2009.10.26
Mill Mountain, the next debate
We're working on an editorial about the surprise announcement by Gov. Tim Kaine that Roanoke City Council has agreed to place a conservation easement on Mill Mountain.
The news came as a surprise to all, as council has not discussed this -- at least in public -- as it should have, nor had it discussed the protection zone with the parties who would need to be involved in creating and accepting an easement.
Still, the idea for some time has held merit for most of the mountain. It's the developed top and whether it should be developed further that draws controversy. The top should not be left out of the discussion.
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YES! Let the games begin.
Comment by Uptheriver — October 26, 2009 @ 3:15 pm
Kaine wants his XXXX acres of conservation easements before he leaves office. He is a democrat. Council of Roanoke has what party serving ALL positions?
Slam Dunk!
That Roanoke City Council could make this decision without having it studied by a consultant and a recommendation by same is the true miracle.
This is the party, that you, the RTEB endorsed in every statewide endorsement made in this election (when opposing a Republican). You know, sometimes you get what you ask for.....
Comment by Bob H — October 26, 2009 @ 3:38 pm
While I understand the need for conservation of open spaces, I question the wisdom of locking in forever a mountain in the middle of downtown Roanoke. One large area of downtown locked up forever seems a bit risky.
Comment by Richard — October 26, 2009 @ 3:53 pm
#3,
I don't think it is about wisdom. It is anout the Kaine legacy. The guy has already taken credit for land conserved by the previous governor.
Egos are often a problem....
Comment by Bob H — October 26, 2009 @ 4:00 pm
Can somebody tell me exactly what this means for Mill Mountain? Is the mountain now safe from development? Whats new?
Comment by T Witten — October 26, 2009 @ 4:21 pm
T Witten, No one can tell you that yet. There seems to be confusion as to whether this will protect the slopes and/or the top.
Nor have they decided what will be permitted activities. For example, Carvins Cove was a two-part easement. Fewer restrictions were placed on the acreage that is used for recreation.
I suspect that there will be quite a debate as to which acreage should be included and what uses should be permitted. To think this will be done in time to add to Kaine's legacy is blindly optimistic.
So, Bob H, it will go into the next governor's totals. Feel better?
Comment by Luanne T. — October 26, 2009 @ 4:31 pm
Luanne,
That won't stop Kaine from taking credit for it (apparently). Or the RTEB from giving him credit for it either (he is a democrat after all).
Actually, I don't care about it one way or the other.
I am still trying to figure out why one has to slow to 35 mph on the parkway near the explore park exit when explore park has been closed how many years?
Comment by Bob H — October 26, 2009 @ 5:17 pm
It certainly could affect the use years from now. Right now, the city can determine the usage as it sees fit. Under the easement, it will be locked in forever.
Comment by Richard — October 26, 2009 @ 6:37 pm
So what is wrong with a real mountain remaining undeveloped?
Comment by catspaw — October 29, 2009 @ 4:57 pm