The $4.1 million Countryside golf course has been dying a slow death since closure March 1, 2010. The lush green fairways that dotted the northwest area beneath runway 6 of Roanoke Regional Airport are now little more than hay fields.
The city actually allows a farmer to bale hay on portions of the fairways now, but the former golf course looks to be reincarnated as athletic fields and an urban village with some commercial and single family homes mixed in as well. All the areas that are developable are planned for some kind of use.
The 72 acres of the clear zone owned by the airport, is out of bounds for development – as is much of the property that lies in the flood plain. Other portions of the property are in the “65 DNL noise contour” making it unsuitable for housing, hospitals and similar facilities / structures.
Director of Finance Ann Shawver said the $4 million loan taken out by the city to purchase the property in 2005 will be refinanced at a more palatable rate. The 15-year loan with Carter Bank carries a 6.25 percent taxable rate. Shawver explained that in 2005 it was expected that a developer would come forth sooner and repay the debt. As most Roanokers know, that did not happen.
Several neighbors spoke at Monday’s meeting and were summarily grilled by Council members Ray Ferris and Bill Bestpitch. Things became contentious when Susan Hall, a neighbor on Ranch Road, admonished Ferris for disrespecting the speakers.
Hall told council, “it is not acceptable and we won’t stand for it … I really don’t want to see that happen again to another citizen.” Later Hall said, “Ferris must have thought he was in a courtroom.” Ferris is a trial attorney.
Mike Higgins of Countryside Drive pleaded his case to not build homes across the street from them. “It will devalue our homes,” he said. Council members admitted that that they are the most injured by development of the property.
Bestpitch asked Higgins, “How did the building of the houses on Countryside Road affect [the values of] the people who live on Dansbury?” Those homes are behind those on Countryside Road. Higgins replied, “I don’t know.”
The Countryside Neighborhood group took a neutral stance on the plan. Leaders said the group thought that there was too much uncertainty remaining to wholeheartedly endorse it. Ferris agreed that the plan could change over the years with a different city council. This is the third council to be saddled with what many say was an ill-conceived purchase from the outset.
Councilman Sherman Lea is the only remaining council member who voted to purchase the property in 2005.
Lea said, “Until we have trust, that’s something we have to work towards … Property that people have invested their lives in – I can understand their concern.” He advocated for continued transparency.
Three members of the planning commission were present to support the Master Plan – Rick Williams, Lora Katz and chair Angela Penn. All speakers, council and City Manager Chris Morrill gave them kudos. Their stipend is only $100 a month – Higgins suggested that they get a raise.
