Henri Gendreau - The Roanoke Rambler (Page 6)

After Threats Shutter Roanoke Schools, Parents Scrutinize How Officials Respond

Some parents see the school district as changing tack after community members raise concerns, which school officials deny.

City Hall

Roanoke City Treasurer Evelyn Powers To Retire, Setting Up Potential Special Election

City treasurer since 2003, Evelyn Powers will retire with a 43-year career in Roanoke government.

Neighborhoods

Neighbor's Lawsuit Challenging Fishburn Park Cottage Sale Dismissed by Roanoke Judge

Owen McGuire, who lives beside the park, sued the city and a business run by Justin and Keri vanBlaricom in September.

Development

Despite Public Outcry, Roanoke Council Adopts Evans Spring Plan To Guide Development

The plan says Evans Spring should become a mix of big box stores, smaller shops, and hundreds of houses and apartments.

City Hall

‘Extremely Troubled’: Roanoke Leaders Called for Probe into Parks Director’s Leaked Resignation Letter, Emails Show

“I would like to see us investigate how this information was leaked,” the mayor told Roanoke's city manager.

Homelessness

City To Seize Land of Homeless Hangout in Southeast Roanoke

The city’s planned seizure marks the second time Roanoke has taken over properties that owe taxes and where people have set up camp.

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.

Investigation

Roanoke Judge Ware Agrees To Supervision, Suspension Lifted After Claim He Traded Legal Aid for Sex, Agency Letter Says

Virginia's Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission says it will monitor Onzlee Ware's conduct over the next 12 months.

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.

Investigation

The Case of the Missing Judge

Onzlee Ware has been absent since a woman alleged he traded legal aid for sex. Nobody will say why, and he’s still getting paid.

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.

Energy

Roanoke City School Buildings To Go Solar in First Such Project As County Weighs Similar Bid

The company will own the solar array and sell the electricity generated back to the school system at a lower rate than it's currently paying.

Investigation

In Resignation Letter, Roanoke Parks Director Cites Culture of ‘Passive Aggression and Intentional Slight’ at City Hall

Michael Clark, who worked for the city for 15 years, resigned suddenly last week.

Housing

Roanoke Housing Authority Seeks Affordable Developer For 8-Acre Gainsboro Property

The housing authority’s ownership of the steep-sloped woods traces back to urban renewal.

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.

Gun violence

In $300,000 Question, Roanoke Leaders Ask Who Should Get Grants To Reduce Gun Violence

City staff say organizations must spend this second cycle of grant funding by the end of June.

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."