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January 20, 2026 Final
Agenda PDF Official record ↗

Agenda — 3 items

  1. Execution of an agreement with the Virginia Department of Health for continued operation of the Roanoke Health Department.Adopted Resolution No. 43340-012026. (6-0, Council Member Sanchez-Jones was not present when the vote was recorded.)
  2. Amendment of Article II, <u id="isPasted">Real Estate Taxes Generally</u>, Chapter 32, <u>Taxation</u>, Code of the City of Roanoke, by the addition of new Division 5D, <u>Partial Exemption of Certain Real Property Located in Redevelopment or Conservation Areas or Rehabilitation Districts Zoned Urban Center.Adopted Ordinance No. 43341-012026. (7-0)
  3. PUBLIC MATTERS FOLLOW-UPKathryn Hedrick, Inclusive Services Manager, reported on the following matters from the December 15 and January 5 City Council Meetings:Greenway Access Follow-UpGarrett Robinson spoke at the November 17 Council meeting about maintaining greenway access during the construction of the Wiley Drive low water bridge. Mr. Campbell shared the following statement, which has been sent to another resident, as well. “Thank you for reaching out and for your commitment to the Roanoke River Greenway. We agree that this bridge is an important connection, and we understand why maintaining access during construction is a major concern. After a detailed engineering review, we want to be clear: there is no safe or feasible way to keep the Greenway open at this location while the bridge is being replaced. The existing structure must be removed all at once, and the limited right-of-way leaves no room for a temporary path. Environmental regulations also require the contractor to work within a cofferdam and keep at least half the river open at all times, which further restricts available space. Any attempt to keep a pedestrian corridor open would put users directly beside heavy construction activity and unstable bridge components. Because of these constraints, we must choose between keeping the current bridge area open or replacing it. Unfortunately, we cannot safely do both.During the anticipated nine-month closure, a signed detour will direct Greenway users to cross the Wasena Bridge, travel through Highland Park, connect with Franklin Rd at Walnut, and cross at Reserve to reconnect with the Roanoke River Greenway in Rivers Edge Park. We recognize the importance of transparency. Public review of the design and construction plan will occur in February, once required easements are secured. At that time, the community will be able to see the plans, ask questions, and share feedback. We appreciate your advocacy for the Greenway and look forward to working with the community to deliver a safer, more reliable bridge as efficiently as possible.”<br><br><strong>Zoning Text Amendment Updates</strong><br id="isPasted">Anthony Stavola and Owen McGuire requested an update on the study of the adopted zoning reforms. Mr. Hagen submitted this as a Council Member Initiative.Report Back:Ms. O’Brien gave an update to City Council during the 2:00 pm session on December 15, and the following information comes from her report.Three Council Member Initiatives have been grouped together to streamline the process for the Planning Department, making efficient use of both staff time and community engagement opportunities. Community meetings at libraries starting January 21. Research and drafting have already begun and will continue through the end of this month. A period of public engagement and stakeholder input is underway with a series of community meetings scheduled during the last two weeks of January. The research and input will be collected and staff will deliver briefings to City Council and the Planning Commission during February and March.The proposed date for City Council adoption is April 20, 2026, after which staff will work toward full implementation and communication with residents.More information about the community meetings can be found on the City’s webpage and residents are invited to learn more and provide feedback at www.roanokeva.gov/projects.Mayor Cobb inquired about the projection of the opening of the Roanoke River Greenway during the construction of the Wiley Drive low bridge.

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