Downtown Roanoke Improvement Wishlist (Richmond, Jefferson: rental, crimes, hotel)

[RoanokeWahoo]

Read on Roanoke.com that City Council will probably go forward with approving funding renovations to Elmwood Park. Looks like they want improve the greenspace and the stage. I know there is only so much you can do in such a small space, but I think its great the Elmwood Park is getting the love that it deserves.

I will try and find the article and post a link.

[j1n]

It would be nice if some of those empty storefronts (on Campbell for example) were occupied by some interesting businesses.

[headnsouth]

I think they should leave Elmwood Park alone! City schools are a MESS, the Greenways need funds too, and Elmwood Park is very nice as it is. Skewed priorities across the board.

[RoanokeWahoo]

Originally Posted by headnsouth

I think they should leave Elmwood Park alone! City schools are a MESS, the Greenways need funds too, and Elmwood Park is very nice as it is. Skewed priorities across the board.

All true, but revitalizing a city's downtown can do wonders. I have seen it first hand when living in Cleveland, OH. Downtown Cleveland became a dump until the city started to put serious investment into it and now its one of the nicest downtown areas I have seen. And they are not done yet.

Investing in Downtown Roanoke little-by-little will go a long way. Elmwood park is a good start in my opinion.

[roanoker 4]

Does anyone know what to do with Elmwood Park? I hear there are plans for
basketball courts, ice skating rink, amphitheatre, etc. There doesn't seem to be
a consensus from the City on what to do with the Park. If it becomes an unsafe
place to be downtown will suffer.

[RoanokeWahoo]

You are right... No one knows what exactly to do with Elmwood Park. I, for one, would like to see them maximize the greenspace. The entire "road/parking lot" that goes from the center of the park up towards Jefferson could be turned into grass or other pleasant spaces. Not just concrete as it currently sits.

An ampitheatre isn't needed. I would welcome a upgrade to the stage they currently have, but by no means should a ampitheatre dominate that space.

Safety is a concern. I have had a few friends who have been mugged or have escaped attacks in Elmwood. This goes back to my thoughts on the homeless problem in Roanoke. The homeless tend to hangout in Elmwood and I rarely see police patroling either.

[roanoker 4]

The safety concern in Elmwood Park is sometimes not addressed by the City
when planning for future development. With all of the studies done by out of town planners there hopefully is local imput from the community. NO basketball courts, movie theatres, more park benches, public restrooms, etc. We need
people to come there to enjoy the Park but be respectful of the space.

[j1n]

Originally Posted by roanoker 4

The safety concern in Elmwood Park is sometimes not addressed by the City.

Is there a safety concern in Elmwood Park?

[RoanokeWahoo]

Originally Posted by j1n

Is there a safety concern in Elmwood Park?

I believe there is. I invite you to bring kids there on a Saturday afternoon and you tell me if you feel comfortable.

[j1n]

Originally Posted by RoanokeWahoo

I believe there is. I invite you to bring kids there on a Saturday afternoon and you tell me if you feel comfortable.

What is the nature of the safety concern?