Henri Gendreau - The Roanoke Rambler (Page 2)

Roanoke Mayor's Race Heats Up As Candidates Trade Barbs on Single-Family Zoning, Racism

Three candidate forums in the last week were marked by feisty exchanges over policy and groan-inducing remarks on racism.

Housing

Roanoke Housing Authority Pauses New Section 8 Vouchers Amid High Rent Prices

It may take months until 100 families can secure housing through the voucher program, more commonly known as Section 8.

Food Access

One of Roanoke's Few Urban Farms Clinches a Deal To Protect Its Land

A new land ownership model will protect the farm in Northwest Roanoke and enable some financial security for farmer Cameron Terry.

Politics

Roanoke Council Democrats Show Support for Independent Candidate Over Party Nominee

Some prominent Roanoke Democrats are showing support for independent Evelyn Powers over Democrat Benjamin Woods.

Housing

Roanoke Once Again Ends Single-Family-Only Zoning After Lawsuit Prompted a Do-Over

City Council made the “redo” after a lawsuit from homeowners challenged how the city gave public notice about the proposal.

Neighborhoods

Roanoke's Claytor Family Sells Historic Gainsboro Health Clinic Property

The sale closed shortly after family members and community leaders gathered for a state historical marker unveiling.

City Hall

Roanoke Council Backpedals on Abolishing Its Youth Athletics Review Board

Members of the Youth Athletics Review Board were caught off guard last month after the city attorney floated a proposal to do away with the recently formed group.

City Hall

Changes at Roanoke City Hall Show Interim Manager Isn't Just Keeping Seat Warm

A recent reassignment of duties at the top shows Roanoke’s interim city manager, Lydia Patton, is not content to carry on the status quo.

Economy

Roanoke Regional Tourism Agency Faces Repeated Council Scrutiny Over Value, Leadership

City leaders say a new strategic plan for Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge should address what they see as a bloated board of directors.

Education

'A Brilliant Idea': Vision To Turn Jefferson Center into Magnet High School Met with Praise from Roanoke Council Members

Support from the purse-string-controlling Council would be key if the district is to alleviate overcrowding at high schools.

Education

Roanoke Superintendent Floats Third High School, Possibly in Renovated Jefferson Center

Roanoke’s two public high schools have at least 20 percent more students than they can handle currently, according to a recent report.

Housing

Affordable Apartment Tower No Longer Planned for Downtown Roanoke Site

The city agreed last year to sell its former Homeless Assistance Team office for a proposed 80-unit affordable housing project.

Letter

Thank You for Supporting Our Mission To Keep Local News Alive

We had more than 100 readers become supporting members, achieving 40 percent of our revenue target.

Neighborhoods

Parking for Higher Ed Center Hits Gainsboro Nerve Amid Plan To Revive Neighborhood

The center's proposal to take over a city-owned parking lot has prompted pushback from some Gainsboro residents amid a plan to revitalize the neighborhood.

Letter

The Rambler Needs You Now More Than Ever

Can you imagine if we didn’t exist? But that’s a real possibility now.

Homelessness

As Roanoke Homeless Day Shelter Moves, Old Southwest Neighborhood Riven by Debate

RAM House has encountered fierce resistance from some residents over its plans to move elsewhere in the Old Southwest neighborhood.

Housing

In Reversal, Roanoke Planning Board Advises Council Not To Approve Revised Zoning Policy

City Council is still expected to decide on Sept. 16 whether to reapprove the zoning package.

City Hall

Roanoke Proposes Disbanding Youth Athletics Board Created Three Years Ago

It wasn’t immediately clear why City Council was considering disbanding the athletics board, or how that would fix a problem it’s seeking to solve.