Roanoke County traffic engineer Theresa Becher was one of several speakers at Cave Spring supervisor Charlotte Moore’s latest community meeting, held Monday at a private home in Hunting Hills. Becher discussed the status of two roundabout traffic circles planned in southwest Roanoke County, including one underway at Colonial Avenue and Penn Forest Blvd.
The 4.7 million dollar project will be subject to road closures between now and next summer, when the roundabout is slated for completion.
“There’s no left turns [that] typically cause a lot of accidents…this will definitely slow them down,” said Becher of the three-legged roundabout, which is rare in this part of the state. Becher said traffic circles “typically reduce delays,” when built.
Another five-legged roundabout planned for Merriman Road across from Penn Forest Elementary, adjacent to the new library site, is in the planning phase. A corridor study for Rt. 419 is also underway, added Becher, noting the public workshop held several months ago. Another is planned for September. At the first session, participants talked about better pedestrian access and improved traffic flow along 419 from Tanglewood to I-81 in Salem.
Slate Hill: As they did at a Hotel Roanoke conference last week on shopping centers, Slate Hill representatives gave an update on the long-delayed hillside project at U.S. 220 and Franklin Road. Spokesperson Angie Stanfill, with developer Smith-Packett, said it looked like construction on a hotel and 2-3 restaurants could start next spring.
“I think we’re real close,” said Stanfill.
Construction on some 30 hilltop condos could begin at the same time and “green areas,” will be incorporated into the design, according to Stanfill. Moore said the public would have an opportunity to “get involved in Slate Hill” development in the near future. The project has been a sore point with many in the area after the hillside was deforested, graded and now sits dormant.
Crime: Roanoke County Police Lt. Chuck Mason gave the group a quick update on criminal activity in the area, noting a “decent up tick,” in burglaries since last year at the same time. Mason suspects the poor economy may have driven some to seek out Hunting Hills and other affluent south county neighborhoods.
Mason also said the four suspects who plotted to kidnap affluent county residents for money will plead guilty in a federal court next month and could face sentences of at least 7-9 years. Two of the four (all African immigrants) were Patrick Henry High School students and all could face deportation when released from prison since none are U.S. citizens. Mason urged attendees to “look out for your neighbors,” and to call 911 if they see suspicious activity. The would-be kidnappers attempted to enter a house on Cotton Hill Road to take a woman, but she screamed and scared them off. A neighbor followed their car and called police, who intercepted and arrested the four men. No further arrests in the kidnap plot are expected.
“We think we’ve got the people responsible,” said Mason. The group had planned to hold their victims in a camper until ransom was paid.
Charlotte Moore said a traffic impact analysis for the Clearbrook area Super Wal-Mart has been submitted to Roanoke County and a development plan is now being studied.
“That is well on its way,” said Moore, who wasn’t sure how many private properties might still need to be purchased to clear the way for Wal-Mart.
