Google takes a new look at the New River Valley from above

Google Earth has posted updated aerial photos of the Christiansburg and Blacksburg areas. Recent changes include the construction of a Bojangles and Chick-fil-A on North Franklin Street.

The new image, dated November 12, replaces the previous image from October 2022. Roanoke is still depicted as it would be in October 2022.

Crews plan to construct another building to facilitate the continued revitalization of the shopping center on Franklin Street, across from the local mall. Plans depict a 10,098-square-foot building next to Earth Fare.

Christiansburg spokeswoman Christina Edney said it will be a medical facility. She had no further details.

The multimillion-dollar sanctions put a harsh spotlight on the New River Valley's second-largest bank.

As reported last week, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau fined Atlantic Union Bank for so-called “overdraft fee collection.” The bank must refund $5 million in fees to affected consumers and pay a $1.2 million fine, according to a press release from the agency.

The Atlantic Union reached a settlement with the federal agency over “certain practices” used from 2017 to 2020, but said it “does not admit any wrongdoing” and has made several changes to its practices and do not agree with the conclusion.

A refresher on Atlantic Union may help explain why the Richmond-based bank is so popular at NRV — it's because of acquisitions. Remember the Christiansburg-based First National Bank, founded in 1905? In 2008, the company was acquired by StellaOne Bank, and six years later, Atlantic Union acquired StellaOne, so Atlantic Union became First National Bank. Standing on the shoulders of the bank.

Atlantic Union has six branches in NRV and six branches in the Roanoke area. NRV is the second leader in deposit market share behind National Bank of Blacksburg, but ranks seventh in the Roanoke metro area by this metric. A bank's deposit market share is the proportion of total bank deposits in the market that belong to that bank.

The former Cave Spring Place assisted living center on Brambleton Avenue in Roanoke has been sold to a new owner who reports it's off to a good start.

The new name, Cardinal Senior Living, took effect Nov. 1, said Jennifer Hayes, director of operations for Cardinal Senior Communities.

Previous owner Enlivant suspended operations last month as the pandemic increased costs and decreased revenue. Hayes said the number of residents at the 65-bedroom Cave Spring Place was reduced to 16, but has increased to 23 after the transition.

“There were also difficulties under the previous owner. I'm here to make it right,” Hayes said. “No one can come into our facility and smell urine or have cleanliness issues.”

Since the purchase, the new owners have made improvements such as painting and flooring work to “refresh” the more than 20-year-old facility inside and out, she said. Hayes said new signs are emerging.

Cardinal Senior Communities is locally owned and also operates facilities in Bedford and Danville, Hayes said.