ROANOKE TIMES 

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

DATE: SATURDAY, February 23, 1991                   TAG: 9102250267
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-9   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

LOCAL CONCERN ABOUT ABSENTEE DEVELOPERS

HOW EXCITING that seven developers have expressed an interest in the Hotel Roanoke, and, therefore, the Roanoke Valley. Obviously, all of them have good taste!

As a taxpayer who has "agreed to commit $4 million in tax-free revenue bonds" for a portion of the overall project, I do have a major concern with absentee developers: They are not paying local taxes. What assurances could be offered to Roanoke-area taxpayers that our goods and services will receive fair consideration when construction begins?

We watch the Dominion Tower soar ever higher, with steel made elsewhere, laborers from all over, and a caterer from Charlotte (we were told) for the grand opening. How shameful for the local folks who signed the contract, with no agreement to make every effort to use our local talent and resources.

Dominion's David Caudill wants "real evidence that the valley is in full support of the project." I believe that support will be evident when our neighbors are working together to save the Hotel Roanoke and the Roanoke Valley. ANN H. GARST ROANOKE 


 by CNB