Roanoke Mayor Accuses Council Members of Code of Conduct Violations Over Land Sale Opposition
Roanoke Mayor Joe Cobb has accused Vice Mayor Terry McGuire and Councilman Phazhon Nash of violating the city council's code of conduct. The accusation is related to their public opposition, via social media, to a land sale at the Wood…
Norfolk Portsmouth Newport News, VA, September 21, 2026 —
Roanoke Mayor Joe Cobb has formally accused Vice Mayor Terry McGuire and Councilman Phazhon Nash of violating the city council’s code of conduct. The allegations stem from public opposition expressed by McGuire and Nash, primarily through social media platforms, regarding a proposed land sale at the Wood Haven Technology Center.
Mayor Cobb’s accusation centers on the timing and method of the council members’ public dissent. According to the mayor, McGuire and Nash voiced their opposition to the land sale without first consulting the full city council. This action, Cobb contends, constitutes a breach of established conduct guidelines for city officials.
The land sale in question is located at the Wood Haven Technology Center. While specific details of the proposed transaction have not been fully disclosed, some residents have expressed concerns that the land may be intended for development as a data center. The specific nature of the land sale and the potential development have become points of contention.
The violation alleged by Mayor Cobb relates directly to the city council’s code of conduct. The summary provided does not specify which section or articles of the code of conduct are reportedly violated, nor does it detail the exact nature of the social media posts or public statements made by Vice Mayor McGuire and Councilman Nash.
The contractor involved in the potential land sale was not identified in the provided information. Similarly, the specific terms of the land sale, the potential buyer, or the price were not detailed. The outcome of the mayor’s accusation, including any potential disciplinary actions or further investigation by the city council, was also not specified.
The accusation highlights a division or disagreement within the Roanoke City Council concerning land development and communication protocols. The Wood Haven Technology Center site is a focal point for these differing views and procedural concerns among city leadership.
Story summarized from the original created by Samantha Verrelli on cardinalnews.org, see more information here.
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