Public Meetings - Blacksburg, Virginia

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The Blacksburg Planning Commission held its regular meeting on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at 6:30 PM in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers of the Municipal Building. The commission unanimously approved two conditional use permits and continued a major rezoning request to September 6, 2022. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (June 7, 2022): Approved 7–0. - RZN 22-0001 (402 Clay Street SE): The public hearing was cancelled and rescheduled for September 6, 2022, after the applicant submitted revised materials. Approved 7–0. Public Hearings CUP 22-0003 – Valley Active Fitness and Rehab (120 Professional Park Drive, Suite 8) - Staff (Kali Casper) presented a request for a Conditional Use Permit to allow an existing personal improvement services use (previously attached to a medical office) to continue in the Office zoning district. No site changes were proposed. Staff recommended conditions including installation of Town-approved bicycle racks within three months. The applicant was absent due to a family emergency. No public comment. The commission approved the permit 7–0 with staff recommendations. CUP 22-0004 – Blue Ridge Axe Throwing (125 North Main Street, Suite 200) - Staff (Kinsey O’Shea) presented a request to relocate the existing axe-throwing facility from Jackson Street to a larger Main Street space, including a modification to reduce required bicycle parking from five spaces to two. Applicant Mitch Tyler presented the floor plan, noted sustainable wood sourcing, LED lighting, upgraded fire suppression, and updated alcohol policies. No public comment. The commission approved the permit 7–0 with staff conditions and the parking modification. RZN 22-0002 – Whipple Drive Rezoning (1800 Whipple Drive) - Staff (Kinsey O’Shea) reviewed the initial application (filed June 1, 2022) to rezone 3.08 acres from R-5 Transitional Residential to PR Planned Residential for a 34-townhome (98-bedroom) development. The proposal included 32 bedrooms per acre (a 60% increase over the Future Land Use designation), reduced setbacks, and a modification to reduce public utility easements from 15 feet to 10 feet. The applicant submitted revisions on July 22, 2022, which staff had not yet analyzed. Applicant Steve Semones (Balzer and Associates) highlighted revisions including sight-distance exhibits, a 50-foot throat length, removal of encroachments into easements, 14% tree canopy, and solar panels maintained by the HOA. Discussion focused on density, occupancy, accessibility (three zero-step units but not full ADA), HOA responsibilities for solar panel replacement, and the 10-foot easement. Commissioner Ford expressed concerns about density and who would live there. Commissioner Rinehart noted the need for a comprehensive review. The commission voted 7–0 to continue the public hearing to September 6, 2022. Public Comments & Testimony - Jason Boyle commented during the Citizen Comment period, arguing that the Town’s requirement for 15-foot public utility easements is a poor use of land because utilities do not require that much space, and noted that adjacent vacant parcels would add another 15 feet, creating 30 feet of unusable land. Key Outcomes - CUP 22-0003 approved 7–0. - CUP 22-0004 approved 7–0 with modification to bicycle parking. - RZN 22-0002 continued to September 6, 2022, public hearing (vote 7–0). - RZN 22-0001 (Clay Street) public hearing cancelled and rescheduled to September 6, 2022. - The next Planning Commission work session is scheduled for August 16, 2022, and the next regular meeting for September 6, 2022.

No meeting agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this date. Therefore, no summary of discussion, public comments, or decisions can be generated. The raw transcription field was empty, and no additional documentation was available.

The Blacksburg Town Council met on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting was adjourned at 7:22 p.m. Key actions included recognition of retiring Public Works Director Kelly Mattingly, approval of a daycare conditional use permit, withdrawal of land from an agricultural district, amendments to mass outdoor gathering permits, and the appointment of Latanya Walker to the Planning Commission. Consent Calendar - Items A & B (Minutes of June 28 and July 5, 2022; Resolution 7-B-22 setting meeting dates) were approved unanimously after being amended to remove Items C and D for separate votes. - Item C – Ordinance 1996 (FY 2022/2023 budget amendment appropriating $13,364,987 in ARP/CSLFRF revenues) was introduced and a public hearing scheduled for August 9, 2022. Passed 5-0-2 (Bush and Sutphin abstained). - Item D – 2022-2026 HUD Consolidated Plan and 2022 Annual Action Plan was approved. Passed 6-0-1 (Sutphin abstained). Public Comments & Testimony - Ordinance 1987 (Mass Outdoor Gatherings): Rebecca Paulson (913 Kentwood Drive) and Rosalie Sawdon (1181 Oakland Square) spoke in favor, thanking Council and staff. Paulson emphasized that due diligence and enforcement would be key to the ordinance’s success; Sawdon described prior game-day activity as “an absolute disgrace.” - Ordinance 1992 (Land Withdrawal): Javad Torabinejad, a local resident, recommended streamlining the withdrawal process to avoid delays after a rezoning is already approved. Discussion Items - Recognition – Resolution 7-A-22: Mayor Hager-Smith and staff honored Public Works Director Kelly Mattingly for 28 years of service, highlighting his leadership in environmental sustainability (energy retrofits, single-stream recycling, biodiesel, fleet electrification) and community partnerships. Mattingly thanked the town. The resolution was adopted unanimously. - Conditional Use Permit – Daycare at 1017 Progress St N.W.: Staff presentation by Kali Casper. Northside Presbyterian Church, in partnership with YMCA-VT, proposed an after-school enrichment program for K-5th grade (4-6 p.m. school year; 7 a.m.-6 p.m. summer) for up to 47 children. Planning Commission recommended approval 5-0. The applicant, Joe Hunnings, agreed with all staff conditions (state license, modified buffer yard, bicycle racks, queuing management). No public comment. Council approved Resolution 7-C-22 unanimously. - Ordinance 1992 – Withdrawal from Agricultural and Forestal District: Staff presented the withdrawal of 40.34 acres at 1900 Toms Creek Road, part of the previously approved Berewick Planned Residential Development (76 single-family lots). The Agricultural and Forestal District Advisory Committee (6-0) and Planning Commission (5-0) recommended approval. Rollback taxes will apply. Council approved unanimously. - Ordinance 1987 – Mass Outdoor Social Gathering Permits: Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer reviewed changes to Town Code § 13-106, including stronger permit requirements (e.g., notification of property owner, guest control, alcohol responsibility) and a new voluntary party registration process for gatherings under 200 people. Police Chief Brewster noted ongoing outreach to student groups and coordination with Virginia Tech on game-day crowd management. Council approved unanimously. - Ordinance 1991 – Vacating Utility Easements at 513 & 515 Georgia Street: Spencer explained that due to a boundary line adjustment, existing public utility easements needed to be vacated and rededicated in new locations. No public comment. Council approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Votes: All agenda items passed unanimously except as noted in the Consent Calendar. - Abstentions: Councilmember Sutphin abstained from Items C and D due to his employment with Community Housing Partners, which receives HUD funding. Councilmember Bush abstained from Item C due to his unpaid service on the Sojourn Center board. - Appointment: Latanya Walker was appointed to the Blacksburg Planning Commission unanimously. - Upcoming Meetings: Work session July 19 and regular meeting July 26 were canceled. Next work session: August 2, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. - Announcements: Vice Mayor Anderson noted Steppin’ Out (first week of August) and other downtown events. Councilmember Mattingly promoted the Art at the Market event on July 16.

This work session of the Blacksburg Town Council, held on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., focused on reviewing proposed architectural design revisions for the Midtown development's Parcel DC 4 and conducting state-mandated Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) training. Councilmembers John Bush, Jerry Ford, Jr., and Susan Mattingly were absent. Discussion Items - Review of Revised Midtown Architectural Design for Parcel DC 4 – Planning Director Anne McClung presented an overview of proposed changes to the previously approved design for Parcel DC 4. The changes included allowing higher building height, modifications to the proposed exterior appearance, and revised building plans. McClung displayed slides of the proposed changes and noted that the applicant was seeking feedback from Council. She added that a complete review package had not yet been submitted to the Town. After discussion, Council provided direction on several items in the request. - Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Training – Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer delivered the state-mandated FOIA training program for Town Council members and the Town’s FOIA Officers. Key Outcomes - Council gave general direction on the proposed changes for Parcel DC 4, though specific details of the direction were not recorded in the minutes. - The FOIA training was completed, fulfilling the state requirement. - The meeting was adjourned at 12:06 p.m.

Due to the absence of a quorum, the July 5, 2022 regular meeting of the Blacksburg Planning Commission was not formally called to order, and no actions were taken. Planning and Building Department Director Ann McClong addressed the public to announce that several items originally scheduled for this meeting would be rescheduled to the August 2, 2022 public hearing. Consent Calendar - No formal action was taken on the consent agenda. The following items were noted for rescheduling: - Approval of Planning Commission minutes from June 7, 2022. - CUP 22-0003: Conditional Use Permit for a Personal Improvement Service at 120 Professional Park Drive, Suite 8 (Valley Active Fitness and Rehab). - CUP 22-0004: Conditional Use Permit for Commercial Indoor Sports and Recreation at 125 North Main Street, Suite 200 (Blue Ridge Axe Throwing). - RZN 22-0002/ORD 1994: Rezone 3.08 acres at 1800 Whipple Drive from R-5 to PR (Balzer & Associates for JJB Properties). - RZN 22-0001/ORD 1993: Rezone 1.59 acres at 402 Clay Street SE from R-5 to PR (Balzer & Associates for Kaler Communications) – originally scheduled for public hearing on July 5 but cancelled and rescheduled. Key Outcomes - No votes or formal decisions were made due to the lack of a quorum. - Director McClong announced that the public hearings for the above items are rescheduled to the August 2, 2022 Planning Commission meeting. - The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 2, 2022 at 6:30 pm.

Date: June 28, 2022 Time: 6:30 PM – 6:42 PM Location: Blacksburg Municipal Building, 300 S. Main St., Council Chambers The Blacksburg Town Council met on June 28, 2022 to administer the oath of office to Todd Brewster as the new Chief of Police, vote on affordable housing initiatives funded by ARPA, and approve appointments to citizen boards and committees. The meeting was live-streamed and available on Comcast Channel 2. Oath of Office – New Police Chief - Town Manager Marc Verniel introduced Todd Brewster, a 25-year veteran of the Blacksburg Police Department who started as a dispatcher in 1997. Brewster was selected through a national search and will officially become Chief on July 1, 2022, succeeding Chief Wilson. - Mayor Hager-Smith administered the oath. Brewster expressed gratitude to the Council and community, pledging to build on Chief Wilson’s accomplishments and continue strong relationships with Virginia Tech. He also noted the department’s upcoming internal promotions (deputy chief, captains, lieutenants, sergeants) to be announced at a ceremony the next day. Consent Agenda Councilmember Sutphin recused himself from items B, C, and D due to his employment with Community Housing Partners (CHP), which would receive funding. He made disclosures under the Virginia Conflict of Interest Act and abstained from voting on those items. - Item A: Town Council Minutes (June 14 and June 21, 2022) – Approved unanimously (6-0) via roll call. - Items B, C, and D (voted together after removal from consent agenda): - B: Support Agreement between Montgomery County, Town of Blacksburg, and Community Housing Partners for the New River Home Trust (a community land trust). - C: Resolution 6-E-22 establishing the Blacksburg Affordable Housing Development Fund. - D: Approval of the Affordable Housing Development Fund Program Description. - Vote: 5-0 in favor (Sutphin recused). The Mayor explained that these actions were part of organizing the town’s ARPA funds: Blacksburg will receive $13 million in federal ARPA funds, with $4 million dedicated to supporting regional housing initiatives for both town and county residents. Appointments (Unanimous Approval) Council approved reappointments and new appointments to nine boards/committees for 2022, including: - Blacksburg Planning Commission: Tim Colley, Andrew Kassoff, Liam Watson - Board of Zoning Appeals: Mark Cherbaka - Business Relations Committee: Cary Hopper, Elizabeth McClanahan, Ryan Stenger - Corridor Advisory Committee: Erin Ling - Historic/Design Review Board: Tim Colley, Kay Moody, Kris Toufectis, John Gray Williams - Housing Advisory Committee: Joyce Graham - Cemetery Committee: Adam Breske, Latanya Walker - Recreation Advisory Board: Davis Cirillo - NRV Regional Water Authority: William Knocke (joint representative) The Mayor thanked the many citizens who volunteer hundreds of hours of service. Council Announcements - Vice Mayor Anderson and Councilmember Colliver noted that June 28 was the last opportunity to wear Pride Month buttons. - The July 4th celebration was highlighted: parade at 2:00 PM, fireworks at approximately 9:30 PM, with other activities throughout the day. Key Outcomes - Oath of Office Administered: Todd Brewster sworn in as Blacksburg Police Chief (effective July 1). - Minutes Approved: June 14 and June 21, 2022 meeting minutes adopted. - Affordable Housing Measures Passed: Authorized the Town Manager to sign the New River Home Trust support agreement, adopted Resolution 6-E-22 establishing the Affordable Housing Development Fund, and approved the fund’s program description. All votes were 5-0 (one recusal). - Board/Committee Appointments Approved: All reappointments and new appointments approved unanimously (6-0). - Meeting Adjourned at 6:42 PM. Next Meeting: Town Council Work Session – Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at 11:00 AM; Regular Meeting – Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at 6:30 PM.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on June 21, 2022, at 11 a.m. to review upcoming public hearings scheduled for July 12, 2022, and to discuss the Affordable Housing Fund. No minutes or transcript for this work session were provided; the available minutes are from the regular meeting on June 14, 2022. The following agenda items were reviewed: Review of Public Hearings Scheduled for July 12, 2022 - a. Conditional Use Permit request for a Day Care Center in the R-4 Low Density Residential zoning district at 1017 Progress Street N.W. - b. Ordinance 1992: An Ordinance Authorizing the Withdrawal of Land from the Agricultural and Forestal District. - c. Ordinance 1987: An Ordinance Amending Town Code § 13-106 Regarding Mass Outdoor Social Gathering Permits and a New Party Registration Process. - d. Ordinance 1991: An Ordinance Vacating Public Utility Easements on Land located at 513 & 515 Georgia Street. Affordable Housing Fund - Discussion item on the Affordable Housing Fund. No details on discussion or outcomes are available from the agenda alone. Key Outcomes - As a work session, no formal votes or decisions were recorded. The review was preparatory for the public hearings on July 12, 2022.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting on June 14, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting included the graduation of the 2022 Citizens Institute, adoption of a consent agenda, two public hearings, and a detailed report on the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approved Town Council minutes from May 24, 2022, and June 7, 2022. - Scheduled a public hearing for July 12, 2022, on a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a day care center at 1017 Progress Street N.W. - Introduced Ordinance 1992 to withdraw land from the Agricultural and Forestal District and scheduled a public hearing for July 12, 2022. - Adopted Resolution 6-A-22, writing off uncollectible water, sewer, refuse service receivables, meals taxes, business licenses, and real estate taxes. - Introduced Ordinance 1987 amending Town Code § 13-106 regarding mass outdoor social gathering permits and a new party registration process, with a public hearing on July 12, 2022. - Adopted Resolution 6-B-22, re-referring to the Planning Commission proposed zoning ordinance amendments for the Accessory Apartment Permit Program. - Introduced Ordinance 1991 vacating public utility easements at 513 & 515 Georgia Street, with a public hearing on July 12, 2022. - Adopted Resolution 6-C-22 approving a new Employee Pay Plan System. Councilmember Mattingly disclosed her spouse's employment with the town but participated under Virginia Code exception. - All consent agenda items passed unanimously on a roll call vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided comments during the Citizen Comments period. Discussion Items - 2022 Citizens Institute Graduation Ceremony: Mayor Hager-Smith congratulated 14 graduates and noted the program’s return after a two-year hiatus. Certificates were presented. - Conditional Use Permit for Fine Arts Studio (1513 Boxwood Drive): The applicant, Jonathan Rew, sought approval for an 800-square-foot detached woodworking studio for custom canoe and kayak paddles. Staff presented details: no additional customers or employees, building set back 70–90 feet from property lines, insulated construction for noise mitigation. The Planning Commission recommended approval 5‑0. No public comment or rebuttal. Council unanimously approved Resolution 6-D-22. - Ordinance 1989 – Sale of Town Property on South Point Drive: Approximately 3.9737 acres of surplus land from the 2005 VDOT agreement would be sold to Bill Ellenbogen for $1.125 million (appraised value), with a one-year assignable option. Proceeds must be used for open space or recreation at the remaining site. A sewer project must be completed before development; estimated completion spring 2023. No public comment. Council unanimously approved the ordinance. - American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Report: Assistant to the Town Manager Matt Hanratty presented the process and findings for allocating the town’s $13.3 million in ARPA funds (expenditure deadline end of 2026). The public survey (over 1,500 responses) identified top priorities: support for most vulnerable residents, affordable housing, and water/sewer infrastructure. Staff narrowed 57 initial projects to 11 recommended projects including: 414 North Main Street (small business/retail co-op), community gardens, Huckleberry Trail improvements, Meadowbrook Greenway Trail expansion, North Main Trail, infill sidewalks, Sojourn Center hospice design, affordable housing fund, food security partnerships, and child-care workforce strengthening. Council discussed contingency (unspent funds would go to Huckleberry Trail) and the need for temporary downtown restrooms. Two councilmembers filed disqualifications: Bush (employment with Community Housing Partners – abstained on housing fund vote) and Sutphin (Sojourn Center board member – abstained on Sojourn vote). Key Outcomes - CUP for Fine Arts Studio (Resolution 6-D-22): Approved unanimously (6‑0). - Ordinance 1989 (Sale of South Point Drive property): Approved unanimously (6‑0). - ARPA Report Acceptance: Council accepted the overall report with the exception of Sojourn Center and Housing Trust Fund recommendations (motion passed unanimously, 6‑0). - Sojourn Center ARPA Funding: Motion to accept the recommendation passed 5‑0 (Councilmember Bush abstained). - Housing Trust Fund ARPA Funding: Motion to accept the recommendation passed 5‑0 (Councilmember Sutphin abstained). - Council Announcements: Town Manager Verniel announced Todd Brewster as the next Blacksburg Police Chief (effective July 1, 2022) and the ribbon-cutting for the new police station (William H. Brown Building) on June 22, 2022. Councilmember Sutphin recognized June as Pride Month. Vice Mayor Anderson promoted Summer Solstice events on June 18th and other summer activities.