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Roanoke City Council Meeting on June 15, 2026 at 7:00pm
Published: Jun 15, 2026
Youth Services Board Presents Findings from College Tour Highlighting Educational Pathways
Two members of the Youth Services Board, Zariah Bell (William Fleming High School) and Lily Quas (Patrick Henry High School), presented on their recent college tours across Virginia. The tours included visits to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Virginia Union University (an HBCU and private university), and the University of Richmond. VCU was noted for its urban setting and strong medical programs. Virginia Union was highlighted for its emphasis on extracurriculars and Greek life alongside academics, with former Mayor Sherman Lee as an alumnus. The University of Richmond was described as having a strong community and a large campus. All three universities are located within the capital of Virginia and are approximately 15-20 minutes apart. Bell plans to attend Virginia Western for two years before transferring to Virginia Union for dental hygiene. Quas aims to study out of state, with top choices being Stony Brook (New York) and Winston-Salem State (North Carolina), with aspirations to become a nurse practitioner. The presentation aimed to expose students to higher education pathways.
Rezoning Approved for New Fire Station 2 and Institutional Planned Unit Development
The City Council considered a rezoning request for properties located at 2202, 2302, and 2326 Williamson Road Northeast, and 0112 and 116 Forest Hill Avenue Northeast. The rezoning shifts the zoning from CN (Commercial Neighborhood), CG (Commercial General), and RM1 (Residential) districts to NPUD (Institutional Planned Unit Development) district. The City Planning Commission approved this request with a 4-0 vote. The project involves the construction of a new fire station (Fire Station 2) to replace a 76-year-old facility. Chief Hobach of the Fire Department highlighted that the new station will be modern, accommodate a diverse workforce, house modern fire apparatus, and improve response times. The project includes a partnership with Feral Group for land donation and aims to revitalize the lower end of Williamson Road, potentially creating economic impact. The design incorporates six bays for various emergency vehicles and will relocate the firefighter memorial. Additionally, a bus stop will be improved at Forest Hill and Williamson Road. The ordinance was adopted following the council's vote.
Rezoning Approved for R5 to RMF Residential District with Conditions
The City Council considered a rezoning request for properties at 0 Westside Boulevard Northwest and 0 Shannondoa Avenue Northwest. The rezoning changes the district from R5 residential to RMF residential with conditions. The City Planning Commission had previously approved this request with a 4-0 vote. The applicant, Cross Creek Development Corporation, represented by Chris Burns of Westwood Professional Services, along with Don Ballser and David Tallheimer, were present to answer questions. The rezoning allows for the development of townhomes which are intended for ownership, not rental, and are described as quality construction at an affordable price point. Council members expressed support for townhomes as a pathway for first-time homebuyers and downsizers. The ordinance was adopted following the council's vote.
Miss Virginia 2025 Reflects on Year of Service, Emphasizes Education and Scholarship Opportunities
Miss Virginia 2025, Madison Whitbeck, was recognized by the City Council for her year of service and provided an opportunity to share her experiences. The Miss Virginia pageant is held annually in Roanoke at the Berglund Center and is housed at the Hotel Roanoke. Whitbeck described her role as a full-time, 365-day job that requires giving up a year of school or other commitments. She travels extensively, covering over 35,000 miles in her Miss Virginia vehicle. A significant part of her role involves partnering with the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Authority's education program, delivering preventative education to elementary school students across Virginia. Whitbeck is the first Miss Virginia to exceed the goal of visiting 72 elementary schools, reaching 75 schools. She emphasized the importance of messaging to children about healthy choices, positive decision-making, safety, and leadership. She highlighted that the Miss Virginia organization provides significant scholarship money, with participants winning over $100,000 collectively for higher education. Whitbeck thanked Roanoke for being her home for the year and expressed pride in her home state. The upcoming Miss Virginia pageant is scheduled for the week of June 27th, where the new Miss Virginia 2026 will be crowned.
Roanoke City Council Honors Juneteenth with Proclamation and Community Recognition
The City Council presented a proclamation honoring Juneteenth. Councilman Fjan Nash read the proclamation, detailing Juneteenth's history since the late 1800s, its commemoration of Union General Gordon Granger's arrival in Galveston on June 19th, 1865, and the news of the Emancipation Proclamation. It was noted that President Joseph R. Biden Jr. signed legislation in June 2021 making Juneteenth a federal holiday, the first new federal holiday since 1983. The proclamation highlighted the advocacy of 89-year-old Opal Lee. Juneteenth is recognized as a symbol of freedom, resilience, and the enduring spirit of African-Americans. The City of Roanoke officially recognizes Juneteenth through community gatherings, educational opportunities, artistic expression, and cultural celebrations to honor African-American contributions and foster understanding and unity. Councilman Nash called upon residents to celebrate, reflect, and renew commitments to freedom, justice, and brotherhood. Jordan Bell and her daughter Zariah were present to receive the proclamation. Jordan Bell spoke about the history of Juneteenth celebrations in Roanoke, mentioning the efforts of Dr. Panella Chub Wilson and the Roanoke Cultural Collective in organizing past events at Eureka Park and Washington Park. She announced the upcoming Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 20th, at Eureka Park, and emphasized the importance of understanding and celebrating Juneteenth as part of American history, especially with the upcoming 250th anniversary of America. Several city officials were thanked for their support.
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