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Planners discuss recreation options for piece of land
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Proximity of property to main roads cited as count against park proposal
By Elizabeth Wilkerson -- ewilkerson@nvdaily.com
STRASBURG -- The Planning Commission discussed potential recreation opportunities and the future of a former quarry in the area bordered by Va. 55, U.S. 11 and Interstate 81 Tuesday night.
At Tuesday's meeting, town planner Judson Rex said the panel discussed potential land uses in the triangle area, which is bordered by Va. 55, U.S. 11 and I-81, at its Sept. 22 meeting. With a few refinements, he said, the group's plan fits well with what's planned for the Cedar Valley and Dunmore subdivisions.
Later in the discussion, Rex said Commissioner Al Davis had mentioned that there was some thought about having a park or open space in that area. When the comprehensive plan update began, Davis said, the land use committee examined the area between Va. 55 and Colley Block Road and recommended that some park space be included.
Commissioner Carl Rinker said his problem was that the railroad runs through that area, which is also exposed to the noise and smell from traffic on I-81.
"In my opinion, that is not the place for recreation," he said. Areas along the river or "somewhat removed from the humdrum" of the highway are best suited for recreation, he said, and the land in question should stay industrial.
Commissioner Eunice Terndrup said an indoor recreation facility could be built in that area.
That use is possible, Rinker said, but he didn't think the location was conducive to ballfields or tennis courts.
A walking trail along the town run could lead into a recreation center in that area, Terndrup said. The town run also skims the edge of the Half Moon Beach property, which is part of the Dunmore subdivision, Rex said.
Rinker said the town had never decided what to do with the former quarry, which was to be offered to Strasburg when a parcel plat was approved for the subdivision. Half Moon Beach closed last summer and did not reopen this year in the wake of two drownings that occurred less than a month apart.
Councilman Scott Terndrup he didn't think enough land was being offered with the former quarry to make taking it worthwhile. Rinker said that might have changed, and someone should approach the property's owners about what would be possible now.
The commission needs to look at "how much of this would fit in as a municipal use," the councilman said, so that if the property is offered, the group can advise the Town Council about whether additional land would be needed. Perhaps the town's liability would be reduced if the former quarry were used as a reservoir rather than a beach, he said.
Commissioner Hank Dean suggested that officials contact the town's insurance carrier and see how it would feel about Strasburg acquiring the property.
"In my opinion, that is not the place for recreation," said Carl Rinker.
Translation = We can't bring in any tax revenue from a park. We need to build something there.
That area has been used for recreation for decades, now all the sudden it is unsuitable? God forbid they leave some open space in this town.
"(the area) is also exposed to the noise and smell from traffic on I-81."
I have traveled on I-81 hundreds of times, but never noticed a distinctive stench. I would have to agree with the town planners that the proximity to the highway and railroad make the property highly suitable for industry, but why not just be straight forward and say that, instead of making up excuses?
I'm all for keeping parts of Strasburg natural, but the triangle has been set aside for industrial use for longer than I've been here. Strasburg has a beautiful park and honestly the Island Farm would make a much better place for out door, even indoor activities. However the town went against the old comprehensive plan and rezoned it for homes.
Whether you like it or not, Strasburg needs another tax base besides homes. No one is going to be able to afford to live here unless something changes. Hopefully, this planning commission and Town Council can lure industry into our town. I learned long ago that the comprehensive plan makes no difference to a council's decisions. They do what they want. The triangle should be used for industry, not recreation but never fear a future council may choose to ignore the industrial use and turn it into a park anyway.
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