City May Buy Troubled Downtown Parking Garage, Train Station Plans & Google Water Fight | On the Record: With the Roanoke Rambler (WFIR News Express)

A long-shuttered downtown parking garage — described by some as one of Roanoke’s most lawless spaces — could soon become city property.On today’s WFIR News Express, On the Record: With the Roanoke Rambler dives into a developing situation involving a dark, graffiti-covered parking garage that’s been closed for nearly two years. After a recent court conviction and fine, the garage owner has now discussed the possibility of selling the property to the city, opening the door to major changes downtown. Reporter Jeff Sturgeon explains how the site could play a role in long-stalled plans for a true indoor Amtrak train station, improved transit access, and much-needed parking.The episode also covers a key legal fight over transparency tied to a proposed Google data center, including a judge’s ruling ordering the release of records showing the facility could use millions of gallons of water per day — potentially making it the region’s largest water user. We break down why the ruling is paused, what’s already been revealed, and why the case matters for public oversight.Finally, we look at $20 million returned from Roanoke City Schools to City Council, setting up debates over how that money could be spent — from transit and infrastructure to long-discussed reparations tied to urban renewal.A packed conversation covering downtown redevelopment, transportation, transparency, and big-picture city decisions — this is one of the most consequential On the Record segments in weeks.