Roanoke County Poage Farm rezoning in the works for new development

ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) - A local developer is hoping to rezone farmland to build more than a hundred townhomes and commercial businesses.

The property, previously purchased by Roanoke County schools, was originally intended to be used for a new school. The county eventually sold the land.

Now, some neighbors are concerned about this new proposal.

A local real estate development company is looking to rezone 15 acres of land in Roanoke County, and residents are concerned about how this potential development could impact their neighborhood.

“I don’t want it zoned so that there will be multi-family townhouses here. I understand there will be houses built in this area. It’s a done deal, but I’d like it to be done responsibly,” said Roanoke County resident Josh Meyer.

Meyer lives near Poage Farm and said rezoning the land to bring in 138 townhomes, 11 single-family homes and commercial businesses to the low-density residential area is not sustainable.

He said the neighborhood can’t handle a traffic increase and he’s worried about whether the county schools have enough capacity to bring in more students.

“We love our neighborhood. It’s close to town while still being out, kind of in the mountains and in nature, and it’s a great area. There’s been slow growth over the years. There’s been houses coming and going, but this would be a dramatic change and I’m not sure the infrastructure can handle it. When you look at the roads that are around here, they’re very small and not well maintained,” he said.

ABoone Real Estate Inc. president Alexander Boone feels this development is what the community needs to address the affordable housing shortage.

“This is an opportunity for people to have an opportunity to buy an affordable house in a great location and a great community. So that’s what I’m most excited about,” said Boone.

Boone said while he understands resident concerns, the land will be developed regardless, and he’s working on a plan that will conserve two thirds of the property to leave in its natural state.

“This area desperately needs some light retail and a restaurant. People in that neighborhood might find it hard, but it’s going to open up an entire new community. It will really bring more people. It’ll bring more vibrancy to the Poage Mill area,” he said.

Roanoke County will hold an open-house style community meeting December 10 from 5-7; residents are encouraged to voice their concerns.