ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, August 25, 1996 TAG: 9608260012
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
TYPE: LETTERS
Remarkably, the center of Blacksburg remains vital in spite of the development of outlying malls. While Blacksburg's citizens may take this vitality for granted, visitors recognize it as a distinctive quality of the town.
To preserve this vitality, the 1996 Comprehensive Plan presents a long-term vision for the center of Blacksburg (called "Old Town") that includes a mix of churches, offices, single-family residences and special housing.
The proposed zoning ordinance for Old Town, however, does not reflect this vision. Instead it advocates opening this area up for additional fraternity and sorority housing and commercial development that could adversely impact the old church and residential districts in the heart of town.
The Townscape Committee (an ad hoc citizens' group) has undertaken a study of actions that will enhance Blacksburg's center as part of its 1996 agenda and is concerned that the proposed ordinance will undermine Old Town's integrity, which is based on a delicate balance of many community uses.
On Monday and Wednesday evenings, the town is holding open workshops at the Community Center on Patrick Henry Drive so that its citizens can review and comment on the proposed townwide zoning ordinance.
Before you attend one of these meetings to express your opinion on the new zoning, we urge you to walk or drive through the center of town and envision the improvements that could be made if the zoning ordinance reflects the Comprehensive Plan's vision for maintaining the vitality of the center of Blacksburg.
Members of the Townscape Committee
Blacksburg
LENGTH: Short : 38 linesby CNB