Residents in the city say the divide between members of The Church of Latter-day Saints and non-members continues to influence the community three decades after leaders of the church acquired Southern Virginia University. Residents say relations have improved in some areas but persist in many others.
Browsing: Buena Vista
Wayne Handley, the city’s interim city manager, says two sworn officer positions will be taken away due to the merging of Parry McCluer Middle School into Parry McCluer High School. A vacant patrol officer position also will remain unfilled. Dave Clements, the city’s interim police chief, says he does not expect any impact on response times.
City council rejected a zoning request by one vote that would have converted a bed and breakfast into a hotel. Some residents expressed opposition to the proposal, citing concerns about maintaining the neighborhood’s character.
The Blue Ridge Abbey is asking the city to rezone its property so that it can expand to a total of 16 rooms. Several residents and council members cite concerns about increased traffic, noise and preserving the neighborhood’s character, while others say it could bring more tourism and needed lodging to the city.
School officials have decided Parry McCluer Middle School is no longer in shape to serve students due to pipe failures, leaks and boiler challenges. Students in grades six and seven will be moved to the high school in the fall, as the school discusses proposed plans to renovate the high school to accommodate grades 6-12.
Several students at Southern Virginia University are participating in unpaid internships in different departments across the city. City officials say the program is designed to give students real-world experiences in ways that benefit both interns and B.V.
After a year-and-a-half-long process, the city has updated its ordinance regulating businesses run out of homes. The changes limit the number of customers, restrict deliveries, and regulate parking. The amendment comes after neighbors complained that traffic and deliveries were disrupting residential areas.
The city manager’s office released a notice saying the city is examining water quality to ensure that lead levels remain in compliance with regulations. Interim City Manager Wayne Handley said the review is meant to ease concerns and clear up any confusion.
Gas prices surged across the nation amid the war against Iran. Residents in Lexington feel the pain of high prices when needing to fill up their tanks, even compared to nearby stations in Rockbridge County.
Dave Clements began the position in February as Wayne Handley’s transition took over as interim city manager. Clements previously served as interim police chief from 2022-2023.