Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, April 27, 1990 TAG: 9004270441
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER SOUTHWEST BUREAU
DATELINE: INDEPENDENCE LENGTH: Medium
"To be right up front about it, this group is not interested in having a super-four-lane highway put through Grayson County," said Susan Francis, president of Graysonites for Progressive Change.
She said the group does want the road improved, but only as a modern two-lane highway with passing lanes where needed.
The meeting at the Grayson County Public Library drew about 20 people, not all of whom agreed with the group's goal.
Two men said they were still undecided.
But the group collected more than 500 signatures in two months from people who say they would prefer a modern two-lane U.S. 58 through Grayson.
The opposition to four-laning has prompted local governing bodies throughout the Mount Rogers Planning District to pass resolutions to be sent to state transportation officials stating they still favor the four-lane version.
Judy Greear, representing the Graysonites group, went before the Grayson County Board of Supervisors Tuesday night in an unsuccessful attempt to change the governing body's mind.
She said her group had been dubbed "environmentalists," but the environment was not its only concern.
It also is worried about the possibility of rising crime rates, more traffic accidents and the loss of homes and property in widening the road, she said.
"As for the idea that a four-lane road will attract new industry, this may not necessarily be true,"
The group planned to gather data in support of limiting the new U.S. 58 to two lanes and meet again May 10 at 7 p.m.
by CNB