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Lynchburg council backs Jubilee expansion, CDBG/HOME awards, opioid settlement and VES bonds amid public criticism of council conduct
Summary
Council approved rezoning to let Jubilee Family Development Center add classroom space, adopted FY2027 CDBG and HOME funding totaling about $1.1 million for housing and homeless services, joined an opioid settlement distribution, and approved $25 million in EDA bonds for Virginia Episcopal School; public comment included a complaint about council members’ conduct.
Lynchburg City Council approved a package of land‑use and funding measures and heard public criticism of council behavior during a session that included public hearings and multiple unanimous votes.
Rezoning for Jubilee Family Development Center
Council voted to rezone 1516 Florida Avenue to allow a roughly 2,500-square-foot one‑story addition to the Jubilee Family Development Center. City planner Rachel Frischhertz told council the petition would replace certain proffers and make room for expanded classroom space. After public comment from Dr. Beth White and resident Kimberly Die Carsley in support of Jubilee’s STEM and youth programs, Council Member Ms. Reed moved to approve and Ms. Timmer seconded; the motion passed with six votes in favor and one abstention.
"Jubilee has spent 27 years making a difference in Lynchburg," Dr. Beth White told council, urging the expansion so the center can keep serving local youth.
CDBG and HOME funding recommendations
Grants Manager Noble Walker presented Community Development Advisory Committee recommendations for FY2027 CDBG and HOME funds: CDBG totaled $778,316 and HOME totaled $320,517.96. Recommended awards included Diamond Hill neighborhood plan improvements, Miriam's House projects for coordinated homeless intake and an extreme weather center, Rush Homes and Greater Lynchburg Habitat for Humanity projects, and Lynchburg Community Action Group homebuyer assistance. Council approved the allocations unanimously, 7-0.
Opioid settlement participation
City staff summarized prior opioid-settlement receipts to the city and partners and brought a resolution to join claims against six remaining defendants. Staff said the overall litigation pool was $97,625,000 and the city’s expected share from this phase is about $20,286. Council approved the resolution 7-0.
Public comment on council conduct
During public comment, Fable Forest, representing the Central Virginia Young Democrats, criticized the conduct of two council members at a prior meeting, calling their behavior dismissive and alleging they had "lied" and used religious language to deflect accountability. The remarks were contested in tone but spurred no formal disciplinary motion during this session.
Virginia Episcopal School bond authorization
Council also approved a resolution to allow the issuance of up to $25 million in EDA conduit bonds for Virginia Episcopal School; school leaders said $15 million of the funds will go toward restoring a 110‑year‑old dorm and that the school plans to pursue historic tax credits. Council approved the measure 7-0.
Votes at a glance
- Rezoning, 1516 Florida Avenue (Jubilee Family Development Center): passed 6 yes, 0 no, 1 abstain. - FY2027 CDBG and HOME allocations: passed 7-0. Total CDBG $778,316; HOME $320,517.96. - Opioid settlement participation resolution: passed 7-0. City's share (current action) approximately $20,286. - EDA revenue bonds for Centra Health (up to $365M): passed 7-0. (Covered in separate article.) - EDA revenue bonds for Virginia Episcopal School (up to $25M): passed 7-0.
Council adjourned with the next meeting scheduled for May 12 on the second floor.
