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Roanoke Neighborhood Leaders Ousted Over Fishburn Park Cottage Brouhaha, Claim Removal Vote Was 'Unlawful'

Owen McGuire and Freeda Cathcart of the Grandin Court Neighborhood Association were removed in a 63-25 vote.

Henri Gendreau

• 5 min read
Residents of Roanoke’s Grandin Court neighborhood have ousted their association leaders over their opposition to the city’s sale of the Fishburn Park caretaker’s cottage for a coffee shop. Freeda Cathcart, secretary of the Grandin Court Neighborhood Association (center), argues with Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates chair Alicha Grubb (left) about whether discussion could proceed the vote, as association president Owen McGuire (right) consults the group's bylaws. PHOTO BY HENRI GENDREAU FOR THE ROANOKE RAMBLER.

Residents of Roanoke’s Grandin Court neighborhood have ousted their association leaders over their opposition to the city’s sale of the Fishburn Park caretaker’s cottage for a coffee shop.

Grandin Court Neighborhood Association President Owen McGuire and Secretary Freeda Cathcart were removed in a 63-25 paper ballot vote on Thursday during a raucous, jam-packed meeting.

“I don't feel like the current leadership is doing what's best for the community,” said Kenny Marn, who prompted the removal vote and was later elected interim president. “I think that they have a conflict of interest, and they're mixing their own personal opinions with what the neighbor association’s actually for.”

Cathcart and McGuire later claimed the vote was “unlawful” and that they are still the rightful leaders of the neighborhood association.