Commentary: Take a Lesson from Lynchburg on Mill Mountain

A few weeks ago, the family and I were returning from our trip out West, circling Lynchburg preparing for our landing when I overheard another air passenger behind me make a comment to another passenger “why did they do that?” She was referring to Candlers Mountain which constructed a fake ski slope which has become, to this particular resident, an eye sore above the city.  No doubt, a neat idea at first, but I am certain that there are those wondering “why the heck did we support this?”  Mill Mountain is no different.  Rockledge Inn, perhaps a cool idea to many, but if it becomes a fixture on the mountain, there will be those who will have buyer’s remorse or those who have been ignoring the topic (or out of the loop altogether) who will say, “who the heck gave approval to put that up there?” (See www.liberty.edu/snowflex)

In reality it is a very similar situation to what we are facing in Roanoke, except that Mill Mountain is public land and Candlers Mountain is private.  And being public, our local government is suppose to be the voice of the people, but sometimes those governing are hard of hearing since their ears are normally stuffed with “potential” tax dollars.  When will City Council move the Valley in a forward direction by listening to the majority of the people and stop toying with this idea of developing Mill Mountain?  Did we not learn anything from the Taubman Museum project?  Another great idea, funded significantly by the city (free land and 4 million dollars), lots of hype and initial excitement, but now, hurting from the so-called poor economy and basic lack of interest.  It’s a shame.

Watch or read all the recent stories about the very tough times faced by the “Taubman Museum” with “Rockledge Inn.” It will be no different.

As for me, an athlete and recreational advocate (not an environmentalist, but “commonsensalist”), I am for protecting Mill Mountain from ridiculous development because there is no identifiable benefit to the majority of citizens in Roanoke City to build a restaurant masked as a “community center.”

If I want to ski, I will fly to Colorado or hop in my car to where snow actually exists.  If I need a place to eat, Roanoke is ranked as having the most restaurants per capita of any city in the country. Clearly, there are plenty of eating establishments to satisfy any craving.

Roanoke is on the map because of destinations like Mill Mountain, for its minimized development and beauty – not for having another place to stuff one’s face.

– Ron Glowczynski, Roanoke

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  1. I agree with everything you said, except your comments about the Taubman. I actually think it is doing surprisingly well, particularly given the recession. Membership has exceeded expectations. Visitor level is quite high. Business and social bookings and catering is strong. Programming has been excellent and varied as well as the exhibits. And, the synergy with the local art community has been a real asset.

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