ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – The proposed Poage Farm Village development by ABoone Real Estate, which had sparked public interest and debate, will not proceed. Roanoke County officials announced that the application for rezoning the property on Poage Valley Road has been withdrawn at the request of the applicant.
The development proposal, initially set to transform the site from its current zoning for single-family homes to accommodate 138 townhomes, 11 larger single-family homes, commercial businesses, parks, and playgrounds, had been a topic of intense discussion among residents. Supporters saw it as an opportunity to introduce much-needed affordable housing to the area, while opponents raised concerns about environmental impacts, increased traffic, and the strain on local schools.
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Ryan Bradley, a local resident, expressed concerns about the potential impact on Back Creek Elementary School, noting that the school is already at capacity. Meanwhile, Jackie Wilkerson, a long-time resident near Old Poage Farm, supported the development for its potential to provide affordable housing for young families.
You can read the full text of the withdrawal letter.
Now that the application has been withdrawn, the proposal will not be presented to the Planning Commission or the Board of Supervisors next month as planned.
Roanoke County staff and the Board of Supervisors said they appreciated the public’s engagement and the citizens who attended the recent community meeting to voice their opinions.
County leaders released a statement about the “Poage Farm Village” development reading:
“Given the significant public interest in the proposed “Poage Farm Village” development by ABoone Real Estate, I’m providing the following statement from Roanoke County. A link to the withdrawal letter is included for your reference.
The application for a rezoning of property located at 6285, 6287 and 6288 Poage Valley Road has been withdrawn at the request of the applicant, and it will not proceed to the Planning Commission on January 7, 2025 or to the Board of Supervisors on January 28, 2024.
Roanoke County staff and the Board of Supervisors appreciate the public interest in this matter and the citizens who attended this week’s community meeting to share their perspectives.
As we consider the feedback shared by our residents, we recognize the importance of addressing housing needs as a priority for Roanoke County. With demand outpacing supply, we are committed to encouraging well-planned housing developments that serve residents at all income levels and life stages, expanding housing options for everyone who calls Roanoke County home."
