In Tuesday’s edition of the The Roanoke Times, Tonia Moxley wrote about the Town of Blacksburg’s intent to purchase the Doc Roberts Tire Co. property and refurbish into offices for Town employees.  The new space would likely house several departments, currently scattered throughout Town, and create a government campus that would include the police station, library, municipal building, Five Chimneys and the Alexander Black House. 

The building has stood since 1924 as a variety of businesses, including car dealerships, a gas station, and a service center.  It’s a landmark to the history of the Town, but I’m interested in hearing what you think of the project.  So much of the negotiations have been done quietly and without much public input that it would be interesting to hear what popular opinion says.  Should the Town spend as much as $4 million to renovate the space, or are there better options for the building that you would like to see?  Leave your comments and invite others to contribute as well – there’s no right or wrong answer, just let me know what you think of the idea of urban renewal.