Meg Hibbert
Contributing writer
Salem City Council voted unanimously at the March 11 meeting to sell the former Carilion Clinic building on West Main Street to RDC Investors for $795,000.
Other than “future development project,” no other use was stated in the agenda information. Daniel Hargett is listed as RDC Investors’ manager.
The property has been empty for several years. After purchasing it in 2019, the city held a public hearing on Aug. 10, 2020. The building is located at 2102 W. Main St. on 2.68 acres at the intersection with Wildwood Road.
Also at the meeting Monday night, Council heard the annual presentation about the work of the Roanoke Regional Partnership by executive director John Hull.
Among the highlights were:
- The public-private partnership established in 1983 is made up of eight member entities – Alleghany County and Covington to Salem, Roanoke County and Roanoke City, Botetourt County, Franklin County and the Town of Vinton;
- Roanoke Outside is a sister organization, along with Get2KnowNoke;
- The goal is to grow the regional economy, said Hull, who added new economic impact has been $265 million, 390 new jobs including those at Shrewd Outdooors archery range in downtown Salem. “It’s a wonderful time to be here in the area,” Hull said.
In other items at Monday night’s meeting, Council:
- Appropriated $3.5 million in federal funding for the Apperson
- Drive Bridge Project;
- Appropriated funds to the Capital Projects Fund, Water Capital Fund, and Sewer Capital Fund;
- Appropriated $211,820 in Fund Balance and State Grant Revenue for Ambulance Purchase.
In the Citizen Comment portion, Council heard remarks by:
John Breen, who asked Council to consider establishing a Citizens Academy, and to place legislative issues on the November ballot, for a non-binding vote; and Stella Reinhard, who asked Council to consider creating a destination, perhaps for concerts or historical plays, facing the Salem Museum, perhaps in a barn structure. She also asked Council to consider making Library Square a U turn by placing planters on rollers, and putting seating on the steps for a stage.
Council held a closed session a the conclusion of the regular meeting, for the purpose of discussing a prospective business or industry. Mayor Renee Turk said no action was expected.
All five Councilmembers were present. The regular portion of the meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.