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Council approves NPUD rezoning to build new Fire Station 2 on Williamson Road
Summary
Roanoke City Council unanimously adopted an NPUD rezoning enabling a six‑bay, forward‑facing Fire Station 2 on Williamson Road; Fire Chief Hobach said the move replaces a 76‑year‑old facility and should cut response times by roughly 90–100 seconds.
Roanoke City Council voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance rezoning multiple parcels on Williamson Road and Forest Hill Avenue to NPUD (Institutional Planned Unit Development) to accommodate a new Fire Station 2 and associated site features.
Luke Pew, the city engineer, introduced the project and emphasized coordination with Fire Chief Hobach. Chief Hobach said the existing fire station—constructed in the 1950s and roughly 76 years old—limits modern apparatus and turnout; relocating to the Williamson Road site will allow a six‑bay, forward‑facing station that can house an engine, a ladder truck, two paramedic units and regional hazmat equipment.
Chief Hobach described operational benefits, saying the relocation and new layout are projected to reduce response times in parts of the city by about 90 to 100 seconds, help the department meet performance standards, and support an “agenda‑diverse” workforce and modern equipment. He also said the site was made possible by a donation of five parcels from the Feral Group and noted plans to relocate the firefighter memorial to the new station grounds.
Council members praised the design and potential to spur revitalization along Williamson Road. The public hearing produced one public speaker signaled as present but no sustained public objection; the council moved to dispense with second reading and adopt the NPUD ordinance. The clerk called the role and recorded unanimous support.
