Public Meetings - Blacksburg, Virginia

This work session, held on February 7, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:08 p.m., included discussions on upcoming public hearings, a quarterly finance overview, cemetery updates, a sewer system overview, a Sheetz sewer agreement update, and an update on developer interviews. No formal votes were taken. Review of Public Hearings for March 14, 2023 - Ordinance 2010: Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer explained that the ordinance would amend the cigarette tax refund process to conform with state law. - Ordinance 2011: This ordinance would establish a residential solid waste deposit requirement for town residents who do not have water/sewer service. Quarterly Finance Overview - Finance Director Susan Kaiser presented the quarterly financial report for the town covering the quarter ending December 31, 2022. Cemetery Updates - Southview Memorial Gardens: Deputy Town Manager Steve Ross provided a history of the cemetery, its connection to Westview Cemetery, past improvements, and proposed improvements including connectivity and a wayfinding sign. - Green Burial: Director of Public Works John Boyer summarized a new green burial option using biodegradable materials and noted the proposed location for green burials. STEP/STEG Sewer System Overview - Engineering Director Randy Formica presented an overview of the STEP/STEG sewer system, showing current usage areas and locations where additional service may be needed. He discussed benefits and challenges, including increased maintenance requirements. Update on Sheetz Sewer Agreement - Engineering Director Randy Formica explained that Sheetz has proposed a temporary storage tank and pump system to allow earlier construction at its new South Main location, pending substantial completion of the South Main and Cedar Run sewer projects. Update on Developer Interviews - Deputy Town Manager Chris Lawrence presented slides on development regulation and review, highlighting key takeaways from developer interviews. Priority items included: implementation of Bluebeam electronic plan submission, a new zoning district for single-family homes on smaller lots, reduced plan review turnaround time, updates to subdivision development standards, improvement of the planned residential district, and enhancements to consistency and customer service. Lawrence noted that staff faces a high volume of work. Key Outcomes - Council received updates on all items. The two ordinances (2010 and 2011) are scheduled for public hearings on March 14, 2023. No formal decisions or votes were made during the work session.

The Blacksburg Planning Commission met on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 6:30 PM in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. Chair Andy Kassoff called the meeting to order with a quorum present. The meeting included approval of a consent agenda, two public hearings, extensive citizen comments on a postponed rezoning, and committee reports. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from November 1, 2022, December 6, 2022, and January 3, 2023. - Scheduled public hearings for March 7, 2023 for: SUB 23-0001 (51-lot subdivision at 2150 Progress Street NW), RZN 23-0001 (rezone 0.816 acres at 208 Turner Street NW), CUP 23-0001 (medium industrial use at 3210 Commerce Street), and RZN 22-0004 (Glade Spring Crossing, postponed from Feb 7). - All consent items passed 7-0. Public Hearings CUP 22-0007 – Fit Body Boot Camp at 2200 South Main Street - Staff Presentation: Kali Casper described the request for personal improvement services in the Office Zoning District. The use would occupy 4,000 sq ft in a multi-tenant building with no exterior changes. Parking is adequate. The applicant is working with an acoustic consultant to mitigate noise. Staff recommended one condition: conformance with the application. - Applicant Presentation: Steve Semones reported changes since the work session: signage revised, additional bike parking, and an acoustic engineer contacted to measure decibel levels. - Public Comment: Jim Henegar of TRC Engineers expressed strong concerns that noise from the fitness use would disrupt office work, stating the two uses appear incompatible. - Motion and Discussion: Joel Herbein moved to approve with the staff condition. Commissioners agreed noise is a landlord-tenant issue, not a land use matter. Tim Colley opposed additional conditions. Motion passed 6-0, with L. Walker abstaining. RZN 22-0003 & CUP 22-0006 – 1055 Plantation Road (Mini-Warehouse) - Combined Staff Presentation: Kali Casper covered both the rezoning (amending the Planned Commercial district) and the conditional use permit for a mini-warehouse (100,000 sq ft, 820 units). Variances requested for sewer and bike lane. Staff did not support the bike lane variance, recommending its reconfiguration to extend the lane to the intersection with Plantation Road. - Applicant Presentation: Craig Stipes argued the bike lane variance is justified due to existing fiber optic infrastructure, and they are providing a paved bike path along the frontage. He noted the development would include a retaining wall and substantial landscaping to screen views from the adjacent hotel. - Public Comment: Josh Rigsby read a letter from hotel owner Dennis Dowdy opposing both applications. Dowdy expressed concern about visual integrity, traffic, and the impact on hotel guests. - Motion for Rezoning: Herbein moved to approve RZN 22-0003 with sewer variances but without the bike lane variance. Passed 7-0. - Motion for CUP: Herbein moved to approve CUP 22-0006 with all requested variances (unit doors, parking above maximum, sewer) and staff conditions, but without the bike lane variance. Passed 6-1, with Walker voting no. Citizen Comment (on postponed RZN 22-0004 – Glade Spring Crossing) Over a dozen residents from the Village of Toms Creek spoke, many wearing green to show unity. Tombo Jones of the Toms Creek Sustainability Coalition stated the coalition gathered 223 signatures opposing the proposed rezoning due to high density and safety concerns. Multiple speakers expressed support for affordable housing but argued the current proposal is too dense, requires 13 variances, and poses serious environmental and safety risks. Key concerns included: stormwater and flooding impacts on Toms Creek (a thermally impaired stream), loss of tree canopy, traffic increases on Village Way South, lack of sidewalks, and dangerous intersections. Many requested that the connecting road between Glade Spring Crossing and Village of Toms Creek be limited to pedestrian and emergency access only. Specific questions were raised about the affordable housing plan, ARPA funding, and developer compliance. No applicant rebuttal was given. Key Outcomes - CUP 22-0007 (Fit Body Boot Camp) – Approved 6-0 (Walker abstained). - RZN 22-0003 (Rezoning at 1055 Plantation Road) – Approved 7-0, excluding the bike lane variance. - CUP 22-0006 (Mini-Warehouse) – Approved 6-1 (Walker opposed), excluding the bike lane variance. - RZN 22-0004 (Glade Spring Crossing) – Public hearing cancelled; rescheduled for March 7, 2023. - Other: Chair reported the Zoning Ordinance Review Committee plans to meet in March. Commissioner Ford noted Town Council is initiating a small lot development study.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a special meeting on January 31, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:35 p.m. at the Blacksburg Police Department Community Room. The agenda included two major discussions: a potential new small-lot single-family zoning district and planning for the Tom's Creek Basin area. Council members expressed overall support for both initiatives and directed staff to take next steps. Discussion Items - Small-lot Single Family Zoning District Discussion: Chris Jennette of Camiros, Ltd., an urban planning firm, presented a framework for a new small-lot residential zoning district to address housing shortages. He provided local and national examples to illustrate what might work in Blacksburg. Planning Director Anne McClung asked council for interest in the concept. Council expressed overall agreement and directed staff to move forward with creating specific district standards, including lot width, setbacks, and building height. - Planning Discussion on Tom's Creek Basin: Town Manager Marc Verniel summarized the recent history of the Tom's Creek Basin area and briefed council on proposed developments and preservation priorities. Verniel and Planning Director Anne McClung noted that community values such as preserving rural character and connectivity remained unchanged. Housing and Community Connections Manager Matt Hanratty advised that an upcoming community meeting would gauge public interest. Council agreed that the town should proactively address development requests and continue discussions. Key Outcomes - Council directed staff to develop standards for a new small-lot single-family zoning district. - Council agreed to continue planning discussions for Tom's Creek Basin and to hold a community meeting to gather input. - The meeting adjourned at 12:35 p.m.

The Blacksburg Town Council met on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. Key actions included adoption of the five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for FY2023/24–FY2027/28, with a separate vote on the Legacy Affordable Housing Project. Council also heard public concerns about the town’s deer population control measures. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from January 3, 10, and 17, 2023. - Authorized the Town Manager to approve a change order for the Adams Construction paving contract. - Confirmed Blacksburg Fire Officers and Blacksburg Rescue Squad Officers for 2023. Public Comments & Testimony - Hilary Byron (501 Cohee Road) expressed concerns about the town’s deer culling operations. She reported that on January 11, just before 11 p.m., she was awakened by gunfire near her home. She observed two men in an unmarked SUV without headlights park on the bike path, enter the wooded golf course area with flashlights, shoot deer, and drag the bodies to their vehicle. She criticized the lack of prior public notification and transparency regarding culling activities. She urged council to conduct an up-to-date study with citizen feedback, adopt formal written policies (including minimum shooting distances from residences), require visible identification for shooters and vehicles, and ensure specialized training for urban night shooting. Mayor Hager-Smith and Town Manager Marc Verniel acknowledged the concerns, noting that Police Chief Brewster would follow up and that changes—such as notification and marked vehicles—are being considered for the next culling season. Discussion Items - Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Adoption: Council considered Resolution 1-C-23, adopting the five-year CIP for FY2023/24 through FY2027/28. A public hearing had been held on January 10, 2023. Councilmember Sutphin recused himself from voting on the Legacy Affordable Housing Project (page 54) due to a conflict of interest. - Council first voted to adopt the entire CIP except for the Legacy Affordable Housing Project. The motion (by Vice Mayor Anderson, seconded by Ford) passed unanimously (7–0). - Council then voted separately to adopt only the Legacy Affordable Housing Project at page 54. The motion (by Vice Mayor Anderson, seconded by Ford) passed 6–0–1 (Sutphin abstained). - No other new business was discussed. Key Outcomes - CIP Adoption: The five-year Capital Improvement Program was approved with the exception of the Legacy Affordable Housing Project, which was approved separately in a second vote. Councilmember Sutphin abstained on the latter. - Deer Culling Transparency: Council committed to improving public notification and operational transparency for future deer culling operations, including marked vehicles and updated policies. The Police Department will contact Ms. Byron to address her specific concerns. - Council Announcements: Vice Mayor Anderson reminded citizens of the upcoming Dialogue on Race event on January 28 at Christiansburg Middle School. Councilmember Sutphin reported on the VML Local Government Day in Richmond, where council members met with Delegate Jason Ballard and Senator John Edwards. - The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on January 17, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Council reviewed two upcoming public hearing ordinances, received an update on the county real property tax reassessment, discussed the recommended Capital Improvement Plan for FY2023/2024–2027/2028, and heard a presentation on town sewer projects. No formal votes were taken; the session adjourned at 12:14 p.m. Discussion Items - Review of Public Hearings Scheduled for February 14, 2023 – Town Manager Marc Verniel and Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer briefed Council on two proposed ordinances: Ordinance 2008 (vacating a public utility easement at 1902 Research Center Drive) and Ordinance 2009 (vacating a greenway trail easement at 1505 Bradley Lane). Both are intended to vacate the Town’s interest in unneeded easements. - County Real Property Tax Reassessment Update – Town Manager Marc Verniel explained the components of the real estate tax bill, including the tax rate and property assessment. Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer summarized Virginia Code § 58.1-3321, which regulates increased assessments. Council was advised to advertise that the Town will maintain the existing tax rate, with the option to consider a lower rate during the budget process after a public hearing. - Recommended Capital Improvement Plan – FY2023/2024-2027/2028 – Town Manager Marc Verniel provided a brief overview of the recommended Capital Improvement Program. Council members had no questions. - Town Sewer Projects Update – Engineering Director Randy Formica presented an overview of current sanitary sewer system projects, including the areas where improvements are being performed, current timetables, benefits, and associated challenges. Key Outcomes - Council directed staff to advertise that the Town will maintain the existing real property tax rate for the upcoming budget cycle, with the understanding that a lower rate may be considered after public hearings during the budget process. - No formal votes were taken on any agenda item; the work session was informational and preparatory in nature.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting on January 10, 2023, at the Municipal Building. The meeting included approval of the consent agenda, three public hearings, citizen comments, and council announcements. Key actions included approval of a conditional use permit for a hotel height increase (6–1), unanimous approval of zoning amendments for small-scale alcohol production, and a public hearing on the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) with a final vote scheduled for January 24, 2023. Consent Calendar - Town Council Minutes for November 22, 2022 and December 13, 2022: Approved. - Ordinance 2008 (vacating a public utility easement at 1902 Research Center Drive): Introduced, public hearing set for February 14, 2023. - Ordinance 2009 (vacating a greenway trail easement at 1505 Bradley Lane): Introduced, public hearing set for February 14, 2023. - Resolution 1-A-23 (accepting certain streets for town ownership and maintenance): Adopted. All consent items passed unanimously on a roll call vote (7–0). Public Comments & Testimony - Scott Chandler (401 Willard Drive) opposed the proposed hotel height increase at 310 Midtown Way, citing constant rule changes and power outages during construction at Midtown. - Javad Torabinejad (1600 Winslow Drive) expressed concerns about fairness to nearby residents, loss of views, noise and light pollution from the height increase, and questioned the necessity of a taller hotel given low occupancy rates at local smaller hotels. - Jim Cowan, representing Midtown Redevelopment Partners, spoke in favor of the project, stating it would be a good addition to the mixed-use development and that the developer had been respectful of neighboring properties. - Douglas White requested the engineering analysis for the Windsor Hills pump station project included in the CIP, asking the town to share the documentation. - Javad Torabinejad (again) questioned several CIP improvements, including the study of Mount Tabor Road, and pointed out flooding issues along Toms Creek Road. - Joann Dean (Kentwood Drive) commended the Town Manager for his informative presentation to the Newcomers group earlier that day. Discussion Items 1. Resolution 1-B-23: Conditional Use Permit for Increased Height at 310 Midtown Way (CUP 22-0005) - Staff Presentation: Kinsey O’Shea reviewed the request for a height increase above 60 feet in the downtown commercial district for a planned Embassy Suites hotel. The building proposes 137 guest rooms, 74 parking spaces, and an architectural height of 71 feet 8 inches (rounded to 73 feet for buffer). Staff recommended a condition requiring wider sidewalks along Church Street and Midtown Way, additional landscaping, and planters to mitigate pedestrian-level impacts. - Planning Commission Recommendation: Approved 8–0 with staff-recommended conditions. - Applicant Statement: John Neel of Foresight Design presented the design, noting enhanced setbacks (up to 183 feet from Eheart Street), extensive landscaping within public utility easement constraints, and a rooftop bar facing away from residences. He accepted the staff’s condition on wider sidewalks and urban landscaping. - Council Discussion: Councilmember Bush questioned whether the adjacent PR3 parcel (townhomes) also included screening; staff confirmed landscaping is planned there. Councilmember Colliver raised concerns about Mr. Chandler’s report of power outages; staff said they would follow up with Virginia Tech Electric. - Vote: Motion to approve passed 6–1, with Councilmember Bush voting no. 2. Ordinance 2002: Zoning Amendment to Define and Regulate Small-Scale Alcohol Production Facilities - Staff Presentation: Planning Director Anne McClung explained the need to update zoning for small-scale breweries, cideries, distilleries, meaderies, and wineries. The amendment defines production limits, permissible districts (downtown commercial, general commercial, industrial, mixed-use), use standards (buffers, parking, delivery plans), and a compliance review process. The Planning Commission recommended approval 6–0. - Council Discussion: No public comment. Unanimous approval on a roll call vote (7–0). 3. Recommended Capital Improvement Program (CIP) FY2023/24 – FY2027/28 - Staff Presentation: Town Manager Marc Verniel presented the five-year CIP, totaling $128 million across 121 projects. Key projects include a new parking structure (Progress Street), Draper Road streetscapes, downtown facade grants, South Point Park completion, Brush Mountain trail improvements, utility upgrades (Laurel Ridge water line, North Main water tank backup, Windsor Hills force main replacement), and transit fleet electrification. The plan accounts for 7.7% inflation, replenishes capital reserves, and strategically addresses maintenance needs. - Disclosure: Councilmember Sutphin recused himself from voting on the Legacy Affordable Housing Development project due to his employment with Community Housing Partners; his written disqualification was filed. - Council Action: Public hearing closed; the CIP will be considered for adoption at the January 24, 2023 meeting. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (7–0). - Conditional Use Permit (CUP 22-0005): Approved 6–1 (Bush dissenting). Staff condition for wider sidewalks and enhanced landscaping was adopted; applicant accepted the condition. - Ordinance 2002 (Small-Scale Alcohol Production): Approved unanimously (7–0). - Capital Improvement Program: Public hearing held; vote scheduled for January 24, 2023. - Council Announcements: Vice Mayor Anderson promoted the annual Dialogue on Race event on January 28, 2023 (9 a.m.–1 p.m. at Christiansburg Middle School). Mayor Hager-Smith noted the Town of Blacksburg’s 225th anniversary on January 13, 2023. - Next Meetings: Work session on January 17, 2023; regular meeting on January 24, 2023.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:02 p.m. The meeting covered four agenda items: architectural review of Midtown Parcel DC 6, a proposed ordinance on small-scale alcohol production facilities, a sustainability state policy update, and the recommended Capital Improvement Program for FY2023/2024 through 2027/2028. No formal votes were taken. Midtown Architectural Review of Parcel DC 6 - Planning Director Anne McClung provided an update on architectural plans for the DC parcel in the Midtown Development, showing slides of renderings for the hotel from various angles. Councilmembers asked about retaining wall height and parking. John Neel of Foresight Design Services responded to questions. Ordinance 2002: Small-Scale Alcohol Production Facilities - Planning Director Anne McClung summarized the proposed ordinance to define and regulate small-scale alcohol production facilities, including distillery, winery, cidery, meadery, and seltzer. The amendment would establish development standards, allowed activities on site, and maximum production limits. Council discussed the item but took no action. Sustainability State Policy Update/Legislative Discussion - Sustainability Manager Carol Davis gave an overview of legislative items of interest to the Town, including virtual net metering, renewable energy, transportation, building energy efficiency standards, and climate action plans. She also reviewed action items from the Virginia Energy and Sustainability peer network. Davis noted that more information would be available as the General Assembly session begins. Discussion of Recommended Capital Improvement Program - FY2023/2024 through 2027/2028 - Town Manager Marc Verniel provided a brief overview of the recommended Capital Improvement Program (CIP), highlighting various projects and noting the uses of enterprise funds. He offered to answer questions, but there were none. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were made during this work session. The Council received information on all four items. The meeting adjourned at 12:02 p.m.

The Blacksburg Planning Commission met on January 3, 2023, at 6:30 PM in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The commission approved the consent agenda unanimously, held a public hearing on a zoning ordinance amendment to regulate small-scale alcohol production facilities, and received updates on various committee activities. Consent Calendar - RZN 22-0003: Amendment to previous rezoning Ordinance 746 to modify a Planned Commercial (PC) zoning district at 1055 Plantation Road. Action: Schedule public hearing for February 7, 2023. - CUP 22-0006: Conditional Use Permit for Mini-Warehouse use in the PC district at 1055 Plantation Road. Action: Schedule public hearing for February 7, 2023. - CUP 22-0007: Conditional Use Permit for Personal Improvement Services in the Office zoning district at 2200 South Main Street. Action: Schedule public hearing for February 7, 2023. - RZN 22-0004/ORD 2007: Request to rezone 44.85 acres of vacant land from RR-1 Rural Residential to PR Planned Residential at 1006 Glade Road. Action: Schedule public hearing for February 7, 2023. - Motion to approve the consent agenda (moved by Joel Herbein, seconded by Liam Watson) passed 7-0. Public Hearing - ZOA 42/ORD 2002: Ordinance to amend the Town's Zoning Ordinance to create, define, and regulate small-scale alcohol production facilities, including tasting rooms and retail sales. - Commissioner Tim Colley recused himself from discussion and voting due to a potential personal interest, stating he would not participate in any vote or discussion. - Staff presentation by Anne McClung highlighted the growing interest in small-scale alcohol production and the need to update the code beyond the existing brewpub provision. The proposed ordinance covers breweries, cideries, meaderies, seltzeries, wineries, and distilleries, with production limits, use and design standards, and allowed zoning districts (downtown commercial, general commercial, planned commercial, research and development, industrial, planned industrial, and mixed use). Expansion is allowed via conditional use permit after one year. Parking requirements: one space per 50 sq ft of seating/waiting area and one per 400 sq ft of other space. - Public comment: Jason Hudson of 301 Hemlock Drive, an interested distiller, thanked the commission for considering the ordinance, stating it provides a valuable economic opportunity. - Motion to approve ZOA 42/ORD 2002 (moved by Joel Herbein, seconded by Susanna Rinehart) passed 6-0, with Commissioner Colley abstaining. Citizen Comment - No members of the public spoke. Unfinished Business - Zoning Ordinance Review Committee: Next meeting in February 2023 to discuss accessory apartments. - Historic or Design Review Board: No cases to review; board has not met. - Montgomery County Planning Commission: Joel Herbein reported on the December 2022 meeting: recommended denial of the inert debris landfill on Walton Road; a solar array project modification motion failed with a 4-4 tie; the residential mixed-use project on Peppers Ferry Road was put on hold due to traffic concerns. New Business - Chair's Report: None. - Planning Director's Report: Anne McClung reminded commissioners about real estate disclosure forms due to the Town Clerk by the end of January. Original signatures required. - Town Council Report: No report as Jerry Ford Jr. was absent. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously (7-0). - ZOA 42/ORD 2002 recommended for approval to Town Council with a 6-0 vote (Commissioner Colley abstained). - Public hearings for all consent agenda items scheduled for February 7, 2023. - Next Planning Commission work session: January 17, 2023, at 5:00 PM. - Next regular meeting: February 7, 2023, at 6:30 PM.

No meeting agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, a summary cannot be generated.