ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, June 8, 1996 TAG: 9606090002
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG
SOURCE: ELISSA MILENKY STAFF WRITER
The town's municipal park on Patrick Henry Drive could grow by almost a third if the town buys an adjacent nine-acre plot from a local physician.
The property, which includes a 6,000-square-foot brick house and about seven acres of pasture land, sits next to the town's Aquatic Center and across from Blacksburg High School. The town will consider purchasing this property from Dr. Charles Boatwright at a July 9 public hearing.
"The strategic location of the remaining nine-acre parcel, adjacent to the community's major recreation and education facilities, makes it a valuable acquisition for the current and future citizens of Blacksburg," said Mayor Roger Hedgepeth in a news release.
The property, including the house and other structures on the land, has a $488,500 price tag that would be paid in installments over six years. The town already plans to sell general obligation bonds this summer for townwide public projects and land purchase.
Hedgepeth said this purchase can be accomplished without a property tax increase.
The land would be a continuation of the existing 30-acre park. A rendition of possible perks for the park's extensions, including more tennis courts, open play areas and a horse shoe area, will be on display at the July public hearing, said Town Manager Ron Secrist.
The town is considering moving most of the parks and recreation staff offices to the brick house. Further suggestions from Blacksburg residents would be taken at the hearing.
The town had already bought two acres of Boatwright's land in 1986 for the Aquatic Center. Town officials approached Boatwright last year when the physician began considering selling the rest of the property.
Hedgepeth said the purchase would be a win-win situation because it would also ensure the land is not used for a high density housing development.
"It's a double barrel situation," said Hedgepeth. "We not only needed the park land but it also maintains the integrity of the property."
LENGTH: Short : 44 linesby CNB