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Lynchburg council adopts Diamond Hill Neighborhood Plan to guide future projects
Summary
The Lynchburg City Council voted unanimously to adopt the Diamond Hill Neighborhood Plan, a community-driven framework that identifies short-, mid- and long-term projects but does not obligate the city to fund them.
Lynchburg City Council voted 6-0 on Dec. 10 to adopt the Diamond Hill Neighborhood Plan, a comprehensive blueprint intended to guide future investments and development in the Diamond Hill neighborhood.
City planning staff told council the plan — developed with residents and stakeholders over roughly 18 months — is intended “to position Diamond Hill as an identifiable, service-diverse and connected neighborhood.” Adoption adds the plan to the city’s Comprehensive Plan (2013–2030) and gives staff and partners a framework for seeking grants and carrying out projects; it does not itself obligate the city to fund work.
Charlotte Lester, a staff presenter, said the plan pairs an analysis of existing conditions with a planning framework centered on land use and five components: anchor institutions, community streets, housing, the neighborhood marketplace and parks and historic resources. The plan includes short-, mid- and long-term recommendations and documents the community engagement process, which included a citizen stakeholder advisory group and four public workshops.
Residents and neighborhood organizations urged adoption during the public hearing. Dennis Newton, president of the Diamond Hill Historical Society, said the society supports the plan because it is “comprehensive” and reflects resident input. Sarah Blankenship, executive director of Pure Street Gateway, told council: “The adoption of the Diamond Hill Neighborhood Plan is essential for several compelling reasons,” and highlighted the plan’s emphasis on resident involvement and historic preservation.
Staff and supporters pointed to projects already underway that align with the plan, including the Central Virginia Planning District Commission’s participation with the city and Greater Lynchburg Transit Company in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Thriving Communities program focused on 12th Street, the Dunbar Community Schoolyard Project (phase 1 funded by Community Development Block Grant 2024 and in site-plan development) and the Pierce Street Improvement Project (funded by CDBG 2022 and in design). Staff also noted the Hampton Branch YMCA’s nomination to state and national historic registers (work funded by CDBG 2022) as part of the neighborhood’s preservation activity.
Council members speaking in support noted the plan’s long timeline and emphasized that adoption is a policy step to enable future funding requests and partnerships, not a commitment of city capital. After closing the public hearing and deliberating, the council adopted the plan by roll call vote, recorded as 6–0 in favor.
The council discussion included reminders from members that individual projects identified in the plan will come back separately for funding or construction approval, with additional review and public input as required.
The adopted plan will be used as a reference for staff, residents, developers and funding partners as specific projects advance.
