ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, May 5, 1996 TAG: 9605040004
SECTION: HORIZON PAGE: 5 EDITION: METRO
For mayor: David Bowers\Democrat, Pat Green\Republican.
For three four-year seats
David Lisk\Republican, Alvin Nash, Republican, Joseph Nash\Independent, Carroll Swain\Democrat, Jim Trout\Democrat, Linda Wyatt\Democrat.
For two-year seat
Jeff Artis\Republican, Nelson Harris\Democrat.
1. Why doesn't the city invest in bus stop booths for the public? These booths could be made portable in case routes change.
- Arthur J. Wicker, Northwest Roanoke
David Bowers (D):``This is a good suggestion. I would ask the bus company to survey their routes to determine which bus stops are the busiest, and then, on a priority basis, would ask that bus stop booths be constructed for public use.''
Pat Green (R): ``Bus stop booths have to be safe. They provide a shelter for bus riders. There is no reason they couldn't be made portable. This is a request that should be looked into.''
David Lisk (R):``Bus stop booths could be introduced in selective areas if local merchants will agree to underwrite the cost of providing them.''
Alvin Nash (R):``Portable bus stop booths are a good idea. I would ask Valley Metro to provide city council with a logistic report that indicates how many are needed, the design, and how much it would cost. The overriding factors are affordability and convenience.''
Joseph Nash (I):``The cost involved in bus stop booths would prohibit large scale use. In calling several suppliers I came up with an average cost of approximately $6,500 per unit, not including installation or electricity.''Suggests private business may want to pay for some.
Carroll Swain (D):Says booths are ``a fine idea'' but says they'd be low priority because city has ``acute needs'' elsewhere. ``Soliciting private funds by neighborhood organizations for booths could be explored as booths may present some advertising potential.''
Jim Trout (D):``Keeping the system operating and holding fares at present levels is the best strategy for the next couple of years. To meet this goal there cannot be any capital outlays.''
Linda Wyatt (D):Says bus stop booths are ``a good idea'' but warns that council is busy ``wrestling with the dilemma of how we can continue to provide the present level of services'' when federal funding for Valley Metro is decreasing - which has forced the city to pay more.
Jeff Artis (R): ``Before I say yes to this idea, I would have to know how many booths are needed and their costs. Other than that, Mr. Wicker has an excellent idea.''
Nelson Harris (D):``The city should conduct a cost analysis of covered booths before any proposal is considered. Some neighborhoods have opposed such booths in the past, claiming they are unsightly. I would not be in favor of booths if neighborhoods did not want them or if their cost was too great.''
2. What should the city do to promote business and growth in downtown? There is too much unused space.
- William Tresky Jr., downtown
David Bowers (D):Says many merchants have told him the pedestrian bridge ``has increased their business by a large percentage'' by directing more visitors to the market. ``Next, we hope to do the same with the development of the railwalk'' from Transportation Museum to Market.
Pat Green (R):Says Roanoke's downtown is doing better than most Virginia cities, but Roanoke could promote itself more. ``Parking needs to be improved. Maybe some type of a token system would work. The private sector needs to assist in solving this problem.''
David Lisk (R):``To establish more development, I would recommend the utilization of enterprise zones with tax incentives for businesses that are willing to make major improvements.''
Alvin Nash (R):``I think that this is a great citizen hot line question,'' where citizens could suggest solutions. In meantime, city should work with Downtown Roanoke Inc., and the Chamber of Commerce to develop a plan.''
Joseph Nash (I):Says city should work closely with Downtown Roanoke Inc. to come up with ``innovative'' ideas and look at what other cities have done. ``We also have to make sure the buildings are ready for occupancy (some empty buildings contain asbestos).''
Carroll Swain (D):Notes city has made ``significant investments'' in downtown. Says ``the unused space issue is for the private sector to solve. I personally am in favor of a movie theater downtown, as well as the kind of shopping that would support residential occupancy.''
Jim Trout (D):``Roanoke is fortunate to have a 'real' downtown.'' Says city should work with businesses on downtown issues. ``A council liaison should be appointed to work with downtown businesses.''
Linda Wyatt (D):``It is important that the city work with Downtown Roanoke, Inc. to help it enhance the downtown area. The city must provide the infrastructure improvements to facilitate growth and encourage the reinvestment in our downtown area.''
Jeff Artis (R):``The biggest problem facing downtown is parking and convenience (the ability to get in and out of stores quickly).'' Says ``I'm not sure what the solution to our downtown problem should be other than small business and residential development.''
Nelson Harris (D):``Data shows that downtown continues to attract business - look at the market area compared to 10 years ago. I would propose that the city continue its course making downtown attractive to business, tourists and residents.''
3. Do you believe flood control should be a first order of business for the next City Council? Why or why not?
- James E. Robertson, Southwest Roanoke
David Bowers (D):says flood control is a priority. ``The process is painstakingly slow, made ever difficult by disagreements between the federal government and state government over environmental regulations.'' Says city has ``taken care of'' Williamson Road and is now working on Garden City.
Pat Green (R):``Flood control should be a priority for the next City Council. It is hard to attract business in a flood plain.''
David Lisk (R):``Flood control should be one of our immediate priorities. To correct the problem, we need to pressure state agencies to enforce compliance in Montgomery County, where flood control must begin.''
Alvin Nash (R):``I think flood control should be among the top five orders of business for the next City Council. I will make flood control a priority under a Renew Roanoke II campaign.''
Joseph Nash (I):``Flood control needs to be addressed as one of the first priorities by City Council. A regional approach will have to be taken to properly assess and implement measures to protect lives and property if flood control will work.''
Carroll Swain (D):``The mechanics of flood control are moving too slowly in Roanoke and I would like to see a progress report as one initial item of business . . . I do believe we can get on with flood reduction in some areas of the river in an incremental way.''
Jim Trout (D):Says flooding ``should always be on the list of top needs.'' Notes that Corps of Engineers plan has met with ``some environmental roadblocks'' and state approval process has been extended. ``I would like to see us move faster on this.''
Linda Wyatt (D):``Yes. I think flood control must be one of the first orders of business of the City Council. However, flood control is not an issue that belongs solely to [the city]. We have got to approach the issue of flood control as a regional problem.''
Jeff Artis (R):``It should be a top priority. As the flooding of Garden City proved to us last year, there are a number of promises the city has made to different areas of the city concerning flood control which the city has failed to keep. We must restore our city government's credibility on this issue.''
Nelson Harris (D):Says flood control should be ``a top priority'' for city. ``Flood control is an expensive undertaking and could be done incrementally with attention given to underground pollutions concerns along the river.''
4. The Virginia Room in the central library needs additional space. What will you do about seeing the needed improvements will be made?
- Vicie W. Fowler, Northeast Roanoke
David Bowers (D):``If, indeed, 400-500 people use that room each month, then it might be helpful to consider this as a project for regional cooperation and request funding from other local governments.''
Pat Green (R):``The Virginia Room in the public library should have additional space provided. It is important to provide all of the information we can afford. The outside terrace might have to be enclosed for that purpose. I will push for it.''
David Lisk (R):``If the Virginia Room in the central city library needs additional space, then the Roanoke City Library Committee needs to present their request to Roanoke City Council for study.''
Alvin Nash (R):Says a library study is under way and should be completed by June 30, 1996. ``The study will also include staffing issues and other space problems. Once on council, I will follow up.''
Joseph Nash (I):We definitely need to look at improvements at our aging libraries. As far as the Virginia Room goes, at present I do not have an answer, but I will work toward a solution to the problem.''
Carroll Swain (D):``One idea might be to relocate the Virginia Room in the old Norfolk and Western buildings as part of the Higher Education Center.'' Meanwhile, the microfilm room could be moved to another part of the library to give Virginia Room more space.
Jim Trout (D):``I am familiar with the space problem in the Virginia Room. Recently, while doing research ... there was no place to sit down and I had to do my research standing at the end of a table.'' Says city is hiring a consultant to study library needs.
Linda Wyatt (D):Says the Library Board, appointed by council, has duty of prioritizing the library's needs. ``If the Virginia Room is seen as a high priority for the libraries, I would be willing to look at the budget to see if funding could be funded for this purpose.''
Jeff Artis (R):``The current state of some of our libraries is a disgrace and an insult to the taxpayers of the city. I will make sure the needed improvements are done quickly.''
Nelson Harris (D):``As an amateur genealogist and regular user of the Virginia Room, I would work hard to see that the Virginia Room promptly gets the space it deserves.'' Says he'd want to hear from Virginia Room staff, local genealogists and others to develop a long-term plan.
5. Why should city taxpayers help rebuild Henry Street? They didn't destroy it.
- R.F. Jones, Southwest Roanoke
David Bowers (D):``The city has spent millions in downtown Roanoke'' on Hotel Roanoke, City Market and other projects. ``We should spent our share of public funds, along with private investment, to develop Henry Street, as well.''
Pat Green (R):``Henry Street should be a private sector project. The city should improve the street as it would for any other neighborhood. The old Stone Printing building should be transformed into a convention exhibit hall to complement the hotel and Henry Street.''
David Lisk (R): ``Henry Street should be developed if the citizens committee can agree on a proposal that could provide economic and cultural development to the area and methods for funding the project.''Also suggests seeking developers to build condos there.
Alvin Nash (R):Says if city spends money on infrastructure, taxpayers will see a return on investment. ``Taxpayers did not destroy Hotel Roanoke, Jefferson School or any other major historic site, but there is a history of community reinvestment and that history should apply to Henry Street.''
Joseph Nash (I):``The main reason why we all need to invest in Henry Street or any other ... project downtown is to spur further development and expand our tax base,'' which would repay city's investment. Says Henry Street is ``an important cultural and ethnic heritage.''
Carroll Swain (D):``The key word in your question is `help.' City taxpayers would want to provide water, sewer, lights, sidewalks, curbs, gutters and other infrastructure improvements to Henry Street just as we would in any part of the city''to boost tax revenue.
Jim Trout (D):``The current plan does not envision tax revenue being spent on development, but only on infrastructure and utilities. This is the same arrangement as with other economic development projects in the city.''
Linda Wyatt (D):``Henry Street is a part of the city of Roanoke. Just like in any other neighborhood, it is the responsibility of the city to provide those infrastructure improvements that will allow the area to be developed and/or maintained.''
Jeff Artis (R):``Other than sidewalks and gutters, my plan to rebuild Henry Street does not use taxpayers' money.'' He's proposing to sell land ``back to individuals in the community at the price it was bought for'' on condition they develop it to meet certain criteria.
Nelson Harris (D):``Aside from providing some possible seed money and the necessary infrastructure improvements (street maintenance, sidewalks, etc.), Henry Street's long-term viability is dependent upon the investment of the private sector.''
6. Why doesn't Roanoke have more curbing, street lights and sidewalks? It's made a lot of difference in Lynchburg, where I'm from.
- Susan Schlossberg, Southwest Roanoke
David Bowers (D):``There are hundreds of requests for streetlights, curbing and sidewalks in Roanoke.'' Some date back to annexations in the 1970s. ``In each bond issue, we ask the voters to support additional funding for curbing and sidewalks and streetlights.''
Pat Green (R):``The city should have more street lights, curbing and sidewalks. It has had its priorities and vision in the wrong places. It has no long-range plan for the next 30 years.''
David Lisk (R): ``This has been based, in the past, on requests from citizens. However, there have never been sufficient funds budgeted for these requests. Since federal funds have been reduced, new revenues will have to be found to cover expenses.''
Alvin Nash (R):``Good question! I agree and strongly support more street lighting, curbs and sidewalks in our neighborhoods. Clearly these items help to stabilize communities and break the pattern of neighborhood decline.''
Joseph Nash (I):``Improvements to the infrastructure (street lights, roads, sidewalks, curb and gutters) are important from the standpoint of safety and comfort. Not only that, but they are necessary to reverse the deterioration of our neighborhoods.''
Carroll Swain (D):Says fixing this will be expensive. ``We must, however, institute an aggressive and ongoing plan of action ... This commitment should be much more extensive than what is found in the city's 1994 to 1998 capital improvement plan.''
Jim Trout (D):``The Roanoke Neighborhood Partnership should prepare a new survey and expand their requests, helping prioritize needed improvements in this important area.''
Linda Wyatt (D):``Sidewalks, guttering and curbing for the entire city is an expensive proposition. It is a laudable goal, but is one the city cannot reach overnight without gutting other programs that are vital to the city or raising taxes to do so.''
Jeff Artis (R):``We need street lights, curbing, sidewalks and a number of other things. The lack of these things shows a short-sightedness on the part of Roanoke city government which has to end and end now.''
Nelson Harris (D): Says city needs a ``more timely response'' to citizen requests. Support council's request for a city manager's report. ``I would be opposed to the council's practice of decreasing budgetary allocations for such improvements.''
7. What would you do to further the effort to plan and construct greenways?
- Lucy Ellett, Southwest Roanoke
David Bowers (D):Supports selling part of the Carvins Cove watershed to the National Park Service for the Appalachian Trail and using the proceeds to set up greenways in city. Favors establishing greenway along sewer interceptor line project along Tinker Creek.
Pat Green (R):Proposes asking businesses ``to adopt and support segments of the greenway for long-term financial support. I would support the construction of greenways.''
David Lisk (R): ``City Council has expressed great support for a regional greenway system and I support the idea, if funding is made available. As with all projects, funding must be based on availability of resources.''
Alvin Nash (R):``I would hire a greenway coordinator out of the 1997-98 budget. A coordinator will have full-time responsibilities to not only develop the greenway concept but also deal with issues of promotion, value to the community and cost.''
Joseph Nash (I):Notes city applied for federal funds to build a greenway to Mill Mountain and has proposed two others ``If elected, I will give my full consideration and support to extending this program.''
Carroll Swain (D):``Public hearings in areas of the city affected by greenway creation and construction would be appropriate. I would like to have seen a greenway coordinator in the city's budget at this time, as a real plan needs to come together before we can determine costs and means.''
Jim Trout (D):``I will be delighted to support any plan that places a greenway beside Fishburn Parkway and the connection to the Blue Ridge Parkway. I have actively participated in the workshops which led to our present plans for greenways and am an avid supporter.''
Linda Wyatt (D):``I have been supportive of the concept of a regional green system ... As a council member, I am willing to work with citizens to see this concept turn into a reality for the Roanoke Valley.''
Jeff Artis (R):``A regional greenway system is a great idea. However, before we engage in this undertaking, we must first finish the capital projects we have started throughout the city.''
Nelson Harris (D):``I support a regional greenway plan, which should incorporate bike and walking trails. The city manager's budget should have included some initial funding for such a plan and it did not. Council needs to make greenways a higher priority.''
8. How should we encourage residential development of the downtown area? The downtown area cannot survive on lunch business only.
- Henry J. Sullivan, Southeast Roanoke
David Bowers (D):Says city has worked with Downtown Roanoke Inc. and others to develop the ``downtown living'' program. Says more residents will help spur more development.
Pat Green (R):``The second floor of downtown buildings should be converted into offices or apartments. The city needs to find a way to help the private sector develop this transformation. I will work to encourage this action.''
David Lisk (R): ``The new Downtown Living Showcase has demonstrated what can be done. We need to encourage more investors to develop apartments and condominiums for residents who wish to live downtown.''
Alvin Nash (R):``My vision of downtown Roanoke is one that has a large residential community ... I think this is a wonderful project for the city's economic development commission.''
Joseph Nash (I):Says support businesses, such as groceries and drug stores, are necessary to support residential growth. Says city economic development office should work with Downtown Roanoke, Inc. to promote this.
Carroll Swain (D):Says biggest obstacles are ``limited grocery shopping, security and parking.'' Says a higher education center in the old railroad buildings would draw residents. Says city should provide more lighting, sidewalks, curbs, greenery, if appropriate.
Jim Trout (D):Says he's proposed to develop housing near downtown by demolishing some existing older buildings along Franklin Road and constructing new ones for housing.
Linda Wyatt (D):Says city should work with Downtown Roanoke Inc. and other groups. Suggests convening focus groups ``to ask citizens what they think is needed in order to make living in the downtown area more appealing.''
Jeff Artis (R):``I agree. In fact, residential development instead of business development may be the answer to our downtown problem.''
Nelson Harris (D):Says city can ``examine'' such issues as parking, safety and building requirements, but ultimately the development of downtown housing depends on private sector. Says city should ``work in concert'' with developers.
LENGTH: Long : 417 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: all 10 headshots. KEYWORDS: POLITICS CITY COUNCIL MAYOR 2DAby CNB