Salem City Council Approves 70-Lot Residential Development

Salem, Virginia – The Salem City Council approved a 70-lot cluster housing development during a meeting on Monday evening. Proposed by ABoone Real Estate Inc., the Steelton Mill project aims to create single-family homes on Mill Lane.

Developer Alexander Boone sought approval to rezone two parcels at 1906 Mill Lane and the 1400 block of Penley Boulevard to residential single-family use. Following a public hearing, the council unanimously passed the first reading of the rezoning request, with final approval expected at a future meeting. The planning commission had previously recommended the project in March.

The properties, totaling approximately 18.66 acres, will be integrated into the cluster housing overlay district, which allows reduced minimum lot sizes and encourages more shared open space. According to the project narrative, these developments aim to foster community-oriented environments while minimizing environmental impacts.

Boone emphasized that research indicates a growing desire for energy-efficient smaller homes focused on quality rather than lot size. He noted, “Sometimes when you get housing development, you get one size fits all. This is not going to be that.”

The project will include up to 70 single-family homes with off-street parking. Driveway access to Mill Lane will feature turnarounds for residents. The main entrance is designed to align with Millwood Drive.

Homes will range from one to two stories, priced from the mid-to-upper $400,000s, with a minimum lot frontage of 51 feet. Sidewalks will connect the community, promoting interactivity among residents.

During the public hearing, three citizens raised concerns regarding traffic and tree removal. Stella Reinhard highlighted potential ecological impacts, stating the development could drastically alter local ecosystems. She urged the council to consider alternative approaches to development.

Boone replied that while tree removal is necessary for construction, they plan to preserve buffers along Penley Boulevard and actively replant trees—aiming to plant two to three trees in each yard.

In a separate matter, the council also approved a request to rezone the former Disabled American Veterans building on Roanoke Boulevard to establish a neighborhood retail center.