ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, February 14, 1996 TAG: 9602140064
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG
SOURCE: BRIAN KELLEY STAFF WRITER
The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors gave a boost Monday to Radford Community Hospital's plans to move south of Interstate 81 in the county.
In a series of votes, the board rezoned approximately 112 acres near Virginia 177 and I-81 and issued permits to allow construction of a hospital. The multiple votes were necessary because the land is divided into three pieces. The hospital, part of Carilion Health System, holds options to buy the tracts.
The special-use permits don't take effect until the hospital wins state approval of its plans.
All but two of the Montgomery votes were 5-2, with Blacksburg-area supervisors Mary Biggs and Jim Moore in opposition. The other two votes were unanimous. Aside from the rezoning and special-use permits, the board amended its comprehensive plan to make sure all of the hospital land is included in an "urban expansion area" around the interchange.
Last month, the county Planning Commission recommended the approval after a public hearing that drew hospital supporters and a few landowners who worried about the long-term effect on the rural area.
The special-use permits give the hospital two years to get construction under way, but that deadline can be extended. Radford Community still is seeking the state health commissioner's approval to build the hospital, and so far has won endorsements from three levels of state review but with some recommended size and design changes.
Columbia Montgomery Regional and Pulaski Community hospitals have a competing application with the state, but have yet to win a round in the lengthy regulatory process.
LENGTH: Short : 40 linesby CNB