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

DATE: SATURDAY, October 14, 1995                   TAG: 9510160023
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG                                LENGTH: Short

AGRICULTURAL FORESTAL DISTRICTS GET RENEWAL

Approximately 2,200 acres of land in Blacksburg have been renewed as agricultural and forestal districts following a unanimous vote by Town Council Thursday night. The districts were last reviewed in 1991.

The intent of the districts is to preserve agricultural land and open space within the town boundaries. If landowners within these districts meet specific qualifications, they will pay lower taxes on their land because their tax rate will be based on the use of the property instead of its assessed value. Landowners are penalized, however, if their land is developed, according to the ordinance.

The agricultural and forestal districts were initiated in 1983 and have been reviewed three times. The latest districts include 31 landowners.

by CNB