ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, May 17, 1996 TAG: 9605170043
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG
SOURCE: KATHY LOAN STAFF WRITER
A joint meeting of several Montgomery County panels to review the "smart" highway proposal has been postponed.
The meeting, originally scheduled for Monday, is now set for June 10.
The Board of Supervisors still will meet Monday with members of a staff review committee, but only to discuss procedure.
The county has to decide whether the Virginia Department of Transportation's request to acquire 140 acres of land out of a protected conservation zone would have an unreasonably adverse effect on county policy. The county also will consider whether VDOT's request is necessary to provide an economical, practical public service.
Last fall, the supervisors rejected the highway agency's request, effectively halting the smart road project. But a week later, the board rescinded that vote and set up the current, more-detailed application procedure.
The smart road, a planned six-mile link between southern Blacksburg and Interstate 81, is promoted as a proving ground for transportation research and a boost for Virginia Tech. Supporters say the project will relieve traffic and create jobs. Critics say the road is unnecessary and will damage the environment.
The county will place a legal advertisement to ask for written comments from the public. The county review committee will compile information about the request and distribute it to supervisors, planners and other advisory committee members.
On June 10, the Board of Supervisors will meet with the Planning Commission, the Montgomery Regional Economic Development Commission and the Agricultural and Forestal District Advisory Committee. The three advisory groups will make recommendations to the supervisors about the project.
The supervisors on June 10 will vote to approve or deny VDOT's request, or ask for a 60-day extension to hold a public hearing.
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