ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, August 12, 1996 TAG: 9608120118
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
MILL MOUNTAIN may not be the most majestic hill in these parts. But its location - in the center of an urban valley - is invaluable.
When Roanokers travel to other states and mention where they're from, they often hear from strangers: ``Oh, yes, that's the city with the mountain in the middle of it.'' And when we return, the sight of the mountain and the star atop it is somehow comforting, welcoming.
Mill Mountain is our God-given symbol. Most of us are justly proud of it, and jealously protective of it - not wanting anything ``done'' to the mountain that would spoil it. But many of us see its prominence in our midst as an opportunity overlooked.
As the Readers Forum feature on today's Commentary page indicates, interest in the mountain's future runs high. Soon would seem a good time to develop an actual plan for the mountain - and stick to it.
For years, this committee or that committee, this organization or another, this politician or civic leader or some outside consultant, has studied, contemplated, focus-grouped, brainstormed, proposed, shot down, then revived ideas for ``using'' the mountaintop. It's now a city park; it's home for a small zoo; it's the site of the city's man-made icon, the huge neon star.
Do we want Mill Mountain to be anything else? Let's get on with deciding.
Several of the Readers Forum letters endorse, not surprisingly, bringing back what was once a popular attraction - an incline lift to the mountaintop (or some variation thereof). This idea has surfaced regularly since the original two-car cable-system ride was dismantled in 1929. Several letter writers also support re-creation of a small hotel like the rustic Rockledge Inn, long closed as such but used by Mill Mountain Theater until the structure burned in 1976. Others envision one or more restaurants on the mountaintop.
We'll leave it to the letter writers and others to make the case for these additions. A small restaurant or the like, perhaps, would attract more visitors to the mountain.
But, meanwhile, there are serious constraints on parking. And the most distinctive feature of the mountain - that it remains green in the middle of a city - needs above all to be protected. Please, no whiz-bang carnival rides or putt-putt golf. The worst prospect would be to see Mill Mountain's park-like setting paved over.
We agree with those who suggest the zoo's future should be revisited. The zoo has worked hard to remain viable as a visitors' attraction. It's a charming facility. But it can only grow so much where it is. Why not reconsider relocating it to Explore Park?
We also would observe- as Lucy R. Ellett does in her letter - that a greenways trail up the mountain is already planned and funded. This should increase the mountain's use. Any other development shouldn't come at the cost of the mountain's serene and natural state - the state it was in when the Fishburn family gave it to the city to have as a park.
As for the star, well, that's part of the community's identity now.
Any plans should keep in mind it's not just the wonderful view from the mountaintop that is worth something. The view of the mountain from the valley also is precious.
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