Public Meetings - Blacksburg, Virginia

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary of discussions, decisions, or public comments can be generated from the available source material.

The Blacksburg Planning Commission met on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at 6:30 PM in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers of the Blacksburg Municipal Building. Acting Chair Tim Colley presided. The meeting lasted approximately five minutes, concluding at 6:35 PM. Commissioners present: T. Colley, J. Herbein, S. Rinehart, L. Walker, L. Watson. Absent: J. Ford Jr., M. Jones, A. Kassoff. The commission approved the consent agenda unanimously and received reports on upcoming meetings and actions from other boards. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the September 6, 2022 Planning Commission meeting were approved without discussion. - 2022 Comprehensive Plan Amendment: The commission scheduled a public hearing for November 1, 2022, on a proposed amendment to add text to the Land Use chapter and a map to the Land Use Map Series regarding preferred high-density student housing locations, along with housekeeping amendments to the Transportation, Land Use, Housing, and Future Land Use map chapters. - Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA 60/ORD 2001): The commission scheduled a public hearing for November 1, 2022, on an amendment to create a new Downtown Northwest zoning district for the area bounded by North Main St., Turner St., and Prices Fork Rd. Discussion Items - Zoning Ordinance Review Committee: Commissioner Colley reported that the committee will meet on October 17, 2022, to discuss ZOA 60/ORD 2001. - Historic or Design Review Board: Commissioner Colley noted the Board will meet on Monday, October 10, 2022. - Montgomery County Planning Commission: Commissioner Herbein reported on the September 21, 2022 Montgomery County Planning Commission meeting, which included: (1) recommendation to deny a travel center at Tyler and Mudpike Road in Radford due to transportation issues (turning queue lines); (2) upcoming items including a rezoning for a three-story mini-storage facility with parking lot on Cinnabar Road near the animal shelter, and a proposal for a 5-megawatt ground-mount single-axis tracking solar array (10,560 panels) on 35 acres adjacent to Eastern Montgomery Elementary School—both to be taken up in October. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was approved unanimously (5-0). - Public hearings for the Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Zoning Ordinance Amendment (Downtown Northwest district) were both set for November 1, 2022.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting on the evening of September 27, 2022, at the Blacksburg Municipal Building. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda and heard a brief citizen comment from a local Boy Scout. A work session followed the regular meeting, focusing on the proposed Downtown Northwest Zoning District, and the council later convened a closed meeting for legal advice on student housing zoning regulations. Consent Calendar - Town Council Minutes: Approval of the minutes from September 13 and September 20, 2022. - Resolution 9-D-22: Adoption of a resolution referring to the Planning Commission a proposed zoning ordinance amendment to establish regulations for small-scale alcoholic beverage production facilities. - Resolution 9-E-22: Adoption of a resolution referring to the Planning Commission a proposed zoning ordinance text amendment to create a new optional Downtown Northwest Zoning District. - The consent agenda was moved by Vice Mayor Susan Anderson, seconded by Councilmember Michael Sutphin, and passed unanimously on a roll call vote (All seven members present voted aye). Public Comments & Testimony - Dylan McQuain of Boy Scout Troop 44 addressed the council to fulfill requirement five of his communications merit badge. McQuain is a 7th grader at Blacksburg New School. Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith and others briefly engaged him in conversation about his school and scouting. Discussion Items - Council Announcements: Vice Mayor Anderson noted that several council members would attend the Virginia Municipal League Annual Conference (October 2–4). Councilmember Lauren Colliver reminded citizens that early voting had begun and that voter registration changes might affect polling locations. The meeting adjourned early at 6:34 p.m. to allow time for the work session. - Work Session – Downtown Northwest Zoning District: Planning Director Anne McClung presented a PowerPoint on the Downtown strategic plan (developed by Camiros). The objective is to create an optional zoning district called Downtown Northwest, located in the triangle bounded by North Main Street, Prices Fork Road, and Turner Street. The district would incorporate form-based zoning, have more detailed standards, and require an application for rezoning. Council members asked questions, and McClung noted that further discussion would continue at future work sessions. - Closed Meeting: The council voted unanimously to adjourn to a closed meeting at 6:52 p.m., citing Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711(A)(8) for legal advice on regulating student housing through zoning. The council reconvened in open session at 7:56 p.m. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (7-0). - Closed Meeting Certification: Resolution 9-F-22, certifying the propriety of the closed meeting, was adopted on a roll call vote of 6-0 (Councilmember Jerry Ford was absent during the vote). - No further decisions or votes were taken on the Downtown Northwest Zoning District; the discussion was informational and will continue at a later work session.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on September 20, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:17 p.m. to review three public hearing items scheduled for the October 11, 2022 regular meeting and to review architectural drawings for Midtown Parcel DC4. All council members were present except Councilmember Susan Mattingly. Review of Public Hearings for October 11, 2022 - Ordinance 1988 (Erosion and Sediment Regulations): Town Attorney Lawrence S. Spencer, Jr. summarized proposed amendments to Town Code §§ 10-100, 10-200, 10-201, and 10-203 to update outdated references to Virginia State Code. No concerns were raised. - Ordinance 1994 (Rezoning at 1800 Whipple Drive): Town Planner Kinsey O’Shea reviewed the proposal to rezone 3.08± acres from Transitional Residential to Planned Residential zoning. The applicant plans to construct 34 townhome units, each equipped with solar panels. The applicant’s representative explained the proposal and answered questions. Council expressed concerns about the proposed reduced public utility easement, paving surface materials, landscaping, and the number of parking spaces. - Ordinance 1998 (Vacating Waterline Easement at 200 Cedar Pointe Drive): Town Attorney Spencer explained that the ordinance would vacate an unneeded waterline easement. No further discussion. Review of Architectural Drawings for Midtown Parcel DC4 Planning Director Anne McClung presented slides showing updated renderings for the DC parcel in the Midtown Development, comparing them with the previous version. Councilmembers expressed concerns about corner elements, the plaza façade, and other design details. Ian Friend, representative for the applicant, and Steve Semones of Balzer and Associates responded to the questions and concerns. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken during the work session; all items were reviewed for discussion and input. - The three public hearings remain scheduled for the October 11, 2022 Town Council meeting, with council’s concerns noted for staff and applicant consideration. - The architectural review for Midtown Parcel DC4 will continue with council’s feedback to be incorporated into future designs.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting on September 13, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting covered consent agenda items, two public hearings for conditional use permits, citizen comments, and an appointment. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from August 23, 2022, and September 6, 2022. - Adopted Resolution 9-A-22 authorizing interdepartmental transfers for the FY2022-2023 operating budget. - Authorized Blacksburg Transit to donate an obsolete bus part (a 24-volt charging device from a 1998 New Flyer bus) to the Virginia Museum of Transportation. - Introduced Ordinance 1988 amending town code regarding erosion and sediment regulations, scheduling a public hearing for October 11, 2022. - Introduced Ordinance 1994 to rezone 3.08± acres at 1800 Whipple Drive from Transitional Residential to Planned Residential, scheduling a public hearing for October 11, 2022. - Introduced Ordinance 1998 vacating a waterline easement at 200 Cedar Pointe Drive, scheduling a public hearing for October 11, 2022. - The consent agenda was approved by a unanimous roll call vote (7-0). Public Hearings A. Conditional Use Permit for Personal Improvement Service (Valley Active Fitness and Rehab) - Staff Presentation: Assistant Planning Director Kali Casper explained that the business (formerly part of a medical office) now requires a CUP because it is no longer operated by a licensed practitioner. No site changes are proposed. The Planning Commission recommended approval 7-0. - Applicant Statement: Owner Dave Cecchini stated the permit is to bring the existing use into compliance; the business is low-volume with one-on-one sessions. - Public Comment: None. - Action: Councilmember Colliver recused herself due to a personal interest and stepped away. The motion to approve Resolution 9-B-22 passed 6-0 (Colliver did not vote). B. Conditional Use Permit for Commercial Indoor Sports and Recreation (Blue Ridge Axe Throwing) - Staff Presentation: Planner Kinsey O’Shea detailed the applicant’s request to relocate from 120 Jackson Street to 125 North Main Street, Suite 200. The space is currently vacant. Staff recommended modifications for bike parking (reduce from 5 to 2 spaces) and conditions. Planning Commission recommended approval 7-0. - Applicant Statement: Owner Mitchell Tyler explained they are moving to a larger location to expand arcade and party room space, targeting families as well as students. He addressed safety policies regarding alcohol and axe throwing, noting staff training and monitoring for intoxication. He confirmed a five-year lease. - Public Comment: None. - Action: The motion to approve Resolution 9-C-22 passed unanimously (7-0). Citizen Comments - Ruth Dennan of 630 Washington Avenue spoke against the recently adopted Resolution 8-B-22 (regarding women’s rights, privacy, and public health). She argued that the age of viability is decreasing with medical advances and described abortion procedures. She urged the council to reconsider. - Joseph Koshy of 403 Progress Street also opposed Resolution 8-B-22, stating it was unnecessary and not founded in the Constitution. He asked the council to reconsider and suggested a more moderate approach supporting women in crisis without reference to abortion. - John LeBran of 443 Lawrence Lane spoke against the resolution, sharing statistics that 68% of women seeking abortions report difficulty thinking they must end the pregnancy. He requested that the council retract the resolution and instead support options for carrying pregnancies to term. Appointment - Mayor Hager-Smith nominated John Boyer, Public Works Director, as the Town Representative to the Montgomery Regional Solid Waste Authority. The motion passed unanimously (7-0). Council Announcements - Vice Mayor Anderson thanked town staff, Virginia Tech staff, and students for a successful first home football weekend. - Councilmember Mattingly announced that the Blacksburg Partnership is hosting a tailgate event on Friday, September 16, from 5-9 p.m. on College Avenue and Draper Road, featuring family activities, a beer garden, bouncy houses, and inflatables. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:21 p.m. The primary discussion focused on updates to sanitary sewer standards to comply with new BVPISA regulations. Council also received updates on law enforcement incidents and rezoning projects. Discussion Items - Sanitary Sewer Standards: Director of Engineering Randy Formica presented an overview of recent changes to Pretreatment Rules and Regulation. The Town Code requires updates to comply with the Blacksburg Virginia Polytechnic Institute Sanitation Authority (BVPISA) regulations. The new regulations include a list of prohibited pollutants, a list of allowable pollutants with maximum levels for industrial discharges, and provisions for non-compliance. Council/Staff Exchange - Council members discussed law enforcement matters, updates on rezoning projects, and accessory apartments. Chief Todd Brewster provided updates on two recent police-involved incidents and the status of the officers. Council also questioned staff member McClung about recent rezoning projects and accessory apartments throughout town. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken. The work session served as an informational update. Next steps likely include drafting code amendments to align with BVPISA regulations. (Meeting was adjourned at 12:21 p.m.)

The Blacksburg Planning Commission met on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at 6:30 PM at the Municipal Building. The main agenda item was a continued public hearing on a request to rezone 3.08 acres at 1800 Whipple Drive from R-5 Transitional Residential to PR Planned Residential, including a variance to reduce public utility easement (PUE) width. The motion to approve the rezoning failed with a tie vote (4-4), sending the request to Town Council without a recommendation. Consent Calendar - Approved the Planning Commission minutes from August 2, 2022, unanimously (7-0). Public Hearings - RZN 22-0001 (402 Clay Street): Public hearing cancelled; applicant withdrew request. - RZN 22-0002 (1800 Whipple Drive): Continued from August 2, 2022. Staff planner Kinsey O'Shea presented the proposal for 34 townhome units (98 bedrooms) at a density of 32 bedrooms per acre—60% above the Comprehensive Plan's medium-density residential designation (20 bedrooms/acre). The applicant requested a variance to reduce the required 15-foot public utility easement to 10 feet along two perimeters, with an off-site easement proposed on adjacent property. Staff did not recommend the variance due to enforceability and long-term utility concerns. - Applicant Presentation: Steve Semones, Ben Price, and Jason Boyle (Balzer and Associates) highlighted revisions: increased tree canopy to 14%, Type B accessible units on main floors, HOA-maintained exteriors and solar panels, a proffered HERS rating of 55 (with solar bringing it into the 30s), and occupancy restrictions (family plus two unrelated or max three unrelated) intended to deter undergraduate housing. They argued the 10-foot PUE is sufficient and that adjacent property owners agreed to grant easements. - Public Comment: Greg Novak (105 Countryside Court) expressed concerns about traffic congestion and safety on North Main Street, Red Maple Drive, and Whipple Drive, and that the development could become undergraduate housing despite proposed safeguards. - Applicant Rebuttal: Semones stated a traffic study showed no mitigation required at surrounding intersections. Discussion Items - Commissioners discussed the PUE variance, enforceability of off-site easements, canopy coverage, energy efficiency longevity, and traffic impacts. Some commissioners praised the project's creativity and sustainability, while others noted it was not fully baked and needed further staff and legal review. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve RZN 22-0002 (rezoning and variance) failed 4-4: Commissioners Jones, Herbein, Kassoff, and Colley voted yes; Commissioners Ford, Walker, Watson, and Rinehart voted no. The request proceeds to Town Council with no recommendation from the Planning Commission. - No other actions were taken.

On August 23, 2022, the Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers at the Blacksburg Municipal Building. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. and adjourned at 6:46 p.m. All seven council members were present. The agenda included approval of consent items, citizen comments, appointments to the New River Valley Passenger Rail Authority, and action on a budget amendment ordinance carried over from the previous meeting. Consent Calendar - Town Council Minutes: Approved the minutes from July 12, 2022; August 9, 2022; and August 16, 2022. (Unanimous roll call vote, 7-0) - Resolution 8-A-22: A resolution referring proposed amendments to the 2021 Comprehensive Plan to the Planning Commission for review. (Unanimous roll call vote, 7-0) - Resolution 8-B-22: A resolution on Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, abortion rights, privacy rights in general, and public health. (Unanimous roll call vote, 7-0) Public Comments & Testimony - Gabriella Parker (2809 Wellesley Court): Addressed the council regarding fluoridation of the water supply. She stated that fluoride is a toxic byproduct of fertilizer production, cited studies linking it to reduced IQ, cancer, ADHD, thyroid problems, and heart disease, and noted that the water authority purchases approximately 47,000 pounds of hydrofluorosilicic acid annually. She advocated for significant reduction or elimination of fluoridation. Mayor Hager-Smith thanked her and suggested she also bring her concerns to the regional water authority. - Cooper Whiteleather (602 McBride Drive): Speaking on behalf of several Virginia Tech fraternities, he questioned the rationale behind a recently passed ordinance on mass gatherings, noting that many students were away during the summer and could not attend hearings. He sought an explanation of the rules and the reasons for the ordinance. Mayor Hager-Smith thanked him and offered to discuss the matter outside the meeting; Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer and Deputy Chief Brian Rose also offered to speak with him afterward. - Robert Barham (104 Jackson Street): Described ongoing issues with public drunkenness, noise, and indecent conduct (e.g., public urination) in the downtown area near his apartment, particularly on Thursday through Saturday nights. He requested that the council help resolve the problem. Mayor Hager-Smith indicated the matter could be taken up with the new police chief. Appointments - New River Valley Passenger Rail Authority: Mayor Hager-Smith presented the appointments of Councilmember Jerry Ford, Jr. and Town Attorney Lawrence S. Spencer, Jr. to the authority. The appointments were approved unanimously on a roll call vote, 7-0. Unfinished Business - Ordinance 1996: An ordinance to amend the FY 2022/2023 operating budget to appropriate $13,364,987 in American Rescue Plan (ARP) / Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFRF) revenues to the ARP/CSLFRF and the Affordable Housing Development Funds. This item was carried over from the August 9, 2022, agenda because two council members recused themselves that evening, leaving only four present to vote (five affirmative votes were required). On August 23, the ordinance passed on a roll call vote of 5-0, with Councilmembers Sutphin and Bush abstaining (Councilmembers Ford, Hager-Smith, Mattingly, Anderson, and Colliver voted yes). Council Announcements - Mayor Hager-Smith encouraged participation in the upcoming "Renew the New" New River Valley cleanup event on Saturday, August 27, and the "Dialogue on Race" event also scheduled for that Saturday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Appointments to the New River Valley Passenger Rail Authority approved unanimously. - Ordinance 1996 (ARP/CSLFRF budget amendment) approved with five affirmative votes and two abstentions. - Citizen comments were received; the council directed follow-up on the mass gatherings ordinance and downtown nuisance issues through appropriate channels (police department and town attorney).

Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, beginning at 11:00 a.m. and adjourning at 12:44 p.m. Present were Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith, Vice Mayor Susan Anderson, Councilmembers John Bush, Lauren Colliver, Jerry Ford Jr., and Michael Sutphin, Town Manager Marc Verniel, Town Attorney Lawrence S. Spencer Jr., and Town Clerk Lorraine S. Spaulding. Councilmember Susan Mattingly was absent. Councilmember Colliver stepped away from the meeting from approximately 11:07 a.m. to 11:13 a.m. The session focused on reviewing upcoming public hearings, fall semester preparations, and a proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment. Review of Public Hearings Scheduled for September 13, 2022 - CUP 22-0003: Assistant Planning Director Kali Casper described a request by Valley Active Fitness and Rehab for a Conditional Use Permit for a Personal Improvement Service in the Office Zoning District at 120 Professional Park Drive, Suite 8. No new construction or changes are proposed. Applicant Dave Cecchini addressed Council and offered to answer questions; Council had none. - CUP 22-0004: Town Planner Kinsey O’Shea reviewed a request by Blue Ridge Axe Throwing, LLC, applicant Mitchell Tyler, to relocate from Jackson Street to 125 North Main Street, Suite 200, in the Downtown Commercial Zoning District. The North Main building is vacant and offers 7,200 square feet, compared to the applicant’s current 3,400-square-foot space. The proposed layout would modify bicycle parking from 2 spaces to 5 spaces. The applicant explained the reasons for the new request. Fall Semester 2022 Preparations - Town Manager Marc Verniel provided Council with plans for the Virginia Tech football season, including amendments to the outdoor gathering and new party registration process. Verniel explained pre-game activity management and coordination with Virginia Tech on directing students to games. Virginia Tech is organizing an on-campus student event with potential to grow long-term. The police department has been working to set expectations for students. Proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment - Town Planner Maeve Gould presented an overview of a proposed amendment intended to better address high-density student housing, along with housekeeping items such as mapping issues and typos. Gould noted that as a college town, this topic is important and should be covered in detail. Council was supportive of initiating the amendment process. - Note: The agenda lists this item as the “2022 Comprehensive Plan Amendment,” while the minutes describe a proposed amendment to the 2021 Comprehensive Plan. Council/Staff Exchange - Council discussed language in a proposed Women’s reproductive rights resolution. - Deputy Town Manager Chris Lawrence addressed questions about the Hand-in-Hand playground online survey. Citizens can provide input through September 10, 2022, and the goal is to have the park completed in spring 2023. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken during the work session. - Council was supportive of initiating the Comprehensive Plan amendment process. - The public hearings for CUP 22-0003 and CUP 22-0004 remain scheduled for September 13, 2022. - The meeting adjourned at 12:44 p.m.