Editor

LAWRENCEVILLE – The Town of Lawrenceville received a Community Development Block Grant from the Commonwealth of Virginia for $1,750,000 for the Park Street Community Project. The announcement was made at the February meeting of the Lawrenceville Town Council. A planning grant for Park Street, Phase 2 for $46,000 was also received.

The grant was part of over $23.6 million in Community Development Block Grants awarded. Funding will support housing rehabilitation, water and sewer improvements, and community service facility enhancements.

According to the press release from the Governor’s office, the federally funded CDBG program has been administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development since 1982 and annually receives approximately $19 million to distribute to small cities, counties and towns. With these funds, localities can provide new or improved water and sewer systems in rural areas, rehabilitate housing in declining neighborhoods, revitalize commercial districts and provide facilities for a variety of needed services, such as health care clinics in underserved areas.

According to information provided by Town Manager Randy Lynch, the Park Street Phase I CDBG Project entails the rehabilitation of 4 homes and the substantial reconstruction of 2 homes, along with water, sewer, and storm drainage improvements. Six LMI (Low to Moderate Income) homes with 24 LMI individuals are expected to benefit from these enhancements.

The Town of Lawrenceville requested funding assistance from DHCD for Park Street, Phase II, to conduct planning activities in preparation for a 2025 Community Development Block Grant Comprehensive Application. The proposed project area consists of 11 occupied residential stick-built units (one being a duplex). Eligible activities include owner-occupied and investor-owned housing rehabilitation, owner-occupied substantial reconstruction, water, sewer, drainage improvements, and neighborhood cleanup efforts. 

In other matters, Debbie Burkett updated the Lawrenceville Town Council on plans to participate in the Rural Access Medical (RAM) program for 2025 scheduled for June 21, 2025 and June 22, 2025 at the Greensville County High School, Emporia, Virginia. Set up for the clinic is Friday, June 20, 205. Council pledged $2,000 to support the project, which is an increase from last year. Watch for more information about RAM in the coming weeks.

Chris Stephenson updated council on plans for the Saint Paul’s College Legacy Weekend activities Friday, April 4, 2025, Saturday, April 5, 2025 and Sunday, April 6, 2025. He asked council to assist in closing Bank Street during the weekend. Lynch said the Town of Lawrenceville will file the necessary paperwork with the Virginia Department of Transportation to close the street.

Council agreed to continue support the Blackstone Area Bus System and will add the request in the amount of $3,700.00 when the FY2025 -2026 budget is prepared. Alex Davis, Transit Director for the Blackstone Area Bus System, said during 2024, the Brunswick Express made over 3,550 trips. Many of these trips account for those going to and from their place of work, home and SVCC. The majority of these trips begins and ends in Brunswick County.

“BABS is proud to be offering public transportation services within the Town of Lawrenceville and looks forward to a continued and mutually beneficial partnership,” Davis stated.

Disbursements totaling $126,513.87 were approved.

The Lawrenceville Town Council meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Lawrenceville Municipal Building, 400 North Main Street. For more information call (434) 848-2414 or visit www.lawrenceville-va.com