Public Meetings - Blacksburg, Virginia

The Blacksburg Town Council met on August 27, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting included approval of a consent agenda, two citizen comments, and council announcements. No public hearings, unfinished business, or new business were on the agenda. The meeting adjourned at 6:42 p.m. Consent Calendar - Town Council Minutes (August 6, 2024 & August 13, 2024): Approved unanimously. - Resolution 8-C-24: A resolution transferring $1,866,914 between ARPA Fund Projects. Adopted unanimously. - Approval of assignment of cable optic from Zayo Group, LLC to its subsidiary, Zayo Infrastructure Holdco, LLC: Authorized the Town Attorney to sign the consent form. - Acceptance of Amended Deed of Easement for the Transit Center (formerly the Multi-Modal Transit Facility): Approved. Mayor Hager-Smith read a COIA disclosure stating her spouse is employed by Virginia Tech, which will benefit from the facility located on campus. She declared she could participate fairly and objectively. - Voting: Vice Mayor Sutphin moved, Councilmember Anderson seconded. All present (Ford, Hager-Smith, Mattingly, Sutphin, Watson, Anderson) voted aye. Councilmember Colliver was absent. Public Comments & Testimony - Eric Bissey (115B North Main Street, owner of Nice Dreams) expressed concerns about homelessness in downtown Blacksburg. He proposed two ordinances: (1) no sleeping or camping on town or public property, citing sanitation issues and impacts on businesses; (2) addressing panhandling, noting that people are holding signs asking for money. He mentioned that the City of Roanoke had passed similar regulations and that homeless individuals are moving to Blacksburg. He stated that police have been unable to act without an ordinance. The Mayor and Town Attorney responded that the First Amendment protects panhandling, and a sleeping/camping ordinance would require a nuanced approach. The Deputy Town Manager noted that social services are handled at the county level. Mayor Hager-Smith thanked him and said the council would take the issue seriously. - Zachary Weiss (1711 Whipple Drive) addressed the environmental impact of mowing and proposed four amendments to town ordinances regarding weeds and native ground covers. He presented calculations: Blacksburg covers 12,633.6 acres; at one-eighth of Virginia Tech’s turf ratio, 186 acres of turf produce 26.25 metric tons of CO2 annually from mowing; at one-fourth, 52 metric tons. He suggested amending Section 14-200 to exclude native ground covers (e.g., clover, wild strawberry, green and gold) from the definition of weeds; modifying Section 14-201A to require replacing weeds with native ground cover; modifying Section 14-202B3 and B4 to require removal of clutter/trash and replacement of weeds with native ground cover at the owner’s expense. He argued these changes would reduce mowing frequency, emissions, water usage, and chemical inputs, increase biodiversity, support pollinators, and align with the town’s sustainability goals. He provided photos of unmowed grass with a bee on a flower. The Mayor acknowledged his comments and noted he could share his website with the clerk. Council Announcements - Councilmember Anderson announced the “Kickoff on College Avenue” event on Friday, September 6, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on College Avenue, with a free outdoor concert at the Moss at 6 p.m. She also noted that improvements to Traple Road would be ready for that date. - No other council announcements. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved unanimously (6-0). - Citizen comments received; no formal action taken on the proposals. The council indicated they would consider the homelessness issue further. No vote was taken on the proposed ordinance changes regarding lawns or ground cover. - Meeting adjourned at 6:42 p.m.

Note: The official agenda and minutes indicate the meeting occurred on August 20, 2024, but according to the provided instructions, the meeting took place on August 16, 2024. This summary uses the date given by the user. The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on August 16, 2024, at the Blacksburg Motor Company. The meeting covered several topics including downtown northwest economic feasibility, back-to-school updates, speed limit discussion, and land disturbance thresholds. Due to time constraints, the Freedom of Information Act training was postponed. Discussion Items - Downtown Northwest Economic Feasibility Discussion: Matt Wetli, Principal for Development Strategies, presented a feasibility analysis for the Downtown Northwest area. He reviewed building height, parking ratios, and capitalization rates. Key takeaways: the Town has regulatory levers (height and parking ratio requirements) to incentivize development that meets policy goals, and no single lever alone can make a project feasible. Council discussed the findings. - Back to School Updates: Housing and Community Connections Code Inspector Kevin Dunn, Planning and Building Zoning Administrator Paul Patterson, and Blacksburg Police Chief Todd Brewster provided updates on neighborhood issues. Dunn addressed code enforcement for tall grass and parking on grass. Patterson discussed over-occupancy enforcement. Chief Brewster described meetings with student groups and property owners to prepare for fall football games. - Speed Limit Discussion: Planning Director Andrew Warren presented updated state legislation allowing localities to adopt reduced speed limits more easily. He suggested the Town review existing speed limits to increase pedestrian safety. Council supported the concept and agreed that staff should continue researching options for potential changes. - Land Disturbance Threshold Discussion: Town Engineer Kafi Howard and Engineering and GIS Director Carolyn Howard briefed Council on new Virginia DEQ requirements to consolidate Erosion and Sediment Control and Stormwater Management ordinances. They also reviewed recommended changes to land disturbance thresholds from the Zoning and Stakeholder Group for Council's consideration. No decision was recorded; the item was presented for discussion. Key Outcomes - Council directed staff to continue researching speed limit reductions to enhance pedestrian safety. - The Freedom of Information Act Training item was postponed to the September 3 work session. - No formal votes were taken on the remaining items; discussions were held for informational and directional purposes. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 12:54 p.m.

The Blacksburg Town Council met on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting included approval of the consent agenda (with one item deferred), two public hearings on grant budget amendments, citizen comments regarding the Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation operating agreement, and the appointment of Em Shawish to the New River Valley Regional Commission. The meeting adjourned at 6:49 p.m. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved the minutes from June 25, July 2, and July 9, 2024. - Resolution 8-A-24: Approved setting regular meeting dates for Town Council. - Resolution 8-B-24: Approved renewal of the Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation operating agreement. - Community Garden License Agreement: Approved with Live, Work, Eat, Grow (LWEG). - Purchase Order Change: Approved change to the Adams Construction contract. - Transit Center Easement: Item F (amended deed of easement for the Transit Center) was removed from the consent agenda and moved to the August 27, 2024, meeting due to a potential conflict of interest (Councilmember Watson's spouse employed by Virginia Tech). - Statement on Councilmember Watson: Mayor Hager-Smith read a statement from August 5, 2024, reaffirming the council's trust in the legal system and commitment to transparency regarding the arrest of Councilmember Liam Watson. Public Hearings - Ordinance 2058 (Community Conservation Program Grant): Staff presented a $232,335 grant from the Virginia Environmental Endowment for invasive species removal, native replanting, and maintenance along Toms Creek and Heritage Park (19 acres, 2-3 year project, 10 years of maintenance commitment). No public comment. Approved unanimously. - Ordinance 2059 (Police Equipment Grant): Staff presented a $54,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for police department equipment upgrades. No public comment. Approved unanimously. Citizen Comments - Jody Booze-Daniels (909 Allendale Court): Expressed concerns about the five-year operating agreement between the town and the Blacksburg Museum, citing lack of public comment, funding transparency, and equitable support of St. Luke & Odd Fellows Hall. She noted the museum's IRS 990 filing indicates a public nonprofit status, contradicting the agreement's "private nonprofit" language, and estimated public funding at 85%. She urged revision of the agreement. - Tori Pitts (1131 Treetop Ridge Road): Raised concerns about exclusion of interested community members from working with Odd Fellows Hall, emphasizing the need for equity and inclusion. - Christine King (Montgomery County): Described a personal experience on the St. Luke & Odd Fellows Hall Committee, alleging a personal attack on her integrity, questioning of her nationality, and lack of vision for the hall's future. She stated that the committee chair said the building would be "an empty building" after current occupants leave, contrary to the deed's provisions for preservation and programming. She urged a change in leadership. Appointments - Em Shawish: Appointed to the New River Valley Regional Commission. Approved unanimously. Council Announcements - Councilmember Mattingly congratulated Olympic gold medalist Cole Hocker (trained in Blacksburg) and Virginia Tech athletes who participated in the Paris Olympics, noting a future town celebration. - Councilmember Anderson thanked volunteers for the Steppin' Out festival. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved (items A-E) with item F deferred to August 27, 2024. - Ordinance 2058 and Ordinance 2059 passed unanimously. - Em Shawish appointed to the New River Valley Regional Commission. - Citizen comments were heard but no formal action was taken on the museum agreement concerns.

The Blacksburg Planning Commission held its regular meeting on August 12, 2024, to consider the consent agenda and a public hearing on Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) 60, which would create a new Downtown Northwest zoning district. After hearing public testimony and discussion, the commission voted unanimously to continue the public hearing to September 3, 2024, to allow time for an economic analysis and further landowner engagement. Consent Calendar - Approved the Planning Commission minutes from July 2, 2024. - Scheduled a public hearing for exception request EXP-24-1 (agricultural use on less than two acres at 301 Royal Lane) for September 3, 2024. Public Comments & Testimony - Thomas Moore, representing property owners at 112 and 208 Turner Street and 607 and 609 North Main Street, noted the district is bordered on three sides by Virginia Tech and that the actual privately owned contiguous acreage is under 6.5 acres, not the 15 acres listed. He encouraged the Town and Council to work with landowners to create an achievable ordinance. - Steve Semones of Balzer and Associates stated that several property owners feel they have not had enough opportunity to communicate their ideas. He argued that the reduced heights (60–75 feet) and increased setbacks in the proposed ordinance make viable projects seem impossible. - Jim Cowan of CowanPerry, representing the Zaxby's restaurant owner, said the ordinance comes from a commendable place but has issues, particularly for drive-thru and fast-casual restaurants. He requested more communication to develop a more flexible ordinance. Discussion Items - Staff Presentation: Kinsey O'Shea, Assistant Planning Director, explained that ZOA 60 originated from the 2019 Downtown Strategic Plan. The proposed voluntary overlay district would allow heights of 60 feet within 50 feet of Main Street and up to 75 feet beyond that, with required stepbacks. The district aims to improve walkability and create a dignified setting for St. Luke and Oddfellows Hall. - Commissioner Concerns: Mel Jones summarized a July 16 work session discussion, expressing concern that reducing height to 75 feet would greatly reduce potential density for view protection that may not be needed. Commissioners also noted that property owners felt excluded from the process. - Motion Options: Chair Andy Kassoff outlined that the commission could continue the public hearing, approve, or deny the amendment. A continuance would allow time for the economic analysis from Development Strategies (expected late August) and possibly additional landowner meetings. - Staff Input: Matt Hanratty, Assistant Town Manager, stated that height and minimum acreage remain the main sticking points for landowners. He noted that the economic analysis will include variables such as parking ratios and will help determine if the proposed height makes projects financially viable. He confirmed that Development Strategies would present at the August 20 work session and could also attend the Planning Commission work session that afternoon. Key Outcomes - Motion to Continue: Commissioner Mel Jones moved to continue the public hearing on ZOA 60 to September 3, 2024. The motion was seconded by Susanna Rinehart and passed unanimously (6-0). - Next Steps: The Planning Commission will hold a work session on August 20, 2024, where Development Strategies will present the economic analysis. Staff will also arrange additional meetings with property owners to gather input before the September 3 hearing. - Other Business: The commission noted the hiring of Andrew Warren as the new Planning and Building Department director, effective August 7, 2024. Town Council member Jerry Ford Jr. reported on recent council discussions, including the Toms Creek Basin connectivity study and ARPA-funded infrastructure projects.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on August 6, 2024, at the Blacksburg Motor Company. The meeting covered grant appropriations, an operating agreement with the Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation, a connectivity study, sewer project updates, ARPA funding strategy, and a retail partnership. No public comments were heard. Review of Public Hearing scheduled for August 13, 2024 - Ordinance 2058: Deputy Town Manager Matt Hanratty presented an overview of a $232,335 Community Conservation Program Grant from the Virginia Environmental Endowment to expand ecological restoration at Heritage Park. - Ordinance 2059: Town Manager Marc Verniel explained a $54,000 Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Grant for law enforcement technology items. Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation Operating Agreement - Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer reviewed proposed revisions to the operating agreement, including a change from a one-year to a five-year term. Council agreed the five-year term would be beneficial for attracting long-term staff. Toms Creek Basin Connectivity Study - Energy and Environmental Specialist Will Lattea presented the study, which assessed existing transportation in the Toms Creek Basin and proposed improvements for bicyclists and pedestrians. The study was developed by town staff and local planning agencies. Sanitary Sewer Projects Update - Town Engineer Shawn Veltman reported on twelve active sewer projects. By December 2024, three CIP projects will be completed and five will be under construction. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding Strategy - Deputy Town Manager Matt Hanratty outlined projects requiring assignment by December 31, 2024, including using contingency funds and shifting sidewalk infill and Huckleberry Trail to the CIP. Further updates will be provided. Retail Strategies Partnership - Jenn Gregory of Retail Strategies described a three-year partnership with the Town and Blacksburg Partnership, focusing on retail recruitment, downtown strategies, and small business support. The team has been touring Blacksburg and meeting stakeholders. Council/Staff Exchange - Mayor Hager-Smith noted a statement of interest application for the New River Valley Regional Commission representative. Councilmember Anderson requested postponing the proposed Legislative Day with Virginia Tech students, which Council agreed to. Key Outcomes - Council agreed to the five-year term for the Museum and Cultural Foundation operating agreement. - Council agreed to postpone the Legislative Day with Virginia Tech students. - No formal votes were taken; items will be addressed at the August 13, 2024 public hearing.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting on July 10, 2024 (though the meeting actually occurred on July 9, 2024, per the agenda and minutes). Vice Mayor Michael Sutphin presided in the absence of Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith. The council approved a consent agenda, conducted three public hearings, and heard citizen comments. Consent Calendar - Town Council Minutes (June 18, 2024): Approved. - Ordinance 2058: Introduced an ordinance to accept and appropriate $232,335 in Community Conservation Program Grant funds from the Virginia Environmental Endowment to the General Capital Improvement Funds; public hearing scheduled for August 13, 2024. - Contract Amendment for Multi-Modal Transit Facility: Approved an amendment for program management/owner representative services. - Contract for Multi-Modal Transit Facility: Approved architectural and engineering services. - Contract for Demolition of 103 Wilson Avenue: Approved. - Resolution 7-A-24: Authorized an additional police officer position. - Ordinance 2059: Introduced an ordinance to accept and appropriate $54,000 from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services grant funds to the General Fund; public hearing scheduled for August 13, 2024. The consent agenda passed unanimously on a roll call vote (6-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Gabrielle Spennacchio-Parker intended to present on fluoride but could not locate her PowerPoint; she stated she would return at another time. - Randall Adams (129 Lucas Drive) expressed disappointment with the town's housing progress, arguing the problem is worsening and the town needs more aggressive policies, such as rezoning near downtown. - Oliver Shuey (129 Lucas Drive) agreed with Randall Adams and noted that Virginia Tech is not increasing its own housing, leaving the town to address student housing needs. Discussion Items Public Hearing: Ordinance 2051 (Rezoning Amendment for 520 Patrick Henry Drive) Staff Presentation: Senior Planner Kinsey O’Shea explained the proposed amendment to the 2019 rezoning of 33.87 acres from R4 to PR (Planned Residential). The development area (Area 2) would feature 73 three-bedroom townhomes (all units three-bedroom, down from a mix of two- and three-bedroom units originally approved). The reduction in density from the original 2019 approval would lower the number of units by about 25% (from 319 to 219 bedrooms). The applicant sought modifications to allow up to three buildings in a row, parking in more than one yard, and reduced facade variation with color/material changes. The development includes two public streets, private alleys, parks, and 21% open space within Area 2 (69% overall). Sewer capacity is constrained; the applicant signed an agreement acknowledging current limits. Proffers include: no four-bedroom units, a maximum of 73 dwelling units, HOA covenants, allowance for rooftop solar, and an agreement for improvements on town-owned parcels. Planning Commission Recommendation: Approved 5-2 (two commissioners absent). Applicant Statement: Steve Semones (Balzer and Associates) stated the project aims to provide aging-in-place units with main-level bedrooms, reducing unit count to improve desirability for families and empty nesters. He confirmed the HOA will maintain exteriors and regulate trash can storage. Approximately 20% of units will be zero-entry, and some will have wider doorways for wheelchair access. Public Comment: - Patrice Hart Schubert (906 Elliott Drive) opposed due to architectural concerns; she noted the proposed colonial and craftsman styles lack unifying elements and questioned the qualitative design. - Javad Torabinejad (1600 Winslow Drive) opposed due to high density and traffic, noting that reducing bedrooms does not prevent student housing. He raised concerns about stormwater quality and quantity, urging on-site detention rather than nutrient credits. - Randall Adams (129 Lucas Drive) supported building housing but criticized the density reduction in a housing crisis. He opposed HOA restrictions disincentivizing rentals, arguing service workers need rental options. - Jillian Krinsky (421 Lee Street) questioned using Areas 1 and 3 for open space when Area 2 has only 21% open space, and expressed concern that HOA covenants would limit rentals, pushing students elsewhere. She noted the difficulty of homeownership for young people. Council Discussion: Councilmember Watson opposed, arguing that the rezoning reduces bedrooms by 100 at a time of housing shortage and that the best way to mitigate student housing conflicts is to build purpose-built student housing. Councilmember Colliver and others supported, citing the need for diverse housing types (including ADA-accessible and downsizing options), alignment with the comprehensive plan, and the town’s investments in student and affordable housing (e.g., 3,000 student beds approved in recent years, $4 million in ARPA funds for affordable housing). Councilmember Mattingly noted the former school site has community significance. Councilmember Sutphin stated the proposal strikes a balance with occupancy restrictions. Vote: Passed 5-1 (Watson voted no). Public Hearing: Ordinance 2054 (Repeal of Industrial Cost Recovery Charges) Staff Presentation: Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer explained that Sections 18-407 through 18-417 of the Town Code, related to the federal Industrial Cost Recovery program from 1972, are outdated as the program was repealed in December 1977. Public Comment: None. Vote: Approved unanimously (6-0). Public Hearing: Ordinance 2055 (Vacation of Right-of-Way on Progress Street) Staff Presentation: Interim Planning Director Kali Casper described the vacation of about 114,000 square feet of unbuilt right-of-way at the end of Progress Street, to be exchanged for a new 138,000-square-foot right-of-way relocation. The relocation is needed to accommodate stormwater management and improve lot grading for the North Side Park subdivision (approved June 2023). The new right-of-way is larger, so no payment is required. Conditions include: dedication of new right-of-way before vacation; installation of a new water line to serve a pump station; temporary access road maintenance; and construction of a new trail before demolition of the existing trail. Planning Commission Recommendation: Approved 7-0. Public Comment: Javad Torabinejad (1600 Winslow Drive) expressed concern about wetlands and perennial streams, urging preservation in natural form rather than purchasing credits. Steve Semones responded that a wetland specialist will be on site during construction and that any impacts would be avoided or mitigated per DEQ and Corps of Engineers requirements. Council Discussion: Councilmembers noted appreciation for the trail replacement sequencing. Vote: Approved unanimously (6-0). Citizen Comment (general) - Randall Adams criticized the town’s housing approach, stating the problem is worsening and the town needs more ambition, including rezoning near down town. - Oliver Shuey echoed Adams and stated that Virginia Tech refuses to increase its own housing, creating a priority mismatch. Council Announcements - Upcoming events: Art at the Market (Saturday), Friday Night Outdoors Concerts (July 12 &19), live theater, Thursday indoor concerts, classic movie “Forest Gump” at the Lyric (July 27), farmers market, Stepping Out festival (first weekend of August). - Councilmember Watson announced that the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors approved an early voting location in Blacksburg at the Community Center for at least two weeks prior to the end of early voting. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 2051: Approved 5-1( Councilmember Watson dissenting), rezonening 520 Patrick Henry Drive to allow 73 three-bedroom townomes with lower density and occupancy restrictions. - Ordinance 2054: Approved unanimously, repealing outdated industrial cost recovery code sections. - Ordinance 2055: Approved unanimously, vacating and relocating a portion of Progress Street right-of-way with conditions. - Consent Agenda: All items approved unanimously. - Next meetings: July 16 and July 23 are canceled; next regular work session on August 16 and next regular night meeting on August 13.

Note: The agenda and minutes indicate this meeting occurred on July 2, 2024, but the provided timestamp identifies it as July 9, 2024. This summary uses the given date as instructed. The Blacksburg Planning Commission held its regular meeting at 6:30 PM in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. Chair Andy Kassoff presided. The main agenda item was a public hearing on Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) 61, which proposes a new Small Lot Development Option in the R-4 Low Density Residential District. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (June 4, 2024): Approved unanimously (5-0, with Blaine Keesee abstaining and Mel Jones not yet present). - Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) 60: Scheduled a public hearing for August 6, 2024, for the creation of a Downtown Northwest zoning district. Approved on the same vote. Public Hearing – Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) 61 Staff Presentation – Kali Casper, Assistant Planning Director, presented the amendment. It implements a Comprehensive Plan strategy to allow smaller lot sizes (3,000–7,499 sq ft) in the R-4 district, subject to a minimum of 2 contiguous developable acres under common ownership. Key standards include: - Front setback: 10 ft (max 30 ft); side setbacks: 3–5 ft; rear setback: 25 ft. - Maximum height: 30 ft or 2.5 stories. - Lot coverage: 60–65% (currently 45% in R-4). - Principal structure footprint capped at 25% of lot area. - No off-street parking required; if provided, maximum one driveway per lot. - Street design: 24 ft pavement width, 15 mph design speed, sidewalks required on both sides. - Alleys required for attached units (duplexes/townhomes), must be asphalt. - Open space: 10% minimum; 15% if 10+ attached units; community recreation areas required. - Unit design standards: front porches/entries, window transparency, dispersed townhomes. The amendment allows by-right development but requires subdivision approval. Eligible parcels are shown on a map snapshot (March 2024); eligibility changes as ownership changes. Discussion by Commissioners - Michael Ermann asked clarifying questions about applicability, infill, and potential need to demolish existing houses if parcels are combined. He expressed a desire for the option to also apply to infill lots and not only large tracts. - Susanna Rinehart expressed excitement about extending vibrant neighborhoods, asked about permeable alley surfaces (staff explained asphalt requirement due to intensity and maintenance concerns), and raised concerns about older housing redevelopment observed elsewhere. - Mel Jones noted the market will determine redevelopment, hoped the option increases housing variety and incentivizes renewal of deteriorated homes. - Jerry Ford Jr. moved approval, seconded by Michael Ermann. No public comment was offered. Key Outcomes - ZOA 61 was approved 6-0 (Blaine Keesee abstained; all other present commissioners voted yes). The amendment will create a Small Lot Development Option in the R-4 district. - The consent calendar items were approved. - Town Council Report (by Jerry Ford Jr.) noted that council had a work session on ZOA 61 and is moving forward with broader zoning ordinance modernization. - Chair Kassoff welcomed new Commissioner Blaine Keesee. - The meeting was adjourned at 7:13 PM. Other Business - Historic or Design Review Board (HDRB): Michael Ermann reported on the June 24 meeting, including discussions about zoning and affordable housing, and noted that HDRB member John Gray Williams is leaving due to inability to find affordable housing in Blacksburg. - Montgomery County Planning Commission: Mel Jones did not attend; staff will check email delivery. - Oddfellows Hall: Commissioner Walker inquired; a town committee is working on its management, with an update expected in August. - Commissioner Walker thanked Kali Casper for her service as she takes a leave of absence.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on July 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Blacksburg Motor Company, 400 South Main Street. The meeting was adjourned at 1:17 p.m. Vice Mayor Michael Sutphin presided, with councilmembers Susan Anderson, Lauren Colliver, Jerry Ford Jr., Susan Mattingly, and Liam Watson present. Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith was absent. Key topics included architectural review of Midtown townhomes, a water service line survey for lead compliance, a small lot zoning ordinance amendment, stakeholder recommendations for zoning and subdivision ordinances, general zoning ordinance alignment with the Comprehensive Plan, and a Blacksburg Transit update. Midtown Architectural Review - Interim Planning Director Kali Casper presented revisions to townhome designs on parcels PRD 5 and PRD 2 at the Midtown development. Changes included adding stone to non-Ehart Street buildings, introducing new fiber cement panel siding, and adding windows on corner units. - Council expressed satisfaction with the revisions and directed the Town Manager to approve the designs. Water Service Line Survey - Engineering Director Carolyn Howard explained staff's response to the EPA's new Lead and Copper Rule revisions, which apply to all public and private water utility services with pipes 2 inches or smaller in diameter. - The verification process involves excavating service lines at the water meter and visually inspecting private lines at building entrances. If lead is found, a remediation process will be developed with Virginia Department of Health approval. Small Lot Zoning Ordinance Amendment Discussion - Interim Planning Director Kali Casper proposed a small lot development option allowing smaller lot sizes (sliding scale from 3,000 to 7,500 square feet) and reduced parking requirements, aimed at increasing housing supply per the Comprehensive Plan. - The option would be offered within the R-4 Low Density Residential Zoning District and permit single-family detached, two-family dwellings, and townhomes served only by alley access. Development standards include unit mix percentage, buffer yards, occupancy, and parking. Zoning & Subdivision Stakeholders Group Recommendations - Interim Planning Director Kali Casper and Steve Semones of Balzer and Associates reviewed stakeholder group recommendations from local developers, engineering and building professionals, and town staff. - Semones noted that developers often design around the Code rather than to the Code. Recommendations covered revisions to the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, and other development regulations, including street design, construction sequencing, infrastructure timing, and subdivision design. - Council agreed to move forward with developing amendments consistent with the recommendations. General Zoning Ordinance Discussion - Interim Planning Director Kali Casper explained that, after council feedback and planning commission meetings, the goal is to better align the Zoning Ordinance with the Comprehensive Plan. - Casper reviewed policies, objectives, and specific changes related to housing, commercial districts, uses, utilities, and administration. Staff plans to begin procuring a consultant in the fall. Blacksburg Transit Update - Transit Director Brian Booth provided updates on staffing levels, the new Multi-Modal Transit Facility (formerly called the new transit center), campus network improvements, and upcoming project timelines. - Booth noted route and frequency improvements that reduce the need for multiple buses on the same lines. Council/Staff Exchange - Town Manager Marc Verniel and council members exchanged information on priority projects, including the Passenger Rail Authority and a proposed Advocacy Day between Virginia Tech Student Government and Council in the fall. Key Outcomes - Midtown Architectural Review: Council directed the Town Manager to approve the revised designs. - Water Service Line Survey: Staff will continue verification and develop a remediation process if lead is found. - Small Lot Zoning Amendment: No formal vote; discussion phase. - Zoning & Subdivision Stakeholders Group: Council agreed to proceed with developing amendments based on recommendations. - General Zoning Ordinance Discussion: Staff to begin consultant procurement in the fall. - Blacksburg Transit Update: Information only; no action taken.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting on June 26, 2024, at the Blacksburg Municipal Building, 300 S. Main Street. All council members were present. The meeting lasted from 6:30 p.m. to 6:44 p.m. The agenda included a consent agenda with five items, citizen comments, appointments to boards and committees, and council announcements. Consent Agenda - Approved minutes from May 21, June 4, and June 11, 2024. - Adopted Resolution 6-D-24 transferring $110,000 between Water and Sewer Fund Capital Projects for Harding Ave Sewer 2. - Adopted Resolution 6-E-24 appointing Steve Ross to the New River Valley Home Consortium Board. - Adopted Resolution 6-F-24 authorizing the Town's participation in the proposed settlement of opioid-related claims against Kroger and its related corporate entities. - Adopted Resolution 6-G-24 re-referring a proposed zoning ordinance text amendment to the Planning Commission to establish a new, optional Downtown Northwest Zoning District. The consent agenda passed unanimously on a roll call vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Beth Barber of Radford, Virginia, presented a petition with 114 signatures requesting a warning light on Peppers Ferry Road near the Radford Arsenal, citing danger from a hidden red light around a curve. She urged the Town Council to support the addition of a warning sign similar to one at the Prices Fork and Uppers Ferry intersection. Mayor Hager-Smith suggested she also bring the issue to the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors and VDOT. - James Hardell of 233 Price Street expressed concerns about traffic flow at the proposed development at the old Blacksburg High School site. He argued that the developer should use an existing sidewalk connection to Grove Avenue instead of extending Hamlock Street, and suggested a stop sign to prevent right turns onto Hamlock, preserving the current street layout. Councilmember Ford noted that the Planning Commission had already held a public hearing and recommended approval, and the item would be coming to Council soon. Appointments Mayor Hager-Smith presented a slate of reappointments and new appointments to various town boards and committees. The appointments included: - Blacksburg Planning Commission: Susanna Rinehart (reappointment) and Blaine Kessee (new). - Housing and Community Development Advisory Board: Joel Goodhart, Brendan Ahrens, and Nikki Herschler (new). - Board of Building Code Appeals: Patrick Hogan (reappointment). - Board of Zoning Appeals: Gregg Moneyhun (reappointment). - Corridor Advisory Committee: Ellen Rabun, Molly Larson, and AJ Prussin (new). - Historic or Design Review Board: McKenzie Klatka and Gretchen Distler (new). - Public Arts Committee: Anne McClung (new) and Jess Jones (reappointment). - New River Valley Agency on Aging: Councilmembers Lauren Colliver and Susan Mattingly (reappointment). - Montgomery Solid Waste Authority: Sharon Scott (reappointment) and John Boyer (staff liaison). - VT Airport Authority: Steve Ross (new). - NRV Alcohol Safety Awareness Program Board: Captain Jessica Moye (new). - Cemetery Trustee Advisory Board: Rachel Knapp (new). The appointments were approved unanimously on a roll call vote. Council Announcements - Councilmember Mattingly reminded the public that the Community Foundation of the NRV's annual Giving Day begins at noon on June 27. - Councilmember Anderson announced upcoming summer events: Friday night concerts (Music Road Company on June 28), free classic movies at the Lyric (Some Like It Hot on June 29), and the July 4th celebration with a parade at 2 p.m. from the new police station to Alumni Mall. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was approved unanimously. - All board and committee appointments were approved unanimously. - The meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m.