Evan Jones
Developers of a proposed hotel and restaurant complex on the Huff Lane School property have revised their plan, but many nearby residents say it should still be voted down. The new plan would lower the hotels by more than ten feet from the original proposal, the equivalent, they say, of one story lower. City Council is scheduled to consider it a week from Tuesday. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Our call to Poe & Cronk Real Estate Group, the developer’s local representative, was not immediately returned.
Click here to see the developer’s revised proposal. A one-page summary explaining the changes can be found on page 3 of the 76-page pdf document.
A court ruling issued just this week may allow many handgun owners without concealed carry permits to keep firearms in a car’s glove compartment — without locking the compartment. It all comes down to the meaning of the word “secured”, and as WFIR’s Evan Jones reports, the ruling may open new legal questions about guns in cars.
Click here to read the full Virginia Court of Appeals ruling.
The South Peak development says construction of a long-promised hotel will begin within two months, and the first guests could be staying there one year from now. A 117-room Hilton Garden Inn will rise part-way up the hillside across from Tanglewood Mall.WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
This will be the second building for South Peak — the first residents in the hilltop condo building may start moving in by April.
(Continue reading for the full South Peak news release)
The History Museum of Western Virginia is in a limbo of sorts right now — out of its temporary building but not yet moved back into its permanent one. The museum was using temporary space as Center in the Square was renovated, but they had to move out in early January, before the Center was ready for move-in. The latest from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
A task force report nine months in the making recommends creation of a of a regional Broadband Authority to increase affordable access to broadband technologies. The study finds that the Roanoke region lags behind other surrounding communities when it comes to affordable high-speed Internet access, and bringing it here is important to the region’s economic development. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Click here for more information on the task force study.
Roanoke area residents appear to generally accept the Postal Service decision to end Saturday letter delivery as of August. We sampled reaction outside the main post office on Rutherford Avenue, and most people we spoke to believe the Postal Service explanation that the move is needed to save $2 billion a year. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
The House of Delegates yesterday approved its version of a transportation funding bill, one that closely follows Governor McDonnell’s proposal. It would eliminate the state gas tax and increase the sales tax to provide more transportation funding. Roanoke Valley Delegates Greb Habeeb, Chris Head and Onzlee Ware all voted in favor. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
The Virginia Senate gave final approval today to legislation that would assign letter grades to each public school, but it took Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling’s vote to break the 20-20 tie. The proposal is one part of Governor McDonnell’s proposed education reforms, and a similar measure has already passed the House. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Mayor David Bowers
Roanoke Mayor David Bowers says he gave it plenty of thought, but he has decided not to make a run this year for Lieutenant Governor. Bowers says he ultimately concluded he did not and would not have the time, organization and money needed to run an effective statewide campaign. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling
Senate Democrats have effectively delayed new Republican voter-ID restrictions for another year — with Republican Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling siding with them to break a tie. The bill would eliminate things like utility bills, paycheck stubs and Social Security cards to serve as valid voter ID and require photo-only forms. Bolling voted with Democrats to postpone any implementation until mid-2014. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
In a statement released late yesterday afternoon, Bolling says he supports tightening voter-ID requirements — but not making changes every year. He believes doing to again this year would create voter confusion.