Welcome back to Lynchburg Field Notes, a column that arrives in your inbox on Wednesdays with quick news updates from the past week and previews of what’s coming up next in the Hill City and surrounding communities.
This edition includes an overview of a new biking incentive program that provides discounts at participating businesses to cyclists. Plus, in this roundup you’ll learn about how a new farmers market is helping Lynchburg families stretch their food budgets and how you can get involved in shaping Campbell County’s development goals for the next 25 years.
You can reach me at emma@cardinalnews.org with your questions about this season in the Lynchburg area. I will keep following local elections, conversations about city services and infrastructure, and the people and businesses that shape our city in my day-to-day coverage, and I always appreciate hearing readers’ ideas for what stories should come next.
Cyclists can save at local businesses with new biking incentive program
In a new “Businesses for Bikes” program, you can get discounts at participating businesses throughout the city if you cycle there.
The program started Monday and will run through Oct. 1 to promote healthier, more sustainable transportation in the Lynchburg area. It is operated by Central Virginia Commuter Services, a regional commuter assistance program funded by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation.
Available discounts include 20% off at The Scrappy Elephant, a craft and art supply store; 10% off coffee, tea and treats at Cafe Monte Bello; and 10% off soaps, detergents and beauty supplies at the Rivermont Refillery. Discounts are also available at downtown summer hangouts such as Three Roads Brewing and the Water Dog. A full list of participating businesses and deals can be found online.
Cyclists can receive the deals when they present Central Virginia Commuter Services’ helmet decal at the participating businesses. Interested cyclists can request a decal online and pick it up at participating businesses, the Lynchburg Community Market or the Central Virginia Planning District Commission office on Main Street. The program is free to join.
Pierce Street Farmers Market begins SNAP partnership
Pierce Street Farmers Market is now a member of Virginia Fresh Match, a program that doubles the value of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits when they’re used to purchase fruits and vegetables. In other words, for every dollar spent using SNAP at the farmers market, shoppers will receive an additional dollar to spend on fruits and vegetables.
The farmers market is open on the first Thursday of every month through October, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 1301 Pierce St. The market is run by Pierce Street Gateway, a nonprofit that’s seeking to rebuild a community hub in the Black historic district.
“By doubling SNAP/EBT, Pierce Street Gateway is not only helping to stretch food budgets but also supporting local farmers and the local economy,” reads a statement released by the nonprofit this month.
The Virginia Fresh Match program is also available at the Lynchburg Community Farmers Market on Main Street, Lynchburg Grows on Englewood Street and markets in surrounding counties. You can find a full map of Virginia Fresh Match locations online.
Campbell County seeks input for comprehensive plan
Campbell County is updating its comprehensive plan and is asking residents, business owners and stakeholders to help shape the vision for the region’s development, infrastructure investments, public services and land-use decisions, according to a county news release.
The survey can be completed online and asks questions regarding what the county’s priorities should be and what kind of growth the area should strive for. Comments can also be emailed to communitydevelopment@campbellcountyva.gov, mailed to the county’s department of community development or given over the phone at 434-332-9780.
The feedback will be used by county staff to prepare updates to the comprehensive plan, which charts goals through 2050. Updates will be reviewed by the planning commission and board of supervisors and discussed during a public hearing over the coming months.
“Campbell County’s new brand, Tradition Meets Tomorrow, perfectly reflects the purpose of this planning effort,” said Brian Stokes, the county’s community development and public works director, in the release. “The Comprehensive Plan is our community’s roadmap for the future. We want to hear from residents about what they cherish today, what challenges they see ahead, and what kind of Campbell County they want future generations to inherit.”
