Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Who is really behind the big I-81/581 land deal?

Make time for Nrv Aarp/Toc Health Fair on the Roanoke Patch calendar

Patch AM Team's profile picture
Patch AM Team, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Wednesday September 16th Patch AM
Wednesday September 16th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

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:

  • Who is really behind the big I-81/581 land deal?
  • Planning a project in Roanoke? Here's how fast permits move now
  • What the new I-81 lanes mean for your Roanoke commute

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!)

From our Partner
Today's Roanoke Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Roanoke Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Roanoke. Advertisement

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Partly sunny and warmer, with a high of 88 and low of 64 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 89, low: 71.
  • Friday: Very warm with a thunderstorm, with a high of 88 and low of 68 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

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.
   

📸 Around Roanoke

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Roanoke

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Roanoke Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Roanoke PatchAM possible:

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Just posting some cheerful pet photos !
    This is my Aussi Maverick . 90 pounds of love ! Hope to see some pet pictures from you (Nextdoor Raleigh Court)
  • Does anyone know of anywhere around here to buy maple fudge?
    I have had it before but years ago while on a trip somewhere. I cannot have chocolate right now and I really loved the maple fudge I had, am hoping… (Nextdoor Garden City)
  • HCA Healthcare posted a job opening for Medical Office Specialist in Roanoke. Apply here.
  • Government Jobs posted a job opening for Recreation Assistant- Front Desk Attendant (Eureka Recreation Center) 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: 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!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Roanoke