Board Meeting Notes

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At its July 22, 2025 meeting, the Board of Supervisors opened with a recognition of Eric Thomas for his years of service as the Vinton Magisterial District Representative on the Board of Zoning Appeals.  Eric’s professional experience as a realtor has provided him with a valuable perspective in reviewing citizen requests for property variances. He was commended for his thoughtful involvement, careful attention to the presentation of each case, and his ability to fairly weigh both the citizens’ requests and the County’s zoning regulations.

Top row: Board of Supervisors members Martha Hooker, Phil North, David Radford, and Paul Mahoney.  Bottom row: County Administrator Richard Caywood; BZA members Jeffery Armstrong and Jyke Jones; Jason Nowak, Planning Department; Eric Thomas; Supervisor Tammy Shepherd; and Becky James, Cecelia Thomas, Philip Thompson, and Bill Richardson from the Planning Department.

The Board went on to approve a resolution recognizing the efforts of Dylan Crowder and his exemplary service and courageous action. Dylan has served as a staff member at Green Ridge Recreation Center and Splash Valley Water Park for the past four years, and while working on the evening of July 8, 2025, he observed a fire breaking out in the indoor pool area. Dylan responded immediately and successfully extinguished the fire using a bin and water from the pool. The responding firefighters commended Dylan for his swift actions and dedication to safety that prevented potential injury and damage to Green Ridge Recreation Center. 

Above: County Administrator Richard Caywood and Dylan Crowder appearing before the Board in recognition actions that prevented a fire at Green Ridge Recreation Center.

In new business, the Board of Supervisors approved a resolution declaring its intention to reimburse itself from the proceeds of a financing for costs associated with the construction and/or renovations for the Hollins Library, Hollins Fire Station, extension of sewer services, Phase II of infrastructure at Explore Park, and roadway infrastructure.

The Board also approved a resolution adopting its Legislative Priorities for the 2026 Session of the Virginia General Assembly and petitioning the General Assembly to favorably consider the priorities addressed herein. 

The Board of Supervisors closed out it’s new business by approving a resolution supporting federal funding of the Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Virginia.

First Reading of Ordinances

The Board went on to hear the first reading of an ordinance to accept funds in the amount of $510,060.48 from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and appropriating such funds to the County’s grant fund for operation of the CORTRAN program, and 2) reallocating $21,252.52 from the CORTRAN Budget in the operating fund to the grant fund for the required match for operation of the CORTRAN program.

In a separate action to support transportation initiatives, the Board heard the first reading of an ordinance to (1) accept funds in the amount of $126,400 from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and appropriating such funds to the County’s grant fund for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 for operation of the McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle service to the National Park Service’s McAfee Knob trailhead and (2) reallocate $31,600 from the CORTRAN Budget in the operating fund to the grant fund for the required match.

Second readings of these ordinance are scheduled for August 19. 

The Board also heard the first reading of an ordinance to authorize the acquisition of approximately 5.0 acres located on Mount Chestnut Road. The vacant lot is adjacent to Roanoke County’s Happy Hollow Gardens Park. Better Land Company LLC has offered to sell the 5-acre parcel to Roanoke County for a purchase price of $45,000. Purchase of the 5-acre parcel would preserve the land with no development and would allow it to be added to Happy Hollow Gardens. Second reading of this measure is scheduled for August 19.

Second Reading of Ordinance and Public Hearing

After a public hearing, the Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance amending Articles I, II, III, IV and V of the Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance. 

Consent Agenda

The Board of Supervisors approved the following measures in the form of one resolution under its Consent Agenda.

• Approval of minutes – July 8, 2025;
• Request to accept and allocate $2,500.00 from the Office of the Attorney General, Virginia Rules Summer Camp Program;
• The petition of Hamlar Properties, LLC, to rezone approximately 3.8 acres from AR, Agricultural/Residential District, to R-3, Medium Density Multi- Family Residential District, to construct a multi-family development located at 3037 and 3133 Rutrough Road, Vinton Magisterial District. (First Reading and Request for Second Reading and Public Hearing);
• Request to accept and allocate funds in the amount of $17,597.50 from the Commonwealth of Virginia for the Library of Virginia's Records Preservation Program;
• Ordinance Authorizing Receipt of All Parcels of Real Property Comprising Explore Park from the Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority. (First Reading and Request for Second Reading).

Closed Session

The Board of Supervisors held a closed session pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(5) of the Code of Virginia, for discussion concerning a prospective business or industry or the expansion of an existing business or industry where no previous announcement has been made of the business’ or industry’s interest in locating or expanding its facilities in the community. Specifically, the Board will discuss potential business location or expansion in the five magisterial districts.

Evening Session

During its evening session, the Board of Supervisor heard second reading and held public hearings about the matters below. 

The Board approved a petition by Shelley Friend to rezone approximately 4.51 acres from R-2, Medium Density Residential District, to AR, Agricultural/Residential District, to allow for a private stable located at 1709 Mayfield Drive.

A petition by Craighead & Associates to obtain a special use permit to operate a car wash on approximately 0.71 acre on land zoned C-2, High Intensity Commercial District, located at 3664 Colonial Avenue was also approved by the Board of Supervisors. 

In its third and final action during the evening session, the Board approved a petition by Challenge, LLC to obtain a special use permit to construct 28 townhouses on approximately 3.0 acres of land zoned R-2, Medium Density Residential District, located at 5811 Cove Road. 

For More Information

More information on each of these items, contact the Chief Deputy Clerk to the Board of Supervisors, or call 540-772-2005.