The change, which requires data center developers to secure special-use permits rather than move in by right, was passed as an emergency ordinance in December. It will become official pending Tuesday’s vote by the board of supervisors.
Emma Malinak
Emma Malinak is a reporter for Cardinal News and a corps member for Report for America. Reach her at emma@cardinalnews.org.
Posted inLocal
Then & Now development projects: Danville’s riverfront, Roanoke’s Walker Foundry, Lynchburg’s Blackwater Creek
Riverfront projects in Danville make progress. Developer moves forward with affordable housing plans at former Walker Foundry site in Roanoke. Lynchburg officials announce completion of Blackwater Creek restoration, with final touches planned for 2026.
Posted inRedbird
Volunteers run an ‘extremely valuable’ part of the juvenile court system. There aren’t enough of them.
There are more than 100 children on the waitlist for a Court Appointed Special Advocate in the greater Lynchburg area. While they wait, they remain largely voiceless in foster care cases, the organization’s leaders say.
Posted inLocal
Dozens of Lynchburg’s buildings are falling apart. A newly enhanced program could help the city change that.
The city’s derelict program, which aims to rehabilitate condemned buildings, has been in operation for years but has new teeth thanks to state legislation and capital improvement funding.
Posted inCulture
Lynchburg Humane Society builds affordable care clinic as veterinary costs rise nationwide
The clinic, which will offer flexible pricing and payment plans for wellness visits, spay and neuter surgeries and other vet care, is set to open in November 2026 and become the first of its kind in the greater Lynchburg area.
Posted inCulture
Then & Now: Lynchburg’s Pierce Street Gateway surpasses 1,000 visitors, months before museum doors even open
The nonprofit, working to preserve Black history on Pierce Street, is in the final stages of revitalizing a 150-year-old grocery store to become its home base.
Posted inLocal
Lynchburg finance committee hears budget report in wake of leadership change and conflicting messaging about surplus
In the 2025 fiscal year, city revenues came in about 1% higher than expected — “a little closer” than city staff say they like to cut it. The city can apply several million dollars in savings to one-time purchases in its 2027 budget.
Posted inLocal
Abortion zoning amendment returns to Lynchburg’s agenda
Council member Marty Misjuns first proposed the zoning changes in mid-October. They’re now up for discussion at Wednesday’s planning commission meeting, where residents can comment on them for the first time.
Posted inLocal
Lynchburg looks to fill 2 top public safety roles after fire chief retires amid external review
The search for a new police chief started in September when that department’s leader moved to a new job. Now the city’s other top public safety position, the fire chief, is vacant, too.
Posted inLocal
Lynchburg Public Library moves books, programs ahead of renovation, takes stock of 60 years of memories
When it opened in 1966, it became the city’s first library “to serve all citizens” in an ongoing integration effort. Decades later, staff are living by the same slogan to help the library meet the new needs of 21st-century patrons.
