January 2026 Meeting Recap

OUR GUEST SPEAKER

Kori Wallace, Director of Marketing and Events at Art Project Roanoke and SoRo resident, spoke about the organization’s mission to foster creativity and community in Roanoke through workshops, classes, and free community art events. Art Project Roanoke supports local artists and creative expression at their downtown space located at 101 Campbell St. in Downtown Roanoke.

"Form a SoRo Krewe!" An Invitation to SoRo Neighbors: Wallace invites and encourages us to take part in a current community art project initiative that runs now through May, culminating in the Daisy Art Parade. More information available at Art Project Roanoke Daisy Art Parade Krewe - Open Studio Sessions. Please reply to this email if you would like to join a South Roanoke Daisy Art Parade Krewe!

BUSINESS MEETING

Treasurer's Report: Irene Malachowsky

Current Balance: $1,418.83 (Includes current fundraiser donations.)

2026 Fundraiser: Goal - $10,000. Donations to date: $506.54, after fees. At least one major project is ahead for Neighbors in South Roanoke - NEW NEIGHBORHOOD ENTRY SIGNS. The estimated cost for three signs is well over $11,000.

Secretary's Report: Stewart Putney

An application for a $1,000 Spark Plug grant has been submitted to the City or Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates board. If approved, the grant will be used to cover a number of Neighbors in South Roanoke's operational expenses, purchase new plawking supplies, marketing materials, etc.

A reminder of our 2026 Fundraiser: For our organization to remain financially sound, flexible, resilient, and responsive to new and unplanned opportunities, we must build a strong financial base through donations, unrestricted by grant requirements. Please consider a tax-deductible donation to Neighbors in South Roanoke. While membership is free, the costs of running a vibrant, volunteer-led neighborhood association are real — and your financial support will make a meaningful difference. Can we count on your help?

UPDATES ON SEVERAL SORO PROJECTS

Richelieu Ave. Apartments: Developer Court Rosen will share revised building plans and elevation as soon as they receive City approval. Construction is slated to begin this Spring.

Pedestrian Crossing Signs: We're pleased to report that six marked pedestrian crossings are approved for the neighborhood. Two are already in place on Jefferson St. Four more will soon come to Jefferson St. at 26th St., 26th at Rosalind Ave., Evans Mill at Rosalind Ave. near River’s Edge, and McClanahan St. at Rosalind Ave.

Broadway Ave. & Avenham Ave. Intersection Improvements: This Roanoke City Transportation Division project is on the calendar for completion in 2026. The improvements will calm traffic, reduce speeds, and improve pedestrian safety with pedestrian crossings on both roadways. When complete, this will be the FIRST safe pedestrian crossing infrastructure ever implemented on Broadway Ave.!

2026 CALENDAR - So Far!

• Monthly Plawks: Our regular monthly plawk days will be held from March through Oct. Dates TBD.

• 3rd Annual Neighborhood-side Yard Sale: Saturday, May 9. Register your address before May 9!

• 4th of July Celebration: Volunteer and event details coming.

• National Night Out: Tuesday, August 4

• Fall Tree Planting Event: Tree-lined streets are safer streets. Help us get enough requests to plan an event for this Fall. Submit your requests today!

• Monthly Regular Meetings: March 17, May 19, September 15, November 17.

The next regular meeting of Neighbors in South Roanoke is Tuesday, March 17, SpringHill Suites (subject to change).

Watch your email and our social media pages for additional special meetings.

Alice Ann Clark President of Neighbors in South Roanoke