The Roanoke City Council voted unanimously Monday to accept a federal grant that will go toward the replacement of the low-water bridge that serves as the passageway from Wasena Park to Smith Park.

The grant is for $301,350 and will come from the United States Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Conservation Service. It will be used to replace the low-water bridge with a new version that will allow fish easier passage, as well as humans in canoes and other water craft.

Assistant City Manager Jim Grigsby said he's not yet sure when the bridge will be replaced.

Downtown residents may see parking fee increase

Downtown Roanoke residents may soon find themselves paying more for parking.

City officials proposed a new parking policy on Monday that would change how many spots are allocated to downtown residents, who under the current policy receive two free spots in city parking garages. Under the new policy, downtown residents will receive one spot for free, with the option to pay for a second at half-off the regular monthly rate.

That change would generate an additional $60,000 to $62,000 per year for the parking fund, said city parking coordinator Debbie Moses.

Under the new policy, the Gainsboro garage and new garage under construction on Campbell Avenue would also be added to the list of garages available for downtown residents.

Residents at Eight Jefferson Place will still receive only one space under the new policy.

The council will consider voting on the proposed policy at its next meeting, on April 21.

1 acre of Countryside Golf Club sold to industry

The Roanoke City Council voted unanimously to convey an acre of land at Countryside Golf Club to Newbern Properties to accommodate an expansion of the Trane Distribution Center.

Valerie Garner, an independent city council candidate and chairwoman of the Countryside Neighborhood Alliance, spoke against the sale, arguing that it would affect the third hole and risk "the demise" of the 18-hole golf course.

New Councilman Alvin Nash, president of the men's golf association at Countryside, suggested that while a bad hook might hit the building, he didn't believe the course would be adversely affected by the sale.

Councilman Sherman Lea, who has advocated naming the golf course after late WDBJ (Channel 7) sports reporter Roy Stanley, agreed with Nash that the building expansion would not affect the golf course.

The parcel will be sold for $55,000.

Council takes step to gain exemption for Nash

The council took the first step toward requesting an exception for new councilman Alvin Nash from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's conflict-of-interest provisions.

Mayor Nelson Harris read a statement noting Nash's position as president and chief executive of Blue Ridge Housing Development Corp., which receives federal HUD grants administered by the city.

HUD regulations prohibit members of elected boards that administer the grants from receiving the federal funding, but also provides for exemptions under certain circumstances. Part of the exemption process is public notification of the conflict.

Both Nash and the council were aware of the HUD rules when he was appointed to replace Alfred Dowe, who resigned in February. Nash said Blue Ridge Housing Development has been receiving the grants for 12 years, receiving an average of about $500,000 a year to work on 10 houses.

If HUD approves the exemption, Nash won't be able to vote on the administration of the grants.