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

DATE: SUNDAY, August 22, 1993                   TAG: 9308210072
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

NEIGHBORS OPPOSE ZONING, NOT CHURCH

What we are against is any variance in the present zoning law that would allow anything other than a private residence to be built on the small lot next door to us on Tyler Avenue. A private residence would not require the removal of virtually all the trees on this lot and, with them, Grove's buffer to the back of Tyler Square Shopping Center.

Obviously, we are concerned about the traffic problem that exists there now and the safety factor that would be made worse by future growth.

If, as a church, we failed to express our opposition to a change in the zoning, we would be irresponsible Christian stewards and would fail those who worked long and hard to develop the facilities we have. Grove is a caring, responsible congregation involved with worldwide missionary and outreach programs. Our facilities are used by a wide range of community groups.

The real issue is that this lot is too small and unsuitable for such a building. The increased traffic in an already busy area will only add to the congestion. Several of Grove's members have worked with the Jehovah's Witnesses in a search for a lot more suitable to their needs.

We hope this will make our position clearer to those who do not understand that our concern is with the rezoning of an unsuitable lot, not with any ill feeling against Jehovah's Witnesses.\ Howard A. Bruce\ June A. Fortune\ Emmette G. Shufflebarger\ Members of Grove United Methodist Church