Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 5, 1990 TAG: 9004060918
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The projects that would be financed with the bonds "touch all of Roanoke and its citizens," said John Frye Jr. "It is no exaggeration to say that every person in the city will benefit."
The bond issue would pay for storm drains and a flood-reduction plan for Peters Creek, the city's share of the renovation of the old Jefferson High School, removal of asbestos and upgrading heating systems in several city schools, highway improvements and other projects.
A referendum will be held May 1, the same day as the City Council election.
City officials said the bonds wouldn't require any increase in taxes.
The formation of a 17-member group, to be known as the Right for Roanoke Committee, to promote the issue was announced today by the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Frye, president of the Tread Corp., and Lewis Tolley, president of the Peters Creek Civic League, are heading the committee that also includes members who represent schools, the old Jefferson High renovation project and highway improvements.
Tolley, who lives on Meadowbrook Road Northwest, which is frequently flooded, said the bonds would pay for a flood-reduction project that will help save property and lives.
"For me and people who live in the Peters Creek area, it is matter of saving lives. We live with the constant threat of flooding," said Tolley, recalling several recent floods when water was several feet deep in his house.
Frye said the committee hopes to raise about $20,000 that will be used to prepare and distribute informational brochures on the bond issue and pay for radio and newspaper advertisements urging voters to approve it.
No public funds will be used to promote the bonds, Frye said.
The Peters Creek project is aimed at alleviating problems for businesses and houses that have been flooded several times in the past year.
The Army Corps of Engineers has said no federal money is available because federal law prohibits the agency from participating in projects if the costs are higher than the benefits.
Last July, angry homeowners demanded that the city solve the longstanding problem. Herbert said then that he would include funds for solving it in the next bond issue.
The city plans to convert Jefferson High into a center for the performing arts and community service agencies. The renovation is estimated to cost $5.5 million.
A private foundation hopes to raise $2 million and the city has promised to provide $3.5 million.
The projects and the amounts to be included in the bond issue are:
Jefferson High renovation, $3.5 million.
Peters Creek flood reduction, $4 million.
Schools - $4 million, which includes $3.3 million for asbestos removal; $430,000 for replacement of heating systems; and $270,000 for school renovations.
Statesman Industrial Park storm drains and other public improvements, $2.7 million.
Downtown and Luck Avenue drainage improvements, $860,000.
The city's share of street and highway improvements that will be financed mainly with state and federal money, $150,000.
The city's last general bond referendum was in 1987. Voters by a 3-1 margin approved $10 million for school renovations, storm drains, parks improvements, highways and other projects.
City voters also approved a $7.5 million bond issue in April 1989 for the Roanoke River flood-reduction project.
Council recently approved a $6.8 million bond issue without a referendum to help pay for a parking garage and other public improvements that will be part of the Dominion Tower project. Council members said there wasn't enough time for a referendum before developer Henry Faison starts construction on the 18-story building.
by CNB