ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, June 6, 1996 TAG: 9606060087
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ELISSA MILENKY AND KATHY LOAN STAFF WRITERS
The Virginia Department of Transportation's request to take land out of a conservation district to build the proposed "smart" road received both strong support and opposition Wednesday.
Two of the three advisory committees to the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors charged with making recommendations voted soundly in favor of the request.
The committee that advises the board on issues facing agricultural and forestal districts, however, voted unanimously against the request.
These recommendations ultimately will be used by the Board of Supervisors when it decides on June 10 whether to grant, deny or delay VDOT's request for another 60 days so a public hearing can be held. Two main issues were considered by these committees: the road's effect on county policy to preserve and enhance farm and forest lands and the necessity of the smart road to provide services to the public in the most "economical and practical manner."
The Planning Commission voted 6-1, with two members absent, in favor of VDOT's request, with most saying relief from traffic congestion demanded action. New member Kitty Brennan, however, voted no, citing concerns about landowners who wanted protection from the very development that is now being thrust upon them.
Ray Alcorn told fellow planners that he learned Wednesday that Tech has offered the county an "acre for acre" grant of property it owns on Price Mountain to offset the loss of land in the agricultural and forestal district that would be used for the smart road.
Nine people voted in favor of the request while two people abstained on the Montgomery County Economic Development Committee. Several members referred to the vote as a reaffirmation of support for the smart road.
Members of the Agricultural and Forestal District were concerned about the property owners' rights and many said they were not convinced the smart road truly serves the public practically and economically.
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