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Council approves rezoning for neighborhood laundromat and several tax exemptions; Restoration Housing exemption passes amid debate
Summary
Council approved a rezoning to allow a laundromat, unanimously adopted a tax exemption for Angels of Assisi, and approved a tax exemption for two Restoration Housing properties after discussion about commercial rental income and fiscal impact; the Restoration Housing vote was 6–1 with one dissenting vote.
Roanoke City Council acted on multiple land‑use measures May 18, approving a rezoning request for a neighborhood laundromat and granting tax exemptions for nonprofit properties.
Rezoning: Council adopted an ordinance to rezone property at 10073 And 1/2 Street SE from I‑1 (Light Industrial) to UF (Urban Flex) to permit a proposed laundromat. The applicant, Doug Devine, spoke briefly about the need for a laundromat in the neighborhood; staff noted a unanimous 5–0 planning commission recommendation. Council adopted the ordinance by roll call (unanimous Aye).
Restoration Housing tax exemption (items at 2750 Hoover St. and 1729 Patterson Ave.): Deputy city attorney David Collins told council the tax‑exemption review committee could not recommend approval because the LLC owners receive rental income and enabling state law must be strictly construed. Isabelle Thornton of Restoration Housing said rents are intentionally kept low, noted substantial utilities costs for The Grove (a residential treatment center for pregnant and parenting women) and described heavy upkeep and a recent $10,000 heat‑pump replacement at Villa Heights. Thornton said The Grove currently houses 10 women and 5 babies and can accommodate up to 16 women and 16 babies.
Despite the committee’s recommendation against exemption, council voted to adopt the ordinance authorizing the exemption; the roll call shows a 6–1 result with Councilwoman Powers recorded as No and the other members voting Aye. The ordinance provides that exempt properties pay a 20% service charge in lieu of taxation if an exemption is granted.
Angels of Assisi tax exemption: Council also considered and unanimously approved a tax exemption for Angels of Assisi’s new facility at 725 Franklin Road SW after the review committee raised no objections. Lisa O’Neil, executive director, described the organization’s services — in 2025 they reported 13,500 spay/neuter surgeries, about 11,000 sick and well exams, and 24,000 vaccinations — and thanked council for prior support. Council adopted the ordinance by roll call (unanimous Aye).
All formal actions taken by council were recorded on the meeting roll calls and are reflected in the ordinance adoptions noted above.
