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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 13, 1990                   TAG: 9006130034
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: KIM ZEOLI
DATELINE: RADFORD                                LENGTH: Medium

STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS GET APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL

After receiving a list of 10 unimproved rights-of-way, Council selected four to be improved. These roadways currently have gravel on them, but are not considered to be streets because they have is no pavement.

The rights-of-way that were selected for improvement include Fourth Street from the end of Taylor Avenue to Staples Street, Gibsondale Street from Auburn to the end of Auburn, Gandy Street to Wood Street and Gandy Street from Williams to Sheppard Street.

These roads will be improved to meet current Virginia Department of Transportation standards and they will include storm drainage. Council set a guideline on spending at $75,000.

In another matter, Bob Dowless, director of the city Parks and Recreation Department, reported on the security and safety in Bisset Park. Council requested this report following an attack on a jogger last month.

"The park is a safe park, but there are things we can do to make it a little safer. Even one attack is too much," said Dowless.

He recommended that the brush along the river section of the jogging trail be eliminated so visibility can be improved.

A telephone at the first shelter and at the pool are available if a problem should arise. According to Dowless, Radford police patrol the park as regularly as they can.

Further Council business included expanding parking hours on Taylor Avenue. Council narrowly approved the extended hours.

Parking will be allowed on the west side of Taylor Avenue from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. with a two hour limit, seven days a week. The new hours will go into effect July 1.

In other matters, Council:

Approved the increase in the minimum fees for solid waste bulk containers from $40 to $120. This fee will become effective Aug.1.

Approved the increases in water and sewer connection fees, wholesale water rates and credit for water leaks. New rates are $200 for water connection and $290 for the meter installation. Sewer connection fees were established at $450 and wholesale water rate increased to $1.15 per 1,000 gallons. Credit for leaks was extended to 45 days.