Lexington Neighborhood Association

03/08/2026

The Virginia DEQ has decided that it will hold a public hearing before deciding whether or not to issue a permit for the proposed golf course/resort on the site of the former Lexington Golf and Country Club. The project still needs some county zoning approvals, and Lexington's City Council remains on the record opposing the project. Hopefully a compromise will be found to break the current deadlock.

02/20/2026

One of these jars contains applesauce from Food Lion and the other contains water taken from Woods Creek this morning - any guesses?

02/11/2026

August 2025 - Why is Washington Street still closed in February 2026, over five months later? It's one of our main streets, and yet seems to be closed to Lexington citizens for no good reason while Nelson Street is backed up with traffic. Who has the answer? The closure wasn't listed on Lexington's website or approved by Council.

02/04/2026

Our state government is planning to approve this permit without a hearing unless a few more folks send in some comments. They can be submitted by email, but need to mention concerns about water quality relevant to the permit.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is considering a permit that would allow the Lexington Golf & Country Club to withdraw and use large amounts of water from Woods Creek, nearby tributaries, and underground wells.

We are requesting a public comment hearing, which takes place only if 25 unique public comments are submitted by 2/6/26.

Read below to learn more, download a template for requesting a public comment hearing, and find directions on where to send your comment.

https://mailchi.mp/rockbridgeconservation.org/woods-creeklexington-golf-country-club-comments-must-be-submitted-by-2626?e=8e8c360800

02/04/2026

Public Notice: Virginia Water Protection (VWP) Permit for LGCC/W&L Joint Venture, LLC
Date:
01/07/2026 - 02/06/2026


PURPOSE OF NOTICE: To seek public comment on a draft Virginia Water Protection (VWP) Permit from the Department of Environmental Quality that would allow impacts to wetlands, stream channel, and open water in Lexington City, Virginia

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: January 7th, 2026, to February 6th, 2026

PERMIT NAME: Virginia Water Protection Permit issued by DEQ pursuant to applicable water laws and regulations

APPLICANT NAME, ADDRESS AND PERMIT NUMBER: LGCC/W&L Joint Venture, LLC; 141 Country Club Road, Lexington, VA 24450; VWPP Application No. 24-2886

HOW TO COMMENT AND/OR REQUEST A PUBLIC HEARING: DEQ accepts written comments and requests for public hearing by hand-delivery, e-mail, or postal mail. All comments and requests must be in writing and be received by DEQ during the comment period. Submittals must include the names, mailing addresses or email addresses of the commenter/requester and of all persons represented by the commenter/requester. A request for public hearing must also include: 1) The reason why a public hearing is requested. 2) A brief, informal statement regarding the nature and extent of the interest of the requester or of those represented by the requestor, including how and to what extent such interest would be directly and adversely affected by the permit. 3) Specific references, where possible, to terms and conditions of the permit with suggested revisions. A public hearing may be held, including another comment period, if public response is significant based on individual requests for a public hearing, and there are substantial, disputed issues relevant to the permit.

CONTACT FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS, DOCUMENT REQUESTS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: KAELEN CLOSE; Richmond Central Office, PO Box 1105, Richmond, Virginia 23218; Phone: (804) 659-2657; E-mail: [email protected]

The public may review the draft permit and application at the DEQ office named above by appointment or may request copies of the documents from the contact person listed above.

Public Notice
Draft Permit Package

12/29/2025

It appears that the developer of the new resort/golf course that purchased the former Lexington Golf and Country Club may be the source of the pollution and mud entering Woods Creek. This photo taken today (Monday 12/29/25) by a neighbor shows workers continuing to cut trees along the creek, without sediment control measures in place. County and state building officials are now addressing the apparent violations with the developer.

12/25/2025

Christmas morning - a second serious violation has contaminated Woods Creek. It appears to be tons of mud but may contain pesticides etc, so be sure to keep children and pets away from the stream until it is declared safe. To their credit, the state office that regulates this had someone on duty on Christmas day, and they responded promptly.

12/19/2025

In response to questions about this morning's pollution incident in Woods Creek, the source of the problem has not been identified but we know that "State and county officials are investigating to determine who was responsible for the problem, and will take appropriate action."

09/14/2025

Washington and Lee has closed both lanes of Washington Street, as well as the adjacent sidewalk, between Lee Avenue and Nelson Street beginning August 25th ; it is expected to be completely closed for up to three months for a scheduled campus construction project. Early Fielding Way should only be accessed from Lee Avenue, and the University Parking Garage should only be accessed from the lower entry on Denny Circle until further notice. Thank you for your patience. You may experience some increased traffic on Nelson Street and other alternate routes during this period.

06/21/2025

STARTING NOW!!!!!
Rely on a Private Well or Spring? Join this Water Quality Study
Researchers at Washington and Lee University are conducting a research study on groundwater quality in Rockbridge County, the cities of Buena Vista and Lexington, and nearby areas. Property owners with a private well or springhead are invited to participate in a one-time water sampling at their property between June 20 and July 10, 2025. Participants will receive a personalized report of their well’s water quality at no cost. Participation is voluntary, and reasonable safeguards will be in place to protect your privacy. If you are interested of want more information, please contact the research team at (984) 286-1980 or [email protected].

04/03/2025

Neighbors of the Lexington Golf and Country Club are divided about the proposed University takeover of the Club. Many welcome the significant investment which will result in much-improved facilities, while others regret the loss of community control and the impacts of a much busier venue hosting alumni events and the possibility of short-term rental housing on the site.

The County is set to begin considering the proposal this week, with a public hearing scheduled for Wednesday, April 9th at 6 PM, at the County Administration Building at 150 South Main St. Zoning changes are requested for approximately 132 acres in the County to make the W&L-developed plans possible.

As always, the County welcomes citizen comments pro- and con- either in person at the hearing, or directed to county planner Chris Slaydon at [email protected]

07/01/2024

What are the trends and changes that threaten Lexington's residential neighborhoods, and what can be done to strengthen and protect them? With the arrival of a new city manager, a change in leadership at W&L, and elections to select a new city council, there are multiple opportunities to rethink how we manage the city in a way that benefits all residents!