ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL

Some city council members want more oversight, while the commission wants to be treated similar to other groups.

Roanoke City Council members voted against rezoning Fishburn Park.

Roanoke City council has talked about expanding the youth curfew for months, and reexamined it during Monday's meeting.

City councilwoman Stephanie Moon Reynolds is calling on city manager Bob Cowell to do more to address gun violence.

A public hearing was held for the proposed curfew in Roanoke City on Tuesday night.

Roanoke City Council unanimously approved a resolution to support federal legislation to change the name of the Richard H. Poff Federal Building to the Reuben E. Lawson building.

Roanoke City Council unanimously approved the new complex which will be built off of Orange Avenue.

The controversial Brandon Avenue townhomes project has been approved by Roanoke City Council.

Luke Priddy is projected to win the Roanoke City Council special election race, defeating Peg McGuire.

On the heels of weekend gun violence in Star City, Roanoke City Council got a status report on October gun violence.

Democrat Luke Priddy and Republican Peg McGuire are facing off for the unexpired term of former Roanoke City Council member, Robert Jeffery Jr.

Three of the nine candidates running for Roanoke City Council include Independents David Bowers, Preston Tyler and Jamaal Jackson.

Joe Cobb, Vivian Sanchez-Jones and Peter Volosin are the three democratic candidates running for Roanoke City Council.

Republicans Nick Hagen, Maynard Keller, and Dalton Baugess are three of the nine candidates running for Roanoke City Council.

Casa Latina is a non-profit created to help address the needs of Hispanics in the area.

The parking garage will feature 600 spaces, available for both Carilion patients and staff as well as the public.

25 safety recommendations were adopted by the school board at their last meeting, including a new safety tip line, new, more secure classroom door locks, and an additional 15 school resource officers on top of the 11 already on staff.

25 safety recommendations were adopted by the school board at their last meeting, including a new safety tip line, new, more secure classroom door locks, and an additional 15 school resource officers on top of the 11 already on staff.

Former Roanoke Councilman Robert Jeffrey, Jr. has been granted bond.

The Roanoke City Council is pushing an incentive forward to increase housing opportunities in the Star City – City leaders approved a $50,000 grant from the Virginia Housing Development Authority during their session Tuesday.

Total Action for Progress says they've experienced double the amount of calls on their hotline.

On Tuesday, the Roanoke City Council discussed crime rates in our area.

Here's a look at some of the stories we'll be following today as they make headlines in Southwest Virginia.

If you live in Roanoke and are paid up on your personal property taxes, some of that money will be going back in your pocket.

Here are your local primary results for our area.

The 6th District for the US House is holding a primary to determine the Republican nominee.

WSLS followed up on Monday’s heated exchange between Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea and Councilmember Stephanie Moon Reynolds.

Roanoke's Mayor Sherman Lea and councilwoman Stephanie Moon Reynolds got into a heated exchange over the city's proposed budget.

Car owners in the Star City may see some relief this summer.

Roanoke City Council got an update on efforts to reduce gun violence in the city during their afternoon session Monday.

Roanoke City Council held a public meeting to hear many concerns and frustrations you all shared: the increase in personal property taxes.

The Roanoke Fire Fighters Association spoke at Monday’s city council meeting to address the proposed Public Safety Pay Plan before the official budget is voted on in May.

The Roanoke City Council swore in its replacement for Robert Jeffrey Jr. on Monday afternoon.

The Roanoke City Council has announced its top applicants for the current vacancy on the council.

After former Councilman Robert Jeffrey Jr. was found guilty of embezzlement and money crimes, officials are now on the search for someone to take on his role.

A judge convicted a Roanoke City Councilman of embezzlement on Thursday afternoon.

A jury found a Roanoke City councilman guilty of two felony charges on Tuesday.

Roanoke’s City Council is showing their support for Roanoke's sister cities. Monday, council passed a resolution supporting the partnership of the seven sister cities tied to the Star City.

During Monday’s Roanoke City Council meeting, members spent hours analyzing the results of a recent survey done on violence and gangs.

In a move to make working for the city of Roanoke more attractive, the Roanoke City Council unanimously voted to raise the city’s minimum wage to $15 an hour on Monday.

Roanoke City Council passed a new ordinance banning camping on downtown Roanoke sidewalks earlier this week, but there are still many questions surrounding the new law.

The measure, which is punishable as a Class 4 misdemeanor, passed 5-2.

Homeless people may soon be banned from sleeping on sidewalks in downtown Roanoke because of a newly proposed ordinance presented at Monday’s City Council meeting.

Roanoke City Council members are speaking out after Robert Jeffrey Jr. was asked to step down from his seat on council but refused.

The highly debated Brandon Ave apartment project is shut down after a four to three vote at Roanoke City Council meeting Monday night. City Council turned down the request for rezoning of the land.

Roanoke City Council voted to ask fellow Councilmember Robert Jeffrey Jr. to take a leave of absence following multiple felony charges.

Nearby residents, the landowner and city officials have been going back-and-forth over that question for years when discussing the Brandon Avenue apartment project.

A Roanoke City councilman previously indicted in July has been indicted on two new charges, according to the Commonwealth’s Attorney for the city.

Multiple search warrants are painting the picture of how police are investigating the embezzlement charges brought against a Roanoke city councilman.

A plan to make more than 50 apartments along Brandon Avenue stirred up some controversy four years ago.

The City of Roanoke is now steps closer to changing the name of Lee Plaza, named after the Confederate leader, Robert E. Lee.

Roanoke City Councilman Robert Jeffrey Jr., who is facing two felony charges has been released on bond.

Will Roanoke soon have one fewer councilman? According to Roanoke City Attorney Tim Spencer, the answer is no.

A grand jury has indicted a sitting Roanoke City Councilman on two charges of felony embezzlement.

Millions of dollars are coming to the City of Roanoke as part of the American Rescue Plan. City leaders say the money is to help with the city’s financial loss as a result of the pandemic.

The Roanoke City Police Department will buy two new police dogs in the coming months.

Roanoke City Council took feedback on its proposed budget for the upcoming year Monday night.

Here's a look at some of the stories we'll be following today as they make headlines across the country and Southwest Virginia.

Shoppers in the Star City will be paying more if they want to use plastic bags.

Here's a look at some of the stories we'll be following today as they make headlines across the country and Southwest Virginia.

Here's a look at some of the stories we'll be following today as they make headlines across the country and Southwest Virginia.

Roanoke City Council still plans to implement a plastic bag tax but said they need to figure a few things out. Earlier this week, the council postponed a vote until May amid concerns that the tax would disproportionately affect low-income residents.

Roanoke City Council said it needs more information before deciding whether or not they’ll say yes to a plastic bag tax.

News and events happening today

Roanoke City Council scheduled a public hearing on a proposed 5 cent tax on disposable plastic bags. The hearing is set for April 19 at 7 p.m.

Here's a look at some of the stories we'll be following today as they make headlines across the country and Southwest Virginia.

ROANOKE, Va. – Parking changes are coming to the Star City. Roanoke City Council approved the code changes earlier this week, impacting the way you appeal tickets and short-term parking downtown. On short-term parking, you’ll have to move your car 500 feet, which is about a block, for two hours after reaching your time limit. Park Roanoke said that comes after an internal audit found people weren’t moving very much and it’s all about helping businesses. Park Roanoke is working on a program specifically to help people in the service industry who work downtown.

ROANOKE, Va. – Roanoke City Council pulled the trigger on a gun ban on Monday night, coving all city-owned property, including buildings, the Berglund Center, parks, recreation centers, and greenways. But for local gun shops like Bryansteens Gun & Archery, Creed said the ban means they could miss out on thousands of customers driven into the area by gun shows at the Berglund Center. They come here too and to other gun shops to see if they can find stuff they couldn’t find at the gun shows,” said Creed. The Berglund Center will no longer be able to host four annual gun shows, which could cost the center $100,000 that would have gone towards its operating budget. Nevertheless, retired Roanoke City Attorney Dan Callaghan supports the move.

ROANOKE, Va. – Roanoke City Council voted nearly unanimously to ban guns from all city-owned property. On Monday night, the council voted 6-1 to ban firearms from all city-owned buildings, parks and greenways, which includes the Berglund Center. City Council enacted the strictest set of rules possible in an action legalized last year by the General Assembly. Three council members said the vote should be delayed for more time to discuss, but that motion failed. The law takes effect immediately and while some council members expressed concerns about possible lawsuits, the majority of the council felt citizens wanted it now.

ROANOKE, Va. – The Roanoke City Council voted to establish a permanent gun violence prevention commission on Monday which will put plans into action to reduce gun and gang violence in the Star City. Over the past two years, the gun violence task force has looked at the root causes of gun violence in the community and discussed what they can do about it. They’re going to focus on community education and advocacy, social and emotional learning in young children, and hire a youth and young adult gang violence prevention coordinator. “There aren’t quick fixes to long-term root causes. The commission also wants to create a website where people can look for information, resources and find out how to volunteer.

Roanoke City Council will hold a public hearing tonight about banning firearms on city property. Roanoke Parks and Recreation holds a virtual job fair tonight. The City of Lynchburg begins the process of updating its Park and Recreation needs assessment and Comprehensive Park Master Plan today. AdSome Roanoke County students will to the classroom today. Fifth-grade students, who were receiving hybrid instruction, will be in-person four days a week starting today.

Blasting will begin today in Lynchburg for the Lakeside Drive Bridge project. Today is the last day to give your thoughts about the needs of students and school divisions as kids head back to class. Investigators say Merritt traveled from Texas to Virginia and then took off with his victim before being found 36-hours later. The man, accused of shooting two Wythe County deputies last summer, will be in court today. Students in Radford City School who opt for in person learning, will return to the classroom today, four days a week.

ROANOKE, Va. – The Williamson Road Area Business Association (WRABA) wants to expand its services in Roanoke. The goal is to spruce up the area and help out local businesses even more. On Monday, Executive Director Valerie Brown presented a proposal to the Roanoke City Council that would expand the Special Service District (SSD) to include more businesses near the Berglund Center, like Magic City Ford. Expanding the SSD would also allow WRABA to receive more funding from the city, which in turn, would allow WRABA to build sidewalks, add lighting and improve storefronts. If the city agrees, the move would double WRABA’s revenue to about $225,000 a year.

The Williamson Road Area Business Association will discuss expanding its Special Service District with Roanoke City Council. The expansion area would extend to the Berglund Center, along Hershberger Road to 581 and to Airport Road and Towne Square businesses. The Altavista Planning Commission will receive public comment today on the Source Water Protection Plan. On-street parking was eliminated in the 800 block of Main Street and 10th Street between Main and Church Streets for the Main Street Renewal Project, but is now return as construction is nearly complete. Free two-hour parking is still available on the top level of the Midtown Parking Deck.

Roanoke City Council has its first new meetingROANOKE, Va. – Roanoke City Council and the newly-elected members met for the first time in the new year on Monday. They discussed real estate assessment values, which grew 2.69% and are expected to bring in more than $2 million in revenue to the city, mostly due to increasing values in residential homes. They scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, January 19 to hear comments about restrictions on firearms in city buildings; however, on Thursday, the meeting was postponed indefinitely.

ROANOKE, Va. – Citizens in the Star City have to wait a little longer to have their voices heard by the city council regarding gun laws. On Monday, Roanoke City Council initially approved a request for a public hearing to be held on Jan. 19 to get input from residents about the council’s consideration of an ordinance prohibiting firearms on city property. However, that hearing has been pushed back. Officials said the adoption of the ordinance is permitted by an amendment to Section 15.2-915 of the Code of Virginia, “Prohibition of Firearms on City Property,” which was effective July 1, 2020. According to official documents, the law doesn’t require a public hearing prior, but Roanoke did this in an effort to promote transparency and allow residents to participate in their government.

The rising number of COVID-19 cases has many school districts starting 2021 with all virtual learning, including Allegany County, Charlotte County, Lynchburg and Galax. The Roanoke City Council meets officially for the first time with new members Robert Jeffrey and Stephanie Moon. No one can attend the Roanoke City Council meeting in person today because of COVID. City Council members will be the only ones allowed in council chambers. Martinsville City Council meets this morning where Tammy Pearson will be sworn in as a newly elected council member.

Roanoke City Council holds a public hearing about the City Plan 2040. Lynchburg’s Future of Education Task Force Steering Committee meets today. The Rich Creek Fire Department holds a drive-through Christmas Parade tonight. You can watch the parade from your home or front yard as it drives throughout the town. The City of Danville will honor the first graduates in the Project Rebuild program.

During Monday night’s Roanoke City Council meeting, the council unanimously approved the land swap that allows the city to complete the Roanoke River Greenway within city limits. It seems that the ability to stay on the Roanoke River Greenway from Salem all the way to Southeast Roanoke is coming. The red-and-black dashed line shows the portion of the Roanoke River Greenway that's planned for the Walker Foundry property. In August 2017, Roanoke City Council authorized the use of eminent domain to claim the land; however, in April 2019, city council voted to stop pursuing eminent domain. The property listing includes this site plan, which includes an extended Roanoke River Greenway, canoe landing, as well as a restaurant.

The town also holds a reverse Holiday Parade. Patrick Henry Drive will be closed from Progress Street to North Main Street beginning at 5:30 for setup. That’s followed by the winter WonderLot Christmas Parade from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The reverse Christmas Parade will take place in the Salem Civic Center Parking lot. The Town of Amherst holds its reverse Christmas Parade tonight from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

ROANOKE, Va. – For the first time in the Star City, minorities will hold the majority on Roanoke City Council with four African Americans, one Latina and two white members. Democrat Robert Jeffrey Jr. and independent Stephanie Moon Reynolds will join incumbent democrats Mayor Sherman Lea and Councilwoman Trish White-Boyd. “It speaks well to the equity and empowerment that we’re trying to project in our city," said Lea. Council members Michelle Davis and Anita Price did not run for re-election in 2020. Lea said council is going to hold a public hearing on the bus station and council members are going in with open minds.

Roanoke City Council will meet today. Part of Old Forest Road, between Halsey Road and Range Street will be impacted. The Roanoke City School Board Audit Committee will meet today. It will receive a presentation on the audit results for the 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and School Activity Funds. Loose-leaf collection will begin today in Lynchburg.

ROANOKE, Va. – On Wednesday, the newest member of Roanoke City Council was sworn in before family and friends. Vivian Sanchez-Jones stood proudly in the Roanoke courthouse Wednesday afternoon, raising her hand and repeating an oath before a judge. Council announced earlier this week they selected her to fill Djuna Osborne’s unexpired term. “I have gotten a lot of feedback from everyone in town that they’re very happy that I was nominated and chosen to be on the city council so I’m excited to get ready and go to work," Sanchez-Jones said. Sanchez-Jones is the first Latina to be on council.

ROANOKE, Va. – There’s no longer a vacant seat on the Roanoke City Council. Roanoke City Council appointed Vivian Sanchez-Jones on Monday to fill the seat left by Djuna Osborne, who left council last month before her term expired. “They brought different things to the possibility of being on city council, and we chose Vivian Sanchez-Jones as bringing something that the council has never had," Councilman Bell Bestpitch said about the final five nominees. City leaders said Sanchez-Jones has helped Latino families navigate the school system and community services. Sanchez-Jones is also President of Avancemos Roanoke, which is a community organization that helps Latinos in the Roanoke Valley.

Road work could impact your commute in Franklin County starting today. Earlier this month, city council interviewed five people for the position. The South County library opened last month, with plans to reopen the Glenvar and Vinton libraries later this fall. Students at three Franklin County schools will return to normal schedule today. Classes at Franklin County High School, Benjamin Franklin Middle School and the Gereau Center went all virtual on October 8th due to community spread of COVID-19.

ROANOKE, Va. – A Roanoke City Council candidate tested positive for coronavirus a few weeks prior to the election. Robert Jeffrey Jr. announced his diagnosis Thursday and said he has been quarantining and resting at home with his wife who also tested positive for COVID-19. “Our campaign took the matter seriously by putting the safety, health and wellness of the community and our team at the forefront of our plan,” said Jefferey in his statement. “Despite being overly precautious, we were still impacted.”He said that contracting the virus gives him firsthand knowledge of what Roanoke citizens are going through, making him more committed to creating awareness around the pandemic in the Star City. “With over 20 days left in this campaign, I’m committed to finish this historic election with enthusiasm and fervor,” said Jeffrey.

ROANOKE, VA. – On Monday, Roanoke City Council took the next steps to fill the open spot left by Djuna Osborne’s resignation. They whittled it down to their short list of replacements for Osborne’s seat in just three days. They brought them in for interviews with the city council on Monday afternoon. Out of 21 applicants, Joseph Clements, Beth Doughty, Alvin Nash, Luke Priddy and Vivian Sanchez-Jones were selected to compete for her council seat. “Djuna came in second place to Vice-Mayor Cobb in that election, Roanoke spoke very loudly that year that they wanted a Progressive in that seat, Luke is that person," Barbara Andes said.

ROANOKE, Va. – Two Roanoke politicians will play an active role in the Biden-Harris campaign’s effort to reach LGBTQ+ voters in Virginia. The Biden for President Virginia campaign announced on Monday that Roanoke Vice Mayor Joe Cobb and Roanoke City Council candidate Peter Volosin are among the co-chairs selected for the LGBTQ+ Virginians for Biden-Harris leadership council. The goal of the council is to “highlight Joe Biden and Kamala Harris' plan to advance LGBTQ+ equality, starting by working to pass the Equality Act.”Council members will work to “mobilize and engage” the LGBTQ+ community in Virginia. The campaign said this will include things like hosting weekly meetings, tapping into existing networks and organizing voters for early voting. Here is the full list of those who will serve as co-chairs:

ROANOKE, Va. – Roanoke’s Independent candidate running for mayor, David Bowers, is speaking out against the Roanoke City Council decision to appoint someone to fill an empty seat instead of holding a special election. Bowers, who has served as mayor before, said the decision to appoint someone to fill Djuna Osborne’s seat isn’t fair to the other candidates on the ballot or to the voters. “They’re going to choose one of their own to replace one of their own and the only people that can stop it is you, the voters of Roanoke,” said Bowers. There’s no need for that.”Lea said the council is abiding by the law and having the city attorney guide them through the process. Roanoke City Council is accepting applications from citizens interested in being appointed to council, before making a final decision on October 19.

ROANOKE, Va. – The Roanoke City Council is looking for applicants to fill an empty seat on the council after Djuna Osborne resigned last week. Djuna OsborneThe new appointee cannot be anyone already on the ballot to fill one of three open city council seats this fall. Council will accept applications until Oct. 1, announce the candidates they plan to interview on Oct. 2 and interview those candidates during a public meeting on Oct. 5. Council is also accepting public comments about the appointment process and questions to ask the applicants. Council will make the final vote on who to appoint to fill the seat on Oct. 19.

ROANOKE, Va. – Roanoke’s monument to Robert E. Lee is getting a new home. On Monday, the Roanoke City Council decided to accept the proposal submitted by Evergreen Burial Park, which would move the obelisk there. Lee monument down on groundThe park is requesting that the city also move the base and pedestal from Lee Plaza to the park. “We think Evergreen Burial Park is a logical place for the Lee Monument, we have 60 Confederate veterans at Evergreen, we have a Union soldier buried at Evergreen," Wilson said. “We believe the Lee monument has a story of its own to tell, how it came to be, how it came to be removed, and how it came to come to Evergreen now," Wilson said.

It will get a briefing on improvements to the Route 220 corridor. A series of events will take place this week for Sustainability Week. It’s sponsored by the Town of Blacksburg, Virginia Tech and Sustainable Blacksburg. There will be a series of events this week, addressing environmental stewardship. Sustainability Week runs through Saturday.

ROANOKE, Va. – Roanoke City Councilwoman Djuna Osborne announced that she plans to step down from her seat, effective Wednesday at 5 p.m.Osborne told 10 News that the pandemic has taken a toll on a lot of families, including hers. Osborne said it was a very tough decision to make because she’s proud of her work on council to serve citizens. Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea said that he’s sad to see her go. “It’s just a really tough choice. It’s really really hard," said Osborne.

ROANOKE, Va. – Starting Wednesday at 5 p.m., Roanoke City Council will be down one member. Councilwoman Djuna Osborne resigned from City Council, Roanoke leaders announced Monday. Osborne joined Roanoke City Council in July 2018 and her term was set to expire on December 31 in 2022. Roanoke City Council will hold a special meeting on Friday to discuss next steps in filling Osborne’s vacancy. Read Osborne’s full statement below:“It is with a heavy heart that I tender my resignation as a Roanoke City Council Member.

ROANOKE, Va. Roanoke City Council will discuss amending a contract with the Grater Roanoke Transit Company. Lynchburg City Council will hold a special meeting today. The Pittsylvania County School Board meets tonight. The Salem City School Board will meet tonight. Starting next week, schools are scheduled to operate on a hybrid schedule for most.

ROANOKE, Va. – Dozens of people gathered in Roanoke on Tuesday for a “Back the Blue” rally. Two Republican Roanoke City Council candidates, Peg McGuire and Maynard Keller, teamed up with Virginia Republican Senate candidate Daniel Gade and Congressman Ben Cline to show their support for local law enforcement. The event was held outside SafeSide Tactical where speakers talked about the importance of supporting police officers, not defunding them. This event comes as the General Assembly holds a special session in Richmond focusing on police reform. There was also a voter registration booth at the event.

ROANOKE, Va. You can give your thoughts tonight on the proposed removal of the Roanoke E. Lee monument in downtown Roanoke. Roanoke City Council will hold a virtual public hearing at 7 p.m. You must register if you want to give comments. You can call the City Clerks office or send an email to clerk@roanokeva.gov by noon today. The offices in Bedford and Pulaski reopen at 8 a.m. today. Three of the people, arrested for the murder of a Henry County woman, will be in court today.

ROANOKE, Va. The Robert E. Lee Memorial in downtown Roanoke has been knocked over. This comes after the Roanoke City Council started the process to possibly remove the monument from Lee Plaza across from city hall by setting up a public hearing on Aug. 17. In 2017, the monument was spraypainted with the words Rest in Power Heather Heyer.The Robert E. Lee monument has been in Lee Plaza for just shy of 60 years. A 10 News crew discovered the knocked over monument Thursday morning after a tip from a viewer. We have reached out to Roanoke City Police and are awaiting a response.

ROANOKE, Va. Roanoke City Council met Monday in person for the first time in months. One of the biggest items discussed was what to do with more than $7 million worth of COVID-19 relief funding. A team of dozens of community members came up with some key recommendations on where that money should be distributed to help the Star City get back on its feet. The Star City Strong Recovery Fund Task Force came up with four main areas for allocating the funding:At least $1.2 million is recommended for community health. That money would be used for things like job training for displaced workers, reopening marketing and tourism and small businesses.

ROANOKE, Va. – The fate of the Robert E. Lee monument in downtown Roanoke remains unseen but the process to figure that out is well underway. On Monday, the Roanoke City Council started the process in possibly removing the monument from Lee Plaza. This motion also set up a public hearing on the matter. The Robert E. Lee monument has been in Lee Plaza for just shy of 60 years. I just encourage everyone to be patient.”The public hearing is tentatively set for August 17 at 7 p.m.