Public Meetings - Blacksburg, Virginia

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on June 6, 2023, at 11 a.m. in the Blacksburg Motor Company Conference Room, 400 South Main Street. Attendees included Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith, Vice Mayor Susan Anderson, Councilmembers John Bush, Lauren Colliver (arrived late), Jerry Ford Jr., Susan Mattingly, and Michael Sutphin, along with Town Manager Marc Verniel, Town Attorney Lawrence S. Spencer Jr., and Town Clerk Lorraine S. Spaulding. The session covered ARPA projects, a Downtown Northwest zoning amendment, a tourism lease agreement, and a closed meeting on potential real property acquisition. Discussion Items - American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Update: HCD Initiatives Manager Kim Thurlow provided Council with an overview of selected upcoming ARPA projects and their funding, explaining the timeline and rationale for each project. Projects included the sidewalk infill project, retail economic recovery plan, North Main trail, Meadowbrook greenway, Huckleberry Trail widening project, Community Gardens, the Affordable Housing Fund, food security, and the childcare workforce initiative. - Downtown Northwest Zoning Amendment Update: Planning Director Anne McClung reviewed the background of the district creation, including the Downtown Strategic Plan and the development of the zoning district amendment. McClung discussed details of the proposed district and a proposed timeline, emphasizing that the Downtown Northwest vision as a whole, as well as the interests of the town, needed to be at the forefront in the creation of the district. - Tourism Lease Agreement Discussion: Town Manager Marc Verniel mentioned the potential use of the former Blacksburg Police building at 200 Clay Street as a local office for the Montgomery County Tourism Council. The lease would be effective as of July 1 and would authorize the lease of several offices and common space in the building. Closed Meeting and Certification Resolution The open work session adjourned at 11:58 a.m., after which Council held a Closed Meeting pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711(A)(3) to discuss the potential acquisition of real property (two parcels) for a public purpose, because discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the Town's bargaining position and negotiating strategy. Council reconvened in open session at 12:20 p.m. and adopted Resolution 6-A-23, certifying the propriety of the closed meeting. Vice Mayor Susan Anderson moved adoption, Councilmember Lauren Colliver seconded, and the resolution passed unanimously on a roll call vote with Anderson, Bush, Colliver, Ford, Hager-Smith, Mattingly, and Sutphin voting yes and none voting no. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken on the three open discussion items; the ARPA update, Downtown Northwest zoning update, and tourism lease discussion were informational reports presented to Council. - Council unanimously adopted Resolution 6-A-23 certifying the closed meeting held on June 6, 2023.

The Blacksburg Planning Commission held a regular meeting on June 6, 2023, at 6:30 PM in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting included a consent agenda and a public hearing for a major subdivision preliminary plat. All actions passed unanimously (8-0). The meeting adjourned at 7:06 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the May 2, 2023, Planning Commission meeting were approved unanimously. - CUP 23-0003: A conditional use permit request for a hotel and additional height at 501 South Main Street was scheduled for a public hearing on July 6, 2023. - RZN 23-0001: A rezoning request for 0.816 acres at 208 Turner Street NW was canceled from the July 6 hearing and will be rescheduled. Public Hearing SUB 23-0001 – Northside Park Section XII Revised Major Subdivision Preliminary Plat - Staff Presentation: Kali Casper presented the proposal for 55 lots (reduced from 66) on 36 acres at 2150 Progress Street NW. The site is zoned R-4 (Low Density Residential) and is currently undeveloped. Three variances were requested: to end Primrose Drive in a cul-de-sac rather than extending it, to allow a 1,500-foot block length on Claire Drive (standard is 1,200 feet), and to eliminate required medians on collector streets. Staff found all variances reasonable based on topography and stormwater management needs. The plat complies with all other standards, including stormwater, sewer, and public utility easements. Town Council will separately consider vacation and relocation of Progress Street right-of-way and an existing trail. - Applicant Presentation: James Taylor of Balzer & Associates explained that the revised plat improves lot configuration over the 2011 approved plan, better fits the site topography, and provides adequate space for stormwater management per current regulations. The street connection for Primrose Drive would require additional variances for grade and landing, making a cul-de-sac preferable. - Public Comment: - Mandy Lamb (402 Craig Drive) expressed support for the cul-de-sac and requested consideration of smaller lots and a wider vegetation buffer in the valley to preserve wildlife and stormwater absorption. She opposed making Craig Drive a through street, citing traffic safety concerns on North Main Street. - Javad Torabinejad asked whether perennial streams on the property had been addressed and if the applicant had contacted the Army Corps of Engineers. - Applicant Rebuttal: James Taylor confirmed that wetland and stream delineations have been performed and will be rechecked during site plan review. He noted that larger lots in the valley area are intentional to manage stormwater conveyance. - Motion and Discussion: Commissioner Joel Herbein moved to approve the preliminary plat with all requested variances. Commissioner Liam Watson seconded. Commissioner Mel Jones noted that the Planning Commission is limited by state law; he compared the block length variance to prior discussions where street length was deemed less critical than grade and landing. The motion passed 8-0. Key Outcomes - SUB 23-0001 Approved: The major subdivision preliminary plat for Northside Park Section XII (Revised) was approved with variances for a cul-de-sac, block length, and median elimination. The vote was 8-0. - Consent Agenda Passed: All consent items were approved 8-0. - Commissioner Farewell: Commissioner Liam Watson attended his last meeting; he was thanked for his service. - Upcoming Meetings: A work session is scheduled for June 20, 2023, and the next regular meeting (public hearing) will be Thursday, July 6, 2023, due to the July 4th holiday.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers of the Municipal Building. The meeting was brief, lasting approximately two minutes, and focused entirely on the consent agenda. No public hearings, citizen comments, unfinished business, or new business were conducted. Consent Calendar - Items A, B, E, and F (Town Council Minutes for May 2 and May 9, 2023; Contract for Professional Audit Services; Contract for Professional Engineering Services; and Fireworks Permit for Independence Day Celebration on July 4, 2023) were approved unanimously via a roll call vote. Vice Mayor Susan Anderson moved approval; Councilmember Michael Sutphin seconded; all seven council members voted yes. - Items C and D (Agreement for a Regional Stormwater Management System between the Town of Blacksburg and Glade Spring Crossing, LLC; and Cost Sharing Agreement for Glade Spring Crossing Forcemain Replacement and Gravity Sewer Extension) were approved via a separate roll call vote. Prior to the vote, Councilmember Michael Sutphin read a disclosure statement under the Virginia State and Local Government Conflict of Interest Act, noting his abstention from these items due to a prohibited interest. Vice Mayor Anderson moved approval; Councilmember Lauren Colliver seconded; the motion passed with Councilmembers Colliver, Ford, Hager-Smith, Mattingly, Anderson, and Bush voting yes, and Sutphin abstaining. None voted no. Council Announcements - Councilmember Susan Mattingly reminded citizens that the week-long event "Bikesburg" was still ongoing, directing attendees to the town's webpage for detailed information. - Vice Mayor Susan Anderson announced the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the Hand in Hand playground on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. The event will feature Sam's hot dogs and Carol Lee Donuts, and community members will have the opportunity to purchase pickets for the playground—a tradition dating back approximately 30 years. The meeting was adjourned at 6:34 p.m.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, from approximately 11:00 a.m. to 12:49 p.m. Vice Mayor Susan Anderson and Councilmembers John Bush, Lauren Colliver, Jerry Ford Jr., Susan Mattingly, and Michael Sutphin were present; Mayor Hager-Smith was absent. Town Manager Marc Verniel, Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer Jr., and Town Clerk Lorraine Spaulding also attended. The session reviewed upcoming public hearings, an EMS revenue recovery proposal, two Glade Spring Crossing agreements, and a planning projects update. No formal votes were taken. Review of Public Hearings Scheduled for June 13, 2023 - Ordinance 2018 (Inoperable Vehicle Civil Penalties): Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer presented a slideshow explaining proposed amendments to Town Code Section 14-107. The ordinance would update civil penalties and make the inoperable vehicle violation process easier to administer. - Ordinance 2024 (Residential Parking Permits): Attorney Spencer stated that the amendment to Town Code Section 12-606 arose from recent changes to accessory apartments; the amendment would update language related to residential parking permits. - Special Exception for Parking at 1284 North Main Street: Assistant Planning Director Kali Casper presented the proposal to expand parking and construct a building in phases. A total of 12 parking spaces currently exist in front of the building and would remain; the applicant is requesting 23 additional parking spaces in front of the building line. The special exception request is being made due to the parking at the front of the building. Emergency Medical Services Revenue Recovery Rescue Chief David English presented a slideshow on implementing an EMS Revenue Recovery program. The program would obtain reimbursement for emergency medical transport costs from Medicaid, Medicare, and most insurance policies. English explained why the revenue recovery option would be beneficial and how it could be developed in partnership with Montgomery County using a third-party billing vendor. Councilmember Sutphin stepped away at approximately 11:56 a.m. and returned at approximately 12:22 p.m. Regional Stormwater Management System Agreement Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer described planned sewer upgrades and public benefits related to an agreement between the Town of Blacksburg and Glade Spring Crossing, LLC. He provided an overview of key points, including cost-sharing percentages and overall expected costs. Cost Sharing Agreement: Glade Spring Crossing Forcemain Replacement and Gravity Sewer Extension Town Attorney Spencer reviewed prior stormwater issues at the site and key project concepts. He explained the public benefits as well as construction and repair responsibilities under the cost-sharing agreement. Planning Projects Update Town Manager Marc Verniel gave a brief overview of planning projects currently in process: the Downtown Northwest Zoning District, a Small Lot Zoning/Subdivision Ordinance, Planned Residential District Zoning Review/Changes, the Toms Creek Basin Planning Study, and the Sign Ordinance Update. Key Outcomes - Council reviewed Ordinance 2018, Ordinance 2024, and the special exception request for 1284 North Main Street; these are scheduled for the June 13, 2023 public hearings. - No formal votes or final decisions were taken during the work session. - The EMS revenue recovery program was discussed as a partnership with Montgomery County using a third-party billing vendor. - The stormwater and sewer agreements with Glade Spring Crossing, LLC were reviewed. - The work session adjourned at 12:49 p.m.

Blacksburg Town Council met on May 9, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting included two public hearings: Ordinance 2022 (detached accessory apartments) and Ordinance 2007 (rezoning of 44.85 acres at 1006 Glade Road for the Glade Spring Crossing development). The council also approved consent agenda items, with one recusal, and made two reappointments. The meeting adjourned at 9:29 p.m. Consent Calendar - Items A–D (unanimous): Approved minutes of April 18 and April 25, 2023; introduced Ordinance 2018 (civil penalties for inoperable vehicles, public hearing June 13); introduced Ordinance 2024 (residential parking permits, public hearing June 13); scheduled a public hearing for June 13 on a special exception for parking at 1284 North Main Street. Councilmember Sutphin recused himself from Item E (HUD 2023 Annual Action Plan) due to a conflict of interest. The motion for Items A–D passed 7–0. - Item E (HUD 2023 Annual Action Plan): Approved on a 6–0 vote, with Sutphin abstaining. The plan includes the town's annual housing and community development funding priorities. Public Comments & Testimony Ordinance 2007 (Glade Spring Crossing rezoning): - Robin Jones (1224 Village Way South) – Representing the Tom’s Creek Sustainability Coalition, she asked council to consider denial based on environmental concerns and noted the coalition’s frustration with the one-sided public input process. - Robert Solomon (1507 Trillium Lane) – Opposed the development, citing reduction of existing trees and inadequate street trees. - Kacie Hodges (1223 Village Way South) – Opposed, arguing that public transit access is exaggerated and that low-income residents face long commute times due to bus schedules designed for students. - Becky Fritz (1507 Trillium Lane) – Opposed, questioning the developer’s motive (profit vs. community benefit) and describing the plan as perpetuating inequity between the affordable and market-rate units. - Chris Bundren (1219 Village Way South) – Raised concerns about small yard sizes, limited tree canopy, and congestion. - Rebecca Weaver-Hightower (1207 Village Way South) – Read a fictional perspective from a future single mother, criticizing the lack of play space, parking, and the separation of affordable units from amenities. - Vikki Fix (1301 Village Way South) – Presented a scenario of an HOA board member overwhelmed by managing vegetative embankments, snow removal, and succession areas. - Jesse Janowiak (1407 Gladewood Drive) – Opposed, stating the proposal mainly benefits the developer’s bottom line while cutting corners on safety, drainage, and canopy, and that it should not be approved without addressing these flaws. - Jarrod Leland (1802 Shadowlake Road) – Opposed, citing traffic concerns and the steep topography of the site. - Dean Spader (1301 Village Way South) – A master gardener, he supported managed succession in principle but warned that the proffer language is vague and could lead to a “managed mess” if soil is disturbed during construction. - Mike Stein (1225 Village Way South) – Opposed based on safety concerns with too many driveways, walkability, and the location of the playground away from most homes. - Chris Caldwell (2105 Meadowbrook Drive) – Voiced concerns about drainage and flooding, noting downstream flooding after heavy rain, and argued the density does not fit the area. - O-Holine Bushey (1222 Village Way South) – Raised safety concerns about the unfenced wet pond, especially for children. - Rosaire Bushey (1222 Village Way South) – Opposed due to the number of variance requests and the Planning Commission’s 5–2 denial recommendation. - Gloria Schoenholtz (1201 Glen Cove Lane) – Requested denial, citing traffic, stormwater, pollution, and the unsuitability of the site for high-density development. - Joseph Baker (1515 Poplar Ridge Circle) – Opposed, calling the proposal “fatal flaws” and arguing profit is the driving factor. - Priscilla Baker (1515 Poplar Ridge Circle) – Raised questions about emergency vehicle access, parking, and sidewalk adequacy for bikes. - Jeff Lang (1208 Village Way South) – Questioned how overflow parking would be addressed. - Joan Dickenson (1503 Poplar Ridge Circle) – Questioned the safety of the wet pond, DEQ compliance, and whether DEQ stressors had been considered. - Lucie Touchton (1213 Village Way South) – Thanked council for removing the connector road, but opposed the number of lots and asked how savings from removing the connector would be reinvested. - Lisa Acciai (1221 Village Way South) – Raised concerns about proffers and HOA enforcement. - Mike Klapproth (1210 Village Way South) – Compared a similar development in Christiansburg (Clifton) that had parking, trash, and congestion issues. - Alan Raffe (1751 Ginger Lane) – Noted from 23 years of HOA experience that managing natural succession by volunteers is a challenge. - Jim Whittaker (1513 Poplar Ridge Circle) – Opposed, citing density, public subsidies, and disregard for environmental concerns. - Amy Burton (1005 Glade Road) – Opposed based on slope and topography issues. - Traci Sterling (1211 Village Way South) – Read statements from the 2020 Farm rezoning discussions, noting that council members previously expressed concerns about density on this side of 460. - John Stemen (1221 Reagan Road) – Supported the development, stating that density is necessary to achieve affordable housing and that the land trust is a win-win. - Guy Acciai (1221 Village Way South) – Opposed, arguing the site is unsuitable due to density and topography. - Charles Schade (401 Clairmont Drive) – Supported, noting that affordable housing is needed and that the benefits outweigh the downsides. - Richard Harrell (115 Kinloch Drive) – Supported, saying no project is perfect but this is a good first step toward inclusivity. - Kimberly Homer (222 Price Street) – Opposed, noting that by-right zoning could allow 40 manufactured homes without cutting trees, and that the affordable housing claim is misleading. Applicant Rebuttal: - Marla Kempsey – Thanked staff and council, emphasized that all housing exteriors will be identical, that the developer is donating lots for the 24 affordable units, and that density enables affordability. She stated the project is about community benefit, not profit. Discussion Items Ordinance 2022 (Detached Accessory Apartments): - Planning Director Anne McClung presented the history, proposed changes, and standards (max 1,000 sq. ft., 28 ft. height, 7.5 ft. setbacks, owner-occupancy required, annual renewal, deed restriction). The Planning Commission recommended approval 7–0. No public comment. Council approved unanimously. Ordinance 2007 (Glade Spring Crossing Rezoning): - Staff Presentation: Kinsey O’Shea detailed the 44.85-acre site, 176 units (24 affordable via Community Land Trust, mixed-income, and market-rate), requested variances (parking, street trees, sidewalks, curb, gutter, cul-de-sac length, etc.), and the management successional canopy approach. The Planning Commission recommended denial 5–2. - Applicant Statement: Cary Hopper and Meredith Jones argued the project meets the comprehensive plan, addresses workforce housing, and provides environmental benefits (regional stormwater pond, 35% open space, flood mitigation). They noted the project is a public-private partnership. - Council Discussion: Councilmembers debated the need for density to achieve affordability, the legacy stormwater improvements, sewer capacity, and the removal of the vehicular connector road. Members acknowledged the complexity and the number of variances but stated that the proposal is a reasonable step toward addressing the housing crisis. Councilmember Sutphin recused himself due to a conflict of interest (his employer administers the New River Home Trust). Related Actions – Glade Spring Crossing Development Agreement: - Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer summarized the agreement, which provides $2 million in ARPA funds for 24 affordable homes, requires the first 10 built by December 31, 2026, and includes expedited town review, price formulas, and protections for non-compliance. The New River Home Trust will own the lots and market the units. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 2022 (Accessory Apartments): Approved unanimously (7–0). - Ordinance 2007 (Glade Spring Crossing Rezoning): Approved 6–0 (Councilmember Sutphin recused). - Glade Spring Crossing Development Agreement: Approved 6–0 (Sutphin recused). - Consent Agenda Items A–D: Approved 7–0. - Consent Agenda Item E (HUD Plan): Approved 6–0 (Sutphin abstained). - Reappointments: Approved 6–0 (Sutphin absent for vote? Actually all present voted; Sutphin had recused earlier but was present for vote? Minutes show 6–0 yes, none no. The transcript shows the vote after the development agreement, Sutphin was not present. But the minutes list the vote as Anderson, Bush, Colliver, Ford, Hager-Smith, Mattingly voted yes, none no. So Sutphin did not vote. So 6–0.) - Next Steps: Public hearings for Ordinances 2018, 2024, and the special exception will be held on June 13, 2023. The town will also continue work on the Glade Spring Crossing development agreement implementation.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:41 p.m. Present were Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith, Vice Mayor Susan Anderson, Councilmembers Lauren Colliver, Jerry Ford Jr., Susan Mattingly, and Michael Sutphin, along with the Town Manager, Town Attorney, and Town Clerk. Councilmember John Bush was absent. The agenda included a review of March 2023 quarterly financials and a discussion of two public hearing items scheduled for May 9, 2023. Discussion Items March 2023 Quarterly Financial Overview - Finance Director Susan Kaiser presented the quarterly report for the period ending March 31, 2023. Revenues are trending ahead of the prior year, while expenditures in the General Fund are below expected targets, partially due to unfilled positions. Council asked questions regarding unfilled positions and fuel costs. Ordinance 2007: Rezoning 44.85± Acres at 1006 Glade Road - Councilmember Sutphin disqualified himself from this item from 11:09 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. - Town Engineer Shawn Veltman provided an overview of the sewer proposal issues and the Town’s alternative plan, which includes upgrades to a current pump station and redirection of flow from two pump stations to a new gravity sewer. The alternative plan is noted to have positive impacts for both the Town and the developer. A cost share agreement with the developer was discussed for Council review. - Town Planner Kinsey O’Shea provided a final review of the proffers. Council asked questions about street parking and the development agreement. Meredith Jones of Eden & Associates addressed parking, and Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer reviewed the draft development agreement in detail. Ordinance 2022: Accessory Apartment Permit Program Amendments - Planning Director Anne McClung summarized the proposed zoning ordinance amendment to permit detached accessory apartments. Key elements reviewed include limitations on structure height, floor area ratio, setbacks from property lines, maximum size of the accessory unit, the percentage of the rear yard that can be occupied, and the location of patios/decks serving the detached apartment. The amendments reflect review by the Planning Commission and the Zoning Ordinance Review Committee. Key Outcomes - Council reviewed both ordinances that are scheduled for public hearings on May 9, 2023. No votes were taken; the discussion and questions informed future action. The meeting was adjourned at 12:41 p.m.

The Blacksburg Planning Commission met on May 2, 2023 at 6:30 PM in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers of the Municipal Building. The meeting included a consent agenda, one public hearing, and reports from commissioners and staff. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from February 7, March 7, and April 4, 2023. - Cancelled the public hearing for SUB 23-0001 (Northside Park preliminary plat, 51 lots on 36 acres) and rescheduled it to June 6, 2023. - Cancelled the public hearing for RZN 23-0001 (rezoning 0.816 acres at 208 Turner St. from DC Downtown Commercial to PR Planned Residential) and rescheduled it from June 6 to July 6, 2023. - Cancelled the public hearing for CUP 23-0003 (conditional use permit for hotel use and additional height at 501 S. Main St.) and rescheduled it from May 2 to July 6, 2023. - Note: The agenda lists the rezoning as item III-C and the CUP as III-D, while the minutes reverse the order. The actions for both items are identical. - Motion to approve the consent agenda passed 6-0. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the citizen comment period. Discussion Items - Special Exception EXP 23-0001 – Islamic Society of New River Valley (1284 N. Main St.): The applicant requested parking in front of the front building line for a religious assembly expansion. The site includes a 2.26-acre adjacent parcel with a 30-foot elevation change. The final phase would provide 107 total parking spaces, with 28 in front (35 in phase 1, decreasing to 28 in phase 4). Staff recommended three conditions: substantial conformance with the revised parking plan, evergreen shrubs along North Main Street to screen the parking, and a limit of 35 spaces in front. The applicant revised the layout to address safety concerns (eliminating dead-end aisles and moving parking spaces away from the entrance throat). The commission voted 6-0 to approve with the staff conditions. - Montgomery County Planning Commission Report: Commissioner Ford reported on the April meeting, which included a special use permit for athletic field lights at Auburn Park, work on updating bylaws (dating to 1976), and a work program to address solar farms after a withdrawn application. - Town Council Report: Commissioner Ford noted that Town Council held final work sessions on the Glade Spring Crossing rezoning and the accessory dwelling ordinance (ZOA 47). - Planning Director’s Report: The July public hearing will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2023 instead of Tuesday, July 4 due to the Independence Day holiday. Key Outcomes - Approved the consent agenda (minutes, rescheduling of three hearings) – vote 6-0. - Approved EXP 23-0001 with staff conditions – vote 6-0. - No other actions or votes were taken.

The Blacksburg Town Council met on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting included adoption of the FY2023/24 budget package, a closed session, and a work session. Council heard extensive public comments opposing the proposed Glade Spring Crossing development. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the April 4 and April 11, 2023 meetings unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Many residents spoke against the proposed Glade Spring Crossing development during the citizen comments period. Speakers included: - Kacie Hodges (1232 Village Way South): Voiced concerns about density, multiple variances, and planned land use, noting that town staff and planning commission recommended denial. - Robin Jones (1224 Village Way South): Spoke against the development, citing high volume of variance requests and outdated zoning requirements. Noted that as of that morning, no recent application documents were publicly available and that approximately 225 residents signed a petition opposing the project. - Rosaire Bushey (1222 Village Way South): Raised safety and livability issues regarding the proposed wet retention pond, including drowning risks for children and pets, and questioned liability. - Amy Burton (1005 Glade Road): Discussed traffic and bicycle safety concerns, requesting a third-party independent traffic assessment and a roundabout intersection. - Chris Bundren (1219 Village Way South): Addressed the variance request for street tree reduction from one every 30 feet to one every 100 feet, stating this would result in over 200 missing street trees. - Marcus Hightower (1207 Village Way South): Provided handouts showing density and topography comparisons, arguing the proposal is not ecologically sound due to removal of mature trees. - Rebecca Hightower (1207 Village Way South): Asked council to consult objective experts on environmental impact, pause for zoning law changes, and consider meaningful town involvement. - Guy Acciai (1221 Village Way South): Expressed frustration with lack of clarity, noted plans to appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals, and stated legal standing for a challenge. - Gloria Schoenholtz (1201 Glen Cove Lane): Thanked council for stormwater management consideration but questioned why workforce housing was needed on that side of town and suggested reducing density and investing in redevelopment. - Ed Hokanson (209 Orchard View Lane): Spoke generally against overdevelopment and urged council to prioritize citizens over developers and Virginia Tech. Discussion Items - Unfinished Business: FY23/24 Recommended Budget Package. Mayor Hager-Smith announced that two council members read disqualification statements on April 11 and would not vote on parts of Amended Ordinance 2020. The budget package included three ordinances. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (7-0). - Amended Ordinance 2020 (Budget and Real Estate Tax Rate): Main motion (excluding certain sections) passed 7-0. Then section 4(a)(v) (real estate tax rate) adopted 6-0-1 (Councilmember Mattingly abstained). Then sections 4(a)(ii), 6, and 7 (appropriations, real estate tax levy, and effective date) adopted 6-0-1 (Councilmember Sutphin abstained). - Ordinance 2019 (Increase Cigarette Tax Rate): Approved unanimously (7-0). - Ordinance 2021 (Increase Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fees): Approved unanimously (7-0). - Closed Meeting: Council unanimously adjourned to a closed meeting at 7:08 p.m. to discuss the Town Attorney (personnel), reconvening to open meeting at 7:23 p.m., and certified the propriety of the closed meeting via Resolution 4-E-23. - Work Session: Following the closed meeting, Council held a work session on the Glade Spring Crossing Development Agreement. Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer reviewed key elements of the contract, including development of homes, future affordability, and compliance requirements. No further action was taken.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on April 18, 2023, to review two items scheduled for public hearings on May 9, 2023: a rezoning proposal for 1006 Glade Road (Glade Spring Crossing) and amendments to the Accessory Apartment Permit Program to permit detached accessory apartments. Councilmember Michael Sutphin recused himself from discussion of the Glade Road rezoning item and stepped away from the meeting from approximately 11:02 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. Councilmember Lauren Colliver was absent. Discussion Items Ordinance 2007: Rezoning of 44.85 Acres at 1006 Glade Road - Town Engineer Kafi Howard presented an overview of the proposed stormwater system improvements for Glade Spring Crossing, noting that while water temperature remains a concern, the system will address existing flooding problems. - Meredith Jones of Eden & Associates showed slides of the existing creek and reiterated the benefits of the proposed retention basin (wet pond). - Nathan Blinn of Eagle Construction, introduced by Housing & Community Connections Manager Matt Hanratty, provided a synopsis of the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) for the development. He stated that the south side would focus on HERS performance while the north side would prioritize constructability. Homes would generally be three-bedroom, detached units distributed consistently with the neighborhood elevation. - Director of Engineering Randy Formica summarized the Traffic Impact Analysis, indicating that a three-way stop and right-turn lane would help mitigate delays, but overall staff recommendations remain unchanged. - Matt Hanratty summarized the Affordable Housing Development Agreement, noting key parameters including a requirement for the applicant to ensure affordability. Ordinance 2022: Amendments to Accessory Apartment Permit Program - Planning Director Anne McClung provided information on proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to update standards for accessory apartments and permit detached accessory apartments. She reviewed the history of accessory apartments in Blacksburg, proposed location standards, clarification of allowed zoning districts, and noted that parking requirements would need to be addressed through a separate ordinance. Key Outcomes - Council reviewed both items in preparation for the public hearings scheduled for May 9, 2023. - Councilmember Sutphin recused himself from discussion of Ordinance 2007 due to a potential conflict of interest and did not participate in that portion of the meeting. - No votes were taken; the work session served as a discussion forum for Council to ask questions and receive staff presentations. - The meeting adjourned at 12:45 p.m.