Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 11, 1990                   TAG: 9004110083
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV12   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: CATHRYN McCUE NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG                                LENGTH: Medium

TRAFFIC CONCERNS HOMEOWNERS

Steve Boyle, president of Woodbine Homes Association which represents about 160 families, said homeowners object to roads connecting Woodbine subdivision to future developments.

"There's enough problem as it is now keeping traffic down to a safe speed," Boyle said.

The group is also concerned that building would increase storm runoff into the subdivsion and aggravate drainage problems there.

But by and large, Boyle said, the group supports North Main Street Task Force recommendations.

"The intent and hope is that it won't be developed piecemeal," said Blacksburg Senior Planner Carol Bousquet. Many recommendations would not take place for 20 or 30 years, she said.

The report suggests widening North Main to four lanes, prohibiting commercial or industrial rezoning requests and realigning Bishop Road to connect to North Main.

The report also recommends limiting development to low-density residential "because of the high traffic volumes that may result" from high-density residential building. Developers would be encouraged to include public bus access in their road systems.

Judy Watson, of Bishop Road, said realigning that road would destroy rural atmosphere by providing easy access for Montgomery County residents to the U.S. 460 bypass. She said most Bishop Road residents own sizable properties because "we wanted our privacy."

The report recommends the realignment to improve safety for eastbound motorists who now must turn west on the bypass and do a U-turn.

The task force will make final its recommendations, which then will be reviewed by the Planning Commission and Town Council before being added to Blacksburg's Comprehensive Plan.