🌱 Valley View Car Break-Ins + Homelessness Increases 50%

Hello again, everybody! It's Friday already and it's time for a fresh edition of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter. Come along to find out about what's happening in town, including updates on:

• Grandin Court leaders under fire.
• RRHA buys land for affordable housing.
• New program aims to give area homes a facelift.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Times of clouds and sun. High: 85 Low: 61.

Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. New census data reveals a significant increase in homelessness in the Roanoke Valley. The number of people living outside or in shelters rose from 216 to 334 this year, marking the highest year-over-year increase since 2007. This January's count reflects a 54 percent increase, the sharpest rise yet, and the highest figure since 2015. While homelessness had been declining in the region since its peak in 2009, this recent surge indicates a troubling trend. The number of unsheltered individuals remained relatively unchanged compared to the previous year, with 37 people living outdoors. The data confirms that more individuals in the Roanoke Valley are experiencing homelessness, regardless of their living situation. (WFIR, Roanoke Rambler)
2. Two leaders of the Grandin Court Neighborhood Association in Roanoke are facing scrutiny over their behavior concerning a recent proposal for Fishburn Park. Residents are seeking the removal of Freeda Cathcart and Owen McGuire from their positions as secretary and president of the association, respectively. Kenny Marn, a resident, formally notified Cathcart and McGuire of a call for a vote of removal, which is scheduled to take place at the next meeting on July 20. The concerns stem from the way Cathcart and McGuire handled the contentious debate surrounding a rezoning application for a coffee shop in Fishburn Park. Residents have criticized the association for its lack of transparency, evasive responses, and censorship of questions and comments. Marn has not received any response from Cathcart or McGuire since delivering the letter. (Roanoke Times)
3. Roanoke is facing an affordable housing crisis, prompting the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) to address the issue. To tackle this problem, RRHA purchased a 12-acre property in northwest Roanoke, near the intersection of Shenandoah Avenue and Peters Creek Road. This acquisition will enable RRHA to develop affordable housing units in the coming years. Securing suitable land was one of RRHA's primary objectives, as finding affordable land in Roanoke City is challenging. However, they were able to acquire this particular property, which was owned by Virginia Housing. RRHA emphasized the similarity in their missions of providing affordable housing and highlighted the urgency of the housing crisis. Fortunately, Virginia Housing agreed to sell the property to RRHA, recognizing the need for action. (WDBJ)
4. Police in the Valley View area are investigating a series of car break-ins and a vehicle theft. The Roanoke Police's Crime Mapping tool indicates two reports of break-ins and one report of a stolen vehicle, although multiple incidents may be included in each report. Olive Garden has been the site of two break-ins and another one was reported at Logan's Roadhouse. The police have not recovered any stolen items or made any arrests at this point. They emphasize that leaving cars unlocked and valuables visible is a common factor in many of these break-ins. Authorities are urging people to conceal valuable items under seats or in the trunk and to always lock their vehicles. (WFXR)
5. The Residential Facade Improvement Program is accepting applications for the revitalization of the 600-1200 block of Jamison Avenue SE in Roanoke City's Belmont/Fallon neighborhood. Property owners can receive up to $8,000 in matching funds to enhance the exteriors of their homes and rental units. The program aims to enhance the visual appeal of the area, attract investments, reduce vacancies, and revitalize the neighborhood. Selected buildings should require facade renovations and be structurally sound. The City of Roanoke will provide reimbursement grants for qualifying residential projects, covering half of the eligible renovation costs, with a minimum reimbursement of $2,000 and a maximum of $8,000. Interested parties can contact the Renovation Alliance at 540-400-0959 or facade@renovateall.org to apply. (WSLS)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Golfing Fore Wishes at Roanoke Country Club (10 a.m.)
• Lebanese Festival at St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church (11 a.m.)
• 10th Annual Troutville Trail Days at Troutville Town Park (5 p.m.)
• Shoot to Thrill with Stone Whiskey at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Botetourt County Sheriff's Office: "The Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge triathlon will take place this Sunday, June 4. For additional information about the Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge Course and answers to FAQs, we encourage you to visit the official IRONMAN event website." (Botetourt County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "Head downtown this weekend for the 65th Annual Sidewalk Art Show! 🎨100+ Artists 🎨Beer + Wine Garden 🎨June 3-4, 2023 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Daily 🎨Free Admission! Details ➡️ taubmanmuseum.org @taubmanmuseum" (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Instagram)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "We want to give huge shoutout to the William Smith College Lacrosse Women's Team for stopping by to volunteer last week while they were in town for the championships! Our vans are often busy hauling animals and desperately needed some TLC!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• The Rescue Mission of Roanoke: "We want to send out a big thank you to Jane Gabrielle for displaying this beautiful art at our Gateway property! Each one of these painted houses represents a homeless student in our area." (The Rescue Mission of Roanoke via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you tomorrow morning! 🍻

— Ian

About me: Ian Graham is a novelist, screenwriter, and freelance contributing writer. He is a firm believer in being yourself… unless you can be Batman. Always be Batman. To connect with Ian, you can visit him on Facebook and Instagram. He doesn't bite. Except on full moons.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Roanoke Patch newsletter? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com