Lynchburg EDA hears updates on city property RFPs, Wigginton Road and stalled CTE expansion
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Summary
EDA staff briefed the board on RFP responses and pending public‑hearing timelines for multiple city parcels, progress and entitlement work for Wigginton Road, Abbey Creek Innovation Park plans tied to a $4,000,000 VEDP agreement, and delays on the CVCC CTE expansion due to state funding constraints.
At the Feb. 19 meeting of the Economic Development Authority of the City of Lynchburg, staff provided a multi‑topic report on city‑owned property work, development projects and tenant support.
Staff said RFPs for city parcels including Mill Ridge, 805 Court Street and 1800 Garnett Street received responses and that some proposals have already been approved by city council. She explained that before staff can schedule public hearings they must receive formal descriptions from the city attorney to meet strict advertising requirements; she said she hopes to have items ready for a March meeting.
The Wigginton Road project team reported progress on due diligence and entitlement bids; staff said a new team member with specialized entitlement experience was added to accelerate rezoning and critical‑path tasks and that developers are engaging council members as part of the outreach. "He reported, last week that he's updated all of his due diligence bids and he plans to initiate the next phase shortly," staff said.
Staff described Abbey Creek Innovation Park work and said consultants and public works have completed about 30% of the plans. Those plans, staff said, will be attached to a VEDP performance agreement tied to $4,000,000. The board discussed pivoting the Airport Commerce Park toward aeronautical uses and potential MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) facilities because FAA requirements limit private uses on undivided airfield parcels; staff noted the parcel is owned by the city but taxed in Campbell County, with no current revenue‑sharing agreement.
Staff also reported that tenants in the business development center have leases expiring June 30, 2026, and that the EDA and partners are assisting tenants with relocation if needed. The CVCC CTE expansion at 3100 Albert Langford was described as stalled due to state funding and bureaucratic requirements; staff characterized the delay as a function of external approvals rather than local readiness.
Other updates included work on the Jones Memorial redevelopment (a new architectural firm is in design phase) and capital improvements at Point of Honor (a new pavilion and additional restrooms). The EDA did not take formal votes on these projects at the meeting but asked staff to continue outreach and to return with required documentation at upcoming meetings.
