Clonnie Yearout:

My question is this:  Given the undeniable truth of Dave's statement, and given the propensity of our beloved federal government apparatus to exceed cost projections on scales that rival distances between stars, what makes us think that the final cost of of Congressional health-care reform won't be the final straw that brings our already shaky economy crashing to the ground?

Let's see, City Council might launch a development project on Mill Mountain that could start small and grow huge.  And that leads us to Congress and pending legislation on health care reform... then on to a total economic collapse (since, naturally, the Democrats and their allies in the health care industry, including the AMA and pharmaceutical companies, want an economic collapse, since who wouldn't want that?)....  Maybe they don't really want an economic meltdown and are just too stupid to avoid causing one, 'cause only conservatives, Republicans, and insurance executives are smart, right?  (Smart enough to effectively spread false fears for political advantage, I'll grant you.)  What was the topic?  Oh yeah, Mill Mountain.

 

Clonnie Yearout:

Dave Hanson:

Besides, if you are having a good meal with an interesting person, you shouldn't be looking out the window that much anyway.  Just sayin'.

After E. Duane builds that Restaurant I'll meet you there for lunch.  We can also invite some other panelsits and stick them with the check.

Will we get a table with a view?  (Not to suggest that the company would be uninteresting.)

 

" Will we get a table with a view?"  Dave Hanson wrote

Dave, just so you start saving for that table with a view, you do realize it will carry a heafty sur-charge?  You might want to bring along a good looking blond so you won't have to worry about a view :-) "just say'n"

E. Duane Howard:

Dave, just so you start saving for that table with a view, you do realize it will carry a heafty sur-charge?  You might want to bring along a good looking blond so you won't have to worry about a view :-) "just say'n"

No problem.  My bride happens to be a good looking blonde... and she's much more interesting than a scenic view of the Roanoke Valley.

If it keeps raining as it has for the past three days, we will all be residing on the top of the mountain. Maybe we could rent an ark. The Roanoke River through Salem has risen over the low water bridge, and spilled out onto River Road in some areas, as of around 8:00 am local. Schools are letting out 2 hours early due to the expected crest @ 3:00 local. I wonder if Smith Mountain Lake becomes more shallow with every big rain event due to debris being carried down river? I don't see the debris making it past the dam. I assume dredging would come into play if it got too bad. Makes me appreciate Noah. Gip

Clonnie Yearout:

cost projections on scales that rival distances between stars

Clonnie,

This is inspired.  It's my candidate for incomprehensible-hyperbolic-similie-of-the-month.

Liniel Gregory:

When I was a boy, yes, I was a boy once, twelve years old and living on Park Street hill that goes into Highland Park, I lie in my bed the night of Wednesday, November 23, 1949, Thanksgiving Eve, and watched the Mill Mountain Star come alive with lights that ushered in the Christmas shopping season. Christmas in Roanoke was for me very similar to the annual movie, A Christmas Story, complete with electric trains, Red Ryder BB guns, and, of course, the incomparable "leg lamp", one of which I am now the proud owner. Yes, a nostalgic and wonderful time of my life that I have always treasured...

 

Linnie - I really enjoyed your post!!

Sharron Smith:

I remember the evening when the neon star first glowed on Mill Mountain:  to my child’s eye, it was simply magical.  Recently, I accompanied a neighbor and new resident on the obligatory trip to the star and its overlook.  Although I missed the old road with its tail-kissing curves, I found the essential magic of the mountain remains.  Creating a conservation easement to preserve this unique site is a wise decision:  excluding the summit is a shortsighted one. 

            Mountains are a lot like bureaucracies – what happens at the top trickles down. 

 

 Sharron,

I was away for a few days visiting my Dad and have been catching up with VoV. I am enjoying all of the interesting posts.

Your nostalgic writing regarding Mill Mt. and sensible ideas were great as always! Like you and Leesa, I enjoy the zoo--again in my  case, only with out-of-town visitors. I think it is currently a good thing for Mill Mt. It is critical that the citizens are included and involved in what happens to Mill Mt.

Deb

Sandy Light:

The Western Virginia Land Trust's position statement refers to Mill Mountain as one of the "Valley's most precious and unique natural resources" and that "preservation of [this] asset, through [a] conservation easement would clearly demonstrate that the citizens of Roanoke value green space, outdoor recreation, tourism and quality of life and want [this] land protected now and for generations to come."  (westernvirginialandtrust.org)

As a Land Trust board member, I am very supportive of an easement on the slopes and sides of the mountain.  An easement including the 12-plus acres at the top is not a viable option since considerable development already exists. The Land Trust promotes conservation of open space and provides the necessary stewardship of land placed in trust.  Because of the existing development, the Trust is not interested in becoming involved in the micromanagement of activities of organizations such as the zoo, garden clubs, the nature center and, of course, the City.

Concerning additional mountaintop development, personally, I'm not totally opposed to a restaurant being built as long as it is compact enough not to require substantial parking and that it is built well beneath the canopy so as not to impair the natural view of the mountaintop. Small size would also increase economic feasibility. I feel that any man-made structure must not distract from the largely rural landscape of the mountain.  If built, I would like to see it conform to the natural environment so as to be almost invisible from downtown. I'd really prefer that the mountain remain as natural as possible with no further development at all. (Our valley is teeming with a large variety of wonderful restaurants, some offering exquisite views.) The citizens of Roanoke are so fortunate to be able to enjoy the serenity and beauty of Mill Mountain as well as ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities right within its borders!                                                         

 

 Sandy,

I think it is wonderful that you are a Western Virginia Land Trust board member and can share your views with fellow VoV panelists! I agree that Mill Mt. and it's scenic views must be protected. Any development that may occur must be limited, maintain the scenic view, and respect this natural resource. 

Deb

Leesa McGregor:

I think a small band box or gazebo would be good for outdoor concerts.

 

Leesa,

Great idea Leesa!!! A small band box or gazebo (not the amphitheater) would be an excellent way to get residents and tourists up there to enjoy the music and scenery. Again--with the trolley as transportation. There is much that can be done to attract local residents without destroying the mountain. I think smaller establishments that offer a variety of food and drink would be preferable to a restaurant. Some that go up there may want to read the paper or a book and get a cup of coffee or tea. Some may want to bike or hike and get a sandwich or salad. In the evenings, a tappas bar and wine with music or comedy would be nice.

Deb

 Deb and others:

Keep in mind as I previously posted about, the access to the Mtn. closes at 11PM.....Be nice if you all would write letters to the editor and Parks & Rec. about extending the hours and at best, no restriction on time access at all......Just'a'say'n......E. Duane

E. Duane Howard:

Deb and others: Keep in mind as I previously posted about, the access to the Mtn. closes at 11PM.....Be nice if you all would write letters to the editor and Parks & Rec. about extending the hours and at best, no restriction on time access at all......Just'a'say'n......E. Duane

If I was a teenager I'd agree with you.  I'm not, and I don't.  There are public safety issues.  Roanoke Police don't want to be bothered with patroling the Mountain top all night.  If in the future there is a restaurant up there, I imagine the hours might be extended past 11 p.m.  In the meantine, I don't see the need.

Keep at it, ye old advisory group, pannus in Latin. You're sounding more and more cacophonpus, coming from Greek kakophonia, which some etymologists link to  Proto-Indo-European (PIE) *kakka that mean "to defecate." (Now I am the biggest putz  [go ahead, look up its Yiddish origin] in the Valley o' edudite Voices. Hope all of you know I'm just a yankin' yer chains 'cause I'm on break and filled with onerousness, which may be related to neurosis. Bye, y'all.)

Deb Landgraf:

Sandy Light:

As a Land Trust board member, I am very supportive of an easement on the slopes and sides of the mountain.  An easement including the 12-plus acres at the top is not a viable option since considerable development already exists. The Land Trust promotes conservation of open space and provides the necessary stewardship of land placed in trust.  Because of the existing development, the Trust is not interested in becoming involved in the micromanagement of activities of organizations such as the zoo, garden clubs, the nature center and, of course, the City.  Concerning additional mountaintop development, personally, I'm not totally opposed to a restaurant being built as long as it is compact enough not to require substantial parking and that it is built well beneath the canopy so as not to impair the natural view of the mountaintop. Small size would also increase economic feasibility. I feel that any man-made structure must not distract from the largely rural landscape of the mountain.  If built, I would like to see it conform to the natural environment so as to be almost invisible from downtown. I'd really prefer that the mountain remain as natural as possible with no further development at all. (Our valley is teeming with a large variety of wonderful restaurants, some offering exquisite views.) The citizens of Roanoke are so fortunate to be able to enjoy the serenity and beauty of Mill Mountain as well as ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities right within its borders!

 Sandy, I think it is wonderful that you are a Western Virginia Land Trust board member and can share your views with fellow VoV panelists! I agree that Mill Mt. and it's scenic views must be protected. Any development that may occur must be limited, maintain the scenic view, and respect this natural resource.Deb

Sandy hit it out of the ballpark.  Look for this one in print on Sunday.

 

Deb Landgraf:

A small band box or gazebo (not the amphitheater)

 

That's sort of what I was thinking too.  Glad you're back and thanks for your comments, hope this finds you and your DAD in good health, and, HO HO HO the magical season begins in just two more weeks.