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Institutional District Updated
A zoning text amendment that updates and clarifies language in the regulations governing Buena Vista’s institutional district was approved Thursday, Sept. 7, by City Council.
The amendment clarifies that allowable uses within the district must be directly supportive of the institution and not for miscellaneous uses in close proximity to the institution. Other changes to the text are to specifically list which uses are permitted outright and which are allowable with special exception permits.
Adoption of the amendment is a response to the recent rezoning of a 285-acre tract of land for the Rockbridge Creative Institute and Meridian Farmstead. Southern Virginia University’s campus is the only other area of the city that falls within an institutional district.
Fair Housing Revision Proposed
Enforcement of laws prohibiting discrimination in housing is best handled by state and federal agencies, rather than localities. That’s the conclusion of Tom Roberts, Buena Vista’s director of community and economic development, who is recommending the city repeal a 1980 ordinance that gave local officials enforcement authority.
City Council held a first reading Thursday on an ordinance to repeal the city code chapter on fair housing. Roberts noted that the Virginia Fair Housing Office and the federal Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Office are better equipped than localities to address violations of housing discrimination laws.
A second reading of the proposed ordinance will be held at City Council’s next meeting on Sept. 21. If the ordinance is adopted, the city will continue to provide information to the public about resources available for the enforcement of fair housing laws.
BV Stays
With Juvenile
Program
Buena Vista City Council this past Thursday approved a resolution renewing the city’s participation in the Combined Juvenile Community Crime Control Act Plan.
Buena Vista participates in this program with neighboring jurisdictions Rockbridge County, the city of Lexington, the counties of Botetourt and Alleghany and the city of Covington. Lexington is the fiscal agent for the program.
Henson Reappointed
City Council member Melvin Henson was reappointed this past Thursday to another four-year term on Buena Vista’s Planning Commission.
There is a pending vacancy on the Commission that hasn’t been filled yet. Lucy Ferrebee’s current term expires Sept. 30 and she has indicated she doesn’t want to be reappointed.
