Good morning Roanoke! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Nrv Aarp/Toc Health Fair and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What is the difference between black eyed peas and chick peas? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. Company involved in land purchase at I-81/581 interchange in Roanoke County identified (cardinalnews.org) — Land at the I-81/581 interchange in Roanoke County's Wood Haven Technology Park is under agreement to be sold to Clearview Dynamics, a little-known LLC formed this year. With Roanoke City holding a 44% stake and residents voicing concerns about possible data center use, the deal's outcome could significantly shape future development and infrastructure in the Roanoke Valley.
2. Roanoke clears permitting backlog after months of delays (wsls.com) — If you're planning a project in Roanoke, the city says it has finally cleared a five- to six-week backlog in permit reviews and is back to a one- to two-week turnaround. After staffing shortages, software issues, and leadership turnover, officials have revamped processes and are upgrading systems, aiming to keep development reviews faster and more predictable for residents and builders.
3. New lanes open on I-81 in Roanoke County and Salem, but work continues (wdbj7.com) — Drivers from Roanoke and Salem now have five miles of widened I-81 open between Exits 137 and 141, adding a third lane each way to ease chronic backups. The $179 million project also brings new sound walls and longer ramps, though finishing touches and occasional lane closures will continue, and more widening work is underway north in Botetourt County.
4. Fall is a great time to cook with fresh ingredients (wdbj7.com) — Roanoke families can pick up a cozy fall tomato soup recipe while learning about the YMCA Express at Gainsboro's youth cooking classes, which tackle food access in a neighborhood food desert. The branch offers public, income-assisted programs where kids grow garden produce, cook with fresh ingredients, and build confidence around healthy eating.
5. Public Information Meeting Scheduled for Route 460 and Route 220 Alternate in Roanoke County (virginia.gov) — Roanoke-area drivers are invited to an October 1 VDOT "Pardon Our Dust" meeting at Bonsack Elementary to learn how upcoming Route 460 and Route 220 Alternate projects could affect their commutes. Engineers will explain new intersection designs, traffic management plans, and safety improvements, with staff on hand to answer your questions during the 5–7 p.m. open house.
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Ok Roanoke! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Black eyed peas can sing us a song but chick peas can only hummus one. (Thank you Bev H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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