ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, December 11, 1996 TAG: 9612110062
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: S.D. HARRINGTON
The Salem Planning Commission will consider subdividing 10-acre Oakey Field on East Main Street into two parcels - the municipal tennis courts and the softball and practice fields.
Because of a contract signed by the city to sell the softball and practice fields to the developers of a used-car lot, city planners are obligated to request a subdivision of the property.
It will be up to the Planning Commission to decide whether the land is actually subdivided, City Manager Randy Smith said.
The city had agreed to sell the softball and practice fields to Paul and Gary Duncan, a father-son partnership who planned to build a used-car dealership on the property, which rests between Longwood Park and the Home Shopping Network.
But in October - after more than 130 Salemites showed up for a public hearing to oppose the sale - City Council denied a rezoning request that would allow the Duncans to use the land for a car dealership. The sale was contingent on the rezoning.
Two weeks ago, the Duncans filed a lawsuit against the city, asking a Circuit Court judge to prevent Council's decision from interfering with their plans.
The city has not yet said whether it will fight the suit or settle.
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