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Roanoke council approves park tax exemption and water easement; residents press council on school overcrowding
Summary
Council adopted an ordinance granting tax‑exempt status for two Old Southwest Inc. lots used as pocket parks and approved a water/sewer easement to the Western Virginia Water Authority. During citizens' remarks residents and PTA leaders urged swift reallocation of city funds to address overcrowding at Roanoke high schools and timely release of financial reports.
Roanoke City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance to exempt two Old Southwest Inc. properties on Day Avenue from real estate taxation because they are used as privately owned public pocket parks. Deputy City Attorney David Collins explained the constitutional framework under which local governing bodies may grant tax exemptions for nonprofit‑owned property used for public parks; Mary Anne Mayer of Old Southwest described the sites as sustainable pocket…
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