While SECU has not closed on a land deal with the Roanoke Graded School District, Senior Vice President James Eure said following the presentation, “We hope to have a second location to serve our members.”

The school board approved the sale of 4.5 acres of land on the former Patterson Mill site to SECU in November for $747,000.

At issue this evening was the rezoning request of that portion of land from R-6 residential to B-4 commercial.

In a memo to planning board members contained in the agenda packet, Planning and Development Director Kelly Lasky addressed considerations of the rezoning. “The zoning change may create some changes in the current traffic patterns. However, any proposed construction and site plans will be evaluated by city staff and the development review committee to ensure a proper design.”

The proposed zoning change, she wrote, may be accessed by Jefferson Street, East Tenth Street or both. A preliminary site plan has not been submitted.

There are no specific utility considerations that should negatively impact the property at the present time. All utilities are readily available to the area, Lasky noted.

All future development considerations will be evaluated for proper screening, drainage, storm water retention and detention as well as other items during the site plan and construction plan review process.

Planning board member Jim Miller brought up the issue of how the possible construction could affect the veterans fence where there are signs placed honoring those serving in the military.

Chad Abbott, a land development manager for Summit Design and Engineering, said there has not been a survey done but he has visited the site. “We may need to (give them back) to the owners or take measures with the city to work around those banners.”

Lasky said the city understands the emotional ties the community has with them. She said while professionally the banners are not a basis for consideration in the rezoning matter, “There is an emotional tie.”

Depending on whether future construction deems there is no way to work around them, the city will look at relocating them or returning them, she said.

“We can't promise,” Eure said, “But we're very sensitive to those signs. We will do what we need as we go along.”

City council will consider the matter at its March 3 meeting at 5:15 p.m. in the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall.