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| Residents Voice Opposition to New Jail |
| By The Roanoke Times |
| Published: 01/23/2006 |
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Heavy traffic, intrusive lighting and a potential loss of privacy were among the concerns raised by two dozen or so West Virginia residents who live near the proposed Western Virginia Regional Jail. The facility, to be shared by Roanoke County, Salem, Franklin County and Montgomery County, is slated to be built on what is known as the Higginbotham Farm in the Dixie Caverns area of western Roanoke County. A similar community meeting just over a year ago drew almost 500, mostly angry, residents displeased with the site selection. This time, the confrontations were fewer, but just as heartfelt as residents were invited to ask questions and make comments to representatives of the Western Virginia Jail Authority, Roanoke County Planning Commission, and Roanoke County Board of Supervisors and their staffs. Ruth Ashworth complained that nearby residents didn't get enough notice of last week's meeting. "If they're going to have a community meeting, the whole community should be informed," Ashworth said, not just those who live within 3,000 feet of the property line. Chief Planner Janet Scheid pointed out that the county mailed some 200 letters to nearby residents informing them at the meeting. Nevertheless, "What's here is not representative of the community," Ashworth said of the modest turnout. "We're concerned about traffic, financing," effect on property values, access to utilities and how the widening of an access road will affect the adjacent Roanoke River. J.C. Whitlock also worried that cameras mounted on the jail's exterior could allow someone to peer at his nearby home. The Roanoke County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. on the proposed rezoning of the site from industrial to agricultural use to allow the jail. The Board of Supervisors will consider that request on Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. |
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