New transit center planned seeks design feedback > With the current Valley Metro bus transfer center at Campbell Court is reaching the end of its days, Greater Roanoke Transit Company is moving ahead with plans to build a 10-milliondollar up-to-date facility just down the road on Salem Avenue. It’s part of an effort to provide a better mass transit experience says Kevin Price, the general manager at Valley Metro/Greater Roanoke Transit. The city is now looking for local feedback; there has been opposition from residents and businesses in the Salem Avenue
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neighborhood of downtown Roanoke’s West End, some of whom believe the transit station will negatively impact the community. “With our design we want to make it welcoming; we want to make it smart – and something that someone could say and say, wow, Roanoke Virginia is really moving forward,” notes Price. Residents and local businesses can view the proposed design on the City of Roanoke website, and leave comments there as well. One in-person “open house” type of event was held last month and more are likely. The project still requires an historic review and approval by Roanoke’s Board of Zoning Appeals. Valley Metro is seeking additional grant funding to lower the local cost burden.
