Lynchburg has 10 major gateways into the city. These entrances are intended as “front doors” to the community that show off its vitality and quality of life.
Two key gateways are the John Lynch Memorial Bridge and the Carter Glass Memorial Bridge, both located downtown and seen by those passing in and out of Amherst County.
At Wednesday’s planning commission meeting, commissioners unanimously recommended approval to amend a section of the city code to add language prohibiting the installation of new billboards within 1,320 feet or one-quarter of a mile of the two bridges and within the same distance of any gateway. Currently there are three billboards along the two bridges.
City Council will take up the vote on the issue June 12.
According to the city’s Comprehensive Plan, the John Lynch Memorial Bridge over U.S. 29 Business, which provides “an unparalleled panoramic view of the City’s skyline and provides direct access to downtown, major visitor destinations, historic sites, and visitor support services,” is the preferred entry into the downtown area for those coming from Amherst County.
City Planner Tom Martin said the amendment is a first step in protecting the gateways from new billboards in order to minimize visual blight, reduce traffic hazards, preserve neighborhoods and avoid the appearance of clutter.
In a letter sent to the planning commission March 28, Martin states it had come to the attention of city staff there are certain areas in the gateways that would allow billboards.
“The location of this type of structure would be contrary to the goals and objectives of the City’s Comprehensive Plan as well as other adopted area specific plans,” the letter states.
After meeting with billboard design companies McBride Sign Company and Lamar Advertising, Martin said both businesses thought the amendment was reasonable and the city already was saturated with billboards.
The amendment does not require the more than 50 existing billboards in Lynchburg to be taken down or removed.
Proctor Harvey, president of Harvey Design Land Architects, said he was in support of the added amendment, stating he enjoys the view from his office located on Jefferson Street, but a nearby billboard blocks much of it.
“I feel very strongly that billboards, those that are here, we can’t do anything about those, but I strongly urge you to not add additional ones,” he said.
Harvey previously served on the city’s planning commission for nine years.
He said he wants the city to remain attractive.
Other major gateways include Campbell Avenue, River Ridge mall, Wards Road, Boonsboro Road, Odd Fellows Road, Timberlake Road and Lakeside Drive.
Minor gateways, which have been designated in locations where secondary roads cross city boundaries, include Candlers Mountain Road, Leesville Road, Graves Mill Road, Tyreeanna Road, Greenview Drive, Coffee Road, Enterprise Drive and Trents Ferry Road.
Rachael Smith covers local businesses and nonprofits for The News & Advance. Reach her at (434)385-5482.