Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, July 23, 1993 TAG: 9307230205
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-8 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
Council will hear comments on the Ingles Ferry-Wilderness Road transportation enhancement project, which would re-establish a historic pedestrian ferry link across the New River as a tourist attraction. The ferry would run between "The Long Way Home" outdoor drama amphitheater and the Ingles Tavern.
The plan, which seeks $170,000 in local and federal money, also would restore the tavern and revive a nearly 3,000-foot section of Wilderness Road, a trail trod by early settlers as they moved westward through the New River Valley.
The city's share of the project would be $34,000, but $5,000 of that would be contributions of professional services and property easements.
At its last meeting, council unanimously approved a resolution to endorse the project idea and ask the Commonwealth Transportation Board to consider funding it.
Council will take formal action on the resolution and the city's funding commitment at Monday's meeting.
A public hearing also has been scheduled on a request by Calvary Baptist Church for a special-use permit to build an addition on their Sixth Street sanctuary.
A similar request by the church last year was denied by the Planning Commission and later withdrawn. The commission acted favorably on the church's most recent application in June, with chairman H.M. "Mac" Harvey Jr. casting the only dissenting vote. Harvey expressed concerns about high-density development in the residential neighborhood.
The church plans to build a 7,200-square foot, two-story, brick-faced structure housing a fellowship hall, kitchen and classrooms.
Council is expected to act on the church's request following the public hearing.
by CNB