Fix Our Smile
Revitalizing our storefronts
"Downtown and our commercial districts are the face of our city. Empty storefronts are like missing teeth in a smile. We must aggressively target this problem to fill our vacant buildings and restore Lynchburg's economic curb appeal."
The Vacancy Drain
In urban development, a vibrant block with a sudden, empty, boarded-up storefront is often referred to as a "missing tooth." Right now, Lynchburg has too many missing teeth. While we have incredible anchors in our commercial districts, there are noticeable gaps where absentee landlords or out-of-town holding companies are sitting on prime, vacant real estate, waiting for the market to peak rather than contributing to the community today.
This isn't just an aesthetic issue; it is a massive economic drain. An empty storefront produces zero sales tax, generates zero foot traffic for the businesses next door, and creates an artificial perception of economic decline. When we allow prime commercial real estate to sit empty and gather dust year after year, we are essentially turning away potential entrepreneurs who are desperate for a place to launch their businesses.
Zero Sales Tax
Every boarded-up window represents thousands of dollars in lost municipal revenue that could be used to fund our schools, pave our streets, or compensate our first responders.
Dave's Downtown Dental Plan
Accountability for Absentee Landlords
Dave will explore implementing commercial vacancy registries or strategic tax structures that disincentivize out-of-town landlords from sitting on empty, blighted storefronts indefinitely. If a building is left abandoned without a good-faith effort to lease it, the city must protect its economic interests.
Why Vacant Storefronts Suck
The Contagion Effect of Vacancy
Commercial real estate data shows how a single long-term vacant storefront drastically reduces the foot traffic and gross revenue of the surrounding active businesses on the same block. Additional contagious effects include reduced property values, increased risks of fires, elevated crime, and negative impacts on health.