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

DATE: TUESDAY, September 26, 1995                   TAG: 9509260064
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: RAY REED
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SOME SIGNS OF EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT

Q: Real estate signs in Roanoke are allowed only on the property that's for sale. Yet, at intersections, for-sale signs pointing to where the property is located are so numerous they block the view of the intersection. What is the law on placement of real estate signs, and why isn't the law enforced?

M.D., Roanoke

A: The bottom-line answer is, increased enforcement would mean hiring someone to collect those improperly placed signs.

In this era of lean and efficient management, that's not likely to happen.

You seem to have a pretty fair understanding of the city ordinance on signs. Real estate and yard-sale signs are not allowed on a public right of way, yet they show up anyway.

The city's grounds maintenance crews can pick up signs in the right of way, and the zoning administration office can pick up signs that obstruct vision or the right of way.

In reality, employees don't have time to police "snipe signs," as they're called, frequently enough to discourage their reappearance.

Evelyn Dorsey, zoning administrator, said the city asks real estate agencies not to put signs on the right of way. Often, when a new realty company is formed, it puts up a lot of signs until the city persuades it to stop, Dorsey said - or at least slow down.

Legislative longevity

Q: How many years has each of the General Assembly incumbents in the Roanoke-Blacksburg area held office?

R.C.R., Roanoke

A: Senators and the year they first were elected are:

Brandon Bell, R-Roanoke County, 1992; Virgil Goode, D-Rocky Mount, 1973; Madison Marye, D-Shawsville, 1973; Malfourd "Bo" Trumbo, R-Fincastle, 1992.

Delegates and the year first elected are:

Tommy Baker, R-Pulaski County, 1990; Dick Cranwell, D-Roanoke County, 1972; Creigh Deeds, D-Warm Springs, 1992; Allen Dudley, R-Rocky Mount, 1994; Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, 1994; Lacey Putney, Ind.-Bedford, 1962; Jim Shuler, D-Blacksburg, 1994; Victor Thomas, D-Roanoke, 1974; Clifton "Chip" Woodrum, D-Roanoke, 1980.

Kudzu still growing

Q: Last year, I asked about the kudzu that is growing behind Roanoke Memorial Hospital. It has now covered several trees on Mill Mountain. The answer from the city at that time was, "We're watching it." My question now is, how long are they going to wait?

M.W.

A: Ed Culp, superintendent of the city's Parks and Grounds department, said he would contact Appalachian Power Co. regarding the vigorous green vine.

Culp said he thought most of the kudzu had its origins along Apco's right of way.

An Apco spokeswoman said the power company's right of way maintenance department had not heard anything from the city as of Monday.

Apco maintains its right of way primarily by keeping vegetation off its lines and equipment. For the most part, that means cutting tree limbs. Grounds maintenance is left to property owners.

Got a question about something that might affect other people, too? Something you've come across and wondered about? Give us a call at 981-3118. Maybe we can find the answer.

by CNB