[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6307752,"mediaKeyId","2428534-b648e219d525b3b760750811a5e2cecd","parentId",2428534,"title","City unveils expanded small‑business workshops and outreach as part of broader inclusion efforts","audioSeconds",2549,"startMs",2057000,"endMs",4606000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2428534-b648e219d525b3b760750811a5e2cecd&start=2057&end=4606","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2428534-b648e219d525b3b760750811a5e2cecd/thumbnail_2057000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6307752/Danville/Danville/Virginia/City-unveils-expanded-smallbusiness-workshops-and-outreach-as-part-of-broader-inclusion-efforts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307752-878c7f635d9522753904db13ab4bc80e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136110&Signature=C1PYYJvvQxQ9l0IHXDyCs5xrstiHE08I18Hetu7EVQr6JidoDZDi1eeLWRUPs-FF6zmAP8VyF4sPrWhLLKgEksP07p-x5TTp513XR1YKxmknDZ6A1h-27AaBmCDjrLmsaUNlBeXngVRZFQj9UoCo8Lll7qgFxUFBNbjP6hGA1NUKFX8HBETZeYdeijUIoIkctHodIOOKJ8HXoZFAJLrhqiF3CDvqmjVMSGQ4JwLNOXrEOdbzmWpU9E6afqtUx1RL6UJMiqsAgGLbVXfwM5dMBaOpoStN8594R~yO63XfxPIxzhB5Vq6nAsfjFsh1UI1oR4wZHCd5FGrjWKUBcxzLoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Danville City VA","date","2025-01-07T00:00:00Z","article","City economic development and tourism staff on Thursday outlined an expanded series of workshops and outreach aimed at supporting small, women‑ and minority‑owned businesses.

Cory Boba, director of economic development and tourism, said the office mailed a postcard to every small business in Danville to broaden participation in a planned year of free workshops. The calendar includes an \"Untapped Talent\" inclusive hiring workshop (targeting veterans, seniors, formerly incarcerated persons, and persons with developmental or intellectual disabilities), an enterprise zone workshop to explain available grants, procurement fairs to help businesses pursue SWAM certification and contracts, a six‑week financial literacy/QuickBooks boot camp (with one year of QuickBooks provided on graduation), and a six‑week marketing boot camp in partnership with Letterpress Communications (with one year of Canva provided on graduation).

Boba said the office is evaluating a new grant and loan program for SWAM businesses and plans an incubator co‑located with the economic development office to provide technical support; he also said the office engaged a Danville native, Shayla Herndon Edmonds of Sage Strategic Advisors, to plan a more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem for women and minority business owners.

City staff reminded council that the city recently received grant funding as part of a national cohort for economic mobility and opportunity and that a new economic mobility and opportunity manager position will be advertised; staff also reported that since January 2023 the city has spent nearly $3 million with SWAM certified vendors and an additional $873,000 with surrounding‑area SWAM vendors since September 2024. The purchasing division has initiated outreach and vendor relationship coordination to increase participation.

Council members praised the outreach and asked staff to post registration links on the city's River City TV livestream and the discoverdanville.com website. Staff said ARPA funds and other city grants have supported small business grants and that the office will continue to seek sustainable funding for incubator and technical assistance efforts.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - January 07, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Danville's economic development office described a postcard‑driven outreach and a year of workshops for small, women, and minority‑owned businesses, including a January \"Untapped Talent\" hiring workshop, enterprise zone sessions, financial literacy and marketing boot camps, and plans for an economic mobility manager position.","taxTitle","Danville, Danville, Virginia","taxId",55211,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6307756,"Votes at a glance: council approves group home, rezoning and finance resolution",360,1662000,2022000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2428534-b648e219d525b3b760750811a5e2cecd&start=1662&end=2022","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2428534-b648e219d525b3b760750811a5e2cecd/thumbnail_1662000.jpg","/articles/6307756/Danville/Danville/Virginia/Votes-at-a-glance-council-approves-group-home-rezoning-and-finance-resolution","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307756-5082d0920f90a563238780bb7d115112/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136110&Signature=WasCMiLt8wsyRNx1IoVPzDNEsZhxSsYoRmKbr7qnBSa-ObFx5JULNBuXB3rtGijQS5UKEPIUbPW8-XdmJz0Sln3XSUlhfRsz71ig7NC18yIhN0zkpN~VeIo3PxmpXxL1l0eP3opSmR52PnEXYLC5pCPMtAai1-hzzN4GyPv4ncWfVNaPIfO~IkhyTytHvmggiWIMS7IVl8MtSDh2Mp-r1qrDrF257bAsgL032WII9ksVWxfZPKljEdduK~cAIJRFk3Q0Dka99gu3jIC~TqECwmtc6TYP56wUj1MlmDS8BypyM7Uqrhit5jsSq-L3gujGI4-BkMXKbytYS23tjHroCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its January 2 meeting the Danville City Council approved several agenda items by roll call with little debate.

- Patterson's Residential Services LLC: Council approved a special use permit to allow a licensed Developmental Disability (DD) waiver group home at 145 Sherwood Drive. The application was described as a facility to be licensed through the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; the motion passed unanimously.

- Rezoning 924 Arnett Boulevard: Richard and Jane Hawksbrook's application to rezone 924 Arnett Boulevard from OTR (Old Town Residential) to HRCC (Conditional Highway Retail Commercial) passed unanimously. The applicant said the building originally opened as a laundromat in 1977, retains a commercial water meter and parking, and the rezoning includes proffered restrictions listing permitted and prohibited uses for the site.

- Special use permit: Garrett Shiflett: The council approved a special use permit application to allow a waiver of maximum density at a property identified in the packet (address text in the transcript unclear). The motion passed on a unanimous roll call.

- Resolution: Virginia Small Business Financing Authority: The council approved a resolution authorizing execution of a moral obligation agreement between the City of Danville and the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority; the motion passed unanimously.

All four items passed on recorded roll calls with all members voting \"Aye.\" The approved items were procedural or applicant‑driven land‑use requests or a financing authorization; none included additional council conditions in the meeting record.

For details and official ordinance/resolution numbers, consult the city clerk's official minutes and the planning department's files.","The council approved a set of housekeeping and land‑use items including a group home special use permit, a rezoning for a former laundromat on Arnett Boulevard, a waiver of density for a residential property, and a resolution authorizing a moral obligation agreement with the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6307761,"Council asks staff to study gun‑violence awareness campaign and disparity study options after lengthy discussion",1752,2460000,4212000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2428534-b648e219d525b3b760750811a5e2cecd&start=2460&end=4212","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2428534-b648e219d525b3b760750811a5e2cecd/thumbnail_2460000.jpg","/articles/6307761/Danville/Danville/Virginia/Council-asks-staff-to-study-gunviolence-awareness-campaign-and-disparity-study-options-after-lengthy-discussion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307761-6c993e3cf5b77faff2691cdd8a111712/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136110&Signature=GWT9jX5352P72tDhl4RFps3L2uKO~pGlQB50D3wVGG1LuVD7AvIQkkpXuBBir-he67X4zIXSZgZy23WbrmRFynCJXy8hJBW5R~Wbrsm5sEBnvbAtRqAmXX7oymJ3c4uOWkr2Olt5RNzB~JLLiKT2Uo3gqAWt4xf~0DtrdZoBlRsyeaG1-kto8h3u9yoEpjqQha~7j3NnGmevptbPLiA-~7iTaw~eDmmdgn~8NxLHHhAgsIcAQZX6f3cqzaMwEDMWHe~2I1N67j7p9oGuck2MJLAXIa-dXtQUh0r93MmD-BeNC-D3YInj5p17NPXtsnFDo2g2GjHPUOKqrVhPrJ7ufQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilmembers debated a proposal by Councilman Reverend Campbell for a gun‑violence awareness campaign and a permanent gun‑turn‑in mechanism before voting to ask staff for additional study.

Campbell proposed citywide signs showing a gun symbol with a strike‑through and an accompanying message to discourage picking up firearms; he also spoke in favor of a continuous buyback or permanent turn‑in option. \"I would like to put a motion on the floor that we will look at this and allocate it,\" Campbell said, adding he would be willing to contribute remaining campaign funds toward an initial effort.

Councilmember discussion ranged from support for an awareness and outreach approach to requests for a broader public‑relations strategy using social media and youth outreach. Several members urged meeting \"people where they are\" on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Council also discussed a separate but related proposal from Campbell calling for a disparity study to measure how city contracts and dollars are distributed among minority, women, and veteran‑owned firms.

Councilman Doctor Miller offered an amendment that prevailed: rather than committing funds or a specific program immediately, council voted to ask staff to study what a disparity study would entail, how much it would cost, and to return with recommendations. The amended motion passed on roll call vote.

Mayor Jones and staff indicated existing and ongoing economic inclusion work at the city: staff noted the city was part of national cohort programs, has an Economic Mobility and Opportunity grant, and planned to advertise for an economic mobility manager. City staff said they are tracking SWAM (Small, Women‑owned, and Minority) vendor spending and have provided outreach and grant support to small businesses.

Council directed staff to report back with options and cost estimates for a public awareness/signage campaign related to gun violence and with more information on the scope, cost, and legal considerations of a disparity study so council could make an informed decision on next steps.","After extended public comment and council debate, members approved an amended motion asking city staff to study a firearm awareness signage campaign and to report back on what a disparity study would entail and cost.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6307765,"Council rezones 1819 North Main Street to allow neighborhood commercial use after owner cites long vacancy",716,918000,1634000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2428534-b648e219d525b3b760750811a5e2cecd&start=918&end=1634","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2428534-b648e219d525b3b760750811a5e2cecd/thumbnail_918000.jpg","/articles/6307765/Danville/Danville/Virginia/Council-rezones-1819-North-Main-Street-to-allow-neighborhood-commercial-use-after-owner-cites-long-vacancy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307765-bad06214cdcef20113c253268ab146aa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136110&Signature=Ix-UfmNwpDLAF32LOObBIlFgOZuBKUZU8Z6TkqrcL0e3U79t9xWPJtEMJNyOj~xZXFbFfM72orjr0a2B13NiCfDlWKktCXPkeu3y4VMz235x5aFx1KAx65klaimf24LxZkP94Amtfc25RjJbQnrh9vAcoulp3sOwS7-TLDjkdwxgyi19tAEIR2DoIyH9mIfo2-J4KK-zwH9cKSajALyQuSIT-Pmi7QGcdX~GQ~676uSsYcDan8kfRIzFaGYyzocSgSyHXxWzZS5kL6ttMfNSzYD~up9T0PB7ekRfpRZL0rnIGFr0H3nRxIKkNJgk1B6Wy1Qp1xksCsKBiT7CW-0Vsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Danville City Council voted unanimously Thursday to rezone 1819 North Main Street from Old Town Residential (OTR) to NCC, conditional neighborhood commercial, following public comment from the property owner and discussion among council members.

The applicant, identified in the packet as Yasim Musadik and identifying himself in the public hearing as the property owner, told council the building formerly housed Danville Produce, includes a large parking lot and is constructed for commercial use. \"I bought this property as a commercial property,\" he said, and told council he planned a small convenience store or smoke shop to serve neighborhood needs.

Council members noted the site has been vacant for about two decades. Planning staff and the planning commission had recommended denial, citing inconsistency with the comprehensive plan and surrounding residential zoning. Planning staff noted the parcel was placed in Planning Area 10, which is designated residential, and that the planning commission issued a unanimous denial.

Council members who spoke in favor said the building's long vacancy and existing commercial character on the block argued for returning the parcel to commercial use rather than allowing continued blight. Councilman Vogler moved for rezoning to NCC with conditions; Councilman Miller seconded. The roll call vote was unanimous in favor.

The ordinance changes the official zoning designation for 1819 North Main Street to conditional neighborhood commercial and includes the proffered list of permitted and restricted uses the applicant provided in the rezoning packet. Council did not amend the applicant's proffers at the meeting.

With the rezoning approved, the owner may now pursue permitting for the commercial uses allowed under the conditional designation and subject to the proffers the applicant struck from the full list of uses.","Council rezoned 1819 North Main Street from Old Town Residential to Neighborhood Conditional Commercial after the owner said the former Danville Produce building has sat vacant for decades and he plans a small convenience or smoke shop.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":103,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6307771,"Danville City Council approves series of special-use waivers for Danville Public Schools signs",706,212000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2428534-b648e219d525b3b760750811a5e2cecd&start=212&end=918","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2428534-b648e219d525b3b760750811a5e2cecd/thumbnail_212000.jpg","/articles/6307771/Danville/Danville/Virginia/Danville-City-Council-approves-series-of-special-use-waivers-for-Danville-Public-Schools-signs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307771-af0ac3deebe2fab9fb126fb4f68dab20/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136110&Signature=W04dubvXAF1osL0XAE33N0XST94reKOBvqW35wsOV9V95TJtwbVZHWDLAZmzXwc2TjVPmJ-nChvcEHW9jHen4YhbV4P25Axm77b5Zu~4ja5LFFhHJEXPhQIfZ9PRDYlSZolofdR4NFBl6ae0447G1VSxIVSP0OGKUD3ehh8gZu4ZIW~nIq9R2zd66XwK77hFI3iUH8IuNxRONFG1W39J1yO33hHZtlnbS6oN1WAmmiUp3B0LtjKkjRVxIq1wRhIsiREHdGW1xpZki7LmnCoqcqom5mprzviyR4MgijW3SrSRu0v8V7N2hCv~DkhfEJWVd8I4c9HI43Q9llZFHGhhow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Danville City Council on Thursday unanimously approved a series of special‑use permits allowing Danville Public Schools to exceed the city's maximum sign area at multiple school properties.

Walter Lucas, director of capital improvement for Danville Public Schools, asked the council to approve the permits so the district can standardize monument and address signs across its campuses. \"They'll be masonry signs, roughly 100 square feet with a 3‑foot by 7‑foot LED panel,\" Lucas told council, adding the LED panels would let schools notify the public of events districtwide.

Council members discussed cost and funding. Lucas said he had not yet obtained final estimates but offered a rough per‑sign figure of about $100,000 to $150,000; when council pressed further he said the district expects roughly $150,000 per sign and that 14 locations would push the program toward a multi‑million dollar total. Lucas said the district plans to use the city's 1 percent sales tax to fund the project.

The motions to approve individual special‑use permits cited Article 3, Section C, Item 25 of the city's zoning code and were moved and seconded by council members in turn. Each motion passed on roll call with all members voting \"Aye.\" The council thanked Lucas for the presentation and for assembling the permit requests in sequence.

Votes at a glance: the council approved special‑use waivers submitted by Danville Public Schools for the following parcels and addresses (motions referenced Article 3, Section C, Item 25): 26356 (280 Christopher Lane); 26370 (220 & 228 Cleveland Street); 74769 (1540 Halifax Road); Z60160 (1400 West Main Street); 26346 (155 Mountain View Avenue); 59935 (825 Piney Forest Road); 26346 (repeated in packet); 5859898 (1070 South Main Street); 59949 (811 Northmont Boulevard & 121 Gloucestershire Avenue); 04958 (1005 North Main Street); 59914 (614 Audubon Drive); 59856 (661 Park Avenue); 26422 (1215 Industrial Avenue). All motions passed on unanimous roll calls.

Councilmembers repeatedly praised the packet organization and urged staff to monitor costs and implementation schedules. Lucas said exact pricing and a full implementation timeline remain to be finalized.

The approvals allow the school district to move forward with design and procurement steps for standardized masonry monument signs with LED panels across district properties. The council did not adopt a specific construction schedule or detailed financing plan at the meeting; Lucas said the district would pursue the sales‑tax funding already identified.

Danville Public Schools will now work with city permitting staff on sign details and installation schedules. The council did not attach additional conditions during the votes.","Council unanimously approved multiple special-use permits allowing Danville Public Schools to exceed local maximum sign areas at school properties; district says new masonry signs will include LED panels and be funded with sales tax.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City unveils expanded small‑business workshops and outreach as part of broader inclusion efforts

Votes at a glance: council approves group home, rezoning and finance resolution

Council asks staff to study gun‑violence awareness campaign and disparity study options after lengthy discussion

Council rezones 1819 North Main Street to allow neighborhood commercial use after owner cites long vacancy

Danville City Council approves series of special-use waivers for Danville Public Schools signs