24/7 trucking terminal advances, despite resident opposition

A 24/7 trucking terminal is one step closer to opening in Roanoke County. Tuesday night, the county Planning Commission approved the project, despite opposition from residents.

"As a mom, any parent, you want to protect your children," said Ruth Bowers.

Her testimony was sometimes tearful, as she and 13 other residents argued against the proposed terminal. They say the look, and sound, of their community is under threat.

"Imagine you were living with that, 24 hours a day, and seven days a week," said another resident.

The proposed terminal would serve as a rest point, maintenance shop, and refueling station for as many as 58 trucks at a time. It would be built on a currently empty lot at the corner of Hollins Road and Lois Lane, sandwiched between an industrial park on one side, and a residential neighborhood on the other.

Residents there worry the proposed terminal could cause pollution, increase traffic, and impact school kids waiting for the bus.

"It's already a danger out there. We have a lot of young kids up that way," said another resident, Karen Noell.

Despite those concerns, members of the Roanoke County Planning Commission voted 4-1 to approve the project. Commissioners pointed out there are already several other industrial sites in the area, and that the property had been set aside for industrial use until relatively recently.

Theirry Lindor, owner of Lindor Development, the company behind the proposal, also attempted to ease residents' concerns. He said he chose this site because one of his major clients, Ardagh Metal Packaging, is located right next door. As a result, he says truck traffic won't increase much on Hollins Road.

Lindor also says his company takes security very seriously, and will be taking steps to limit pollution at the site.

However, some residents say they still aren't satisfied, and will take their concerns to the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors. The board will vote on the plan later this month.