City staff briefed the committee on a proposed land sale and redevelopment of the historic Opportunity House at 1505 and 1517 Jackson Street.

The staff presentation said the city acquired the parcels in 1983 and that the main structure dates to 1853 and has been largely vacant since 2016. Lynchburg Services LLC was the sole qualified respondent to an RFP issued in May 2025 and proposes to purchase the property for $200,000, invest more than $800,000 in rehabilitation and operate an early‑learning childcare center serving an estimated 120–150 children and creating roughly 25–30 jobs.

The land sale and development agreement prepared by the city attorney would include performance milestones and clawback provisions to ensure timely completion. Staff recommended the committee forward the plan to the city council for a public hearing on Dec. 9, at which council will be asked to authorize the City Manager to execute the land sale and development agreement.

"This redevelopment turns an underutilized asset into an active revenue producing property that meets a documented need," staff said, describing the proposal as a model for converting city‑owned properties to neighborhood uses. Proceeds from the sale would be placed in the City’s Revolving Land Fund for future site‑readiness work and economic development.