Missing The Point On Rockledge
When Valley Forward initially proposed the idea of recreating the Rockledge Inn on Mill Mountain, I was opposed to the project, but not for the reasons most commonly put forth. Opponents of the idea rely on the arguments that Roanoke already has too many restaurants, or that the building would somehow desecrate a pristine wilderness, or that any development would run counter to the desires of Junius Fishburn when he donated the park to the city. My opposition was based solely on the fact that I questioned the economic viability of the project. I’ve changed my mind on the issue, and I’m hoping that other Roanokers will join me in taking a second look at the Rockledge proposal.
It’s true that Roanoke already has more restaurants per capita than any other city in the state, but the sad fact is with over 700 choices, we don’t really have a destination restaurant that is uniquely Roanoke. Even the once famous Hotel Roanoke is now operated by the Hilton chain. If you want to take your out of town guests to dinner, our franchise options are virtually unlimited. Take your pick from, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, or dozens of other chain restaurants where the experience is identical in every other city in the country. If you want to take them out for a meal that will make their visit to Roanoke truly memorable, your options are severely limited.
The idea that Mill Mountain is a pristine wilderness area is simply too comical to rebut. Mill Mountain is to the wilderness what Hank Williams is to Neil Armstrong. We have plenty of pristine green space within minutes of downtown, so the uproar over preserving Mill Mountain is just plain silly. Regarding the wishes of Mr. Fishburn, I’ve already pointed out in a previous post that both the Mill Mountain Star and the Zoo were constructed during his lifetime. Based on those facts alone, it is simply impossible to argue that he would oppose any development on the mountain.
This brings up another interesting question. Why has our city council determined that the grandchildren of Mr. Fishburn should have the final word on this project? When we are faced with constitutional questions, do we defer to the descendants of James Madison? This is simply one more example of politicians ducking for cover when they lack the political courage to make a decision.
For the year or more that this debate has carried on, we’ve heard these same arguments over and over ad nauseam. Sadly, they all miss the point completely. It’s not about the number of restaurants that we already have in Roanoke. It’s about the number of travelers on the Blue Ridge Parkway who pass by Roanoke without giving us a second thought. The parkway stretches 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina, and it attracts more visitors annually than any other national park; approximately 19 million per year. Cities like Asheville, NC have successfully tied their tourism industry to the parkway, and enjoyed significant economic benefits as a result. The parkway passes through 17 counties in North Carolina, and according to the National Park Service, the total economic benefit to those counties is $2.3 billion. Roanoke, on the other hand, is by far the largest population center along the parkway, and we make very little effort to encourage visitors to stop and spend their money. Along the entire length of the parkway, there are only 4 lodges and 6 restaurants. Rockledge would be one of a tiny number of dining establishments with direct access to the parkway, and a gateway to our city for the millions of parkway travelers who currently pass us by.
Wonderful. I bet those are sold out every night of the week, thriving like no other with the areas around them also thriving. So which in your opinion would be more beneficial to the area. A 26 mile connected greenway system or a restaurant on Mill Mountain (that isn’t zoned for a public park)? And do you really believe that a restaurant is going to draw visitors off the parkway by the hundreds? A zoo and discovery center are much more interesting to visit than a restaurant.I am just baffled the more I read over this entry. The opponents issues aren’t about economic viability or more restaurants coming to Roanoke. There are much more to it than that, including Valley Forward’s tactics, presentation and respect and the fact that it’s not zoned for a public park.
The two closest restaurants on the parkway are at Mabry Mill and the Peaks of Otter.
A public park should not be touched for a restaurant that doesn’t fit into the zoning regulations of Mill Mountain. Nor discriminate against any of the public. Sorry Bookbinder’s definitly isn’t for “everyone.” That alone says no restaurant on the mountain. The time period of the star and zoo are not the same as today when greenspace is more pristine and desired. And I don’t believe Fishburn would want the only picnic area of MM being a side yard to development or open the doors to further development.
I understand you come from the business side of this and want and look for Roanoke to prosper economically. As I and everyone else does. This is not the way, nor is it a “small slice of the puzzle.” Finishing the greenways and developing them along the way would be better suited economically and for the ultimate outcome they seek and Roanoke wants. Also, City Council disregarded their 2006 proposal on the mountain to place an easment on it.
Much as the fate of The Brugh Tavern. A restaurant is not going to draw visitors off the parkway. Explore Park failed on the parkway. If a zoo and discovery center fail to draw them, than a restaurant certainly isn’t. And a restaurant in a public park with NO VIEW shouldn’t be done as an experiment to “see what happens” nor to assist other mountaintop amenities. Parkway travelers not giving Roanoke a second thought is a failure in marketing and a City issue. Mill Mountain Star, Zoo, Discovery Center have always been there with the parkway, a restaurant is not going to draw the numbers by even more than 10% and put Roanoke on the map for the parkway. GIVE ME A BREAK. Name the restuarants on the parkway.Have you been to them? I have never heard of one to travel to. Again Explore Park was on the Parkway. It failed. Further, the numbers are falling on parkway travelers, the economy is in shambles and gas prices are soaring. Not exactly comfortable circumstances to take risks. Plus those numbers are for the entire parkway, not the Roanoke area. Heavier traffic exists in North Carolina (BRP). Your final statement says it all. “Roanoke…very little effort to encourage visitors to stop and spend their money.” A marketing failure and overlook. Enhancements need to be made on the existing facilities not add more. A restaurant (like Brugh Tavern) is not going to be the saving grace. Nor would people be encouraged to know that a public park was rezoned for a restaurant. That opens up a whole new can of worms! Anyways this money and effort would be much better suited in finishing the greenways. Plus you would still draw people off the parkway and then some. It’s tourism value is endless and touches on all walks of life. You could access 26 miles of greenways and explore all of Roanoke just by stepping foot off the parkway and onto the MM trail. Rent a bike, rent a boat or tie up your laces and explore, restaurants, ice cream parlors, coffee shops,etc. This would have been a done deal with 100% cooperation and backing and bring all of Valley Forward’s objectives to realization. Attracting and retaining young professionals, economic development, tourism, quality of life, green-coolness, and the hip factor. Absolutely NO TO ROCKLEDGE! The efforts should be used on their upcoming cause.