Former Johnson & Johnson Building on Frontage Road .
The below email came into the SaveCountryside mailbox and I believe it is noteworthy to publish. The empty building that once housed Johnson & Johnson is an example of subsidizing a business that ends up costing the taxpayers. Maybe Trane could lease part of this building sitting idle. Delta Dental bought the J&J building in March, 2007, for $7 mil as an investment. This was half of its assessed value of $14 mil.
.TO: SaveCountryside
August 23, 2007
."The fact that the city has control of land and can pretty much do as big business wants is one of the most common forms of exploitation....big money interests. What I believe is of no concern of City Council if the future costs associated with heeding to the will of big business interests: they have to supplement the cost of providing basic infrastructure (sewer, water, street and sidewalk easement) which is not directly funded by the business interest they're accommodating. Its funded by taxes, fees and bonds. Being that the current income stream won't suffice, increase is the only option. Now, if the census (last 20 yrs) indicates a decrease in population and Roanoke's GNP hasn't increase and the cost of maintaining the current infrastructure has increased, then we're only digging a deeper financial hole. If one finds themselves going further down a hole, the resolve is to stop digging...not dig faster. We need another perspective of how Roanoke will function economically and socially in the future. My philosophical belief is to have, promote and practice policies of ensuring a stable economy and to enact progressive social policies that allow people to adapt and participate in local economic opportunities. This is a belief system the City of Roanoke should adopt."
4 comments:
Why exactly should the City not develop the golf course?
That's not a hostile question -- I just don't understand your position.
Please read the articles to the right.
Not just a golf course but a community gathering spot. See our events - the latest of which was National Night Out at the pavilion.
Also read the Airport articles regarding warnings by Airport Commission on building residences within the noise zone.
All who live around the course paid a premium for our homes to have the green space.
First Tee uses the course - William Fleming and Northside Golf Teams use the coures. Airport hotels sell golf packges and make money - Countryside is part of the package.
This property should be used for recreation as the Parks and Recreation Master plan pointed out this part of the city has none.
Again, read the articles because without knowing the history I can't put it all here.
Bill White-----I cannot believe you ask "WHY" the golf course shouldn't be developed????????
FYI, this is not the Bill White of our neighborhood.
There is another Bill White.
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