Roanoke Mayor apologizes for 9/11 comment; Council fight may be brewing over Market building

Updated: 5:45 p.m.

Mayor Bowers apologized for using an analogy at a council retreat Tuesday comparing the City Market situation to the September 11th attacks.
“It wasn’t my intention in any way to suggest the calamity down at the City Market building is in any way compared to the tragedy and loss of life on 9/11 in New York,“  Bowers said.

Bowers said he was only trying to communicate the importance of coming back after adversity.

Meanwhile Councilman David Trinkle said he would not be against Downtown Roanoke Incorporated stepping in to manage the building after renovations.

“I think DRI is appropriately well suited to manage the building “ after renovations, Trinkle said.

Trinkle, Councilwoman Gwen Mason, and Councilman Court Rosen expressed more of a what and see attitude on Bowers and Lea’s assertion they would not vote for a second closure for renovations.

The council members said they did not yet have enough information to say which way they would lean.

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It what could be the first political fight brewing for Roanoke City Council as it deals with the future of the Market Building, Mayor David Bowers and Vice Mayor Sherman Lea say they will not vote for another closure once the building reopens.

The building has been closed since September 19th due to health concerns about an infestation of mice.

Another meeting is scheduled at the building between vendors, city staff, and the health department sometime Thursday.

Councilman Alvin Nash suggested a long term closure of the building for major renovations at a council retreat Wednesday.

The idea didn’t gain any traction among his six fellow council members.

Other members are taking more of a “wait and see” attitude on any more closures of the building after it reopens.

You can see much more about this story as well as controversy Mayor Bowers started with a comment related to the September 11th attacks, and how there may still be a future between the Market and Downtown Roanoke Incorporated on WSLS 10 On Your Side at 5 PM and 6 PM in live reports.