Happy Wednesday! Thank you so much for your subscription to the Roanoke Rambler. This week, we took a ride down Williamson Road and talked to steering committee members about their outlook; Virginia voted "Yes"; and Virginia got $15M in new funding but where will it GO?

First, Roanoke City and a steering committee tasked with creating a recommendation on the number of lanes on Williamson Rd. debate best next steps. Safety concerns catalyzed new measures, but many citizens say traffic concerns are also important. The steering committee has yet to make a final recommendation, but sources say that they are no where close to consensus and seem to be split on the best decision going forward.

Next, could $15M in funding from the Governor finally be a solution to more economic growth in Roanoke? Business owners and concerned citizens voiced the need for transparency and the need for funding to actually get to citizens in Roanoke. Roanoke could land over 100 manufacturing jobs paying over $58k a year as a result of the new initiative, but over 180 to 200 totals jobs could be created (which includes suppliers, services, and retail). This wage injection coupled with the multiplier effects could lead to 12 to 16 million dollars annually in total wage activity circulating (or at least originating) locally. We let you know what you need to access this new initiative and break down the potential impact on the Roanoke area.

And, Virginia Votes "Yes". After covering the potential implications of the vote last week, our team went to the polls yesterday as did over 3 million Virginians (including early voters). Although Virginia voted yes, according to the AP, Roanoke County and other areas near us voted "No" with 95% reporting. Now that redistricting will happen, we gain insight from the Governor, and new candidates on what that means for the new 6th district.

Questions or comments? As always, just reply to this email, and we'll look forward to hearing from you. - Thank you

This week's newsletter is sponsored by Crandall & Katt:

Virginia narrowly votes "Yes"

The Governor responds and a new candidate, Tom Perriello, former U.S. Representative announces his intention to run for the 6th district seat following the vote. Tom will be joining Beth Macy, Pete Barlow, Ken Mitchell and Hugh Murray, among announced candidates.

Committee in Discussion to Steer Williamson Rd. Debate with No Consensus on a Recommendation Yet

We have new lanes, but where should we head from here and who is driving?

A message from The Grandin Theatre:

Virginia gets $15M in funding from the Governor, so we break down how to access the funds and what it could mean for the Roanoke Area

Highlighted Events This Week

• This week, we wanted to exclusively highlight and thank those at Melrose Library in Roanoke City and all the originations associated with providing FREE FOOD to children every Wednesday (that's today!!) at the library. Collective organizations are working to promote literacy and feed our youth - thank you!
• An honorable mention goes to: the Kiwanis Club of Roanoke that has their annual pancake breakfast this Saturday! Kids under 5 eat free and all donations go to charities like Apple Ridge Farm, Blue Ridge Literacy, LEAP and others! It is April 15th from 7am to 12:30pm at the Berglund Center.

A message from Wisler Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric:

Williamson Road

There was a concerted effort to bring forth businesses to Williamson Road over the years (with billboard campaigns) after significant efforts were made between the 1940s and 1970s to turn it into a major commercial strip after there was a proliferation of motor vehicles. The area north of Orange Avenue was annexed by the city in 1949. Post-WWII development saw automobile traffic, and by the 1970s, it was a high-traffic social center, heavily used for commuting, shopping, and "cruising" by teens, indicating it was traveled by well over 1,000 vehicles a day during that period.

And In Case You Missed It:

Hey, you! Yes, you. Each issue we highlight some of our most read stories in recent months. Here are a few:

🏘️ Blue Ridge Land Conservancy in Talks to Buy Most of Evans Spring — But Needs City Action

💡New Model for Cash-Strapped Jefferson Center Pursued Through Management Firm Idea

🚌 Brief Valley Metro Stoppage Signals Key Bargaining Stage as Fare Increase Proposed

The Roanoke Rambler

Local. Investigative. Literary. The Roanoke Rambler covers local news in Roanoke, Virginia.

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