Bristol council approves sale of three city lots to church for $25,000

The Bristol (Va.) City Council voted Oct. 28, 2025, to sell three city-owned lots to a church for $25,000 following a public hearing and staff recommendation.

City staff member Mister Eads told the council the city had received a single unsolicited offer of $25,000 for the three lots and recommended approval based on the tax assessment. He said, because the sale is not part of an economic development project, it requires a four-fifths council vote and two readings of an ordinance; the first reading was scheduled for Nov. 25 and the second for the first meeting in December.

Bridal Curtis, identified in the record as pastor at Key Street Pentecostal Church, told the council the church plans to use the parcels for additional parking. "The purpose of the purchase of these properties are for basically parking. We have an issue with parking at the church, and we're looking at possibly parking on that side to open up, you know, more free space. It's pretty congested most Sundays," Curtis said, adding a residence of 122 Tiffany Lane, Bristol, Tennessee.

Council members asked staff about how long the city had owned the sites; staff said the parcels were likely taken into city control during earlier redevelopment around Oakmont and that some homes may have been demolished at that time. After discussion the clerk called the roll; the recorded votes were yes from Farnam, Holmes, Osborne, Pollard and Mayor Nave, and the motion passed.

The sale will proceed to the ordinance readings noted by staff; the city will require the formal ordinance adoption at the scheduled readings before completing the conveyance.