Conversation on "Jan. 20 Town Council Notes "

"Discussion transitioned to whether all town residents would pay for this, if it were to be added to the Capital Improvement Plan, or if special assessments for certain neighborhoods could pay for it. " If I had to pay for all the downtown improvements which I don't use, and I have to pay for an aquatic center I most likely won't use, I'll be darned if I am going to pay for a sidewalk that I am not going to use just because it is near my house.

...with you and Joe. An updated plan needs to be done. Times have certainly changed since the last one was done. I'm with Joe on the segregating of a certain group to be taxed additionally for something that should have already been constructed and paid for from the General Funds. I'm wondering if the costs associated with that stretch of sidewalk that was discussed are accurate (around $100,000), then how many sidewalks, bike paths, trails, beautification projects and safety features could have been done with the $15 million being funneled to the AC? With an additional (up to) $1.5 million per year to maintain it? My calculations say that would equate to at least 150 similar sized projects initially with another 15 per year. I know that this logic is way too basic to hold water on every project, but what a concept! I also think that projects like this sidewalk and the others I described would be used much more by the CITIZENS of C'burg than the AC ever will.

If the town had required these walk ways when all the developments were going in, these discussions and possible new tax dollars wouldn't be necessary. Another example of how "not" progressive town leaders are when they could have taken care of it during rezoning, zoning, CUPs or whatever it is they do to pave everything. The new homebuyers and developers could have absorbed this at the time rather than deferring it and making everyone else share the cost.

I know people are having a lot of fun whining and complaining about the aquatic center, but did I really understand the last poster to be saying they would rather have sidewalks than ball fields, a rec center and a pool. "Come to Christiansburg folks, we've got great sidewalks" or "We're going to have a nice sidewalk party for my kid's birthday." Oh yeah, who needs amenities when we could have sidewalks. I really have to ask, and I'm really not trying to be sarcastic. Do alot of people care about sidewalks or is this a crusade of two or three people?

Community isn't paying for someone's kids to play sports at public school. Community isn't driving out of attached garages to stores, church and jobs. It's also living in our neighborhoods, being able to walk to the library or post office from our homes, walk our dogs, ride our bikes or jog safely. Why is it valid for some people to expect for their entertainment to be paid for and not others. My guess is that the town's "recreation" is costing millions a year to support, every year, instead of one time costs for these certain other amenities. Let the county government and schools and parents who can afford it, or adults who want it and can afford it, go to private health clubs for their recreation. Fair is fair. I think it is time for public forums and surveys so the town has a grasp of who wants what and what they are willing to pay for it. That seems unlikely since we don't have but a fraction of our voters voting at some weird place and date. From what I heard the old surveys were a joke and who got to respond was a very exclusive group.

...if you're talking about my comments, I only mentioned the AC, not the other recreation parks you did. However, I do believe that more people would utilize sidewalks, trails and parks (if they had them) than will use that AC. I'm also not saying that some would say why do they get one and we don't, but you have to START somewhere. How about a plan that outlines where and when sidewalks, trails, park projects could be expected? Instead of piece meal at the whim of a Council member to garner votes for their next election citizens could look forward (there's that Progressive idea again) to developments in their neighborhoods.

Crazy talk! Plans? Plans? We don't need no stinkin' plans! I say we make this the new Town credo and then they can exceed expectations when they actually develop one they follow.

I see, thanks to the Gates Flower Shop sign, that as of 02/01/2009, helmets are mandatory for moped users and their passengers. Wonder if it was more cost effective to advertise using their sign than using the newspapers, which people tend to read more.

Not only are there postings on the Gates Flowers message board there are postings on most Gas stations in and around Christiansburg and many local businesses. There is also postings at the Christiansburg Rec Center and plans to post ads in local papers as well. The town appears to be doing this in an effort to reach as many citizens (news paper readers or not) to get the word out about the new ordinance.

You must be looking too hard. I saw em in most businesses on West Main Street. Coffee Depot in particular as well as the Barber shop.