Meg Hibbert
Contributing writer
At the first meeting of 2026, Salem City Council members unanimously approved on first reading rezoning for a gas station and convenience store at 1000 Electric Rd.
The property is currently zoned Residential Business District and would change to Highway Business District. The change would allow installation of gas tanks and a canopy for a gas station-convenience store where the former Speedway gas station was located until it closed in 2023.
Steve Drake, speaking for property owner Khalil LLC and contract purchaser Jay Patel, said the business would hire 14 full-time and part-time employees, and produce an estimated income of $500,000 the first year and $30,000 in tax revenue in food and beverages for the city. He was the only speaker at the public hearing. A second reading will be held at the Jan. 26 meeting.
Council also held a public hearing but delayed a vote until the Feb. 9 meeting on a change to the zoning ordinance pertaining to signs, especially lighting.
Community Development Administrator Mary Ellen Wines said the proposed change would restrict the type of lighting around signs in certain districts. No one spoke in favor nor against the change. Wines said the delay was to give Councilmembers and the public time to review proposed changes.
In other actions, Council adopted a resolution approving a 5 percent salary supplement effective Jan. 1 for Salem’s Constitutional Officers who do not already receive a 5 percent Virginia Retirement System supplement.
Council also reappointed Steve Poff to the Board of Zoning appeals, and recommended Economic Development Director Tommy Miller be appointed to the Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority, with Crystal Williams as the alternate.
The meeting adjourned at 6:52 p.m. All five Councilmembers were present.
