7 p.m. Roanoke City Council Meeting on October 19, 2026

The Roanoke City Council meeting on October 19, 2026, included the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates’ annual report. RNA reported a recurring annual operating budget of $4,474 and $42,200 available each fiscal year for grants to neighborhood and community groups; it expects to use part of its FY2027 budget to replace worn block-party-kit items. The board also reported increased participation in its Neighborhood Month program and use of the free block-party kit. Council adopted unanimously an ordinance rezoning 0 Jeanette Avenue SW to allow a proposed seven-home cottage court, and another ordinance rezoning three parcels on Franklin Road SW for a proposed 23-unit residential development. Both projects were presented as infill housing; no construction contracts or project funding awards were approved. Council also unanimously adopted a resolution to amend Enterprise Zone 1A boundaries, adding approximately 30.71 acres and removing about 41 acres, with the changes to be submitted to the state for approval.

The applicant withdrew a separate rezoning request at 3509 Peters Creek Road NW. During public comment, residents criticized the lack of transparency around a proposed Woodhaven public-land sale connected to a planned Google data center; the sale was not acted on during this meeting. Other comments raised bike-lane safety and a Western Virginia Water Authority policy that residents said can make separate sewer connections for accessory dwelling units costly. A speaker asked Council to have its representatives explore whether that policy could be revised; no Council action on the request was recorded.