Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, April 20, 1990 TAG: 9004200451
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
And what they heard were mostly complaints about crime and vandalism, real estate assessments, a dead downtown at night, the city's indifference to environmental issues, a weak tree replacement program and zoning violations.
At most forums for the candidates, there have been few complaints and questions, but the Old Southwest residents had plenty to say.
The strongest complaints were directed at Republican Roland Macher, who was criticized earlier by the Old Southwest Association for his failure to obtain building and zoning permits for renovations to some houses and apartments he owns in the neighborhood.
Macher, one of the largest property owners in Old Southwest, was asked why he violated zoning restrictions by putting more apartments in some houses than permitted under lot-size requirements.
One resident said Macher's violation of housing density restrictions would undermine the residents' efforts to preserve the quality of the life in the neighborhood. He said the neighborhood worked hard to get the city to approve new density restrictions, but Macher has asked for permission to put six apartments in a building where two are permitted.
Another resident said she was surprised that Macher showed up for the forum. The residents are getting nervous because he owns so much property in the neighborhood, she said. Tenants in some of Macher's rental property have awakened nearby residents at 5:30 a.m. some days, she said.
Macher denied he is trying to undermine the neighborhood's density restrictions, adding that more details about his request for variances on two properties will be presented to the Board of Zoning Appeals on May 8. In the meantime, Macher said he has obtained the required permits and corrected the problems that had been cited by city inspectors in several other pieces of property.
He said he was sorry that some tenants had disturbed nearby residents, but he couldn't control all of his tenants. "Call me at 5:30 a.m. and I will assure that I will do something about it if the police won't."
Macher said he has helped to improve the neighborhood by buying and renovating property that had been occupied by drug addicts, prostitutes and vagrants. "I have tried to put in respectful tenants," he said.
Macher said he doesn't want to do anything to hurt the neighborhood because he has invested a lot of money in his property. He outlined a series of proposals for neighborhood improvements from gas lights on all streets to better police protection and tax incentives to encourage the rehabilitation of property.
The other candidates promised to do what they can to address the residents' complaints on other issues.
Councilman James Trout said the city hired 20 additional police officers in the past year and this should help provide better protection in the neighborhood to deal with the crime problem. If the city needs more police officers to help provide safer neighborhoods, Trout said he would vote to do that rather than trying to cut taxes.
Trout, who is running as an independent, said he supported the renovation of the Highland Park School and the plan for widening Franklin Road, two projects that show the city's commitment to Old Southwest.
William White, a School Board member who is seeking a council seat, reminded the Old Southwest residents that the Highland Park School renovation was proposed and completed during his tenure on the board.
White, a Democrat, said he would support police efforts to address the crime problem, but "the real solution is to start in the homes, schools and churches to teach young people the difference between right and wrong."
The additional police officers hired by the city are finishing their schooling and the extra manpower will be available soon, said Councilman Howard Musser.
Musser, a Democrat, said he thinks that more downtown housing will help bring some life back to downtown at night. Some residents complained that downtown is almost deserted after 5 p.m.
James Harvey, a former councilman, said the crime problem isn't restricted to Old Southwest. "It is a problem in many other neighborhoods as well as in [Roanoke] county," he said. Harvey, a Democrat, said he thinks the city has done a good job of revitalizing downtown in the past decade.
The Rev. Cecil McClanahan, an independent, said the city needs to plan more activities for young people so they will have something to do at night rather than cruise, commit vandalism and other crime.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB