At Monday night’s meeting, Salem City Council gave initial approval to a proposed 70-lot cluster development on the former Dorsey Farm off Mill Lane in South Salem.
Council approval was unanimous on first reading of the request by developer Alexander Boone. Final approval is expected for the first meeting in May.
The former farm is at 1906 Mill Lane and the 1400 block of Penley Blvd. Boone said the subdivision will be called Steelton Mill. Houses would be one, one-and-a-half and two stories, according to the plan, and prices would be mid to upper $400,000.
Altogether, the property is 18-plus acres.
Stella Reinhard was one of three people who spoke at the public hearing. She expressed concerns about increased traffic and cutting many trees, which Boone said would be necessary for grading and stormwater management.
Last month the Salem Planning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning and subdivision.
In other actions, Council unanimously approved, on first reading, rezoning to Highway Business District of the former Disabled American Veterans (DAV) building on Roanoke Boulevard near the Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
The request was made by property owner Clipp Family Trust. According to the application, ideas for using the 9,000 square-foot-building could be a neighborhood retail store or a commercial center with spaces leased to uses that could be a yoga studio or other small businesses.
In other actions at the April 28 meeting, Council:
- Approved the budget for the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority, as presented by Jon Lanford;
- Heard the presentation of the proposed 2025-26 Salem Schools budget;
- Approved a resolution setting Olde Salem Days the second Saturday in September.
Council reappointed Ray Varney for a full five-year term to the Salem Board of Appeals.
