During a recent government meeting, community concerns regarding environmental issues and housing policies took center stage. A resident, Lindsey Irby, expressed frustration over the lack of communication with the interim manager about critical topics such as the tree canopy in Roanoke and the implications of mass rezoning.

Irby highlighted the urgency of the situation, referencing extreme weather events, including a recent incident in North Carolina where over 18 inches of rain fell in a short period. She emphasized that such events pose a significant risk to Roanoke, particularly in terms of flood resiliency, which she argued is closely tied to the preservation of the tree canopy. \"We cannot plant our way out of it,\" she stated, urging officials to focus on protecting existing trees rather than solely on new planting initiatives.

The resident criticized the current rezoning efforts as lacking accountability and failing to consider the impact on local communities, particularly those downstream. She called for a repeal of recent amendments, advocating for a more comprehensive evaluation process that includes meaningful community engagement to alleviate confusion and frustration among residents.

Irby's remarks underscore a growing concern among citizens regarding environmental sustainability and responsible urban planning in Roanoke, calling for immediate action and collaboration between the community and local government.