Henri Gendreau - The Roanoke Rambler (Page 6)

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."

Climate Crisis

Roanoke Folds Climate Change Action into City Master Plan

The climate plan’s adoption prompted discussion over what extent the plan could impact future development projects.

Housing

Roanoke Steers Millions To Nonprofit TAP with Goal of Spurring Affordable Housing

Roanoke officials heralded progress with the city's land bank and the creation of a $2 million affordable housing fund.

Business

Roanoke Artists Market Crafts Identity As 'Gathering Spot' in Trendy Retail Corridor

Blue Ridge Indie Market opened its doors this month on an increasingly hipster stretch of Salem Avenue in Roanoke’s west downtown area.

City Hall

As Evans Spring Plan Proceeds, Residents Urge Roanoke Council To Reverse Development Stance

Northwest Roanoke residents and activists said the city should acquire the 150-acre woodlands and turn it into a public park.

Letter

Letter From the Editor: Former Roanoke Times Publisher To Launch Rambler's Ad Program, Propelling Us Into 2024

Samuel Worthington will spearhead our advertising and sponsorship efforts on a temporary basis.

Business

Roanoke Leaders Herald Plan By Amazon To Build Warehouse on Former Deschutes Brewery Site

Amazon intends to construct a roughly 123,000-square foot distribution center in the Roanoke Centre for Industry and Technology.

Transportation

Roanoke Bus System To Launch On-Demand Sunday, Late Night Service in 'Microtransit' Pilot

The two-year pilot program from Valley Metro fulfills a promise from city leaders who earmarked $3 million in federal pandemic relief funds to improve public transit.

Gun violence

More Roanoke Gun Violence Panelists Resign, Citing City Council Politics As Factor

The departures come during a year of intense scrutiny as Roanoke faces the highest number of gun homicides in decades.

City Hall

Tackling Gun Violence, School Funding Among Roanoke City's Wish List To State Lawmakers

Council's legislative priorities last year prompted some resident pushback after the city urged lawmakers to revisit criminal justice reforms.