[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6165218,"mediaKeyId","5425865-8c8c6efa4c41eaaee3391eae6db17404","parentId",5425865,"title","Council endorses exploring sister‑city ties with a community in Ukraine","audioSeconds",376,"startMs",3079000,"endMs",3455000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5425865-8c8c6efa4c41eaaee3391eae6db17404&start=3079&end=3455","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5425865-8c8c6efa4c41eaaee3391eae6db17404/thumbnail_3079000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6165218/Lexington/Rockbridge-County/Virginia/Council-endorses-exploring-sistercity-ties-with-a-community-in-Ukraine","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165218-d9a98b36454dad747bce3548e59a0d70/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149522&Signature=GBOC2CL6YmbsTscrrWzwajiQhS5N7Q-rn~tS88EQFosfQVuQP3WTv90CuF3ZKc9RFMySPZqsYFN6DhmAsdVlWN2awscap7MfDpee8YEUQd1T8EGhaKdyKa36QaATrht1KcR08mpxqOf2QjfpGRU6WL0UEkOmizIuf5dubb7efTRHyDAoVJKqu5lqzvmIn65FW2Tv7w6mwu5-t6AftL0etOS7oThAYQ3M~pEyUdJHd7lVKCoSnbay0PKEKFl-e1ltggV7bvwNST~m8pdFR0LD96r2EsAAPzVpOsQbxcESvABHe2983jlY6~0UDpwHLps~4g3KwgxnpjQVKAQNANS4CA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Lexington","date","2025-07-18T19:03:03.087Z","article","Lexington City Council unanimously approved a resolution expressing the city’s support for residents who wish to explore establishing a sister‑city relationship with a community in Ukraine. City Manager (Tom) introduced the item, describing the resolution as an affirmation of support for a resident‑led initiative rather than a municipal commitment.

“As you recall, we had a presentation from a group of residents who are interested in exploring a sister city relationship with a community in Ukraine… the city can have no role or a very engaged role,” the city manager said. He emphasized the resolution makes no financial commitments; subsequent steps would include an exchange of introductory letters and a negotiated agreement if residents identify a partner city.

Council members asked whether prior outreach—such as a visit by a Ghana chief seeking a sister‑city relationship—had led to follow-up; the city manager said the earlier visit generated tours and goodwill but no formal sister‑city agreement. Councilor Betts moved to approve Resolution 2025‑08; the motion carried unanimously in a roll-call vote. Councilors noted the process is open‑ended and resident driven, and that the city’s role would be supportive unless the council later chooses to take a more active role.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lexington City Council: July 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Lexington City Council approved a resolution supporting resident-led exploration of a sister-city relationship with a yet-to-be-identified city in Ukraine; the resolution includes no budget commitment.","taxTitle","Lexington, Rockbridge County, Virginia","taxId",56190,"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},6165223,"Residents say Lexington Community Center access is restricted; council hears plea to restore community use",240,2210000,2450000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5425865-8c8c6efa4c41eaaee3391eae6db17404&start=2210&end=2450","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5425865-8c8c6efa4c41eaaee3391eae6db17404/thumbnail_2210000.jpg","/articles/6165223/Lexington/Rockbridge-County/Virginia/Residents-say-Lexington-Community-Center-access-is-restricted-council-hears-plea-to-restore-community-use","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165223-04aa09e47ca4ce7ce3477e5ac9a8a52e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149522&Signature=C7XCKCv~npkDIzP5UYPqMFnYraUnwP7L5yNTu3Kb7bJUeIynSe~GUEXgXdcUkiu00XbQj2bc9yCTaQm~x-cDkgio7Ub44C3R8r24Cl7ZZmjn-a7aH~EaTaqoo44QuRSbx9qBxJEbdT58eMMc-zCZEbUANOeqUIQmlBmzz9IejxTKCykHx9L69W9zo3Cmed50pDCrxqQCABa1pmKMzWJQsmeI-daaCZRYXmrQUkEMVA6tw9p6E9HKV17AA~p81VIesO2eaUXwPZhBAlJvIKFpGjeb6Gimdiah6NETnpIyfy9TcAd50mnGns4aIFsWpts5e3NJPihTvzC5ylKX~smnEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents told Lexington City Council that access to the Lexington Community Center—the former school preserved by the local African American community—is restricted and that community groups are routinely denied use. The comments came during the public hearing portion of the agenda after the council opened the floor for comments on the Head Start item; the speakers asked the council to consider the building’s use more broadly.

“I don't find that we can call living down a school, Lexington Community Center, because the community cannot use it,” Miss Johnson said, adding that local alumni and community members have been denied permission for social events. She said the alumni group’s allotted space is “like a closet” and asked the council to “please think about the usage of that building” and consider relocating the school board offices so the building could function as a community center.

Another speaker, Mary Ellen Cook, raised separate operational requests, asking the council to resume at least monthly updates about the city’s water and wastewater plants and to consider freeing up reserved parking in the Royce Smith/Randolph Street area after the Department of Social Services relocates. Council members thanked both speakers and noted the concerns for follow-up; the council did not take immediate action on the community‑center requests during the meeting.","Public commenters urged the council to increase community access to the former school known as the Lexington Community Center, saying the African American community that helped preserve the building is denied regular use.",{"_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},6165227,"Council unanimously approves conditional use permit for Head Start at 300 Diamond Street",804,1954000,2758000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5425865-8c8c6efa4c41eaaee3391eae6db17404&start=1954&end=2758","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5425865-8c8c6efa4c41eaaee3391eae6db17404/thumbnail_1954000.jpg","/articles/6165227/Lexington/Rockbridge-County/Virginia/Council-unanimously-approves-conditional-use-permit-for-Head-Start-at-300-Diamond-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165227-055217778b44b28056a018922d0065f4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149522&Signature=fm2JWm5zbtVy-Eek~Q8qioLRWB-kjRyBImWndTESmtzUbnjCuqbQD8YjduzE5pgwmXFZcxsmGKgmOJJ0dkD7TXzLdk~nkGnItjrs~xw50UiIh5iV41iwNKEYwFt7HcTT5~iVrceN2VEkZnswEvgoXL5A5cRjgkEM1sJVi0qqVgjrkyGkkb73Pl55Lf23DfplQJaIhGHXesXvFMpctwU2pI1X~TotyM7eD5OX6thy-~L415J2BhpPb-5LCt5BE4eDmTbNLXm9728diT6hnL1Wbka6Owq8C-0soiqcA00Qx5ddTdtZLPv8bjWtd0lcjRsDD6gM1FYHlCJIsiPJVVHd1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lexington City Council voted unanimously to approve conditional use permit CUP2025-05 to allow Total Action Against Poverty in Roanoke Valley (TAP) to relocate its Head Start preschool to the garden level at 300 Diamond Street. Planning Director Arnie introduced the public hearing and described the application’s scope and staff recommendations.

“The proposal is to enroll a maximum of 40 students, age 2 to 5, and operate Monday through Friday from 8AM to 4PM,” Arnie said, noting that the building has a fire suppression system and that federal licensing requires a separate fenced playground. Staff recommended approval with four stipulations tied to occupancy, hours of operation and building-code compliance; the Planning Commission had recommended approval unanimously at its June 12 meeting.

During the public hearing, several residents and council members raised concerns about drop-off and pickup congestion on the neighborhood street. Arnie and staff provided an updated drop-off plan in the council packet after the Planning Commission hearing; neighbor Max Zittmore submitted comments suggesting traffic-pattern modifications. Councilor Betts and Councilor Alexander urged staff to consider measures that keep cars off the street during peak pickup and drop-off times; Alexander suggested a pull-through or C-shaped staging area as one possible remedy.

Councilor Betts moved to approve CUP2025-05 with the staff-recommended conditions; a second was recorded and the council carried the motion in a roll-call vote with Councilors Driscoll, Ziegler, Betts and Alexander voting aye. The council noted that councilors Smith and Strahan were absent and that staff should continue to evaluate traffic mitigation measures with neighbors and TAP. No amendments were made to the staff conditions at the meeting.","Lexington City Council approved a conditional use permit allowing Total Action Against Poverty's Head Start program to operate a two-classroom daycare at 300 Diamond Street with conditions limiting enrollment and hours.",{"_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},6165232,"Students propose 15 downtown parking signs to steer drivers to underused lots",796,643000,1439000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5425865-8c8c6efa4c41eaaee3391eae6db17404&start=643&end=1439","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5425865-8c8c6efa4c41eaaee3391eae6db17404/thumbnail_643000.jpg","/articles/6165232/Lexington/Rockbridge-County/Virginia/Students-propose-15-downtown-parking-signs-to-steer-drivers-to-underused-lots","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165232-4dc18847c8977cd48ff0d8b8aa4dbcbb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149522&Signature=Bzz2bnYjHlyChyparO0PibUXcQ5li8yv8W6sriVxVoeZ1KN-j8DYsg-Ng7uxBf9ItPb1dv6lsgkB5hPTDEdLQb72quAuyPsCxlOVSCy89FmDsazMNlvfSZX9MGxuBQqt4c2JdZX8b5JPNeaV2LDfTHdjzdAx7QfCMkBbTzNewwseM3ZwI9wWsqBtwcOs89gAlwr4jgyA0q-cwFM125YfyXq7DftueD6dJyHw4Sosf0wFh6rXm4jrNBkDwDLRNswznoRLbUCGyz06EblH~~46MV6Kpvp2OKmrdnJSfVMv38REQaC2TwWc-fUZE0TjaAqDTlmepvavA0NqdddOps8o0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Two Washington and Lee University interns proposed a 15-sign wayfinding plan to Lexington City Council aimed at directing drivers to underused public lots and easing downtown parking congestion. Diana Salazar and Daisy Barone presented their research during the council’s presentation slot, describing specific sign locations and recommendations for replacements and accessibility improvements.

The proposal matters because downtown parking demand concentrates on a few lots during peak hours while others sit largely unused. “Our goal is to support local businesses and to ensure that people can navigate downtown more efficiently and effectively,” Diana Salazar said during the presentation.

Salazar and Barone told the council the downtown district has six public parking facilities—the Randolph Street, Royce Smith, McCrum’s, Firehouse and Methodist church lots, plus the courthouse garage—totaling 876 public spaces, of which 435 are on-street and 441 are in lots. Their fieldwork included four walkthroughs and one drive-through with Public Works staff to identify high-demand and underused lots, signage that needs replacement, and corridors with heavy traffic.

Their recommendations include 15 new signs: 11 within downtown streets and 4 at entrance points, plus swapping two existing signs to improve visibility leading drivers toward the courthouse garage and the Royce Smith lot. They identified the McCrum’s and Firehouse lots as high-demand and the Royce Smith lot as underutilized, and suggested signage and hours information to clarify differences between lots.

They also proposed accessibility signage—elevator and stair wayfinding for Royce Smith lot—and stronger coordination with public safety offices at Washington and Lee University (W&L) and Virginia Military Institute (VMI) to inform students about public parking options. On student outreach, Barone said campus public safety alerts and email or social media messages are effective ways to reach students.

Council members praised the interns’ work and suggested staff use the plan as a tool for further study. Councilor Betts noted the presentation could prompt adjustments to parking time limits to shift demand toward underutilized lots. The council did not take formal action; the presentation was provided for staff consideration as a planning tool.","Two Washington and Lee interns presented a downtown parking wayfinding plan recommending 15 new signs and several replacements to better direct visitors and students to underused lots and reduce on-street congestion.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council endorses exploring sister‑city ties with a community in Ukraine

Residents say Lexington Community Center access is restricted; council hears plea to restore community use

Council unanimously approves conditional use permit for Head Start at 300 Diamond Street

Students propose 15 downtown parking signs to steer drivers to underused lots