AGENDA DATE: 1/14/2026
TITLE:
HEARR Lease - Yancey Community Center
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Schedule a public hearing to authorize the County Executive to sign a proposed lease agreement with Health Equity Access in Rural Regions (HEARR) for space at the Yancey Community Center.
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Wall, Herrick, Tevendale, Dumars, Strother
PRESENTER (S): Bill Strother
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: In March 2018, the Board of Supervisors adopted a use framework for the B.F. Yancey Community Center (“Yancey Community Center”) located in Esmont. The use framework provides for public entities, such as Local Government, Community Agency Partners, and human service-oriented non-profits, to occupy space within the Community Center at no cost.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Infrastructure Investment - Prioritize, plan, and invest in critical infrastructure that responds to past and future changes and improves the capacity to serve community needs.
DISCUSSION: Health, Equity and Access in Rural Areas (“HEARR”) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) designated organization that has been working in the region since 2018. HEARR’s governing body consists of a six-member volunteer board with approximately ten Community Liaisons and serves residents in a 10 to 15-mile radius of Scottsville, including Southern Albemarle, Buckingham, Nelson, and Fluvanna counties. HEARR’s mission is to work toward healthier and happier lives in rural communities. Rural residents are often disadvantaged due to transportation and are often unaware of resources which could give them better access to services they can utilize.
To further their mission, HEARR would like to lease space at the Yancey Community Center. Under the proposed lease HEARR will utilize one of the trailer classrooms for meeting space, program development, small group education, and space for supplies. This space will continue to help HEARR towards achieving their mission to improve health and advance education related to health & wellbeing.
BUDGET IMPACT: Under the proposed lease, the County would forgo rent for this improved space. No additional expenditures or revenues are projected.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Board authorize a public hearing to consider authorizing the County Executive to sign a proposed lease of Yancey Community Center space to HEARR.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - HEARR Lease - Yancey
B - YCCC HEARR Letter