Roanoke residents gathered Thursday to express their ideas to the Evans Spring Master Plan

The Evans Spring Master Plan is a project that aims to create a vision for the future development of Evans Spring, a 150-acre site located near downtown Roanoke that has been vacant for decades. The city owns the land and has been exploring various options for its development since 2007.

In 2013, the city adopted a master plan that envisioned a mixed-use development with residential, commercial and recreational spaces. However, the plan was never implemented due to lack of funding and interest from developers. In 2019, a developer proposed a $250 million project that included apartments, hotels, offices and retail shops. However, the proposal faced opposition from some residents and environmentalists who raised concerns about traffic congestion, stormwater runoff and loss of green space. The developer withdrew the proposal in 2020.

In June 2022, the city council voted to revive the Evans Spring Master Plan and hired a consulting team to create a new plan that reflects current market conditions and community preferences. The consulting team consists of experts in urban planning, architecture, engineering, transportation and public engagement. The team will conduct extensive research and analysis on Evans Spring’s opportunities and challenges. They will also solicit input from residents and stakeholders through surveys, interviews, workshops and meetings.

The goal of the Evans Spring Master Plan is to create a vibrant and sustainable community that meets the needs and desires of Roanoke’s citizens. The plan will provide guidance on land use, infrastructure, design standards, environmental protection and economic development for Evans Spring. In that direction, local residents, the local community and local leaders want to see the project finished as soon as possible. Earlier this week, on Thursday night, the community once again started a discussion about the project.

“Some people like some small scale development, some people wouldn’t like to do anything, other folks, maybe something larger. That’s what this is all about the city council, the city manager’s office, very clear, nothing goes forward until the community is heard,” said Chuck D’Aprix, principal of Downtown Economics, LLC.

“We’re committed to diversity and equity in this process. And going forward, we hope to have every person in the city have the opportunity to make their voice known,” said D’Aprix.

However, not everyone living in the communities in the area are happy with the plan and are trying to oppose the idea.

“I don’t want it to be done. I mean, because here’s the deal, Roanoke City asks us and says, hey, we want to hear your ideas. But they don’t listen, and they’re not listening. We’ve already been here. I’m tired of being here,” said LaDonna Jordan, a long-time resident of the Melrose-Rugby Neighborhood.

“It’s hard for everybody in this area. If they add more residential, that means more people, more people with more crime,” said Morgan Bryan, also a long-time resident of the Melrose-Rugby Neighborhood.

As the city moves forward with its plans for a new development project, more neighborhood meetings will be held in the future, giving community members additional opportunities to share their thoughts and opinions. Those interested in providing input can fill out a survey available here.

It is important to note that any development in the area would require rezoning approval from the City Council. Developers have expressed their desire to present resident feedback to the council in the early summer, which could potentially influence the council’s decision-making process.