Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 12, 1990 TAG: 9004120523
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B5 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CATHRYN McCUE NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
For the most part, the candidates were of a mind on the answer: a balance between the two.
Council member Al Leighton, who is seeking his fifth term, said the town's citizens cannot afford to take sides on the issue in an "us versus them" manner.
"Without business in this town, we would have a great deal of difficulty keeping people employed."
The forum was hosted by the Blacksburg Federation of Neighborhood Associations, which represents roughly 25 groups.
Ray Chisholm and Frank Teske Sr. are challenging incumbents Leighton, Lewis Barnett and Joyce Lewis for three seats in the May 1 election. Mayor Roger Hedgepeth, who also participated in the forum, is running unopposed.
In the past several years, council has often faced groups of angry homeowners concerned that proposed development will funnel traffic through their streets.
The candidates were asked whether they would support a resolution that no subdivision plat could be approved until the Planning Department had studied the effects of the development on existing streets.
Chisholm, a Planning Commission member, said state law prohibits localities from approving or disapproving a plat based on potential effects outside the subdivision area.
Hedgepeth concurred, saying, "You can't legally hold a developer responsible for what you predict will be traffic patterns 20 blocks away."
Another question was whether the candidates, given the choice, would favor economic development or neighborhood protection.
Lewis and Barnett said they would never sacrifice neighborhoods, though they'd seek a compromise; Leighton was unsure without more information, and Chisholm and Teske said they'd choose what was best for the town overall.
Hedgepeth said the town may not need any more buildings, but should enhance what is here already. "Buildings don't generate revenue. People and activities do."
by CNB