in residential areas. The officer, Bailey said, rather brusquely ordered him to get his truck out of town.
"If he had been polite about it, I may not be here now," Bailey said.
It is wrong, Bailey said, that he should be ordered to move his truck when other residents are allowed to keep such vehicles at their homes.
No action was taken about the other truck, Bailey said, even after he pointed it out to a policeman.
However, Bailey told councilmen that he is not trying to bring the weight of the law down on his two neighbors.
"I want the law changed so all of us can park there." But, Council members gave no indication they would consider changing the law or granting exceptions to it in these cases. Instead, they said, they are more interesting in knowing why the law was being applied to Bailey only.
Town Attorney Buck Heartwell said he would look into it. All laws should be applied equally, he said.
Bailey said that not being allowed to park his truck at his home causes a great hardship for him because he often works irregular hours. He said he frequently must leave Vinton at midnight or later and drive throughout Virginia delivering tires for trucks and heavy equipment. He often drives between 2,000 and 2,500 miles a week, he said, and a quick start from his home is essential so he does not get behind on his schedule.
The alternative to parking at his home, Bailey said, is to leave the truck at his place of employment, White Tire Distributors on Seibel Drive, off U.S. 460 East in Roanoke County. But he said, he loses valuable time having to go there to pick up the truck in the late night or early morning.
by CNB