Roberta Wright

The City Council meeting included a proclamation for Treatment Court Month. Agenda items addressed included the rezoning of property at 205 Graves Mill Road for office use, the approval of a conditional use permit for student housing at Liberty University, the adoption of FY2026 third-quarter budget adjustments, and the authorization for the sale and disposal of the former police headquarters at 805 Court Street to facilitate its redevelopment into a Class A office space.

The committee reviewed several site plans for fueling and convenience stores, building renovations, medical office projects, and apartment developments. The meeting also included business items such as the ratification of the sale of property on Jackson Street, the potential sale of the former police headquarters at Court Street for office redevelopment, and the approval of three Smart Scale transportation infrastructure applications including innovative intersection designs and sidewalk improvements.

The Commission held a public hearing regarding a petition from Liberty University to amend the future land use map and rezone a property located at 1410 University Boulevard to accommodate dormatory housing by reusing an existing hotel structure. Discussions centered on the economic impact of the tax revenue loss for the city, current parking management and anticipated future needs, and pedestrian safety measures including crosswalk improvements. The Commission ultimately voted to approve the petition.

The Commission held a public hearing regarding two rezoning petitions. The first petition, submitted by Belvac Production Machinery, requested the rezoning of property at 205 Gremill Road to allow for a standalone office facility, which was approved. The second petition from the Jubilee Family Development Center sought the rezoning of property at 1516 Florida Avenue to permit the construction of a one-story addition for classroom space, which also received approval. The Commission additionally noted upcoming business regarding a housing project.

The Council discussed the agenda for the fiscal year 2027 budget work session, including the possibility of waiving motor vehicle license and trash fees. Staff provided details on recurring and one-time funding options to offset these waivers. Additionally, the Council reviewed school budget requests, focusing on identifying one-time expenses and potential capital funding. Other topics included the rezoning of 205 Graves Mill Road for office use and a conditional use permit for student housing and resident director units at 3839 Murray Place and 3436 Oddfellows Road.