Government and Politics - The Roanoke Rambler (Page 3)

Housing

Roanoke Proposes Allowing Multi-Unit Housing Throughout Residential Neighborhoods

Effort to end single-family-only zoning is meant to spur more housing, decrease inequities, city officials say.

City Hall

Roanoke Leaders, Residents Tangle Over Evans Spring As Activists Ratchet Up Pressure

City Council is nearing a vote on whether to incorporate a development plan into Roanoke's master plan.

Legal

Pro-Gun Groups, Residents Sue Roanoke City Over Law Banning Firearms on Public Properties

Roanoke became one of several cities and towns to restrict firearms in public places after a 2020 state law.

City Hall

Roanoke Readies New Wasena Bridge At Twice Initial Budget

Steel costs and the time it took to get permits from Norfolk Southern contributed to the bridge project's price tag, city manager says.

Politics

Roanoke Vice Mayor Cobb Files To Run For Mayor As Lea, White-Boyd Bow Out of Council Races

Cobb is laying the groundwork for a campaign as Mayor Sherman Lea and Councilwoman Trish White-Boyd announce they won’t seek reelection.

Racial justice

Decades After Urban Renewal Razed Black Neighborhoods, Roanoke Prepares To Apologize

The apology is “intended to be an action document with firm commitments and identifiable results."

City Hall

As Evans Spring Plan Proceeds, Residents Urge Roanoke Council To Reverse Development Stance

Northwest Roanoke residents and activists said the city should acquire the 150-acre woodlands and turn it into a public park.

Transportation

Roanoke Bus System To Launch On-Demand Sunday, Late Night Service in 'Microtransit' Pilot

The two-year pilot program from Valley Metro fulfills a promise from city leaders who earmarked $3 million in federal pandemic relief funds to improve public transit.

Gun violence

More Roanoke Gun Violence Panelists Resign, Citing City Council Politics As Factor

The departures come during a year of intense scrutiny as Roanoke faces the highest number of gun homicides in decades.