Neighbors press Roanoke council for clearer process and inclusion on Evans Spring development

Friends of Evans Spring urged the Roanoke City Council on March 16 to provide clearer, ongoing opportunities for public participation in planning for the Evans Spring site.

Richard Fe, speaking for Friends of Evans Spring, said he could not determine "what the process is" for deciding Evans Spring's future, listing questions about who is doing what and when decisions will be made. He urged the city to include community groups more substantially and said his group's alternative plan would better protect the watershed, tree canopy and reduce displacement risk compared with a 2024 plan.

Council and staff replied that the Evans Spring process has included six widely publicized public meetings and that stakeholder meetings (including sessions with Friends of Evans Spring) continue. Staff said that depending on zoning amendments, changes would go first to the planning commission and that a staff summary report will be prepared for council consideration. Councilors said the schedule was delayed a month to allow additional engagement and offered to facilitate two‑by‑two meetings with council members and stakeholders.

Mayor Cobb encouraged the group to share their alternative plan in public forums or to meet with council members through the mayor's assistant to schedule follow‑up conversations.

The exchange closed with staff committing to ensure stakeholder outreach and to return a summary report to council; any zoning changes would proceed through the planning commission and additional public hearings before council action.