Shape It Up

Shape It Up

Another View

If you’ve been hanging around on this site for a while, you may have noticed Scott Beasley’s letter to Mr. Brian K. Brown, Roanoke City Economic Development Administrator.

There's a lot of truth in what Mr. Beasley wrote about course conditions, but there are a few points where I would disagree. I grew up on the course, and I still remember it as it was. I also spent fifteen years living on the first fairway of Green Hills Club in Greene County, Virginia. Green Hills’ course plays a little shorter than Countryside, but it is remarkably similar in lay-out. Like Countryside, one nine is predominantly in a flat area and the other nine is at a slightly higher elevation with rolling hills. During my time there, I befriended the course superintendent and freely wandered through the equipment barns and frequently talked about course maintenance with him. Those wanderings gave me a different, deeper understanding of how a golf course should look and should be maintained. Of course (pun intended), I haven’t stayed at a Holiday Inn Express, so I am certainly no expert in course maintenance.

Here's the way I see the state of Countryside using Mr. Beasley's letter as a guide.

Limbs Down/Traps Not Raked

I can't really speak to the limbs. However, there was a general uncleanliness about the course this past summer, as if people were just letting things go a bit.

The traps are not in the shape that Mr. Beasley suggested. He must have only toured the facility in winter. I can assure you that the traps are no better in summer. They have hard-packed sand. Many drain poorly and are sediment filled. Many traps are in need of edging as creeping grasses infiltrate the edges.

If you look at the picture, you will see more of a construction-grade sand, not the pretty white sand that a championship course requires. Additionally, many traps and bunkers have been completed filled in. My guess is that approximately 1/3 of the traps and bunkers have been filled with grass. I was told recently that the bunkers were filled in order to speed up play.

Fairways/Tees
Mr. Beasley is right on about the tees, fairways, and greens. Traditionally, Countryside has the best greens in the Roanoke Valley (no kidding!). However, they began to slip over the last few years with different grass-like strains (crab, etc) invading. They are easily salvageable.

The tees are horrible. They are burned out, worn out, and unmaintained. They will need extensive reconditioning. He's right about the irrigation. It makes no sense to reseed and revitalize if you can’t maintain the surfaces with proper hydration.

The fairways at Countryside have never been the absolute best (other than the showcase second hole). However with the overhauling of the irrigation system, it makes sense to recondition the fairways.

Cart Paths
Mr. Beasley’s right; the cart paths are in horrible shape and are DANGEROUS. I agree that gravel is not the answer, but I know that they cannot be left to deteriorate further.

Option 1
6000 feet at $25 a foot is $150,000 is a lot of money. I think, however, a more careful study can be done and a priority list of path segment replacement can be drawn up. Not all the paths need to be hit at the same time. In fact, I think for the future lifespan of the course, it makes sense to replace the paths utilizing a cyclic plan. Short-term patches could be done to make the most rugged areas passably safe until they can be replaced.

Option 2

Transitioning many existing paths to grass is a fair point. In my estimation, you only need the cart paths in high traffic areas like around greens and tees. Once golfers leave those areas, they scatter to find their golf balls. 90 degree rules (may only cross the fairway at a 90 degree angle) further reduce wear and tear on the fairways. So a significant amount of money could be trimmed from the overall replacement cost by transitioning some of the existing paths to grass.

As a side note: The eighth hole probably has the worst paths. The old path along the right side of the fairway is a rutted mess. The make-shift path developed along the left side is a rugged nightmare.

Water Features
Mr. Beasley neglected to mention the use of water as a prominent feature on the course. Since its inception, water has been a vital part of the course. The sixteenth hole, for example, is considered one of the best holes in the region by The Roanoke Times. However, water features have been allowed to deteriorate or have been removed altogether.

Creeks

The whole front nine is fed by a unique stream bisecting the land. The active stream is what gives that relatively flat space an unusual character not found in any other course in the valley. All along the seventh, eighth, and third holes, banks are eroding. Walking bridges and cart path drains are collapsing.

Bank stabilization efforts need to be enlisted. The area by the seventh green where the towers cross the property is especially bad. The stream along the eighth fairway, devilishly tricky for golfers to manage, suffers from bank erosion.

Ponds

The second hole pond has almost completely filled in with sediment and needs to be dredged to be restored to its original condition. It could be permanently converted to marsh/wetlands which would be an acceptable alternative to me if maintaining a water feature is too cost prohibitive. However, the area must not be allowed to become a trash dumping ground. Now, flood debris litters the area along the edge of the property by the second green.

The sixteenth pond is in fair shape. Some bank stabilization needs to be done on the green-side of the lake. Also some landscaping/maintaining needs to be done in the area below the tee box toward the pond.

My biggest gripe over the years is the complete eradication of the sixth hole lake. Back when the course was first opened, a lake stretched from just shy of the sixth green toward the front of the seventh tee. Some time about fifteen years ago, that lake was drained and now a small creek meanders through the space. I'd like to see that lake restored.

Mr. Beasley gave an honest assessment of the property (less the water features). I don't believe that all of the issues need to be addressed immediately. It makes sense to prioritize repair, reconditioning, and restoration needs then commit to revitalizing the course over a reasonable, measured period.

Letter to Economic Development - Conditions at Countryside Golf Course

January 16, 2008 - To Mr. Brian K. Brown, Roanoke City Economic Development Administrator

Dear Mr. Brown:

This letter is in response to your correspondence, dated January 4, 2008; regarding the current conditions at Countryside Golf Course. First, as you mentioned, it is winter and with the frequent freezing conditions realized this time of year in the Roanoke area, it does make it difficult to maintain conditions at a high level. However, you did make several very valid points that I want to address.

Limbs Down/Traps Not Raked – We have experienced several windy days, one in particular that was caused some tree damage on the course. Countryside Golf Course is operating on a very limited staff this time of year and has done what could be to clean the limbs up and also cut down one large tree that was lost in the storm. This is an ongoing project that we will stay on top of.

The traps are raked frequently when conditions allow. If they are frozen, it doesn’t do any good to use the sand pro since this process only creates more damage to the bunker edges when they enter and exit the traps. These conditions will improve significantly as weather gets better.

Fairways/Tees – Before I address your concerns regarding the fairways and tees, I wanted you to know that back in the fall, we did a full aerification of the greens at a cost of approximately $12,000. This process is again budgeted and will be completed in the spring and will include a heavy top dressing. The anticipated costs for the complete project is $18,000. With that being said, the greens will be in the best conditions they have been in for some time going into the 2008 season and throughout the year.

As you are aware, Roanoke experienced a drought in 2007. The drought, coupled with the antiquated irrigation system took a toll on fairway and tee turf conditions. You are correct that we are very limited in the scope of any improvement we can do because of this. Implementing a new grass program would be impossible to grow-in and maintain without a properly functioning system. We would consider budgeting funds for reseeding of all fairways and tees if the system does get updated. The estimated cost to repair the irrigation system, maintain it in a consistent working condition and ensure a continuance life span is approximately $100,000. This amount would include the labor needed to do the repairs, all of the parts and also anticipated upgrades to the pump station. If this work is completed, coupled with a grassing plan, the conditions of the fairways and tees will be the same as the greens and produce a great, overall experience for the golfers visiting Countryside Golf Course.

Cart Paths – The cart paths are obviously in very poor and bad condition. There are approximately 6,000 linear feet that need to be replaced. I do not recommend replacing the cart paths with gravel. Doing so will cause more problems than leaving them in their current condition. With that said, we have two choices to consider:

• Option 1: Replace the damaged cart paths with asphalt at a cost of $20 to $25, per linear foot. This would include a base material which is needed in most locations to ensure quality and longevity.


• Option 2: Eliminate the cart paths that are in the worst condition and replace with grass. This would have a cost of approximately $25,000 to haul away the existing and re-grass.

Mr. Brown, I would like to set a time to meet with you at the course to discuss these issues and resolutions. Please let me know what possible date/times you may be available so that I can coordinate my travel/schedule.

Cordially,

Scott Beasley,
Vice President of Operations
WSB:bdmc
Cc: Darlene Burcham, City Manager
Steve Gano, VP of Operations, IGM
Tyler Minamyer, Regional Manager, IGM

I thank Mr. Beasley for copying me on this letter. It certainly gives us insight on what needs to be done in maintenance for the long term. From this letter upgrade of the irrigation system is critical to Countryside Golf Course's future. The cart paths are also extremely important. That said it is Roanoke City's responsibility to invest the $100,000 needed for the upgrade and the substantial amount needed for paved cart paths. In the scheme of how much money the City has spent on just "studying" other recreational projects (ex. Reserve Ave.) it really is not alot of money. The consultant hired to update the Parks and Recreation Master Plan was paid $50,000. As I've repeated many times on this blog that Northwest's allocation of the $75 million dollars over 10 years is 4.4%! Guess where over 20% is going - yes, no surprise, South Roanoke and Reserve Ave., with multi-generational recreation center no less. We in North Roanoke get to SHARE the recreation center that the County is building (maybe). No surprise that when contacted the County Parks Director was surprised to hear that. Lets face it we are getting the shaft (no other way to say it).

Homeowners Have Right To Expect Golf Course To Continue

In today's Roanoke Times article: "Botetourt Co. supervisors vote to preserve golf course" - Supervisor Steve Clinton said residents who purchased homes next to the golf course land proposed for a change of use had every right to "expect a golf course to remain a golf course."

Now let us see Roanoke City's Council feel the same way about it's residents at Countryside Golf Course who paid a premium to live adjacent to the open green space that this golf course provides.

Roanoke City Council needs vision to build on this attraction to city, county, state, and out-of-state citizens that come to the City of Roanoke, stay at the airport hotels and spend a day on this golf course. What better way to advertise Roanoke City. If Council had any vision this golf course could be used to attract those visitors who don't get past Valley View Mall to venture downtown and to the new art museum.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Annual Banquet

Friday evening I was so honored to have received the Dr. Perneller Chubb-Wilson Humanitarian Award. It really was a humbling experience I will never forget. I was nervous being among so many deserving award winners. I gave my brief remarks and my friends comforted me with kind kudos as they always do. This is my second year attending and I can tell you it is an inspirational event. Below is what I tried to say. There is a message here in my remarks that was for someone on the dais though he probably did not notice. See if you can find it.

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---------- CLICK on the video in the sidebar-------------->>>>

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"Thank you- Dr. Perneller Chubb-Wilson, Jeff Artis, Mac McCadden and all who thought me worthy of this acknowledgement. I am humbled by it.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge my Countryside Neighborhood Alliance members and friends who have supported me, listened to me whine, sent me cards and flowers of encouragement when I was at my most emotionally strained.

My dear friends and neighbors Rosanne Saunders and Susan Hall my most cherished confidants. Dr. Virginia Stuart, our Secretary who speaks her mind and tells it like it is - something we all should aspire to. Our dependable and insightful block captain Al Steele who is still waiting to be paid for the job of putting up our “Save Countryside” banner.

And my Neighborhood Services friend and adviser, Bob Clements, thank you.

Mary and Mark Young - Mary who has sent me so many cards of encouragement I lost count. This Christmas Mary gave me a beautiful bouquet of orchids that left me speechless which some of you know is hard to do.

Last but not least my resent card of congratulations from Lavern Garren whose health prevents her from attending tonight. I am wearing the delicate beaded tree of hope she enclosed in the envelope. Lavern, if you think I put it aside in a drawer you are mistaken. These are the awards of a lifetime. I will never forget them.

I thank my son, Joe, for withstanding the torture of having to dress up to come honor his mother this evening. My daughter, Kelly, in Charlotte, who advised me not to become stage “road kill” as I step up to accept my award.

Briefly for those of you who are not familiar with Countryside Golf Course - it is an affordable public golf course for the blue-collar working man, their sons, and their daughters. Our community was turned upside down upon learning that Roanoke City had purchase this most cherished Northwest City asset for development.

Here are some thoughts on my journey of resistance upon learning our community asset was on the chopping block:

Listen to your instincts - question everything. The best advise comes from Dr. King who said, “You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”

On my journey I have made mistakes, repositioned, adjusted, and moved ahead. The greatest mistake you can make is inaction fearing you will make one.

Nothing you do in the name of what is right and just is wrong.

As Dr. King said, “The time is always right to do what is right”.

But most of all please BE TRUE TO YOURSELF.

Too few men have the virtue to withstand the highest bidder. The right way is NOT always the easy way and if you dare nothing then you hope for nothing.

HOPE is a powerful thing.

In the words of Robert F. Kennedy - “Each time someone stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.”

Never, never, never give up.

Rich Cranwell Speaks to the Countryside Property

I believe the City should maintain Countryside as a municipal golf course--for reasons due to planning, and prioritization of this City's resources. I also believe that, should the City pursue development again, that the citizens need to be included in the process.

Thus far, the development proposals have been unsatisfactory to either the citizens, our City council, our City management, or some combination of these players. The last round of proposals were rejected. No city should develop an area for development's sake and since there is no plan, and attempts to secure proposals have been widely unsuccessful, the City should leave the land undeveloped for the immediate future.

In terms of our priorities, the City collects roughly $17,500 a year from this golf course. This certainly is not much revenue, but it is still a profit. Our City needs to turn its attention to more immediate areas, including our City Market Building--which lost $120,000 in 2007. I believe our energies and resources are better spent refurbishing the market building and finding a way for it to make a profit.

I believe it is worthwhile to look into some limited projects for parts of Countryside. It would seem beneficial to look at possibilities for some municipal soccer and sports courses to increase the space available for our children all over the city to use.

Any future proposals, and any investigations of possibilities for soccer fields, etc. I believe, require citizen input. The citizens, council, and City management need to work together on this and I would not make a decision about development without input from all three of these sources.

Councilman Fitzpatrick's Thoughts on the Countryside Property

"I am happy to respond and appreciate the opportunity to let you and your neighborhood know my thoughts. As you know, the city got interested in the land when we found it was for sale as we have so little land left in the city. One of the largest issues facing us is the fact that as an Independent city, we have so few ways to find revenue to pay for citizen services compared to cities like us in the other 49 states.

Virginia is the only state that has separate local governments where we do not have joint services mandated by state statute. That means that our costs are higher in so many ways than they would be if we were part of the normal city/county structure found in the other states. If we were like Charlotte or Greensboro, once the population density of an area gets to a certain level, that area is automatically annexed into those city's boundaries. That leads to new sources of revenue, new land for growth and a positive way to move that community ahead. There is a very good balance that comes with that kind of policy. The General Assembly of Virginia has so far chosen not to deal with this central issue. If it does not change, taxes for our citizens in the city will eventually have to rise to unfair rates for our citizens because we will have no new options for growth with no land to develop. That is the real reason Council got so interested in the availability of Countryside as we see this coming and no state changes that will help us out of a very tough financial situation in the making.

Since we have so little land, City Council wants to make sure we develop the acreage we have left with good, solid, planned development that can add to the value of any current neighborhoods( like Countryside) in any of the very few areas where we can grow and increase our tax base accordingly as we try to provide the services all citizens need. With the highest per capita age of residents in Virginia we are not in an enviable position and see our annual costs for public safety and EMS along with many other services going up and up with no long term way to find any solution.

The land at Countryside is a valuable asset to Roanoke and we do not want to see any project that would devalue current property or be developed in a way that is not good for the city or you and your neighbors. What we may have to see, however is some kind of effort to use that land wisely. My background is in Economic Development and I have worked on every kind of project you can imagine and to me, land is the basic value of a city and we all have an obligation to manage its development so it is done well. As a person with years in the field of economic development I expected a lot when we asked for a proposed plan for Countryside. At the time it was announced, I know of no one who liked it including me. It was not what we need knowing the potential of your area and its vitality to Roanoke. It clearly did not take into consideration many of the issues that your group brought to the table.

I have not taken a position at this time on Countryside as there is no active plan on the table. I know there are many who want to keep the golf course open and if someone comes up with a plan that would make improvements so it would be a quality course, and can show us it will make a good investment of taxpayers money, I have no problem supporting the concept. Just as I did on the other plan process, I would support as much communication as we can allow when dealing with a private sector developer and as many meetings as necessary with residents of the area. One thing I know about is that the best developers in the country, will run if their names get used to quickly and publicity is made public before financing and contacts with involved parties can take place. The other thing that is most clear is that any plan has to be more detailed and public than that by any private land owner because, we (the city) as the owners, will not do something that will adversely affect the area. If this had been bought by a private owner, there would be very little we could to to affect development as long as they followed the city's comprehensive plan. It is a good thing that we purchased the property as that will always protect you and your neighbors interest's more thoroughly.

No one on Council wants to see Countryside changed so much that it is only a commercially developed area. That is not what is best for Roanoke or your neighborhood. What is needed is some kind of plan done with the residents involvement, both parties being realistic about accepting some change and seeing what commitments can be made by the city with funding it gets from the right kind of new development.

I drive by the new Biomed area each day on my way to work and it is amazing to see what is happening there. It will be a great job producer, one that we have needed for a very long time and with it will come the need for more housing, condos, retail, entertainment and athletic venues. It is not what it used to be, it is not really nor will it likely be a neighborhood, but it will impact every neighborhood in the city and even the Valley. It could even be the genesis of some new ideas you and your neighbors may have about residential growth at Countryside.

I have never taken a position on a potential project until I understand all I can about it. I will do the same with Countryside when and if we have a plan to consider. Committing up front, politically or otherwise, is not what we need in our leadership today. We need to have a valid, neighborhood sensitive, good for the city plan to review and so far, I see none in the pipeline.

What I will promise you, your neighbors and all citizens of Roanoke, is to do my best to make the best decisions I can based on the facts and what I think will be in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Roanoke whenever a proposal or project like this comes to our attention. That is what I have always done and it has worked well for me as I try to be fully informed before making decisions that affect the city, its future and most importantly, its citizens.

Since I was 10 years old Roanoke has been the thing in my life most important except family. My goal as a teenager with my first driver's license was to drive on every street in the city. I did that and it was amazing to see all the different parts of Roanoke and how this wonderful city fits together. My roots are in NW with my parents both growing up there so that was one of the areas of the city I knew early on. With annexation came an entirely new city and lots of new territory to learn!

The greatest honor one can have is to be elected to represent citizens. I take it unusually seriously as I am the oldest person on Council and remember so much of our history, both bad and good. It is a great place to live and work but we have some very large issues that will affect everyone in the city if we do not make good choices. As my dad told me before I left Roanoke to go to Ferrum Junior College, "there is something no one can take away from you but you can give it away in 30 seconds. That is your integrity." I live by that quote and always have and it has stood the test of time. I hope I can always do that until the day I am no longer here. The Judge was a very insightful person and taught me a lot that has made me a better person.

Thanks for the chance to respond to your request. Let me know whenever I can be of help to you or your neighbors. Bev"

Countryside Property Too Noisy ...

September 27, 1982, Roanoke City Council Minutes - Airport-Sale/Purchase of Property: The City Manager (Bern Ewert) submitted a written report advising that an Environmental Impact Assessment Report done in conjunction with planning for the Runway extension identified areas with high noise impact and encouraged the City to apply for a grant to acquire properties affected by a certain level of noise. Funds have been made available for land acquisition. The City Manager recommended purchase of 14 individual homes and Builders Investment Group (then the owners of Countryside). The total consideration offered or expended shall not exceed $562,500 without further authorization of Council. CLICK ON THE MAP TO ENLARGE.

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From the minutes of the September 20th, 2006, Roanoke Regional Airport Commission Meeting: There was discussion among the members regarding the Countryside Golf Course property and the City of Roanoke’s recent one year renewal of its lease. It was suggested that the Commission go on record advising the City of Roanoke that any residential projects planned for that area include sound proofing. Ms. Shuck indicated that she would prepare a letter to the City for the Chairman’s signature.

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The Roanoke Times September 30th, 2006: The executive director for Roanoke Regional Airport, Jacqueline Shuck, has weighed in on city plans to develop the property currently occupied by Countryside Golf Course. Her concern: noise that will annoy new residents.

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She confirmed last week that she has reminded city officials that parts of the land lie in the airport's noise impact zone and any developer that builds homes there should strongly consider sound insulation.

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Shuck went public with her concerns after questions were raised at an airport commission meeting held Aug. 20. They come at a pivotal time for the city, which is considering a proposal to develop the 123-acre property southwest of the airport along Interstate 581.

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Because of its proximity to the airport, commission member Fuzzy Minnix wanted to make sure the city was aware that some of the land overlaps with areas the airport considers heavily affected by the buzz of airplanes flying overhead -- a move he said could help the airport avoid complaints from new residents moving into the area.

Mayor Harris, I was not invited ...

As Democratic Committee District Leader for Northwest City I was not invited to Mayor Harris' candidacy announcement. Mayor Harris is again seeking the Democratic nomination for Mayor of Roanoke City. I thought maybe I missed the announcement in my "in box" ... nope, not there. I checked my phone messages, nope nary a one.

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I called other members in my District and other Districts and nope they were not invited either.

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What am I thinking we were Bowers supporters at the Democratic Committee's reorganization so I guess all that unifying talk was just that ... "talk".

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Then again The Roanoke Times and WDBJ7 reported that Mayor Harris was surrounded by 30 officials and members of the business community. Not a "working class" citizen to be found in the bunch. I hope they enjoyed their unifying moment.

Councilman Lea's Position On Countryside

Here is word for word Councilman Sherman Lea's response to my request for his position on the Countryside Golf Course Property:
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"Before I comment directly on Countryside, let me state that during the campaign season all citizens will have to separate the two R’s. They are record and rhetoric. I stand on my record of nearly four years of committed service to all of the citizens of Roanoke. I have adamantly, clearly and without hesitation stood with and for the citizens of the Countryside neighborhood.

I recall the first neighborhood meeting with Councilman Brian Wishneff, at that time City Planner Brian Townsend and myself at which Councilman Wishneff and myself advised all those in attendance that we would do everything we could to see that members of the neighborhood be involved in the development process of Countryside. My position has not changed. I, again, stand on my record of supporting Countryside and my clear position that the 18-hole golf course be maintained and that representatives from the community be included on the committee to oversee any development that will take place in this neighborhood.

I have and continue to stress as a public servant and I emphasize the word “servant” that we as a governing body listen to citizens. I have not only visited with members of the community in their homes, but attended cookouts to let everyone know that my word is my bond. I want to continue to be that voice for the citizens on Roanoke City Council. Therefore, I am respectfully asking each and every citizen in the community for your support and vote in the upcoming Democratic Primary Election in February and then, hopefully, on to the May election where I would hope to be elected to serve you for four more years. I hope that through my work with the citizens during the last four years you feel that you can depend on me to speak out to voice your concerns. As many of you recall, I pushed through the Planning Commission and Council the renaming the golf course The Roy Stanley Golf Course. That effort was successful as all of the Planning Commission except one voted to approve the name change. I feel that there is a majority vote on Council to also support this change. However, I have placed that name change in abeyance because I advised the family I did not want that to become a “political football”. I still have expectations that this will take place within the next twelve to eighteen months.
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Again, I urge all citizens to just look at the record of where I stood on all issues during my tenure on Council. Please refer my to web page at ShermanLea.com, click on my announcement of candidacy speech and read it in its entirety. Also, I urge you to look at the multimedia reports that will share with you some of my thoughts on Countryside and other issues that affect you on a daily basis. Thank you for your support in the past and I appreciate and respectfully ask you for your continued support as I seek re-election to Roanoke City Council. As I said in my candidacy speech, this is your city and you have honored me the last four years to work on your behalf and I can sincerely say that I have done that to the best of my ability. Again, please support the re-election of Sherman P. Lea to Roanoke City Council."

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Thank you Councilman Lea for taking the time to respond.

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I will be asking all the candidates when they announce for Roanoke City Council or Mayor their position on the future of the Countryside Golf Course Property. Mr. Rich Cranwell will formally announce his candidacy on January 12th and will respond after his announcement. Any candidate who does not respond will be duly noted. Even a negative response will be better than no response at all. No response is as good as saying "I don't care about you".

The Roanoke Times - December 1982

Roanoke takes option to buy golf course for $1.5 million

- By Mag Poff, Senior Writer - December 28, 1982

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Roanoke City Council has taken an option on Countryside Golf Course as part of a deal for purchase of 14 parcels from the same owners for airport use.

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Councilman James Trout, chairman of the Economic Development Commission, said it will use the 120-day option to negotiate with any developers who want to swap industrial land for the residential land at the golf course.

The Option permits the city to buy the land from Builders Investment Group of Philadelphia for $1.5 million.

Trout said the city will not operate the golf course, which lies along Interstate 581, nor will it attempt to develop the 174 acres for industry.

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Council, after a 20-minute executive session Monday, unanimously gave formal approval to taking of the option under the plan proposed by Trout.

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Trout said the consideration for the option is the $133,800 price the city will pay to buy the 14 parcels for airport protection and development. The Fedral Aviation Administration will reimburse 80 percent of that cost and the state another 10 percent.

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The land will be acquired by the end of this week. Trout said the city needs the 14 parcels for the airport regardless of any interest in the option.

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But as part of the deal, the Philadelphia owners also agreed to give the city an option, to last four months, to buy the golf course for $1.5 million.

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Should the city pick up the option, Trout said, the $133,800 payment for the 14 parcels will become a credit against the $1.5 million price, reducing it by that amount.

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Under the plan, the city would swap the golf course land for the industrial land. The golf course could be developed for condominiums, apartments or other use consistent with residential zoning.

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(So what happened after this - mystery Philadelphia owners? Obviously the golf course was not purchased/swapped ... we would not be here now if they had followed through with the option to purchase Countryside Golf Course. Another short-sighted decision? More to come from Stephanie Moon, Roanoke City Clerk, and minutes of the Council meetings during this time.)

The difference between then and now besides 25 years, $2.6 million, and less land is that - WE LIVE HERE NOW! As many as 100 homes have been built since then. The Countryside Drive homes in about 1998 and Mattaponi between the 10th and 12th fairways from 1999 - 2002. A. Byron Smith on Cheraw Lake in 1984 as well as new homes on Lewiston and Laurel Ridge. All of us bought to be on the open green space of a golf course and not crammed into a dense housing development. We bought and built here because it was "something special". All the while we were unknowingly moving in - Roanoke City was "knowingly" planning our demise. The City then does not understand why we feel so betrayed. The time to buy the property is past ... it is too late ... citizen's property will be diminished and their quality of life will suffer. As I mentioned earlier the business community does not want to see it developed for a different reason. They want it saved for expansion of runway 6 so Roanoke does not loose another opportunity like Dell Computers who would have located here if 747s could have taken off from Roanoke Regional Airport. We support their reason as well. CLICK HERE FOR THE DELL ROANOKE TIMES ARTICLE.

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** A big "thank you" to Belinda Harris, The Roanoke Times Librarian, for sending the clipping.

New Art Museum Poll

Vote here on whether you think the Art Museum will be a BOOM to downtown bringing tourists and dollars to Roanoke City? Or will it be a BUST and suck money from Roanoke City taxpayers?

Will the Art Museum be named after Taubman as The Roanoke Times article "Couple give $15 million to museum" suggests - "The Taubman Museum of Western Virginia"?

CLICK HERE FOR The New York Times Sunday article on the museum.

Regarding my prior post "Looking Back 25 Year - Countryside Golf Course" - I am waiting for a response from Stephanie Moon, our Roanoke City Clerk for minutes of the December 1982 Council meetings regarding Countryside Golf Course. Belinda Harris, the Roanoke Times Librarian, is sending me clippings from the period as well. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the help of good people like our Roanoke City Clerk and Belinda Harris.