The “Gateway Project” - a project that is designed to tackle Roanoke’s affordable housing issues - was passed by the Roanoke City Council today by a 6-1 vote.
The houses provided by the Gateway Project are designed to provide high-quality living spaces for individuals earning between $18,000 and $60,000 a year in Southeast Roanoke.
A four-acre plot of land in Southeast Roanoke would be renovated to create the approximately 155 apartments that will be spread out amongst three different buildings.
Proponents of the project believe it will revitalize the city of Roanoke and help it take the first steps toward solving the homelessness issues within the city while also helping those fighting substance abuse.
“It is near impossible to achieve recovery and to get better and get the help that you need while you are living on the streets,” Danny Clawson said. “It is so hard not to descend into chaotic substance use when you are unhoused.”
However, not everyone in the crowd was for it.
Some in the crowd were worried about the apartments being filled past the capacity alongside a potential influx of crime and drugs that could have an impact on law enforcement.
Some who live in Southeast Roanoke could also be affected by the construction.
“Are you just going to give them a key and say take off?” Dominic Ford, who spoke against the project, said. “I’ve seen this happen multiple times, this will be a beautiful project, but you cannot do this without structure.”
However, the City Council ultimately gave the green light.
“I think that an absolutely critical part of this is structure,” Mayor Joe Cobb said. “As part of our housing plan, we need to keep that in mind as we are continuing to hold out these opportunities for affordability.”
With City Council’s approval developers can continue with planning and design.
