Matt Schwartz

The board conducted a public hearing regarding a special exception application to establish an entertainment establishment at 1641 9th Street Southeast. The application was approved subject to conditions requiring the operator to obtain a certificate of occupancy within twelve months and restricting the amplification of music to the interior of the building between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

The public hearing focused on the presentation of the annual action plan for entitlement funds, specifically covering the Community Development Block Grant, Home Investment Partnership Program, and Emergency Solutions Grant. The presentation detailed the application process, funding allocations for various community and housing projects, and the schedule for citizen participation. Discussion included clarification on administrative plan deductions, reporting requirements for capital improvements versus program grants, and the timeline for submitting the final plan to HUD for approval.

The board discussed several agenda items, including a residential rear addition at 614 Walnut Avenue Southwest and a bylaw amendment regarding the board's regular meeting time. Additionally, the board addressed continuances for projects at 361 Woods Avenue Southwest and 813 Franklin Road. A request to replace a hand-crimped tin roof with architectural shingles at 525 Highland Avenue Southwest was debated, with the board and staff discussing historical design guidelines, cost differences, and the impact of the proposed materials on the character of the neighborhood.

The Board of Zoning Appeals discussed and approved two applications for special exceptions. The first application was to establish a home stay at 514 18th Street Southeast, which was approved with conditions including obtaining a certificate of occupancy and annual maintenance code inspections. The second application was for establishing a group living facility at 1405 Patterson Avenue Southwest with a maximum capacity of 16 residents, which was also approved with conditions regarding its capacity and principal use status.

The commission held a public hearing regarding an application by Cross Creek Development Corporation to rezone property at Westside Boulevard and Shannondoa Avenue from R5 to RMF to allow for the development of 74 townhouse units. The discussion included project highlights, site connectivity, landscaping and buffering, parking ratios, and revisions made to address flood maps and traffic restrictions on Shannondoa Avenue. The commission voted to approve the amended application with a positive recommendation to the City Council. The meeting also included an initial introduction for a rezoning application by the City of Roanoke involving Williamson Road and Church Avenue.