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The Rockbridge Area Department of Social Services is moving from Lexington to Buena Vista.
The site selected for building a new RADSS headquarters is behind Food Lion and TAP’s Buena Vista Child Development Center, near the intersection of Forge Road (Va. 608) and East Midland Trail (U.S. 60).
Brian Kearney, Buena Vista city attorney, reported at City Council’s regular meeting this past Thursday that all three Rockbridge area governing bodies have agreed in principle to purchase this land, thus ending a nearly decade-long search for a site. RADSS’s current offices at 20 E. Preston St. in downtown Lexington have long been considered inadequate for reasons of security and space.
Kearney said the hope is that a “nice government complex” can be developed on this 6-acre site, which is directly behind the TAP child care center, where the former Virginia Employment Commission offices were located. Other government entities that might locate in such a complex could include the state health department and the state rural water agency.
Purchase price for the property is $438,000. The jurisdictions took out a $9,000 option back in August to purchase this property. The $9,000 is to be applied to the purchase price. The next step in the process will be to close on the property within 90 days. Kearney said a design for the building could be completed during this period.
The site is comprised of two tracts of land – one is 1.2 acres and the other is 4.8 acres. “There’s enough land for a government hub,” said Kearney, adding that the complex can be designed so pods could be added.
The land is owned by Mountain View Motel LLC. Partners are Skip Ramsey, Bob Huch and Joseph Wilson. The site is to the east of land owned by the Buena Vista Pentecostal Holiness Church, which has held special events there over the years, such as sunrise services, Easter egg hunts and a Christmas drama, “Night of Miracles.”
Public water and sewer and electricity are available. The land can be accessed by two public roads – one that goes between Food Lion and the TAP child care center and another that goes through the 911 Center (formerly Lomax Funeral Home).
Thompson & Litton did a site selection study on behalf of the jurisdictions. Various sites were looked at and this one was judged to be the best available. “There’s some urgency” to proceeding with design and construction, said Kearney. RADSS’ lease on its current offices in Lexington is up in a little over two years – in the spring of 2025.
News of the site selection was greeted with enthusiasm by Lexington City Council at its regular meeting on Thursday. “It’s an exciting development after many years of discussion, and I’m glad it’s moving forward,” said Council member Leslie Straughan. “I think the location is great, especially having the opportunity to have other agencies there in collaboration with DSS. It’s a great opportunity.”
Joseph Haney contributed to this story.
