ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, April 23, 1996 TAG: 9604230128
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KATHY LU STAFF WRITER
Here's the good news: Beginning about mid-May, junk cars marring Roanoke neighborhoods will be subject to removal.
Here's the better news: It doesn't cost taxpayers a cent.
Under a new law that city officials will begin enforcing next week, the city may order an unregistered or abandoned car towed from yards if the owner refuses to do it within 15 days.
"I'm very pleased [with the new ordinance],'' said Paula Prince, who lives in Old Southwest. "I live in one of the two historic districts, and it really adversely affects us to have these eyesores."
Enacted by City Council in December, the law applies to cars stored outdoors, off public streets. Those cars are subject to towing if they lack current license plates, a state inspection sticker or "essential parts," such as a motor.
An existing law already covers junk cars on city streets.
The new law replaces an older ordinance that required court hearings and was difficult to enforce, said Community Planning Chief John Marlles.
"The [original] process was very time consuming," he said. "The inspector had to take three trips to the site to verify the [junk] car. It took anywhere from 45 to 60 days to get a violator into court."
A fluorescent orange sign will be placed on junk cars that the city has received complaints about. The owner will be allowed 15 days to remove the vehicle or screen it from public sight.
If the owner fails to comply, the vehicle will be towed. The owner has 21 days to reclaim the car by paying the towing charge plus storage fees. After that period, the car may be sold for parts. Roanoke has a contract with Alert Towing, which will make its money by selling the parts.
There is no expense to city taxpayers, and in most circumstances, car owners will not be charged for the towing. However, there may be a charge if special equipment is required to move the vehicle.
There is an appeals process for owners who believe their cars shouldn't be subject to towing.
The law is the result of work by the Eyesore Committee, a group of residents appointed by the city administration to make recommendations about neighborhood beautification.
"I think [this ordinance] is long overdue," said Joel Richert, another Old Southwest resident. "I think this is what the Eyesore Committee was looking for."
Enforcement was delayed while insurance and other legal details were worked out, said City Manager Bob Herbert.
The new policy has drawn the attention of some candidates in the May 7 elections for City Council.
At a forum in Old Southwest last week, several candidates questioned why a new towing ordinance wasn't enacted years ago. Marlles attributes the delay to a lack of creative thinking.
"I think the city was relying on the existing process and not thinking outside of the box," he said. "People also didn't realize that there are towing companies who will tow their [junk] cars for free."
Enforcement will begin Monday. Towing will begin 15 days later, city officials said. There already is a list of about 400 cars the city has received complaints about.
"I'd say quite a few of those 400 cars are in my neighborhood," Prince said. "But you won't be seeing them in our historic district for long."
LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: WAYNE DEEL/Staff. Starting in May, cars like this oneby CNBmay be subject to towing if they are unregistered or abandoned and
their owners refuse to move them within 15 days.