Ronald Thompson and his son David tell Council how they believe the city has failed them in not stopping runoff from a nearby subdivision the elder Thompson says has ruined his 10-acre farm. Mayor Renee Turk told them city staff has reviewed and this is a civil matter.
Meg Hibbert
Contributing writer
The HopeTree Planned Unit Development request has been approved, but a group of neighbors is suing over the legality of the action.
Salem City Councilmembers went into a closed session at the conclusion of the July 22 meeting to discuss potential litigation. Although the subject was not disclosed, some North Broad Street neighbors at the meeting said the topic was their suit.
The group has started a GoFundMe donation account to help with legal expenses. A local attorney, Nancy Reynolds who represents Emerald Hills’ residents, is helping with the suit. Emerald Hills adjoins HopeTree Family Services, founded more than 100 years ago as Virginia Baptist Children’s Home.
According to a letter from Broad Street resident Stella Reinhard, legal fund checks go to the Emerald Hills Section III Litigation Fund.
Planned Unit Development rezoning adopted earlier in June would allow HopeTree’s developer Stateson Homes to build up to 340 single family, townhomes and apartments on 34 acres, plus a small hotel, convenience store and coffee shop, and small restaurant.
Even without the zoning change, under existing zoning the acreage could have been developed with up to 200 single family homes. Residents of North Broad Street, Academy Street, Red Lane, Mount Vernon, Carrollton and other nearby streets have expressed concerns about increased traffic and lowered home value of nearby homes.
In the 17-minute meeting Monday night, Council:
- Adopted a resolution approving the city’s participation in proposed settlement of opioid-related claims against Kroger, and directing the city attorney to execute necessary documents;
- Authorized the city attorney to petition for a writ of election for a special election to fill the sheriff’s term at the November General Election. Sheriff April Staton has resigned effective Aug. 30.
The public portion of the meeting ended at 6:47 when Council members went into the closed session. Three members – Mayor Turk, Randy Foley and Hunter Holliday – were physically present with the fourth, Vice Mayor Jim Wallace, participating remotely because he was out of town. Councilmember Bill Jones was absent.
