What is the Evans Spring Plan?
The Evans Spring Plan is a development plan for the 150 acres of privately owned woodlands across from Valley View Mall in Roanoke, Virginia. The plan, proposed by Evans Spring LLC, a company owned by local developer Ed Walker, aims to transform the area into a mixed-use community with residential, commercial, and recreational facilities .
The plan includes the following features :
- 1,100 housing units, including apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes
- 250,000 square feet of retail space, including a grocery store, restaurants, and shops
- 150,000 square feet of office space, including a medical center and a hotel
- A 20-acre park with trails, playgrounds, and a pond
- A transit hub with bus and bike lanes, and a possible future light rail station
- A green infrastructure with stormwater management, solar panels, and electric vehicle charging stations
The plan also promises to create 1,500 jobs and generate $4.5 million in annual tax revenue for the city .
Why is the Evans Spring Plan Controversial?
The Evans Spring Plan has been controversial among the neighboring residents, who have expressed concerns about traffic, the environment, and racial justice.
Some of the main objections raised by the opponents are :
- Traffic congestion: The plan would add 10,000 daily trips to the already busy Hershberger Road, which is one of the main arteries of the city. The opponents argue that the plan does not adequately address the traffic impact and mitigation measures, and that it would worsen the air quality and noise levels in the area.
- Environmental degradation: The plan would destroy 150 acres of woodlands, which are home to various wildlife species, such as deer, foxes, and birds. The opponents claim that the plan does not sufficiently protect the natural resources and habitats, and that it would increase the risk of flooding and erosion in the area.
- Racial injustice: The plan would displace about 200 low-income residents, mostly Black and Latino, who live in the Peachtree Mobile Home Park on the edge of the property. The opponents allege that the plan does not offer fair and adequate relocation assistance and compensation, and that it would exacerbate the racial and economic disparities in the city.
How did the Evans Spring Plan Get Approved?
The Evans Spring Plan has been in the works for more than a decade, and has undergone several revisions and public hearings . The plan required the approval of the Roanoke City Council, which has the authority to rezone the property from agricultural to mixed-use .
The Roanoke City Council voted on the Evans Spring Plan twice, on February 18 and March 4, 2024 . The first vote was 4-3 in favor of the plan, but the second vote was required by the city charter because the plan did not receive a supermajority of five votes .
The second vote was also 4-3 in favor of the plan, with the same council members voting the same way as the first vote. The council members who voted for the plan were Mayor Sherman Lea, Vice Mayor Joe Cobb, Anita Price, and Trish White-Boyd. The council members who voted against the plan were Michelle Davis, Bill Bestpitch, and Robert Jeffrey Jr..
The council members who supported the plan cited the economic benefits, the housing diversity, and the environmental features of the plan as their main reasons. The council members who opposed the plan cited the traffic problems, the loss of green space, and the displacement of residents as their main reasons.
The second vote was the final hurdle for the Evans Spring Plan, which can now proceed with the development process. The plan is expected to take 10 to 15 years to complete, and will be done in phases .
What are the Reactions to the Evans Spring Plan Approval?
The approval of the Evans Spring Plan has elicited mixed reactions from the stakeholders and the public .
The developer, Ed Walker, expressed his gratitude and excitement for the plan, saying that it is a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to create a “vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community” in Roanoke. He also said that he is “committed to working with the city and the neighbors” to address their concerns and make the plan a “win-win” for everyone.
The supporters of the plan, including some business groups, environmental organizations, and housing advocates, praised the plan as a “visionary” and “transformative” project that will “boost the economy”, “enhance the quality of life”, and “promote social equity” in Roanoke . They also said that the plan is “consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan” and “reflects the community’s input” .
The opponents of the plan, including some neighborhood associations, conservation groups, and mobile home park residents, expressed their disappointment and frustration with the plan, saying that it is a “disaster” and “injustice” that will “ruin the area”, “harm the environment”, and “displace the people” in Roanoke . They also said that the plan is “incompatible with the city’s vision” and “ignores the community’s voice” .
Some of the opponents have also indicated that they will “continue to fight” the plan, and that they are considering “legal action” to challenge the plan’s approval.
