Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Council clears rezoning and future land‑use change for two historic warehouses to allow 28 apartments
Summary
Lynchburg City Council approved an amendment to the future land‑use map and rezoning for properties at 609 Dunbar Drive and 612 12th Street to permit adaptive reuse of two historic warehouses into roughly 28 residential units; the FLUM amendment passed unanimously while the rezoning passed 6–1 after council discussion about conditional use alternatives.
Rachel Freshdesen, the city planner, told council the petition seeks to amend the future land use from neighborhood commercial to downtown and to rezone two historic warehouse buildings from B-5 to B-4, enabling adaptive reuse into approximately 28 apartment units with 28 proposed parking spaces. Planning Commission recommended approval following a March 11 hearing.
Casey Service, the project architect, said the buildings total roughly 20,000 square feet on combined lots just over 9,000 square feet and that the developer plans to use historic tax credits and preserve the buildings’ exteriors while making necessary repairs. “We’re asking to rezone it to B‑4 to allow us to use that in the entirety of that 20,000 square feet, utilizing historic tax credits,” he said.
Council discussed whether a conditional use permit in the current B‑5 zoning (with a CUP allowing limited residential units) would limit the number of apartments (to roughly nine units on the site) versus rezoning to B‑4 to permit the 28 units proposed. Staff and the petitioner said the B‑4 rezoning provides needed flexibility given the site constraints and lack of sidewalk infrastructure on 12th Street.
Council first approved the future land use map amendment by voice vote (entered as a motion and passed unanimously) and then, following a motion and amendment on the floor, approved the rezoning 6–1. Supporters from the public and council emphasized preservation and downtown infill; one dissenting vote reflected concern about using business zoning to enable residential uses.
Next steps: the rezoning clears the way for the developer to finalize site plans, and the project will proceed subject to standard building permits and any proffers or conditions attached to the rezoning approval.
Speakers quoted: Rachel Freshdesen (City Planner); Casey Service (project architect).
