Conversations about the future use of Evans Spring, the largest piece of undeveloped land in Roanoke, are now happening on an official level.
The 150-acre site, featuring natural wetlands, sits across Interstate 581 from Valley View Mall. The property abuts neighbors who live in Roanoke’s Melrose-Rugby, Fairland and Villa Heights neighborhoods — all predominantly Black neighborhoods.
On Monday, the council unanimously passed a resolution initiating a review and update to the Evans Spring plan, right after passing a similar resolution to initiate a review of amendments to the city’s zoning code. The zoning code was changed in 2024 to allow for higher-density development in all city neighborhoods…