Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 21, 1990 TAG: 9006220660
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: N1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CHARLES STEBBINS CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: FINCASTLE LENGTH: Medium
Board member Wendy Wingo made that recommendation Monday as the Board of Supervisors discussed the minimum size for lots in new subdivisions.
Wingo, from the Blue Ridge Magisterial District and vice chairwoman of the board, suggested the supervisors meet with all local governing bodies in the county to draw up a countywide comprehensive plan that would require common areas in all future subdivisions.
Fred Bullington, a developer, told the supervisors during a hearing on another matter that he would not encourage common areas. He said they often are not cared for properly. After a few years, Bullington said, common areas are neglected and become unsightly.
The supervisors will hold a hearing July 16 on a proposed ordinance that would increase the minimum size of lots and, in some cases, double the size from one to two acres.
The park question, however, was not included in the proposed ordinance, one of three to be aired during the July 16 public hearing.
The other two ordinances deal with relatively routine matters.
One concerns charging a fee on all criminal and traffic warrants. Money from the fee will be used to establish a fund to help pay for the maintenance and expansion of court facilities.
The other is a revision to the animal and fowl ordinance. The revision will limit petitions for changes to one per year. The principal reason for this, explained County Administrator John B. Williamson, is because residents in some areas submit numerous petitions seeking changes in laws on confinement of dogs.
After two public hearings Monday, the supervisors approved the development of two residential subdivisions on separate tracts, but near each other in the Blue Ridge Magisterial District.
One would be on the south side of Virginia 654 between Birchwood Apartments and Apple Tree Village. It would contain 102 lots on 97 acres and would be developed by DVW Inc.
The other subdivision also would be on Virginia 654 across from the entrance to Apple Tree Village. It would contain 113 lots on 79 acres and is to be developed by Read Mountain Associates and F&B Developers.
In other action:
The board heard a request for funds for playground equipment at Breckinridge Elementary School in Fincastle. Jeff Bowles, a county citizen interested in recreational matters, asked the supervisors for about $10,000 but the supervisors said they allocated funds to the school board for such items. The supervisors suggested Bowles make his request to the School Board.
The board adopted an ordinance designed to control noise, including habitually barking dogs. The ordinance is to become effective July 1.
The board reappointed Guy L. Alphin of the Buchanan Magisterial District to a new term on the county School Board.
The board reappointed Patricia Weidman as Botetourt's representative on the Dabney S. Lancaster Community College Board.
The board adopted a resolution in appreciation of Susan D. Hannah for her 10 years of service to the county. She is Williamson's secretary and clerk of the board of supervisors.
The board passed two resolutions congratulating student teams at the county's two high schools.
One was for the James River Odyssey of the Mind team that placed 12th in world competition. The other was for the Lord Botetourt girls' softball team that won district and regional competitions and was a runner-up on the state level.
by CNB