It seems like a David versus Goliath battle, and David won round one.
People in northwest Roanoke have fought for some months now to stop the conversion of an empty city school into a large commercial space.
This was the homeowners’ chance to stop the proposed development.
The planning commission held a public hearing Thursday and cast its final vote.
In the end it agreed with residents - the plans don't fit the area.
Developers wanted to tear down Huff Lane Intermediate School and build two hotels and a restaurant that would face Valley View Boulevard.
During their presentation to the Planning Commission, they agreed to a list of rules about height, signs, and other concerns.
Planning commission members wondered how those rules could be enforced.
The emotion from residents proved too big to ignore.
“You are our last hope. You are that which we hope will hold the line,” homeowner Ray McKee said.
Homeowner Kimberly Martin added: “It's very important to me how I raise my children and where and like I said I'm very upset.”
The planning commission unanimously voted no on this project.
That recommendation will now go to the mayor and city council.
The council does not have to follow the planning commission's recommendation.
The sale of the Huff Lane school property would bring in $1.7 million to the city.
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The City of Roanoke Planning Commission voted unanimously against a development project at the former Huff Lane Intermediate School.
A developer wants to tear down the school and build two new hotels and a restaurant facing Valley View Mall.
The proposal now goes to the City Council with a “no” recommendation.
Neighbors expressed concerns that the project would hurt their property values.
