The amended HopeTree Family Services rezoning must be read and voted on by the Salem City Council twice before it’s approved or thrown out. The first reading will occur Monday.
On Nov. 13, the planning commission recommended approval by a 4 to 1 vote after a joint public hearing with the council. Twenty-nine residents spoke on the issue, with the majority opposing the rezoning.
HopeTree resubmitted its zoning application, which is substantially similar to the first, in August after litigation was filed in response to an earlier council action on the property. On June 24, the Salem City Council approved a rezoning from residential single-family zoning to a planned unit development — allowing for the construction of up to 28 more commercial units on 62 acres of HopeTree’s land. HopeTree is looking to retain about 22 acres of this land and sell the rest.
Five plaintiffs sued the city over that rezoning, mostly on the grounds of improper procedure taken in approving the rezoning.
Also on the agenda … raises for council and mayor
The council will also hold a public hearing and consider increasing the annual salaries of the mayor and council effective July 1, 2027.
The present salaries are based on the limits established by the General Assembly in 1996 at $13,000 per year for mayor and $12,000 for council members.
Under new legislation the General Assembly enacted in 2023, maximum salaries were increased to $24,000 for mayor and $22,000 for council members.
The Roanoke City Council enacted similar legislation in July, voting to increase salaries by $5,000 per year starting July 1, 2025, until they reach the maximum salaries allowed.
The council is also looking to amend the city code to adopt additional sections pertaining to the maintenance of structures, spot blight abatement and vacant building registration.
City documents state that this code amendment comes from a set of goals the council set during its 2023 retreat. “The following three proposed code additions are aimed at enhancing neighborhood vitality, addressing property blight, and ensuring the upkeep of both occupied and vacant properties within the community,” says documentation in the agenda packet.
The full agenda can be found here. A citizen comment period will be held near the beginning of the meeting to discuss items that don’t have a separate public hearing. Those looking to speak can sign up here.
