ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, November 27, 1996 TAG: 9611270025
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: RADFORD
SOURCE: LESLIE HAGER-SMITH STAFF WRITER
Radford City Council on Monday approved new parking regulations for the downtown area and a special-use permit for a new sanctuary at the First Pentecostal Holiness Church.
The council also agreed to meet in executive session next week to decide on which of two locations should be the site of the planned new courthouse. The meeting will be at 5 p.m. Monday.
The new parking regulations relax current restrictions to address the concerns of downtown merchants.
Under the new rules, parking will be prohibited from 1 to 5 a.m. Tuesdays in the following locations: (a) the south side of Norwood Street between Tyler Avenue and Adams Street; (b) either side of Adams Street from Tyler Avenue to Norwood Street; (c) Tyler and Third avenues, between Norwood Street and Grove Avenue; (d) Randolph Street from Seventh Street to Eighth Street; (e) the north side of Eighth Street from Randolph Street to Harvey Street.
Parking is also prohibited from 3 to 6 a.m. every day on the following streets: (a) the west side of Tyler Avenue between Grove Avenue and Lawrence Street; (b) both sides of Norwood Street between Tyler Avenue and Harrison Street; (c) both sides of First Street (in the West Ward) between Randolph Street and Berkley Street.
Some merchants have complained of being ticketed in the wee hours while doing business or closing up shop. Councilwoman Polly Corn previously expressed concern about enforcement of the new restrictions, because they are inconsistent across town and, therefore, possibly confusing. She was absent on Monday when the other four voting members unanimously approved the restrictions which are necessary to facilitate street cleaning and snow removal.
Monday's meeting opened with a public hearing on the permit request from the First Pentecostal Holiness Church at 1820 Second St. This was the second public hearing on the topic since the church began exploring its options for growth with city Community Development Director David Ridpath, about a year ago. No one spoke for or against the request.
The church now has final approval to construct a new 5,900-square-foot sanctuary on its present parking lot. It will have a walk-out basement entering onto a small parking area on the lower level. Designed of brick to match the buildings now on site, it will accommodate 413 worshipers, twice the capacity of the present sanctuary.
The special-use permit was unanimously approved, though council expressed concern that parking be adequate to recover the amount lost to the new building and to accommodate the growing congregation. The Rev. Cecil Albano responded that the church will purchase 7,500 square feet of land adjacent to and east of their property for new parking.
In other action, City Council:
* Approved a new Business, Professional and Occupational License Ordinance, to update the statutory language and comply with a new model ordinance issued by the Virginia Municipal League. Taxes based on gross receipts will be payable on March 1 instead of Jan. 31 and an annual fee of $30 for issuance of licenses has been added.
* City Attorney John Spiers noted that several Radford tax rates are below the maximum permitted by law, including those for: contractors; retailers; repair, personal and business services; and financial, real estate and professional services.
LENGTH: Medium: 65 linesby CNB