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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, August 4, 1993                   TAG: 9308040286
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

SALEM LANDFILL VIOLATES ZONING, RESIDENTS SAY

Salem residents who live near Mowles Spring Park have mounted a second legal challenge to City Council's plans to continue operating a landfill within the 283-acre park.

Residents of Bent Ridge Road have filed a petition asking Salem Circuit Court to declare the landfill in violation of the city's zoning ordinance.

The dispute centers on the designation of Mowles Spring Park as an A-1 zone.

Edward Natt, an attorney for the residents, contends the city's zoning ordinance does not allow landfills in A-1 districts.

Salem officials disagree. City Attorney Stephen Yost said the landfill can be considered a "public utility" like power lines and water easements, which are allowed in A-1 districts.

"I think these are all-inclusive for public use," Yost said.

Salem is to close its landfill this fall, but City Council has applied for a state permit to open a new landfill in another section of Mowles Spring Park.

by CNB