ROANOKE, Va. – A development project along I-581 near Valley View Mall is back on the table for discussion after challenges in the past.
Back in February 2020, plans to create this 130-acre area were withdrawn because of the lack of support from the community regarding major traffic changes and safety.
Roanoke City Council agreed to take the first step and hire a consultant to start planning for the development.
There are no details about what to put in the wooded-area because they want to combine neighbors’ input and thoughts from the property owners.
The development would be adjacent to the Melrose-Rugby, Fairland and Villa Heights neighborhoods.
A concerned family from the area said rather than commercialization, they want to see new homes built and streets fixed.
“As far as coming into our home and taking it from us and ripping it out, because that’s what basically it is,” said LaDonna Jordan. “Throwing some money. No, that’s not going to work.”
Since there is no plan in place, the City Council needs to rezone the area first. A rezoning application could be considered by the council and the Planning Commission by 2023.
Part of this project would have to build a bridge from the ramp off of I-581 across from Target to reach the site.
The project would be funded by the city, the property owners and the Economic Development Authority with a contribution of $75,000 each.