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

DATE: SATURDAY, April 15, 1990                   TAG: 9004130072
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALEY 
SOURCE: Betty S. Thomas
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

ANGLE PURCHASE WILL EASE SPACE CRUNCH

The recent purchase by the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors of the Angle property in Christiansburg marks the end of almost two years of evaluation and discussions of the site by county officials.

Faced with both long-term and short-term needs of a growing county, the board determined some time ago that additional county office and storage space was needed. Residents conducting business at the courthouse often comment on the critical need for additional parking. The courts and constitutional officers also need more space in our courthouse.

When the board became aware of the availability of the Angle property, it carefully considered all aspects of the site - proximity to the courthouse, existing structures suitable for use in resolving short-term needs, an area large enough to accommodate the long-range need of a new county building and the central location.

In summary, the Angle property was an excellent solution to a growing concern - the pressing need to provide the necessary facilities to serve residents of the eighth largest county in Virginia.

In the near future, the Board of Supervisors will begin to implement plans first considered in November 1988 to move some offices from the annex on Franklin Street, from the old library building on Radford Street and from the courthouse. Off-street parking next to the courthouse will be made available. In the long term, perhaps five to ten years from now, the county may wish to consider the Angle property for a county office building.

While some parts of the buildings on the property are structurally sound and will be used for much-needed county office space, architect and engineering analyses indicate that part of the newly purchased building may not meet the stringent requirements necessary to assure the health and safety of employees and the general public. Also, conversion to enable accessibility for the handicapped may not be possible.

The purchase of the Angle property is a positive move toward meeting the county's space and parking needs. It will benefit Montgomery County residents for many years in the future.

by CNB