ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – It was standing room only Tuesday night as Roanoke County residents packed a community meeting at the South County Library to learn about the proposed Old Poage Farm development.
“This is local government in action,” said one attendee, Ryan Bradley.
The site, currently zoned for single-family homes, would see significant changes under the proposal, which includes rezoning to allow for 138 townhomes, 11 larger single-family homes, commercial businesses, parks, and playgrounds.
Supporters of the project argue it could bring much-needed affordable housing to the area. Jackie Wilkerson, who has lived near Old Poage Farm for 54 years, said she sees the development as an opportunity for young families.
“I do want some affordable housing for some kids to run and play,” Wilkerson said.
Opponents, however, raised concerns about environmental impacts and increased traffic. Don Cloeter voiced his opposition, particularly against the multi-family housing aspect of the project.
“I’m totally opposed to the development,” Cloeter said. “Can’t stop that, but the multi-family homes is completely out of, should be out of the question.”
Newer residents to the area, like Ryan Bradley, worry about the strain the development could place on local schools.
“We’re really excited about our daughter potentially going to Back Creek Elementary School. We’ve heard such good things about the school,” Bradley said. “We’ve also heard that the school is at capacity. So one of our primary concerns is to make sure that she’ll have a spot there with these proposals.”
The debate highlights a broader discussion about balancing growth with maintaining the area’s character and infrastructure. County officials have not yet made a final decision on the rezoning application.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on this land use application on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
In addition, the Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on this land use application on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Both meetings will be held in the Board Meeting Room of the Roanoke County Administration Center located at 5204 Bernard Drive, Roanoke, VA.
You can find more information about the proposal here.