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🌱 Patch AM: How a new R4 zone could change Roanoke’s mobile home options

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Wednesday October 7th Patch AM
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Greetings Roanoke! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a new R4 zone could change Roanoke's mobile home options
  • How Roanoke schools' new solar plan could save millions in power
  • Where you can safely park during downtown Roanoke's overnight paving blitz

Also on today's calendar: Heirloom - Silver and Brass Restoration Services: Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10-4 and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call a paper airplane that can't fly? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Sunny and pleasant, with a high of 78 and low of 54 degrees.
  • Thursday: Sunny, temps: high: 81, low: 53.
  • Friday: Pleasant with plenty of sun, with a high of 77 and low of 52 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Proposed Roanoke zoning change would ease restrictions on mobile homes (therandolphleader.com) — Roanoke officials are weighing a new Residential 4 zoning category that would let property owners place a single mobile or pre-fabricated home on land now limited to larger manufactured home parks. Planning commissioners briefed City Council, which delayed a vote so members, including Councilmember Tammi Holley, can gather feedback from residents before deciding later this month.
   

2. Roanoke City Schools and project leaders holds seminar on its solar and battery buildout (wdbj7.com) — Roanoke City Schools are rolling out rooftop solar panels and large batteries across 29 schools, locking in low power rates and projecting $42–45 million in savings. District leaders say the system will also help high schools serve as more resilient emergency shelters, and they're sharing their blueprint so other Virginia divisions can copy the model.
   

3. Downtown Roanoke's Month of Street Paving Starts Sunday (roanokerambler.com) — Downtown Roanoke streets will be milled and repaved overnight from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting Oct. 11, with work lasting about a month and beginning at Salem Avenue and 1st Street. Residents and visitors should watch for posted no-parking signs, use nearby garages, and call Roanoke Police's non-emergency line if a car is towed from a construction zone.
   

4. Roanoke's Biotech Incubator Went from One Tenant to Nine in Months and Now it's Getting Federal Money (roanokerambler.com) — Roanoke's new RoVa Labs biotech incubator just landed a $1 million federal grant for advanced lab equipment, after growing from one to nine tenants in a few months. City leaders hope this South Jefferson Street hub will turn local medical research into homegrown companies and hundreds of jobs, keeping talent and investment in Roanoke instead of leaving for bigger markets.
   

5. Your Medicare Plan May Change in 2027. Here's What Roanoke Residents Should Check Before Renewing (roanokerambler.com) — If you have Medicare in the Roanoke area, counselors urge you to review your 2027 coverage carefully during open enrollment from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, since premiums, drug costs and provider networks may change. Free, unbiased help is available through VICAP at Valley View Mall and the Local Office on Aging, where staff can compare plans, check medications and explain new cost rules.
   

📸 Around Roanoke

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Just a dancing chicken for everyone's amusement.
    I hope you all have a fantastic day and work week. (Nextdoor Southeast Roanoke)
  • Hot Topic posted a job opening for Part-Time Assistant Manager - Level 2 in Roanoke. Apply here.
  • HealthMarkets posted a job opening for Insurance Representative in Roanoke. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Roanoke here.

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: "What do you call a paper airplane that can't fly?" — Stationary (Thank you David H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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