ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, April 18, 1996 TAG: 9604180040
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG
SOURCE: KENNETH SINGLETARY STAFF WRITER
The proposed town recreation center would have one additional basketball court and a stronger roof under revised designs unveiled Tuesday before Town Council.
The new plans show modifications to the center because the roof of the former Lowe's building collapsed under the weight of a big January snowstorm. The plans still call for renovating the old building - currently a roofless shell - rather than constructing a new facility.
The new plans call for four regulation-size basketball courts with bleachers on the side and more space between the courts. Shuffleboard courts also have been added.
Earlier plans showed three basketball courts with bleachers behind the baskets. Critics said the baskets would obscure the view of some spectators and there would not be enough space between the courts.
Council may decide to accept the plans at its May 7 meeting, which also is Election Day. The recreation center has been one of the biggest issues in a Town Council race that has drawn more candidates than anyone can remember.
Eight candidates are running for three seats in Christiansburg. Two are incumbents, guaranteeing that at least one new face will be on council when the new terms start in August.
Speaking of the building's roof, Town Manager John Lemley said, "The strength of it would be increased with the new design."
Lemley said plans, which were drawn up by Mills, Oliver & Webb, a Blacksburg engineering and architectural firm, suggest a price for the project. But Lemley would not reveal it because the town has not requested bids.
"I believe we can afford it, what you have before you," Lemley told council.
Up next for the recreation center is a work session council agreed to schedule for 7 p.m. Monday in council chambers. Council also will take the unusual step of allowing public comment during the session, which will not be an official public hearing.
The plans will remain on display in council chambers, which are open to the public during working hours.
Lemley also told council that the town's recreation plans have been featured in the January issue of a publication for International City/Council Management Association. The two-column story was submitted by Roanoke's Hill Studios. Christiansburg paid the firm $23,900 for recommendations on its recreation program.
Also Tuesday:
* Council agreed to send a letter to the Virginia Department of Health supporting Warm Hearth retirement village's request to build a nursing home. The department's approval is required for the project.
Several months ago council sent a similar letter to state legislators. Council member Ann Carter is a member of Warm Hearth's Board of Directors.
* Lemley provided council members information on the procedure for adding new stops to the Two Town Trolley bus service between Blacksburg and Christiansburg.
Adding stops is difficult, he said.
Public transportation is another issue that has come up in recent debates among the council candidates.
* Lemley reported the cost of repaving the town's streets will be less this year than last year. Last year's cost was $28.19 per ton for asphalt, and this year's is $26.16 per ton. The asphalt will be provided by Adams Construction Co. of Blacksburg.
The reduced cost means the town will be able to afford to repave all the streets it has scheduled for this year, plus the alternates.
LENGTH: Medium: 73 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: GENE DALTON/Staff. According to Christiansburg Townby CNBManager John Lemley, the strength of the building's roof would be
increased with the new design.