[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6046547,"mediaKeyId","3542438-136ed739bfe4dc23f21e1b8fb69a7373","parentId",3542438,"title","Residents press council to protect school funding and transit; calls to preserve rainy‑day funds and invest in bus stops","audioSeconds",3532,"startMs",3630000,"endMs",7162000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3542438-136ed739bfe4dc23f21e1b8fb69a7373&start=3630&end=7162","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3542438-136ed739bfe4dc23f21e1b8fb69a7373/thumbnail_3630000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6046547/Roanoke-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Residents-press-council-to-protect-school-funding-and-transit-calls-to-preserve-rainyday-funds-and-invest-in-bus-stops","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6046547-e59d287812e471e4c9fb90665f9163d0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770835907&Signature=ZVqNQEEud6M~pkCCL7jhymjI-40I4QkM~XLNNY5nT0QLvCZygCzkGqTwWPvqPB5-EX1-CSsaDoVn0Djpdc4GNG38VFXCxyfos7x75MCi91vFezcaU5TBvIv9h4d~D-1kTiq8EvO~EgtlM0hqBEeXgiQEhO2b2EmWsXVJ1EN7iwH64GdYAtuDxgmjGUTaQdussA96JGQyNghZ3zuDwfLst3~LKuz1Qka4zy76xMCfo7xwnPETIv~gUDQrEIZhYilDgDwA1Y90Q8LRquACKz3oLU6Awz6nK6GlEVSnVfpwrHJCM1mv6Zta4hyloCrjnBVwW9SgveziVKBdCxDWEOmmfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Roanoke City Council","date","2025-04-22T14:18:44Z","article","Roanoke residents used the April 21 public hearing on the proposed fiscal 2025–26 city budget to urge the City Council to preserve school funding, keep the school system’s rainy‑day fund intact and invest in transit and parks.

Nut graf: Speakers representing parents, school trustees, transit advocates, nonprofit groups and recreational leagues warned that level‑funding or cutting Roanoke City Public Schools would force layoffs, increase class sizes and undermine recent gains, and urged council to avoid sweeping reserve funds. Transit advocates asked for a dedicated line item for bus stop maintenance, full Valley Metro funding and continued support for Metro Flex. Other speakers asked the council to maintain or increase support for neighborhood rec clubs and to invest in outdoor infrastructure such as finishing the Roanoke River Greenway and reopening Roanoke Mountain Campground.

Body: The school board chair, Elizabeth C. S. Jamieson, told council she had learned that members were considering fully removing the school rainy‑day fund and urged them to reconsider, saying the superintendent planned to propose a one‑year use of the rainy‑day funds to bridge a $6.9 million shortfall. Jamieson and several former trustees and parents warned that sweeping the fund would lead to layoffs, larger class sizes and deferred capital projects. Multiple parents described heavy reliance on school supports including special education services, summer programs and in‑class aides, and said cuts would reduce students' opportunities and could weaken the city’s attractiveness to families.

Transit advocates from Bus Riders of Roanoke and Valley Metro asked council to fully fund transit operations and to create a recurring line item for bus‑stop improvements; speakers described faded signage, stops that lack shelters or pads and riders facing unsafe waiting conditions. Supporters also urged the council to maintain Metro Flex service and same‑day options that provide access to medical care and work shifts for people without cars.

Other public‑comment topics included requests for increased funding for recreational clubs and equipment (speakers said fees for league play are rising and some families need scholarships), support for Friends of Washington Park and its centennial activities including a planned pool, and an introduction from the Valley Outdoor Infrastructure Committee, which urged long‑term investment to finish the Roanoke River Greenway and reopen the Roanoke Mountain Campground.

A small‑business owner who supplies school foodservice suggested the city review outsourcing arrangements to lower costs. Several speakers also raised transparency concerns, noting delays in publication of the city audit and asking that council not cut schools before full financial information is available.

Ending: Council closed the budget public hearing after several hours of testimony and recessed for five minutes. City staff and council will consider comments as they refine the proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget and prepare action at upcoming meetings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Roanoke City Council Meeting on April 21 2025 at 7:00pm Part 1","oneSentenceSummary","At the April 21 public hearing on the proposed fiscal 2025–26 Roanoke budget, speakers urged council not to sweep school fund balances or cut school funding, called for full Valley Metro funding and bus stop improvements, and asked for recreational and parks investments such as Washington Park and the Roanoke River Greenway.","taxTitle","Roanoke City (Independent City), Virginia","taxId",7053,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6046551,"Speakers urge reappointment of Frannie Apel and Joyce Watkins to Roanoke City School Board",1512,2144000,3656000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3542438-136ed739bfe4dc23f21e1b8fb69a7373&start=2144&end=3656","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3542438-136ed739bfe4dc23f21e1b8fb69a7373/thumbnail_2144000.jpg","/articles/6046551/Roanoke-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Speakers-urge-reappointment-of-Frannie-Apel-and-Joyce-Watkins-to-Roanoke-City-School-Board","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6046551-5fa0b4d1f0e0910c7747ae863e3a8421/orig.mp4?Expires=1770835907&Signature=cLP8-s-bt0fv1syoyoFEmYIv8ka2OY~NEbLCuQB-aBw5HipYBUiO44iupr5UWfQQN3NEIdWI6cCbkp9w0o9mvzjBfs~0tn4tmHvS0KDpu5VfgCgfY28CTuuml3-ccOQU40bFSQg5gvT54WFlVofk2SLDtq90GxzDKPrPA6npSxJ4doQmZgXxOYrfLxVRPXNCE4D7VZyxex2NyYHeZvWuWQ29Wz3I9SCLNo9VNcWUSU9auss1CKB1-6ZOiQRtolq1bkGeB76O~6nZVLUYc-utC29r6Aicb-GgWOQr691MYGpT4536cb9H6AnxT~YoEsza1Y9Kmfe1ZiA6wS33C6mi0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Roanoke City residents and community leaders urged the Roanoke City Council on April 21 to reappoint Frannie (Franny) Apel and Joyce Watkins to three‑year terms on the Roanoke City School Board, the council said appointments would likely be made at its May 5 meeting.

Nut graf: Dozens of speakers — parents, volunteers, nonprofit leaders, former trustees and students — told council the two candidates bring hands‑on school experience, community connections and volunteer service to the board. The hearing included multiple endorsements citing classroom experience, tutoring, youth coaching and leadership in local organizations.

Body: The council opened a public hearing on appointments to three‑year school board terms beginning July 1, 2025. The candidates listed in the notice were Frannie Apel, Adam Markwood and Joyce Watkins. A string of speakers spoke in support of Apel and Watkins. Supporters described Apel as a former teacher with classroom experience, an active volunteer and a past president of the Junior League of Roanoke Valley; several speakers said she tutors students, visits assigned schools and has been an engaged, data‑driven board member. Supporters of Watkins described her as a longtime community volunteer active in Pilgrim Baptist Church and civic groups, a parent of Roanoke City school graduates and a school board vice chair whose supporters cited steady leadership and advocacy for students.

Student and youth advocates also spoke: an eighth‑grader described coaching and mentoring opportunities with Apel; former and current school trustees and community leaders recounted work with both candidates on committees and in volunteer roles. Several speakers noted Apel and Watkins had fulfilled duties during difficult periods, including the COVID era. No speakers were recorded speaking against either candidate during the hearing. The clerk announced that council would most likely make the appointments at its May 5 meeting.

Ending: The public hearing closed after all signups spoke. The council did not vote on appointments at the April 21 meeting; members indicated the decision would be taken at the May 5 meeting.","During a public hearing April 21, dozens of residents urged Roanoke City Council to reappoint Frannie (Franny) Apel and Joyce Watkins to three‑year terms on the Roanoke City School Board; the council said appointments are likely to be made at its May 5 meeting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6046556,"Council approves rezoning for 2202 Roanoke Avenue SW to Mixed‑Use",108,2015000,2123000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3542438-136ed739bfe4dc23f21e1b8fb69a7373&start=2015&end=2123","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3542438-136ed739bfe4dc23f21e1b8fb69a7373/thumbnail_2015000.jpg","/articles/6046556/Roanoke-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Council-approves-rezoning-for-2202-Roanoke-Avenue-SW-to-MixedUse","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6046556-c29c5ef6239cfe5e7fab3cdf224b0393/orig.mp4?Expires=1770835907&Signature=jVDa7lFLvrBMEe9P~-oHZ0yWBK9cZfe5LPKRgSb8vVO3QVvtx3nHbTGiEeeUbF0jLyK8G05F-oAt5a5XcHl-IcRUqXXTW529YfLQiDHT1TxWeXKNi~gh8K5cno4YdxsYOTTlz-zS-noKlKgB7ZnVv1x1nh9r01tJmE7Ey9DKSYVMq7zQjsDOJiAYRZha4Zx~hf2xogy0ovEG2EMaiay3kA1Lm~JF-1E3erolzvXJKKJFtf~YFiReM1bN~JH1wfvGAC8Gj-2tRh~II2Tg86SyOtJF0sK~-GmvBC1y3XDvgTlc74lqVue~6hoP-5eX133eqKh7eMKPDi3qcnEkZeaUXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Roanoke City Council on April 21 approved an ordinance rezoning property at 2202 Roanoke Avenue SW (tax map number 1421308) from IN (Institutional District) to MX (Mixed‑Use District) with a condition proffered by the applicant.

City staff noted the City Planning Commission recommended approval. Ben Crew of Walter and Associates, the agent for the applicant Boundless Capital LLC, attended and identified the property owners; no members of the public spoke at the public hearing. The council moved and seconded the ordinance, the clerk read the title paragraph, and the council adopted the ordinance by roll call (see Votes at a glance below).

Nut graf: The change will allow mixed uses on a parcel previously zoned for institutional uses; the applicant proffered a condition as part of the rezoning and the planning commission recommended approval. The council took the measure without changes after the public hearing closed.

Body: The ordinance title read into the record described the parcel, the requested zoning change, and stated the motion would dispense with a second reading by title. Ben Crew, representing the applicant, told council the owners were present and offered to answer questions; council had none and opened and closed the public hearing when no one from the public indicated a wish to speak. The clerk then called the roll and council members recorded aye votes.

Votes at a glance:
- Ordinance to rezone 2202 Roanoke Avenue SW (tax map 1421308) from IN to MX, with a condition: passed by roll call; City Planning Commission recommended approval; no public opposition was recorded in the hearing.
- Certification of the just‑concluded closed meeting under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act: passed by roll call prior to the evening's business (see action list).

Ending: The ordinance passed unanimously; the council moved later in the meeting to other agenda items including public hearings on school board appointments and the city budget.","Roanoke City Council voted unanimously April 21 to rezone 2202 Roanoke Avenue SW from Institutional to Mixed‑Use with conditions; City Planning Commission had recommended approval and no citizens spoke against the request.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents press council to protect school funding and transit; calls to preserve rainy‑day funds and invest in bus stops

Speakers urge reappointment of Frannie Apel and Joyce Watkins to Roanoke City School Board

Council approves rezoning for 2202 Roanoke Avenue SW to Mixed‑Use