Public Meetings - Blacksburg, Virginia

The Blacksburg Planning Commission held a regular meeting on June 7, 2022, at 6:30 PM in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The commission approved a consent agenda, held four public hearings, and took action on several land-use applications. All five present commissioners voted unanimously on all items except a subdivision preliminary plat review, which was denied. Consent Calendar - Approval of Planning Commission Minutes (May 3, 2022): Approved unanimously (5-0). - RZN 22-0001/ORD 1993 – Rezoning of 1.59 acres at 402 Clay Street SE from R-5 Transitional Residential to PR Planned Residential: Scheduled a public hearing for July 5, 2022, as part of the consent agenda (approved 5-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Chris Williams (1104 Deerfield Drive) spoke during the public hearing for SUB 22-0006. He expressed strong concerns about the impact on the watershed, stormwater management, and flooding in the area. He stated that the Town has acknowledged these concerns but has not acted, and he urged the Planning Commission to deny the request and any future development in the area. He noted that the Town’s own climate vulnerability assessment projects increased precipitation and more severe storms. Discussion Items CUP 22-0001 – Day Care Center at 1017 Progress Street NW (Northside Presbyterian Church) - Staff presented the request for a day care use (after-school and summer care for up to 47 children). The applicant, Joe Hunnings, stated the church aims to provide affordable child care and partner with the YMCA and Virginia Tech’s Hokie Hangout. He requested a delay in planting the vegetative buffer until fall. No public comment was heard. The commission approved with staff conditions, modifications (buffer location/type, bicycle rack), and a special exception for front-line parking. CUP 22-0002 – Fine Arts Studio at 1513 Boxwood Drive (Jonathan Rugh) - Staff presented a request for an 800-square-foot art studio to produce custom wooden paddles. The applicant, Jonathan Rugh, noted no employees would be on site and customers would only pick up finished products. No public comment. The commission approved with conditions and a special exception for front-line parking. AFD 22-0001 – Withdrawal of 40.34 Acres from Agricultural and Forestal District at 1900 Toms Creek Road - Staff reviewed the request to remove the property from the AFD to develop the Berewick Planned Residential District (76 single-family lots). The property had been rezoned in 2021. The Agricultural and Forestal Advisory Committee recommended approval (6-0). No public comment. The commission approved the withdrawal. SUB 22-0006 – Major Subdivision Preliminary Plat Review for 76 Lots at 1900 Toms Creek Road (Berewick) - Staff detailed multiple deficiencies in the preliminary plat, including non-compliance with floodplain, stormwater, lot characteristics, driveway, bikeway, water/sewer, and utility easement standards. Staff recommended denial. The applicant, Paul Brown, acknowledged the deficiencies and stated they would resubmit after addressing comments, anticipating denial to establish a timeline. Commissioner discussion noted that the motion to deny gave time to consider public comment and an email from a master naturalist about tree canopy. The motion to deny passed 5-0. Key Outcomes - CUP 22-0001 (Day Care Center) – Approved (5-0), with staff conditions, modifications, and a special exception. - CUP 22-0002 (Fine Arts Studio) – Approved (5-0), with staff conditions and a special exception. - AFD 22-0001 (Agricultural and Forestal District Withdrawal) – Approved (5-0). - SUB 22-0006 (Preliminary Plat) – Denied (5-0), directing the applicant to correct deficiencies and resubmit. - The next public hearing was scheduled for July 5, 2022. - The commission acknowledged the service of outgoing Commissioner Jack Davis.

The Blacksburg Town Council met on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting focused on honoring retiring Police Chief Anthony Wilson for 25 years of service, with a unanimous vote to adopt a resolution and the announcement that a training center at the new public safety building will be named after him. The council also approved a consent agenda including minutes from previous meetings and a fireworks permit for the July 4th celebration. The meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m. Recognition of Chief Anthony Wilson - Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith presented Resolution 5-A-22, detailing Chief Wilson’s career from a patrol officer (1997) through his appointment as chief in 2014, his creation of the “training triangle” (tactical training, communication/de-escalation, spiritual connection and psychological wellness), involvement in the Montgomery County Dialogue on Race, co-chairing the New River Valley Public Health Task Force during the pandemic, and launching programs such as Books to Badges (scholarships) and No Hokie Left Behind. - Town Manager Marc Verniel announced that the training facility room at the new public safety building will be named the “Anthony S. Wilson Training Center.” He noted that community members Sandy Davis and John Dooley led a fundraising effort that raised $120,000 for fitness equipment not covered in the project budget. - Chief Wilson expressed gratitude to the council for unwavering support, emphasized the importance of training to enable officers to de-escalate situations and relax under pressure, and stated that Blacksburg is “the greatest place in the world to do this job.” He also acknowledged his family, including his wife Angie (whom he called “the biggest award” from the ACE program). - Action: Councilmember Sutphin moved, and Councilmember Bush seconded, to adopt Resolution 5-A-22. The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote (Bush, Colliver, Ford, Hager-Smith, Mattingly, Sutphin – all yes). Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included: - Town Council Minutes from May 10, 2022 (regular meeting), May 16, 2022 (special meeting), and May 17, 2022 (work session). - A fireworks permit for the Independence Day Celebration on July 4, 2022, at 9:30 p.m. on Patrick Henry Drive. - The motion to approve was made by Councilmember Sutphin, seconded by Councilmember Colliver, and passed unanimously (Colliver, Ford, Hager-Smith, Mattingly, Sutphin, Bush – all yes). Key Outcomes - Resolution 5-A-22 honoring Chief Anthony Wilson was adopted unanimously. - The training center at the new public safety building was formally named the “Anthony S. Wilson Training Center.” - The consent agenda (minutes and fireworks permit) was approved unanimously. - The next Town Council Work Session was announced for Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., and the next Regular Meeting for Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at 6:30 p.m., both in the Municipal Building Council Chambers.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a brief regular meeting on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting lasted approximately three minutes. Key actions included unanimous approval of the consent agenda and rescheduling of a public hearing for the sale of town property. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved the meeting minutes for April 26 and May 3, 2022. - Approved scheduling a public hearing for June 14, 2022, for a resolution granting a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a fine arts studio at 1513 Boxwood Drive. - Introduced Ordinance 1989 authorizing the sale of approximately 3.9737 acres of town property on South Point Drive (verbally described as "four acres" during the meeting) and scheduled a public hearing for June 14, 2022. Public Hearings - A public hearing on Ordinance 1989 (sale of South Point Drive property) originally on the agenda for this meeting was canceled and rescheduled to June 14, 2022. Council Announcements - Vice Mayor Susan Anderson announced a joint dinner meeting with the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors on Monday, May 16, 2022, at the Montgomery County Government Center, and expressed support for maintaining regional communications. - A council member noted that the fine arts studio CUP applicant (a paddle carver) was featured on an "On Appalachia" radio program, and expressed interest in listening to the segment. - Council members noted that Virginia Tech graduation was occurring that week, and a recommendation was made to attend the Lyric Theatre for seating. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda passed unanimously on a roll call vote (7-0). - The public hearing for Ordinance 1989 was rescheduled to June 14, 2022. - No citizen comments, unfinished business, or new business were discussed. - The meeting adjourned at 6:33 p.m.

The Blacksburg Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at 6:30 PM in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers of the Blacksburg Municipal Building. The meeting lasted approximately 5 minutes and was adjourned at 6:35 PM. All seven commissioners were present. The agenda consisted primarily of consent items, reports from committees, and a brief town council update. No public hearings or citizen comments were conducted. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (February 1, 2022): The commission approved the minutes from the February 1, 2022 meeting. - CUP 22-0001 (Day Care Center): Scheduled a public hearing for June 7, 2022, for a conditional use permit request for a day care center at 1017 Progress Street NW (R-4 Low Density Residential district) on behalf of Northside Presbyterian Church. - CUP 22-0002 (Fine Arts Studio): Scheduled a public hearing for June 7, 2022, for a conditional use permit request for a fine arts studio at 1513 Boxwood Drive (RR-1 Rural Residential 1 district) by Jonathan Rugh. - AFD 22-0001 (Agricultural and Forestal District Withdrawal): Scheduled a public hearing for June 7, 2022, for a request to withdraw 40.34 acres from the Agricultural and Forestal District at 1900 Toms Creek Road for the Berewick Planned Residential District (property owner: Jim Lucas, Lucas TCR LLC). - SUB 22-0006 (Major Subdivision Preliminary Plat): Scheduled a public hearing for June 7, 2022, for a major subdivision preliminary plat review for 76 lots on 40.34 acres at 1900 Toms Creek Road for the Berewick Planned Residential District (property owner: Jim Lucas, Lucas TCR LLC). The consent agenda was approved by a motion (Jerry Ford, second Jack Davis) with a unanimous 7-0 vote. Unfinished Business - Zoning Ordinance Review Committee: Reported that the committee has not met. - Historic or Design Review Board: Jack Davis reported that the board reviewed a proposed mural on Draper Road (on the side of Gilly's), funded by AARP, measuring 10 feet by 20 feet on aluminum panels. - Montgomery County Planning Commission: Joel Herbein reported that the Montgomery County Planning Commission approved the West Hill Major Subdivision Plat at their March meeting, consisting of 425 lots of single-family attached (townhomes) and single-family detached homes on Prices Fork Road. - Additional Items from Commissioners: None. New Business - Chair's Report: None. - Planning Director's Report: None. - Town Council Report: Jerry Ford reported that the Town Council passed the Town Budget a week prior and held a work session discussing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to be allocated over the next three years. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Approved (7-0): All five items were approved, including minutes and scheduling of three public hearings for June 7, 2022. - Public Hearings Scheduled: June 7, 2022, for CUP 22-0001, CUP 22-0002, AFD 22-0001, and SUB 22-0006. - Reports Acknowledged: The commission received reports on the Zoning Ordinance Review Committee (no meeting), Historic or Design Review Board (mural approval), Montgomery County Planning Commission (subdivision approval), and Town Council (budget and ARPA funds). - Meeting Adjourned at 6:35 PM.

The Blacksburg Town Council held its regular meeting on April 26, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers of the Municipal Building. The meeting focused primarily on the adoption of the FY2022/2023 budget (Ordinance 1984) and amendments to water, sewer, meter, and solid waste fees (Ordinance 1985). Two council members had previously read disqualification statements regarding Ordinance 1984 at the April 12 public hearing and did not vote on certain sections. All actions passed unanimously, with some abstentions. Consent Calendar - Approved the town council minutes from April 12, 2022 (regular meeting) and April 19, 2022 (work session) by a unanimous roll call vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Unfinished Business - Amended Ordinance 1984 (FY2022/2023 Budget): Council first approved the ordinance as a whole, excluding sections 4(a)(ii), 4(a)(v), 6, and 7, which were reserved for separate votes. The motion passed unanimously (6-0). - Section 4(a)(v): Vice Mayor Anderson moved to approve; Councilmember Sutphin seconded. The motion passed 5-0-1, with Councilmember Mattingly abstaining. - Sections 4(a)(ii), 6, and 7: Vice Mayor Anderson moved to approve; Councilmember Mattingly seconded. The motion passed 5-0-1, with Councilmember Sutphin abstaining. - Ordinance 1985 (Utility Rate Increases): Council approved an ordinance amending Town Code sections 18-201, 18-400, 20-206, 24-306, 24-314, and 24-602 to increase fees for water and sewer services, meter fees, and solid waste and recycling fees. The motion passed unanimously (6-0). Council Announcements - Vice Mayor Anderson announced that the League of Women Voters had published the 2022 Facts for Voters booklet, available in the Municipal Building lobby and other locations. The booklet includes contact information for local, state, and federal representatives. Key Outcomes - The FY2022/2023 budget (Amended Ordinance 1984) was adopted, with portions voted on separately due to disqualification statements from two council members. - Utility and solid waste rate increases (Ordinance 1985) were adopted unanimously. - The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.

The Blacksburg Town Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers of the Blacksburg Municipal Building. The meeting included a proclamation, moments of silence, approval of the consent agenda, four public hearings, budget disclosures, and a closed session. All votes were unanimous. Proclamations & Remembrance - Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith read a proclamation designating April 23, 2022, as Arbor Day in Blacksburg, encouraging residents to celebrate and plant trees. - Council and staff observed a moment of silence in memory of Town employees Gary Dowdy (Public Works, passed March 31, 2022, age 55) and Wayne Garst (retired Blacksburg Fire Department fire code official, passed recently, age 63). Consent Calendar - Approved Town Council Minutes from March 22, 2022, and the Work Session Minutes from April 5, 2022. - Adopted Resolution 4-B-22 supporting the Virginia Community Flood Preparedness Grant application for 2022. - Adopted Resolution 4-C-22 acknowledging National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 10-16, 2022. - Motion by Vice Mayor Susan Anderson, seconded by Councilmember Michael Sutphin; passed unanimously on a roll call vote (7-0). Public Hearings Ordinance 1982 – Open-Space Easement on Brush Mountain - Town Manager Marc Verniel reported that the ordinance grants an open-space easement to the Virginia Outdoors Foundation over approximately 205 acres of Town property on Brush Mountain (Brush Mountain Property 3). - The property was acquired with a $210,000 grant from the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation; the easement preserves the land while permitting recreational use and trail construction. - Verniel noted six miles of trail exist, six more are under construction, and this property will support another six miles, for a total of 18 miles. - No public comment. Motion by Vice Mayor Anderson, seconded by Councilmember Sutphin; passed unanimously (7-0). Ordinance 1983 – Utility Easement to Shentel at 2700 Prosperity Road - Town Manager Verniel stated the ordinance grants a small utility easement (about 320 square feet) to Shentel for fiber optic cable installation on Town property at the Public Works site. - No public comment. Motion by Vice Mayor Anderson, seconded by Councilmember Sutphin; passed unanimously (7-0). Ordinance 1986 – Encroachment in Town Right-of-Way at 411 Draper Road - Assistant Planning Director Kali Casper presented the request for an encroachment in the town alley right-of-way behind 411 Draper Road. - The proposal is for a concrete pad (approximately 4 feet 11 inches into the right-of-way, up to 14 feet in length) to accommodate two 4-yard rolling dumpsters (one trash, one recycling) for a new by-right neighborhood convenience store. - The plan also includes replacing approximately 12 feet 11 inches by 26 feet of alley asphalt with concrete to handle dumpster servicing wear. - The applicant revised the request to use two dumpsters (trash and recycling). - Casper initially stated the Planning Commission recommended approval, but later corrected herself: the Planning Commission does not review encroachments and did not vote on this matter. - Applicant offered to answer questions; none were asked. No public comment. - Motion by Vice Mayor Anderson, seconded by Councilmember Sutphin; passed unanimously (7-0). FY22/23 Recommended Budget Package (Ordinances 1984 and 1985) - Councilmember Michael Sutphin disclosed a complete disqualification regarding Ordinance 1984 due to his employment with Community Housing Partners (CHP), which receives HUD funding. He stated he would abstain from voting on Paragraph 4 subsection (ii) (a $52,000 appropriation to CHP Consulting) and Paragraphs 6 and 7, which would be voted on separately on April 26, 2022. - Councilmember Susan Mattingly disclosed a complete disqualification regarding Ordinance 1984 due to her employment with The Lyric Council, which receives Town funding. She stated she would abstain from voting on Paragraph 4, subsection a (v), which would be voted on separately on April 26, 2022. - Town Manager Marc Verniel gave the combined staff report, highlighting: economic recovery from the pandemic with revenues projected to return to pre-pandemic levels this fiscal year; the budget includes a compensation study to address employee pay amid 40-year high inflation; total budget is $91 million; comparing budget-to-budget shows a 20% decrease due to prior large transit capital projects, but the true total budget increase is about 8.2% (general fund up about 8%). - Property tax rate remains at 26 cents per $100 of assessed value. A county reassessment will occur mid-year (every four years). - Proposed rate increases for water, sewer, and solid waste/recycling due to inflationary costs and capital projects; stormwater fee unchanged. Average utility bill increase would be about $5.50 per month. - New positions proposed: deputy police chief, IT database administrator, skilled maintainer, and assistant operations manager at Blacksburg Transit. - Public comment: none. - No action taken; the public hearing was held and actions on Ordinance 1984 and 1985 are scheduled for April 26, 2022. Additional work session scheduled for April 19, 2022. Citizen Comments - None. Council Announcements - Councilmember Lauren Colliver announced upcoming community activities: Easter egg hunt on Saturday at Municipal Park (Parks and Rec), start of Passover on Friday (noting the Mayor made a matzah cover), and Fork & Cork at Smithfield Plantation on April 23. Adjournment & Closed Meeting - The regular meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m. - Council moved to a Closed Meeting pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(A)(1) for annual discussion and evaluation of the Town Clerk's performance and salary. Motion by Vice Mayor Anderson, seconded by Councilmember Ford; passed unanimously (7-0). Closed meeting began at 6:54 p.m. - Council reconvened in open session at 7:09 p.m. and adopted Resolution 4-D-22 certifying the propriety of the closed meeting. Motion by Vice Mayor Anderson, seconded by Councilmember Sutphin; passed unanimously (7-0). Key Outcomes - All consent agenda items and ordinances (1982, 1983, 1986) approved unanimously (7-0 each). - Budget public hearing held; no action taken. Final votes on Ordinance 1984 and 1985 scheduled for April 26, 2022. - Councilmembers Sutphin and Mattingly formally disqualified from portions of Ordinance 1984 and will abstain from those votes. - Closed meeting held and certification resolution adopted unanimously.

The Blacksburg Town Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers of the Blacksburg Municipal Building. The meeting focused primarily on citizen comments regarding funding requests for the Fiscal Year 2023 Operating Budget from a variety of community agencies. The council also approved the consent agenda and made announcements about upcoming community events. The meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved the minutes from March 8, 2022 (regular meeting) and March 15, 2022 (work session). Vice Mayor Anderson moved approval, Councilmember Sutphin seconded, and the motion passed 7-0 on a roll call vote. (Councilmember Ford was present at the time.) Citizen Comments on Agency Funding Requests Citizens spoke in support of their organizations’ funding requests for the Town’s FY2023 Operating Budget. No votes were taken; the requests will be considered during budget deliberations. - Karen Healey (Montgomery County Christmas Store Fundraising Chair) described the store’s mission and noted that in 2021 the store served over 1,400 families, of which 360 came from Blacksburg (slightly over 25% of the total). She detailed the items provided (new clothing, food boxes, household goods, gift cards) and asked for continued support. - Tina King (Executive Director, New River Valley Agency on Aging) requested $7,738 for FY2023 (a $500+ increase) due to rising service costs, inflation, and increased demand. She reported that 2,015 Blacksburg residents received services in the past year, including 4,000+ home‑delivered meals, 230 transportation trips, and health insurance counseling that saved residents across the New River Valley $421,000 in one year. - Representative of The Lyric (with Councilmember Mattingly recused and away from the dais for this presentation) stated that in 2021 the Lyric showed 45 films serving nearly 8,000 individuals, hosted live streaming events, and opened its space to community groups. Future projects include upgrades to the concession area and ticket booth. She encouraged council support. - Alex Barge (Brain Injury Services of Southwest Virginia) highlighted that one brain injury occurs every 20 seconds and that 1 in 30 Virginians has a disability from a brain injury. In Blacksburg, that could be about 1,400 potential participants. He described free case‑management services and noted that over 60% of participants live below the poverty line. He requested funding support. - Jean Haskell (Vice President, Montgomery Museum of Art and History) noted the museum’s mission to preserve history and present art. She cited a capital campaign to purchase a historic bank building (goal $1.6M; raised nearly $1M) and that Montgomery County donated $100,000 and Christiansburg $50,000. Blacksburg residents are the fastest growing membership segment. She asked Blacksburg to join in supporting the museum. - Kate Skelly (Executive Director, Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation) thanked the town for past support. She described the museum’s work in preserving and promoting Blacksburg’s art, history, and culture through exhibitions, tours, and events, and requested continued funding. - Elizabeth Fine (1306 Hillcrest Drive, Blacksburg resident 42 years) spoke in support of the Montgomery Museum. She noted that Blacksburg has not yet contributed to the capital campaign and requested that Blacksburg match Christiansburg’s $50,000 donation. She argued the museum strengthens regional connections. - Laina Schneider (Executive Director, Live Work Eat Grow) requested funding for the community garden program, which serves about 100 families at three garden sites on town property (Hale Garden, Wong Park, Garrison Park). Funds would support maintenance and staff. She noted challenges with groundhogs and deer. - Clara Cox (Blacksburg resident) spoke in support of the Montgomery Museum, emphasizing its role in preserving local history and educating the public. She noted the museum’s upcoming move to a larger space and asked for council funding. - Jessica Jones (representing Downtown Blacksburg Inc.) highlighted DBI’s gift certificate program (over $43,000 sold in 2021), its $200,000 annual operating budget, and events such as Summer Solstice Festival, Art at the Market, and Stepping Out. She requested that council approve funding, noting that many events operate at a loss and rely on financial support. - Ryan Martin (Executive Director, YMCA at Virginia Tech) requested $5,000 (a renewal of $2,500 for waste management/recycling plus a $2,500 increase for expanding international program activities, including International Welcome Week). He described the YMCA’s recycling drop‑off and services for international community members. Other Citizen Comments - Doug White (2137 Brooksfield Road) expressed ongoing concerns about the Windsor Hills Pump Station. He stated that a sewer release occurred in December 2021 and that a force main is 30 years old. He claimed that one pump was replaced with a higher‑horsepower pump, potentially causing overpressure, and that releases may enter a karst aquifer affecting neighboring wells. He asked council to review submitted data, inspect and pressure‑test the force main, and engage with him in dialogue about the issue. Council Announcements - Mayor Hager-Smith announced the annual Dialogue on Race on Saturday, March 26, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Christiansburg Middle School (in person). - Vice Mayor Anderson promoted the Lyric’s Oscar night on Sunday, March 27, including door prizes, swag bags, and an Oscar bracket contest with up to $500 prize. - Councilmember Colliver noted a performance by the Master Chorale and Children’s Chorale on Saturday, March 26 (or April 2) at the Moss Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. - Councilmember Sutphin announced the Clothesline Project display on the Virginia Tech drill field on Tuesday, March 29 (9 a.m. – 5 p.m., weather permitting, postponed if bad weather) featuring t‑shirts from survivors of gender‑based violence. He also announced the Take Back the Night rally on Thursday, March 31, 7 p.m., downtown Blacksburg. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (7‑0). - Funding Requests: No votes were taken; citizen comments will inform the FY2023 budget process. - Next Meetings: Work session April 5, 2022 (11:00 a.m.); regular meeting April 12, 2022 (6:30 p.m.).

The Blacksburg Planning Commission held its regular meeting on February 1, 2022, at 6:30 PM in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers, Blacksburg Municipal Building. The meeting included three public hearings: a major rezoning request for affordable housing at 100 Country Club Drive, and two conditional use permits for existing properties. The Commission voted on all items, with the most contentious decision (the rezoning) passing 4-3. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (January 4, 2022): Motion to approve passed 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - RZN 21-0005 (100 Country Club Drive): Many residents spoke in opposition, citing concerns about density (proposed 52 bedrooms/acre vs. surrounding low-density), traffic safety (narrow roads, lack of sidewalks, cut-through traffic), building height (3-4 stories), insufficient parking (0.85 spaces/bedroom vs. town standard of 1.1), impacts on neighborhood character, and safety for children. Several speakers expressed support for affordable housing but argued that the scale was inappropriate for the site. A few residents (e.g., Kathleen Morris, Sarah Jacob) supported the project, noting the need for affordable housing and the applicant's responsiveness. - CUP 21-0007 (902 South Main Street): No public comments. - CUP 21-0008 (205 Washington Street SW): No public comments. Discussion Items RZN 21-0005/ORD 1979 – Rezoning to PR Planned Residential - Staff presented the proposal: a 56-unit/142-bedroom multifamily building on 2.75 acres, all units affordable to households earning 30-80% AMI for a minimum of 30 years via Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. The building would be three stories facing Country Club Drive and four stories facing the shopping center. A variance was requested for sidewalk configuration (2-foot planting strip, 7-foot sidewalk instead of standard 4+5). - Applicant (Mark Huffman, Community Housing Partners) highlighted design changes made in response to community feedback, including reduced building height, enhanced landscaping, a 7-foot sidewalk, and extension of affordability beyond 30 years. - Commission discussion: Commissioners expressed deep divisions. Mel Jones supported the project, citing strong need for affordable housing and the applicant's engagement. Jack Davis and Joel Herbein recommended withdrawal and redesign with community input. Tim Colley wanted more tweaking. Susanna Rinehart struggled with the trade-offs. Jerry Ford emphasized the need and the opportunity. Chair Andy Kassoff outlined reasons to support, referencing traffic analysis and the chance for affordable housing. - Motion to approve (including sidewalk variance) passed 4-3 (Rinehart, Kassoff, Jones, Ford yes; Herbein, Colley, Davis no). CUP 21-0007 – General Office, Multi-Family Residential, Financial Institution - Staff (Paul Patterson) explained the request is to legalize existing uses at 902 South Main Street, correcting a 2013 change of use. No changes proposed. Staff recommended conditions on hours of operation and bicycle parking. - Applicant (John Spicer) stated no changes; simply a clerical fix. - Commission discussion: None. Motion to approve with staff conditions passed 7-0. CUP 21-0008 – Two-Family Dwelling in OTR District - Staff (Kinsey O’Shea) presented the request for a duplex at 205 Washington Street SW, to be used as partially-subsidized short-term housing for Virginia Tech faculty recruits. A variance is requested for an existing nonconforming sidewalk. - Applicant (Carrie Woodring and Tom Koontz) detailed renovation plans, including unit layouts, finishes, and site improvements (reduced lot coverage to 47%, buffer yard, bike storage). - Commission discussion: Jack Davis expressed excitement about more non-student housing. Motion to approve with variance passed 7-0. Key Outcomes - RZN 21-0005 (100 Country Club Drive): Approved 4-3 to rezone from R-5 to PR Planned Residential, with the sidewalk variance. The project will proceed to Town Council for a public hearing on March 8, 2022. - CUP 21-0007 (902 South Main Street): Approved 7-0 with staff-recommended conditions. - CUP 21-0008 (205 Washington Street SW): Approved 7-0 with sidewalk variance. - Other: No citizen comments; Planning Director Anne McClung announced upcoming public input for ARPA funds via postcards; Town Council report noted ARPA project review and airport runway completion.

The Blacksburg Planning Commission met on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers of the Blacksburg Municipal Building, 300 S. Main St., Blacksburg, VA. Because of COVID-19, seating was limited; the meeting was live-streamed and recorded. All seven commissioners were present: T. Colley, J. Davis, J. Ford, J. Herbein, M. Jones, A. Kassoff, and S. Rinehart. Staff included Assistant Planning Director Kali Casper, Planning Director A. McClung, and Planning Technician K. Thomsen. The meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m. Consent Calendar - The Commission approved the December 7, 2021 Planning Commission minutes by a 7-0 vote (motion by Jerry Ford, second by Mel Jones). - The Commission scheduled public hearings for February 1, 2022 on: CUP 21-0007 (902 South Main Street; 0.33-acre R-5 parcel; general office, multi-family residential, and financial institution uses; applicant Spicer, Olin and Associates for Scott and Lynn Hill); CUP 21-0008 (205 Washington Street SW; 0.27-acre OTR parcel; two-family dwelling; applicant Carrie Woodring for Virginia Tech Foundation); and RZN 21-0005/ORD 1979 (100 Country Club Drive SE; 2.75 acres; rezoning from R-5 Transitional Residential to PR Planned Residential; applicant Community Housing Partners for Rengin Holt). Public Hearing: CUP 21-0006 - This public hearing considered a conditional use permit request from Balzer and Associates for Diversified Investors XIII, LLC to allow townhome use on the ground floor in the GC General Commercial district on an 8.44-acre vacant parcel at 203 Country Club Drive SW, commonly known as the rugby field. - Staff (Kali Casper) reported the proposal includes 98 townhome units in 20 buildings, with a maximum of 280 bedrooms (about 33 bedrooms per acre), 309 vehicle parking spaces (1.1 per bedroom), 342 bicycle parking spaces (1.2 per bedroom), 21% open space, and a maximum 57% lot coverage. The site is subject to the 2006 First and Main rezoning proffers, as amended in 2013, and the overall country club parcel is limited to 400 bedrooms. - The applicant requested exceptions to Town use and design standards for more than two contiguous townhomes in a series, a reduction in separation between townhouse series from 20 feet to 13 feet, street-facing entrance/window requirements for certain buildings and end units, and yard standards for buildings 9 and 12. - Staff recommended conditions addressing substantial conformance with the revised application, maximum bedroom counts and occupancy (family plus two unrelated individuals or no more than three unrelated individuals), no conversion of flex/attic space to bedrooms, installation of bicycle parking before certificates of occupancy, relocation/dedication of a trail easement, HOA documents covering the Town's homestay regulations, and a sanitary sewer acknowledgement agreement. Staff did not consider the applicant's proposed Energy Star certification a significant commitment, and suggested a percentage above building code or a third-party certification instead. - Applicant representative Steve Semones said the applicant incorporated many work-session and neighborhood comments, did not widen trail connections for safety reasons, was committed to the bedroom and occupancy limits, and was open to HOA-managed parking policies and discussing stronger energy efficiency measures. - Public comment: Mike Lawless of 1210 Draper Road said he was neither for nor against the project, but expressed concerns about increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic, density, and possible conversion to student housing. He praised continued dialogue between the applicant and Town and hoped concerns could be tightened before the case moved to Town Council. Commission Discussion - Jerry Ford moved to approve CUP 21-0006 with all requested exceptions/modifications and staff recommended conditions; Jack Davis seconded. Ford said he supported moving the project forward and refining conditions later. - Mel Jones opposed the motion. She cited townhouse density next to the elementary school and single-family neighborhood, said a by-right multifamily building might be better managed and more energy efficient, expressed concerns about the yard exceptions for buildings 9 and 12, and worried about over-occupancy and maintenance. - Jack Davis responded that Blacksburg needs more family housing and diverse housing types, that proximity to the elementary school and shopping was a positive, and that the HOA could address occupancy issues. He urged the applicant to upgrade the energy system. - Andy Kassoff suggested parking allotments and visitor parking controls as a more enforceable way to manage over-occupancy than bedroom limits. Applicant representatives indicated willingness to consider HOA parking policies. Key Outcomes - The Commission approved CUP 21-0006 by a 6-1 vote: Colley, Davis, Ford, Herbein, Kassoff, and Rinehart voted yes; Jones voted no. The motion included all requested exceptions/modifications and staff recommended conditions. - There was no citizen comment during the citizen comment period. - In unfinished business, the Zoning Ordinance Review Committee and Historic or Design Review Board had not met, and the Montgomery County Planning Commission did not hold a December meeting. - Jerry Ford reported on the Town Council's review of the Town's street inventory, which is submitted to VDOT every two years and affects funding.