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A $770,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation will pay for consultants to assess city-owned properties within a half mile of the Amtrak Station at 55 Norfolk Ave.
S.W., according to documents.
“Utilizing their expertise, as well as significant and meaningful community engagement, the consultants will produce recommendations for community and economic development projects with a heavy focus on affordable housing,” said a report from Interim City Manager Lydia Patton. The city council accepted the grant funds from USDOT’s Build America Bureau during its afternoon meeting Monday. Tax records show Roanoke owns a total of 984 properties citywide, including likely dozens of lots within the targeted area.
After reviewing those properties, consultants will seek to entice developers with low-interest loans, the manager’s report said. “The goal of this grant is to produce significant, community-welcomed investment surrounding the Amtrak Station and the Gainsboro area, creating a more welcoming gateway to the city,” Patton’s report said. “This will be a three-year grant project period beginning in January 2025.
” Housing has been a focus for the council this year. The city needs more housing in general, including affordable, along with more varied types of dwellings, officials have said previously. Councilwoman Trish White-Boyd said she was surprised to learn the entire grant amount is being used just for the consulting fee.
“I’m in the wrong business,” White-Boyd said. “That’s a very healthy amount.” Vice Mayor Joe Cobb said it’s great that a grant is covering it.
No local match is required for the federal money. The city will put out a request for proposals to find the consulting firm, staff said. White-Boyd, who departs from the council after not seeking reelection, said she might be considering a career change.
“I’m thinking real quick of how I can get certified,” White-Boyd said. City-owned property was also on the agenda for the council’s 7 p.m.
session. A law firm, Crandall & Katt Attorneys, requested to purchase an 0.1-acre plot at 801 Franklin Road S.
W. for $53,000. The land is near the attorneys’ office at the intersection of Franklin and Elm Avenue.
After tabling the discussion during its last meeting, the city council approved the sale without further comment..
