Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council advances rezoning to convert Washington Lee School into moderate-density apartments
Summary
Council approved first reading to rezone the former Washington Lee School from R-1/R-1A to R-3 to allow development of 28–32 apartments with projected rents of $2,000–$2,200 per month by intended purchasers; the site is designated an 'Opportunity Area' in the comprehensive plan and staff reported no major infrastructure concerns.
The Bristol City Council on Nov. 25 approved on first reading an ordinance to rezone the former Washington Lee School property from single-family residential (R-1/R-1A) to moderate-density residential (R-3) to permit conversion into multifamily housing.
Director of Community Development and Planning Jay Detrick said the intended purchasers, Clyde Stacey and Jim Bunn, plan to build 28 to 32 apartments and target rents between $2,000 and $2,200 per month. The property is listed as an "Opportunity Area" in the city’s comprehensive plan, and staff and department reviews found no significant impacts to emergency services, water or electrical infrastructure. Detrick noted that standard architectural plans and compliance with Virginia construction codes — including potential sprinkler requirements — will be needed during permitting.
Council discussed ensuring adherence to the development proposal after concerns raised in the planning commission and public hearing process; no formal amendments were proposed at first reading. Mayor Becky Nave read the ordinance by caption only as ORDINANCE NUMBER 25-8; council approved the first reading 5-0.
The rezoning must return for a second reading before becoming final; the development and any site-specific plan, building plans, and required infrastructure work will be reviewed in subsequent permitting steps.
