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Description

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Issues

1. Support of Farmers in order to keep farmland/Farmland Preservation (PR)
2. Conflict between new rural residents and farms (R)
3. Demise of family farms; Support of Farmers in order to keep farmland. (PR)
4. Onslaught of new residents (R)
5. Concern over rapidly disappearing "prime" farmland (cropland) to residential and commercial development because of its relative ease to develop (less site preparation, location on flatter land, proximity to road systems) (S)
6. Loss of Agricultural Lands (MPRS)
7. Better long-term planning of existing open land (W)
8. Help farmers/seniors keep land...not sell to developers. (W)
9. Development of Farmland (preservation) (W) Maintain open space (W)
10. Maintaining rural landscapes (W)
11. Keep rural/country atmosphere (W)
12. Preservation of Farmland & Open Spaces around Blacksburg (W)
13. Saving what open land we have left. (W)
14. Subdue development of forested lands (W)
15. Agricultural and forested lands must be protected and their stewards supported to make a living there from. (W)
16. Stop retail development and residential subdivisions claiming farm and forestland. (W)
17. Keep the New River free of development...no more houses on the banks. (W)
18. Development pressure and preservation of open spaces that draw people to the county and agricultural lands that give the county its attractive character. (W)
19. How to support dwindling agricultural base/land use while providing for orderly growth, currently often in opposition. (W)
20. Preserving scenic natural resources (W)
21. Preserving green/open space Need for more open space (both public and private---re: parks) (R)
22. Preservation of Green Space, Open Space, and View Sheds. (R)

1. Tax incentives to help farmers/small farmers remain in farming or preserve open land (PRS)
2. Strict enforcement of new zoning ordinance (P)
3. Conservation Easements (PR)
4. Establishment of a RR Association (similar to Rural Electrification) (P)
5. Providing subsidies for farmers who improve water quality (P)
6. Increased support of extension service (P)
7. Determine how farming/farmland fits into the bigger picture. (P)
8. TDRs (R)
9. Improve public's knowledge and education on issues. (R)
10. Assessment of ground water quality (R)
11. Assessment of storm water runoff (R)
12. Make zoning laws/landuse compatible with Ag/For Districts (Not compatible currently) (R)
13. Encourage Cluster Development (R)
14. Incentives for open space preservation (PMR)
15. Maintenance of tree cover through the provision of public utilities (will remove fewer trees to run sewer line than to place all the new septic systems) (R)
16. Provision of economic incentives for open space preservation (purchase of development rights) (R)
17. Promote economic/business development in Shawsville/Elliston/Lafayette without impacting prime farmland. Prime farmland is defined as primarily "crop" land.(S)
18. Restrictions on landuse must be more flexible. (S)
19. Develop alternative sewer treatment methods in order to accommodate residential/commercial development on marginal lands (greater slope; less likely or unable to perk) and save the cropland for crops. (S)
20. Support Funding to place farmland into perpetual non-development tracts (W)
21. Purchase of Development Rights (W)
22. Tougher Zoning (W)
23. Quit trying to attract new businesses, people, growth (W)
24. Protect stream corridors through education, fee simple purchases, PDRs, and enforcement of erosion and sediment laws. (W)
25. Give landowners, those with farmland, some tax break or incentive to keep the lands (W)
26. Support farmers--ease the pressure of development; give incentives for conservation easements. (W)
27. Strict zoning to define and control development to keep rural character. A Board of Supervisors who supports and adheres to ideas set forth in the Comprehensive Plan and recognizes the long term value to the county of open space and thoughtfully planned development. (see addendum) (W)
28. Try to save our open farm land. Incentives for open space preservation (R)
29. Maintenance of tree cover through the provision of public utilities (will remove fewer trees to run sewer line than to place all the new septic systems)(R)
30. Provision of economic incentives for open space preservation (purchase of development rights) (R)
31. Conservation Easements (MPSR)
32. TDRs (R)
33. Improve public's knowledge and education on issues. (R)
34. Assessment of ground water quality (R)
35. Assessment of storm water runoff (R)
36. Make zoning laws/landuse compatible with Ag/For Districts (Not compatible currently) (R)
37. Encourage Cluster Development (R)

Issues

1. Loss of community identity (esp. in places like Lafayette and Ironto which have lost their post offices). Participants were especially concerned over the merging of distinct towns into single entities (Lafayette becoming part of Elliston) rather than being allowed to maintain their own unique community character and identity. (S)
2. NOT EASTERN MONTGOMERY! Communities in the eastern portion of Montgomery County would prefer to retain their unique identities and characters rather than be unceremoniously lumped under a general name. (S)
3. No Community Meeting Facility (like to use old Elliston Fire House for community meeting space and satellite county offices) (S)
4. Lack of Landscaping (P)
5. No Sense of Community (P)
6. Loss of Community identity (PS)
7. No Community Meeting Facility (S)
8. Unattractive Gateways to Community (County) (R)
9. Blacksburg trying to take Prices Fork (P)

Note: of the four locations, Shawsville was the area most acutely aware of the impact of and the importance of the loss of community identity and the feelings ran fairly strong. Prices Fork residents also expressed concerns about the loss of identity, as well as the importance of remembering the historical significance of the area. On the other hand, Riner planning area residents were positive about their sense of community. Mt Tabor residents did not mention community identity in the course of their discussions.

Solutions

1. Promotion of historic resources and districts.(S)
2. Use of historic structures to help maintain community's identity. (RSP)
3. Introduction of community signs for the small individual communities in the eastern portion of the county. (RS)
4. Construction of "attractive" gateways into Montgomery County (R)

Issues

1. Development depends on who wants to sell out at any point. (M)
2. Value of land is set at its economic value only; There are other values. (M)
3. 5 acre lots lead to loss of vistas and open space. (M)
4. Have not identified areas which need to be protected (open space) and those appropriate for development. (M)
5. Leap frog development. (MR)
6. Umbrella of zoning (ex. Fairfax Co MD)--encourage lousy roads. (M)
7. Spot Development (P)
8. Lack of Developer Responsibility ...failure to hold developers responsible for impact of development (P)
9. Increased Growth/ Rapid Growth (P)
10. Need to determine numbers/impact of current and future development (P)
11. Impact on existing uses; cost of the provision of services (R)
12. Development w/o public utilities (R)
13. Sporadic Development (R)
14. For focused development of infrastructure, tie development to infrastructure (developers to carry cost of expanding w&s for developments) (R)
15. Development Costs & Access to Utilities (R)
16. Provision of services to new developments. Different rates depending on use (Industry v. Residential). (R)
17. Find ways to preserve/protect open space. (M)
18. Brush Mountain Estates (signature failure of planning--egregious example) (M)
19. Impact of growth/development on karst geology/ wells/ water and sewer; environment (M)
20. Growth--too rapid, not taking into account impact on infrastructure

Solutions

1. Provide tax incentive/ tax relief for landowners preserving open space (similar to ag/forest district designation). (M)
2. Provide incentives for people to keep open space/take away close to town as town moves out/ encourage people to develop slowly--no leapfrog development---remember services. Tax heavier/higher on land and lighter on buildings; land use tax helps land but not buildings. (M)
3. Encourage Conservation Easements --and catalog people who can use them--make information available. (M)
4. Develop Open Space Plan which protects agricultural and natural settings. (M)
5. Controlled Growth; tie growth to the provision of infrastructure (roads, water and sewer, schools, parks) (P)
6. Build from the core (center of the county) out. (P)
7. Restrictions on Developers (P)
8. Impact Fees (MRP)
9. Requiring developers to adopt the cost of development and not pass the cost of development on to tax payers (Purchasers should take on more of the cost) (P)
10. Impact Fees for Development School impact fees Limit development in Riner area and other areas w/out public utilities; require provision of public utilities to new developments. Cash Proffers Balance cost of services...ability to pay.(R)
11. Incentives for some industry; fees for others.

Issues

1. Need to study impact of development on Karst terrain (M)
2. Need to regulate development in karst areas (M)
3. Concern over impact on water quality of developments in karst areas. (M)
4. Impact of runoff on and from karst. (M)
5. Need for restrictions on development near sinkholes.(M)
6. Wellhead protection--doesn't address problems in karst areas.(M)
7. Problems of storm water runoff and ground water pollution.(M)
8. Preservation of water table through restricted development.(M)
9. Reexamine policies concerning floodplains.(M)
10. Flood levels change as development increases.(M)
11. Septic tank/ well requirements with new developments; lack of public water/ sewer...no tie between growth and the provision of utilities/ services...too many septic tanks. (R)
12. Environmental--tons of trash all over County & towns Water Quality, esp non-point sources (W)
13. Clean up Air Quality (W)
14. Maintain clean air/water/env. quality (W)
15. Protecting groundwater supply (W)
16. Pollution (W)
17. Keep pollution emitting industries out of county (W)
18. Environmental Degradation (W)
19. Practice sustainability--water quality/quantity and waste disposal (W)

Solutions

1. Inclusion of geologic hazards rules (karst/sink holes/ mines/etc) for developers.(M)
2. Require public water and sewer for areas with karst geology.(M)
3. Clear identification of non-point source pollution and additional controls.(M)
4. Wellhead protection. (M)
5. Monitor pollution / point- source discharge.(M)
6. Have an update done by the Army Corp of Engineers to resurvey 100 year flood levels.(M)
7. Do away with plastic bags (W)
8. Provide more collections sites: The nearest one is 5.5 miles, also should be open 24 hours like in neighboring counties. (W)
9. The trash accumulated on each side of the banks at Exit 128, Ironto, Highway 81. There should be signs with fines for people who throw garbage. The same applies to banks on 603 road. Better enforcement of laws against dumping in sink holes and improper disposal of trash and junk on rural property. (W)
10. Do away with Plastic Bags (W)
11. Commit to clean air, water, and preservation of the pastoral beauty and farms. (W)
12. Don't extend open invitation to industries who pollute (W)
13. My daughter and I have watched an untold amount of soil wash into rivers and streams from construction sites. The erosion and sediment controls have no teeth, are not enforced, and are not taken seriou sly. Fines should be massive for fouling our waters. Prevention should be doubled (i.e. 2x the protection you think necessary) Erosion fences and controls should be in place 1st.(W)

Issues

1. Diversity of the workforce. (R)
2. Socio-economics. (R)
3. Finding balance between economic development and planning. (R)
4. Spot industrial zoning. (R)
5. Who pays for stores to move from one stripmall to the next? Problem of Planned Obsolecense and abandoned stripmalls.. (R)
6. Impact of economic development on development costs and costs of infrastructure (who carries cost?). (R)
7. Concern about the expansion of Salem towards eastern end of county. (S)
8. Unsightly number of utility cables and lines. Lead to or result from increase in population in the eastern end of the county. (S)
9. Increased number of residents who commute to either Roanoke, Blacksburg, or both moving to the area. (S)
10. Increased numbers of new residents, due to commercial economic development = need for increased services and expanded educational and recreational facilities. Chicken and egg. (S)
11. Suitable locations for development, esp. in light of an equal desire to preserve prime farmland. (S)
12. Increase in the provision of basic economic services: gas, groceries, etc. Increase economic development will bring increased economic services (S)
13. Commerce drives traffic (C-Bburg) (R)
14. Loss of Businesses; Layoffs; Business Closings at Mall; Must Commute to Larger Cities (M)
15. In Blacksburg, No Places to Buy Basic Necessities (shoes, socks, etc);Hard to Find things in Blacksburg (Loss of retail in downtown area). (MP)
16. Too much concentration fo retail services in mall area between B and Cburgs; Less economic and commercial development in Blacksburg. (M)
17. Loss of Downtown due to Big Box Development (P)
18. Mall Area/Market Place/Spradlin Farms indicative of poor planning (P)
19. 460 Mall Sprawl and traffic congestion (P)
20. Mont. Co.'s increased involvement in the Commerce Park (R)
21. Less emphasis on Development of County (W)
22. Too much economic development (W)
23. Too many empty store buildings. (W)
24. Government should encourage use of existing structures. (W)
25. Work with towns to support small businesses (so they stay there) (W)
26. Better employment, better wages so all can live instead of surviving. (W)
27. Concentrate and focus on other parts of Montgomery County besides Blacksburg or Christiansburg. (W)
28. Business development (W)
29. Businesses

Solutions

1. Recruit industries that meet needs of people in community. (R)
2. Limit retail and commercial areas; . Encourage cluster development of retail/commercial areas.. (R)
3. Evaluate Roads to determine whether they will, in fact, adequately meet needs.. (R)
4. Provide assistance to existing and compatible businesses.. (R)
5. Impact Fees. (MPRS)
6. Cash Proffers. (R)
7. Require that infrastructure (water/sewer/ roads/schools, etc.) to support new development be in place prior rezoning parcels. (S)
8. Require buried utility cables (excepting electricity) for new construction and for cable replacement. (S)
9. Encourage Use of existing structures (preservation) "I applaud the county's using the old Imperial Reading Plant"...more of that needs to be encouraged. (W)
10. No more development in New River Mall area. (W)
11. Work with developers, advise and guide them, get them to invest in our economy and our community; strike an even balance between economic growth and the requirements place on new development (W)

Issues

1. Outreach between local government and citizens (P)
2. Increased communication. (PR)
3. Interjurisdictional Cooperation (PM)
4. Finding better ways to increase public involvement (P)
5. Encourage public input (R)
6. NIMBYism (Everybody wants it, not next door)..prison, sawmill, waste management sites, concrete plants (PR)
7. Communication. (PR)
8. Government Outreach (PR)
9. Fifedomes ( various government groups--Tech/Blacksburg/County--not necessarily effectively cooperating or working together). (M)
10. Richmond neglects us and we have to play games--ex: Road repair only when it is an emergency. (M)
11. Jurisdictions (Blacksburg/Christiansburg/Radford/Montgomery County) do not work together as well as they might. (MR)
12. Poor Regional Cooperation and communication (P)
13. Interjurisdictional turf issues w/ communities, county, and Virginia Tech (P)
14. Poor coordination between jurisdictions (P)
15. Not being heard by Government (particularly local gov.) (R)
16. Tired of being governed by Blacksburg's wants/desires (R)
17. Gov. Gilmore (R)
18. Lack of governmental cooperation (Blacksburg & Christiansburg, Montgomery County, Radford) (R)
19. Services not proportional to tax rate; farther away from population areas...less services; rural tax payers don't get what they pay for. (R)
20. Lack of equitable distribution of county resources (R)
21. Lack of progressive leadership (schools, government, etc.) (R)
22. Lack of accurate and complete information ...public not kept informed about rezonings and SUP from Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. (R)
23. Greater and more effective representation for the C District. Participants expressed some concern over redistricting, especially in terms of the potential of an expanded territory. (S)
24. Distance from government services. (S)
25. Equal distribution of county funds, services, and facilities among the seven legislative districts. (S)
26. Eminent Domain--government taking private lands from citizens

Solutions

1. Need to find more avenues for discussion and communication (P)
2. Scheduling of more "informal" community meetings (P)
3. Improve citizens' understanding of the issues. (R)
4. Improve citizen education programs (R)
5. Improve listening ability of gov. officials (R)
6. Improve citizen participation (R)
7. Improve public information--newspapers. (R)
8. Government needs to keep promises to residents (R)
9. Creation of a satellite government office (including community meeting rooms) where local residents in Elliston, Lafayette, Shawsville, and Ironto can purchase dog tags, register to vote. Satellite office would include a sheriff's substation. (S)
10. Revise/rewrite eminent domain laws

Issues

1. Too many "come heres". (Yankee v. Damn Yankee). (M)
2. Should we shut down development department? (M)
3. Increasing Growth; Overrun; Speed of Growth and the stress placed on infrastructure (M)
4. Impact of growth/development on karst geology/ wells/ water and sewer; environment (M)
5. Too Much Growth too soon. (P) Helter-Skelter Development (P)
6. Accommodating growth while protecting rural qualities (W)
7. Limiting Growth, How to... (W)
8. Growth--as population grows we must preserve quality of life and our natural heritage (W)
9. Modest to no growth (population) (W)
10. Control development (2) Think (W)
11. Population Growth (W) Development (W)
12. Tying the different parts of the county together (Tech suburbs and elsewhere) (W)
13. Unrestricted development (W)
14. Rapid Growth (W)
15. Avoid urban sprawl (W)
16. Development issues--Water / Sewer (W)
17. Learning to say no. (W)
18. Imposing controls on developers (W)
19. Preserving residential areas, esp. as concerned with noise/light pollution. For example: widening of 460 to make an interstate would negatively impact residential areas along the highway. (W)

Solutions

1. Stop promoting development; development does not improve quality of life. (W)
2. Get some rules about development (or more rules) (W)
3. Integration of housing/developments, schools, water, sewer, power (electric/gas), and roads. (W)
4. Consider the ramifications of development before the immediate financial gains of a certain few individuals or bank. (W)
5. More voting on issues surrounding development and growth. (W)
6. A less corrupt Board of Supervisors (W)
7. Learning from other counties elsewhere where these [development/growth] problems were faced earlier. (W)
8. Take position against expansion of highway and represent county in the appropriate hearings. State position and make known to appropriate agencies. (W)

Issues

1. Lack of affordable housing for young families. (PSR)
2. Need more affordable housing that is not manufactured housing (mobile homes) (MPRS)
3. Increased housing for young couples (RP)
4. Increased student housing (P)
5. Lack of decent housing (R)
6. Too much reliance on mfg. housing (PR)
7. Providing a place for everyone (housing, not mfg) (P)
8. What is driving our need for more housing? low mortgage rates. (M)
9. Why do we need big houses? (M)
10. Concern over the social problems created by mobile home parks, esp. in light of increased crime (police calls), complaints, lack of upkeep, and maintenance. Mobile Homes & Mobile Home Parks (S)

Issues

1. As area grew..lack of planning, esp. for services as growth occurred. (M)
2. Services tend to be centered in the towns. (M)
3. Water quality in rural areas, most notably the Tom's Creek area. (PM)
4. Cost of water and sewer in rural areas Power outages; short power spurts. Lack of Cable Service/Gas (Infrastructure) Provisions. (M)
5. Power Lines/ Electricity--Provision on Edges of County. (M)
6. Lack of Concern for Drinking Water/ Ground water for/in Rural Areas. (M)
7. Lack of public utilities (P)
8. Maintenance of Collection Sites (Elliston/Lafayette--Road/Parking Area) (S)
9. Maintenance of "Greenbox" Site (Allegheny Springs)-- "Clean up of site" (S)
10. Keeping out power lines not needed for our own use. (W)
11. Need to extend city water/sewer and other services to the rapidly growing Brush Mountain area. (W)

Solutions

1. More uniform dispersion of utilities. (M)
2. TDRs. (M)
3. Development Fees..charge developers for the actual cost of the development. (M)
4. Charge developers up front for the cost of development (roads, schools, storm water). (M)
5. Water and Sewer to support smaller lots. (M)
6. Examine alternatives to traditional approaches to waste water treatment. (PS)
7. Extending water/sewer out of towns to rural areas...find ways of providing public services to outlying areas. (PR)
8. Keep citizens informed of permit applications for powerline easements and other undesirable intrusions like landfills.(W)

Issues

1. Balancing of private/public control over land rights of individuals. (M)
2. Lack of Comprehensive Plan which the county is willing to follow. (M)
3. Failure of county/towns to follow Comprehensive Plans. (M)
4. Too easy to change the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning. (M)
5. Need to re-examine zoning areas. (M)
6. Need to plan for appropriate areas of development. (M)
7. Explanation of what a Comprehensive Plan is; where it applies, what does it effect/affect. (M)
8. Increased support of and participation in regional planning. (PR)
9. Developers driving planning and landuse (should be other way around) (R)
10. Uneven, inadequate, or delay in enforcing zoning ordinance, especially when dealing with junk cars, junk machinery, unlicensed vehicles, and inoperable vehicles. Need for better planning: re: placement of new developments in rural areas; lot size. (R)
11. No enforcement of zoning laws (R)
12. Lack of rules on car lots and salvage yards (RS)
13. Stronger zoning ordinance, even for pre-existing uses. (R)
14. Inconsistency between comp plan and zoning...lack of consistent planning (R)
15. Sprawl, created by non-enforcement of zoning, spot zoning (P)
16. Driving distances...automobile dependence (P)
17. Reactive traffic planning rather than long-term proactive traffic planning (P)
18. Failure to meet the requirements of the Comprehensive plan; failure to require preliminary master development plans; Failure to follow master/comprehensive plans. (M)
19. Lack of uniform plan across the county; definitions are not equally applied. (M)
20. Ease at which Zoning of Property can be changed..Too Easy..What is the use of having Zoning of the County doesn't follow it. (M)
21. No Open Space Plan in Comp Plan; One on Record--Not Adopted; Resurrect; How to Manage It. (M)
22. County Creates Plans they subsequently don't stick to. (Last plan suggested Riner should stay agricultural). (M)
23. Long way from agreement on what we do with our land. (M)
24. Plan for growth (W)
25. Growth Management (2) (W)
26. Controlled Growth (W)
27. Better control of Developers. (W)
28. BOS must [ ] all citizens to vote on large debt projects and not "end run" through IDA bonds. (W)
29. Messy growth (W)
30. Planning and more planning (W)
31. Zoning (W)
32. Set priorities: what is the most valuable asset of this area. (W)
33. Proper growth planning (W)
34. Landuse & development / roads. (W)
35. Adoption of Zoning/Management Plans with flexibility to adapt to changing conditions (W)
36. County Bureaucracy (W)

Solutions

1. More cooperation between towns/city/ and Mont. Co. (M)
2. Need to have a fully developed preliminary master plan for the county and to require fully developed preliminary master plans for all developments. (M)
3. Need to treat comprehensive plan as controlling document. Take it seriously. Make it more difficult to rezone. (M)
4. Tie development to the provision of services. (M)
5. County should take more proactive approach to code enforcement. (S)
6. Work closely together with towns/VTU to generate mutual growth goals and support these with planning. (W)
7. Bring in more qualified people who have dealt with urban expansion such as Roanoke County (W)
8. Send your planning board to school to learn more about what there [sic] jobs are and what future development will bring without better planning decisions. (W)
9. Board of Supervisors could respect the planning commission's work. (W)
10. Don't allow developers (or anyone who stands to profit by unfettered development) on planning commission. (W)
11. A Comprehensive plan, involving a broad cross-section of the populace, is necessary to effect a long term plan. Constant erosion of our farm and forest land by following the "traditional economic development is not effective. More collaboration and less competition is needed--find ways to protect and enhance ag/forestal land (which will enhance our quality of life) without chasing smokestacks and trying to do what everyone else is. (W)
12. Plan--then actually enforce the plans without caving in to developers (Yes we will willingly pay higher tax rates to counteract development). (W)
13. Be sincere about citizens input and suggestions. Don't just pretend to listen, but actually hear what people say and feel. (W)
14. Better relations with towns (W)
15. Planning, inspections, & enforcement (W)
16. Keep up your interaction with communities. (W)
17. Ensure that freedoms and rights are not usurped by a very vocal minority.(W)

Issues

1. More Recreational Facilities and Opportunities.(M)
2. Increased Number/ Expansion of Bike Trail/ Hiking Trail System in order to offer alternative transportation routes and reduce vehicular traffic. (M)
3. Coordination of Bike Trail/ Hiking Trail system in the County and between the jurisdictions. (M)
4. Bike/car conflicts due to narrow bike lanes (M)
5. Inclusion of broader variety of outdoor recreation facilities (eg. Rifle Range) (M) Cheap Movie Theatres (M)
6. Additional Swimming Facilities (M)
7. County/Regional Performing Arts Center/ Facility which would allow for a permanent home for existing cultural organizations (theatre, chamber groups) (M)
8. Lack of Library Facilities (S) Expanded recreational opportunities. (S)
9. Recreational opportunities for kids who live outside of the towns. (P)
10. Lack of Recreational Facilities (build schools to accommodate recreational facilities) (S)
11. Public Library in Shawsville (3) (W)
12. Encouraging "quality of life" aspects like cultural events, recreation, libraries, etc) Increase number of facilities (W)
13. Build Montgomery County a recreation center like Christiansburg. (W)
14. Require sidewalks and bikeways (W)
15. Expanding parks & recreation, esp linear parks as needed.(W)

Solutions

1. Expansion of Bike/Hiking Trails (M)
2. Improve existing bike lanes through widening and providing a physical barrier between bike lane and roadway (M)
3. Expand/extend proposed trail from Shawsville to Ironto via Elliston and Lafayette. (S)
4. Provide County Funds for Library Construction Work with VDOT to have 36 inches of bikeway on each side of the major highways (8,11,114,460). To get from one rural road to another you have to use these and cars are within inches of hitting you. (W)
5. Commit to safe travel by foot or bike. (W)
6. Public access to the New River (W)
7. Better linkages of natural resources through greenways, bikeways, trails, etc. (W)
8. The creek along Rt. 603 could improve greatly were people decided to create a walk for people to enjoy walking. It needs improvement. (W)
9. Linear parks are not only good for hikers and bikers but also unite the communities they connect.(W)

Issues

1. Problems created by teacher retirement Increased funding. (M)
2. Although MC has good schools now, can make them better. (M)
3. Recruitment. (M)
4. Not enough teachers. (M)
5. Use of mobile classrooms; inadequate facilities (S)
6. If there is an increase in younger families, what will be the impact on the schools in S/E/L (S)
7. Quality of schools. (S)
8. Recognition that residential and commercial development is directly tied to the quality of the schools. (S)
9. Mobile Classroom Facilities (lack of classroom space at both Elliston/ Lafayette Elem. and Shawsville Elem.) (S)
10. School Dropout Rate (M) Schools (general reference) (3) (W)
11. Educating work force (putting money into teachers and schools) (W)
12. Adequate facilities, teachers for schools (W)
13. Keep up to date (W)
14. Support teachers (1) (W)
15. Encourage and fund real quality and understanding in education at all levels. (W)
16. Education is a mess in our county--The entire systems [sic] needs to be revamped. To [sic] many students falling through the cracks. Money is not the answer--Teachers have it better than any other career. I am a teacher and see the lack of concern! (W)
17. Education issues --raise taxes to pay for what is needed. (W)
18. Meeting needs of overcrowded schools (W)
19. Less money for schools--stop blaming SOLS and state dept. Inclusion is a joke in this county. (W)
20. New schools needed--Auburn/Riner district. (W)

Solutions

1. More money won't necessarily make the schools better. (M)
2. Better use of existing schools rather than building new ones (W)
3. Parents need to have people they can go to in their child's schools. (Trust) No one is listening to students! Educators (not all) feel they are superior to parents. (W)
4. Upgrade older schools like Elliston/ Lafayette Elementary. (W)
5. Hiring of Teachers...anyone can be a teacher, after they fail at other careers, jump and change to teaching. (W)

Issues

1. Services not proportionate to taxes (RP)
2. Determining what constitutes fairness in taxation. (M)
3. Value of land v. value of structure. (M)
4. State Tax Structure unfair to rural counties/ counties in SW Virginia. (P)
5. Tax Structure--gives tax breaks to farmers, but does not give tax breaks to landowners attempting to preserve open space. No incentive to NOT develop. No break for non-farm open space. More Equitable Distribution of funds (W)
6. Raise Taxes/Property (2) (W)
7. Tax Reduction (W)
8. Taxing people too much (W)

Solutions

1. Tax breaks for landowners of land not in production (land holdings other than ag/forest) to encourage open space similar to ag/forest districts. (M)
2. Raise taxes to adequately fund education etc. perhaps by adjusting taxes: ex. Lower rate for some seniors and working farms. (W)
3. Increase user fees (W)
4. Let only taxpayers vote on new schools (W)
5. Let people vote on raising taxes. (W)
6. Open the county dump for FREE disposal of all large items: ranges, hot water heaters, couches, etc., at convenient hours and advertise this to the citizenry or offer a pickup day, twice annually, to keep the poor folks from dumping in the forests. (W)
7. Use prisoners for county cleanup and grooming of Montgomery County instead of paying the prisoners for watching TV and sleeping.(W)

Issues

1. Need to improve existing road conditions/lack of road maintenance, including paving, ditches, and regravelling. (MP)
2. Need to decrease congestion. (M)
3. Congestion--lack of VDOT response (MP)
4. Active Enforcement of existing traffic laws. (M)
5. Increase traffic safety. (M)
6. Increase Railroad safety. (M)
7. Cell phones. (M)
8. Road Connectivity VDOT (State response) (P)
9. Concern about the US 460/Rt 11 Corridor, especially in light of increased traffic from three primary sources: 1) Commuters to places like Rowe Furniture, 2) Increased population, especially with the expansion/ encroachment of Salem; and 3) Drivers avoiding I-81 either due to road conditions, hazards, or concern over accidents. (S)
10. Concerned about Secondary Roads, especially Northfork, Lafayette (Gardner), and Allegheny Springs Rds). (S)
11. Impact of Rowe Furniture on traffic in Lafayette. (S)
12. Traffic enforcement (esp. speed) (S) Road & Infrastructure--lack of control; lack of adequate response from VDOT (P)
13. Increased control over the growth of roads. (P)
14. Transportation --Road Maintenance; Road Safety; Need Edging Strips Traffic Congestion (460 between Blacksburg and Christiansburg). (M)
15. Traffic (Congestion between B & C burgs. (M)
16. I-73 will be 3A mess (development will hamper establishment of setbacks). (M)
17. Connectivity of the Roads (Bishop/Mossy Spring). (M)
18. Road Conditions in Winter (inability to deal with snow). (M)
19. Increase in Traffic (P)
20. 114/460 (P)
21. Lousy secondary roads (R)
22. Neglected rural roads, lack of maintenance (from mowing to major work); trees left untrimmed. (R)
23. Potholes (R)
24. Roads--lack of maintenance; traffic; lack of funding; secondary road upgrade (R)
25. Rt 8 (Not suited to more development, too fast, unsafe) (R)
26. Need Speed Checks in School Zones (25 mph); not done on Rt 8--Camp Carysbrook (40 mph) (R)
27. Better secondary roads (W)
28. Roadway Improvements (W)
29. Solving gridlock in and around Peppers Ferry Rd. (W)
30. Stop any further major highway projects (W)
31. Increase Safety (W) Traffic congestion (2) (W)
32. Poor roads(W)
33. Upgrading rural roads (W)
34. Develop alternative transportation (W)

Solutions

1. Paint white lines along edge of roads. (M)
2. Increase/disperse convenience stores throughout the communities. (milk/bread/gas) in order to reduce traffic into towns/city for basic needs. (M)
3. Placement of 30 mi speed limit zone on Mount Tabor Rd. (M)
4. Re-examine 3-way stops. (M)
5. Add guard rails along roads. (M)
6. Improve train crossings. (M)
7. Make it illegal to talk on cell phones while in traffic. (M)
8. 3-A (although, as pointed out, 3A solves the traffic problem only for those traveling between Roanoke and Blacksburg; it does not solve the traffic/congestion problems on 114 due to increased growth or commuter traffic from Radford, Pulaski County, and other points west) (P)
9. Alternative Routes (P)
10. Light at Meadowbrook. (S)
11. Addition of more traffic lights (S)
12. Lower speed limits in heavily residential areas, as well as in school zones and near parks. (S)
13. Limit 81 & 460 traffic that is being diverted onto secondary roads. (W)
14. Alternative transportation--get people out of their cars. (W)
15. Take care of county roads instead of just Tech's and Roanoke's roads to I-81 to Tech to Rke and Rke to Tech. (W)
16. Widen 603, decrease the speed limit to 45 mph from the ridiculous, unsafe 55 that it is now. (W)
17. State control of road construction is a Commonwealth problem, but could be minimized, with steady planning, communication. (W)
18. More transportation funds to local projects. (W)

Issues

Outdoor Lights

1. Too much light in rural areas. (M)

Solutions

Outdoor Lights

1. Place restrictions on the candle power in rural areas. (M)

Wireless Communications

1. Towers Need restrictions on height. (M)

Wireless Communications

1. Towers Not to exceed treeline (cf. Albe. Co). (M)
2. Restrictions on new telecommunications towers (W)

Health Care

1. Montgomery Regional Hospital--Poor Care/ Poor Quality of Service (M)

Diversity

1. Need to find ways to encourage and promote diversity within the population; lack of diverse population in Montgomery County makes recruiting and retention at Tech more difficult. (P)
2. Preventing economic and social segregation (W)
3. Taking care of mentally ill and retarded (W)
4. Growing crime (W)

Diversity

1. County could promote diversity by broadening images presented to public. (P)

Old Buildings

1. Concerned about lack of regulations concerning abandoned/vacant/unused/ or uninhabitable structures. (cf. Greenhill). Participants questioned whether structures should be replaced, rehabbed, torn down, or razed. Questioned who would be responsible for the cost. (S)

Old Buildings

1. Tax incentives for renovating/maintaining older structures (S)
2. Tax credits for renovating/maintaining older structures (S)
3. Requirement that owners be required to maintain structures at at least a minimum level. Must be kept in reasonable repair. (S)
4. Tax incentive for taking care of failing buildings (S)
5. Make a policy on abandoned houses and trailers (S)

Emergency Services

1. Lack of the provision of emergency services in the 114/460 area. Outside of acceptable response times. (P)
2. No Riner Local Rescue Squad (S)
3. No Shawsville Local Fire Squad (S)

Emergency Services

1. Build a Fire/Rescue Station on 114 which wouldn't be hampered by mall traffic.(P)

Historic Preservation

1. More money should be spent on historic places

Addendum: Extended Comments from Mail In Surveys

1. The Comprehensive Plan needs to identify the county's assets and resources and propose ways to enhance and preserve these, while at the same time accommodating development and the pressure to develop lands along main roads without compromising the elements that make the county a good place to live and work in. (W) The Comprehensive Plan needs to address the prevailing attitude of Ôits my land and I'm going to do with it whatever I want' in a way that begins to convert this attitude into one that considers the future good of the county and not just immediate financial gratification. (W) The Comprehensive Plan needs to include a county-wide open space plan that the Supervisors support to preserve one of the things that draws people to the county.

2. The most important issues that need to be addressed in the Comp Plan are: (W)

a) Attention to adjacent counties' land uses and their truck roads leading into Mont. Co. as they affect Mont. County's economic and residential growth. (W)

1) More specifically for our study area, how to deal with pressures from a two lane road (Rt 8) designated a primary road because it is a main gateway to Montgomery County from Floyd County. (W)

2) Where best to concentrate efforts for infrastructure to accommodate the projected commercial/residential growth. The 4 committees [Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, and Montgomery County] will need to work together on this one to prevent the NIMBY syndrome (W)

3) How to deal with large developers that drive landuse decisions to the exclusion of citizens who wish to shape their communities character and future. (W)

b) To what degree the county is willing to comply with the Ag/Forest District laws created to encourage agriculture as related to Comp Plan/ landuse designations. (W)

c) Land use provisions for Low and Middle Income housing (not mobile homes)