Public Meetings - Blacksburg, Virginia

The Blacksburg Town Council met on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a Black History Month Proclamation presented by Mayor Michael Sutphin, recognizing the centennial of the observance. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, conducted two public hearings, heard citizen comments on sidewalk safety and federal immigration enforcement, and made appointments to boards and committees. Consent Calendar - Town Council Minutes: Approved minutes from January 13 and January 20, 2026. - Contract Amendment: Approved a contract amendment for program management/owner representative services related to the Transit Center. - Ordinance 2110: Introduced an ordinance granting a franchise to Gigabeam Networks LLC for a fiber optic network and scheduled a public hearing for March 10, 2026. - Ordinance 2112: Introduced an ordinance authorizing the lease of the Bennett House property at 303 Wilson Street and scheduled a public hearing for March 10, 2026. - CUP-25-7: Scheduled a public hearing for March 10, 2026, for a conditional use permit for educational facilities (college/university) in the Research and Development district. - Resolution 2-A-26: Adopted a resolution referring proposed amendments to the Floodplain Overlay District to the Planning Commission. All consent agenda items were approved unanimously by roll call vote (7-0). Public Hearings Ordinance 2108: Vacation of Public Utility Easements at 3503 and 3511 Holiday Lane Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer explained that the ordinance vacates old easements from the 1970s to allow for new apartment development, with the town securing new easements. No public comment was received. The council unanimously approved the ordinance. Resolution 2-B-26: Conditional Use Permit for General Office at 207 West Roanoke Street (CUP-25-5) Zoning Administrator Paul Patterson presented that the request would amend a 1980 special use permit (previously limited to Virginia Tech administrative/faculty use) to allow general office use in the Old Town Residential (OTR) district. The Planning Commission recommended approval 7-0 (two absent). The applicant (John Skelton) was absent but emailed agreement with the recommended conditions (ADA parking, landscaping, bicycle rack, sign permit). No public comment. The council unanimously approved the resolution. Citizen Comments Seven citizens spoke during the public comment period: - Jess Thornton (1403 Highland Circle) thanked staff for snow work but urged better sidewalk clearing enforcement, clearer communication, and strategies to address snow from plowing, emphasizing pedestrian safety on the Huckleberry Trail and Main Street (which is in the top 1% for pedestrian crash risk in Virginia). - Lora Brown (Blacksburg) expressed concerns about ICE overreach and requested the council take a stand, proposing a legislative package including banning unmarked ICE vehicles, codifying no 287(g) agreements, prohibiting town collaboration with ICE, and protecting personal data. - Madison Justice (Windsor Hills Apartment Complex) warned of liability risks for local governments that collaborate with ICE, citing warrantless arrests and excessive force allegations. - Molly Garson (Blacksburg) advocated for the town to work with Montgomery County to proactively plan for ICE actions, referencing Minneapolis as a cautionary example. - Dale Wimberley (1417 Crestview Drive) thanked the council, described growing authoritarian concerns, and urged a proactive plan (including zoning measures) to counter potential ICE detention facilities or other federal overreach. - Alexa Casey (Greenwood Drive) supported a plan for ICE and also expressed apprehension about AI data centers. - Alid Perez (Virginia Tech student) emphasized the importance of not complying with unlawful actions and expressed disappointment with Virginia Tech’s compliance with federal requests. Appointments - Appointment to Housing and Community Development Board: Lora Brown was appointed unanimously. - Town Council Membership Appointments and Affiliations (effective January 1, 2026): - Councilmember Joel Goodhart appointed to the New River Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization, Corridor Advisory Committee, and Recreation Advisory Board, and as liaison to the Friends of the Farmers Market. - Councilmember Andrew Kassoff appointed to the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Board, New River Valley Agency on Aging (alternate), Blacksburg Public Arts Committee, and as liaison to the Town/Gown Committee. Both appointments were approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - All consent agenda items and public hearings were approved unanimously with no opposition. - The council acknowledged citizen concerns regarding sidewalk clearing and ICE. No formal action was taken on those topics; however, Councilmember Kassoff requested that activists stay afterward to discuss further. - The next meeting is scheduled for February 24, 2026, with a council retreat on February 12 and a work session on February 17.

This retreat, held at the Pete Dye River Course in Radford, VA, was facilitated by Kevin Byrd of the New River Valley Regional Commission. The morning focused on team-building and understanding individual decision-making styles, while the afternoon was devoted to discussing the town's biggest challenges and reviewing strategic goals. Note: The agenda and minutes list the meeting date as February 12, 2026, but the provided context specifies February 5, 2026. This summary uses the date given in the instructions. Discussion Items - Team-building: Council members participated in icebreaker activities and discussion prompts led by Kevin Byrd about what called them to serve and how they make decisions. - Biggest challenges identified: Housing and growth, public trust in Town Council, and recent tensions with Virginia Tech. - Strategic goals update: Town Manager Marc Verniel reported that many projects from the last two-year period were completed, while others remain underway. - Communication: Council discussed hosting mobile Town Council events to better engage citizens. - Community Wellbeing goal: Mayor Michael Sutphin recommended renaming the goal to "Community Building and Engaged Community." - ARPA funding: Council discussed how to continue supporting programs previously funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. - Recreation and economic development: Council expressed continued support for expansion of recreation opportunities, downtown and economic development, including a retail incubator, downtown restroom facility, façade improvement grants, and implementation of Retail Strategies recommendations. - Other strategic goals: Housing, transportation, and improving communication with residents received ongoing support. - Town Council Handbook: Minor revisions were made; the revised document will be presented for Council signatures at a later date. - Pay raise: Vice Mayor Susan Anderson recommended a pay increase for the Mayor. After discussion, Council agreed to an across-the-board Town Council pay raise, effective January 1, 2027. Key Outcomes - Council agreed to implement an across-the-board pay raise for all Town Council members, effective January 1, 2027. - Staff will prepare a summary of the discussion items for review and input at an upcoming work session. - The revised Town Council Handbook will be presented for signatures at a later date. - The meeting adjourned at 3:53 p.m.

The Blacksburg Planning Commission met on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers of the Blacksburg Municipal Building. Vice Chair Mel Jones called the meeting to order. Commissioners present: Brian Britt, Jerry Ford Jr., Mel Jones, Blaine Keesee, Susanna Rinehart, and Latanya Walker. Absent: Michael Ermann and Tim Colley. The meeting lasted approximately 37 minutes, adjourning at 7:07 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of January 6, 2026, Planning Commission Minutes: Jerry Ford Jr. moved to approve, Susanna Rinehart seconded. Motion passed 6-0. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered during the public hearing or general public comment period. Discussion Items - CUP-25-7 – Educational Facilities (College/University) in RD District at 1701 Kraft Drive: The applicant, VCOM (Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine), seeks to occupy a vacant building and construct a 16,200-square-foot two-story addition. Staff planner Nick Baker presented the application, noting the site is 4.448 acres, currently zoned RD (Research and Development). Proposed uses include lecture halls, laboratories, offices, and classrooms. The applicant requested a modification to the buffer yard requirement (Type B instead of Type C) along the eastern boundary adjacent to the VUE Apartments, citing a 20-foot elevation difference that creates a natural visual and sound barrier. A 10-foot-wide asphalt multi-use trail will connect the site to the VUE Apartments and to existing trail systems. The applicant also proposed two new monument signs under a special signage district. Stormwater concept plan was approved by town engineering on February 3, 2026. The site plan and sign plan received approval from the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center (VTCRC) Executive Board. Staff recommended three conditions: substantial conformance with the plan submitted December 1, 2025, and revised January 23, 2026; installation of the walking trail; and a sign permit before any signage. A neighborhood meeting held January 7, 2026, yielded no comments or concerns. Applicant Steve Semones (Westwood Professional Services) confirmed support for all staff conditions and noted that 22 bicycle parking spaces are planned. Commissioner discussion focused on the trail connection and pedestrian safety. Jerry Ford Jr. moved to approve with conditions, Susanna Rinehart seconded. Motion passed 6-0. - Appointment of Interim Planning Commission Chair: Planning Director Andrew Warren noted a vacancy in the chair position per bylaws. Jerry Ford Jr. moved to appoint Mel Jones as Chair, Susanna Rinehart seconded. Motion passed 6-0. Key Outcomes - CUP-25-7 Approved: Motion to approve the conditional use permit for VCOM at 1701 Kraft Drive, including all staff-recommended conditions, passed 6-0. The permit allows the educational facility, building addition, buffer modification, and signage. - Mel Jones Appointed Interim Chair: Commissioner Mel Jones was appointed as Planning Commission Chair by a 6-0 vote. - Upcoming Events: Planning Director Andrew Warren reminded commissioners of the Planning Commissioner Dinner and Training on April 22, 2026.

Note on date discrepancy: The agenda and minutes list the meeting as February 3, 2026, but the provided timestamp indicates February 2, 2026. This summary uses the timestamp date. The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on February 2, 2026 (as specified) at Blacksburg Motor Company, 400 South Main Street, starting at 11 a.m. and adjourning at 1:21 p.m. All council members were present. The session covered six agenda items: environmental sustainability legislation, a Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) pilot, retreat preparation, a Gigabeam franchise, committee appointments, and downtown parking management. An additional update on the School Zone Speed Enforcement program was also provided. Discussion Items - 2026 General Assembly Legislation: Environmental Sustainability Updates – Sustainability Manager Carol Davis overviewed legislative items of interest related to sustainability, including renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives. She noted that more information will emerge as the General Assembly progresses. - Introduction of Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) – Business Relations Manager Angie Marcolini presented the proposed DORA, which would allow participants to purchase alcoholic beverages and walk freely within a designated downtown area. The goal is to launch a pilot program during the summer, limited to Friday nights, to coincide with downtown events. The initiative aims to create a lively, engaging, safe environment and support local businesses. - Town Council Retreat Preparation – Town Manager Marc Verniel and Kevin Byrd (Executive Director, New River Valley Regional Commission) explained the retreat process. Verniel distributed the Town Council Handbook and Strategic Goals. Deputy Town Manager Matt Hanratty then provided an overview of projects aligned with the Strategic Goals and their current status. - Gigabeam Networks, LLC Franchise Discussion – Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer briefed council on a proposed fiber line requested by Gigabeam to provide fiber access to underserved areas of Montgomery and Bland Counties. The franchise will be a consent item at the next regular council meeting. - Town Council Appointed Committees and Boards Discussion – Mayor Sutphin reviewed proposed appointments and affiliations for interim councilmembers Joel Goodhart and Andrew Kassoff. He also noted an opening on the Housing Board due to Goodhart’s move to council, and proposed Lora Brown, sharing her statement of interest. After brief discussion, council expressed overall agreement with the appointments. - Downtown Parking Management – Deputy Town Manager Matt Hanratty provided an overview of downtown parking, including past efforts, current conditions, and challenges. A 2015 parking study found insufficient parking in the downtown core and inadequate turnover. Proposed changes include installing a combination of smart meters and pay stations, increasing the hourly parking rate from $0.25 to $1.00, implementing computerized parking citations, and enforcing maximum parking limits (e.g., two- or four-hour limits) depending on location. - Staff/Council Discussion: School Zone Speed Enforcement Program – Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer updated council on the program, with a proposed timeline to begin in August 2026. Key Outcomes - Council expressed overall agreement with the proposed appointments and affiliations for interim councilmembers Goodhart and Kassoff, and with the appointment of Lora Brown to the Housing Board. - The Gigabeam franchise will be placed on the consent agenda for the next regular council meeting. - The DORA pilot program is targeted for summer 2026, limited to Friday nights. - The School Zone Speed Enforcement program is slated to begin in August 2026. - No formal votes were taken during this work session.

This summary covers the item associated with the January 28, 2026 Blacksburg Town Council record. The provided agenda is actually a public notice dated January 30, 2026, advising that two or more members of Blacksburg Town Council may attend the 2026 Virginia Municipal League Local Government Day at the Hilton Richmond Downtown in Richmond, Virginia on February 5, 2026. The notice states that this is not a scheduled meeting of Blacksburg Town Council and that no business will be transacted. No minutes were available, and the raw transcript contains only the fragment: "And I've got more." Public Notice Contents - The notice was issued by Lorraine S. Spaulding, Blacksburg Town Clerk. - It advises that two or more Blacksburg Town Council members may attend the 2026 Virginia Municipal League Local Government Day in Richmond, Virginia on February 5, 2026. - The notice explicitly states this is not a scheduled meeting of Blacksburg Town Council where any business will be transacted. - Contact information for the Town Clerk is provided: 540-443-1025 and clerk@blacksburg.gov. Record Status - Minutes: No minutes are available. - Transcript: The raw transcript contains only the fragment "And I've got more." No substantive discussion, motions, or public testimony is present. - Date discrepancy: The provided agenda is dated January 30, 2026, while the stated meeting date for this summary is January 28, 2026. Key Outcomes - No formal actions, votes, discussions, or public comments can be summarized from the available records.

The Blacksburg Town Council met on January 27, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting included approval of the consent agenda, public comments on interim appointments, adoption of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for FY2027–FY2031, and the appointment of two interim council members. The meeting adjourned at 7:11 p.m. Consent Calendar - Town Council Minutes: January 6, 2026 – Approved. - Blacksburg Fire Officers and Blacksburg Rescue Squad Officers for 2026 – Confirmed. Fire officers included Chief Drew Smith, Assistant Chief Mark Smith, Captains Susanna Radcliffe, Colin Colver, Parker Walters, First Lieutenant Wayne Myers Jr., Second Lieutenant Wayne Myers III, Second Lieutenant Shane Smith, and Second Lieutenant Matthew Massey. Rescue squad officers included Deputy Chief of Field Operations Christian Long, Deputy Chief of EMS Operations Scott Davis, Deputy Chief of Tactical Rescue Merjan Hamand, and Deputy Chief of Support Laura Latanzi. - The consent agenda passed on a roll call vote (5-0: Campbell, Colliver, Ford, Sutphin, Anderson voted yes; none opposed). Public Comments & Testimony - Elaine Jenkins (202 Mateer Circle) expressed disappointment with the Council's selections for interim appointments, asking that Rick Johnson be appointed. She criticized the lack of transparency and argued that the process ignored the votes received by certain candidates in recent elections. - Steve Gillespie (201 Fairfax Road) stated the procedure was legal and sound, expressed confidence that law was followed, and noted that any dissatisfaction could be addressed in the November 2026 election. - Pete Macedo (502 Lee Street) was disappointed with the timing of the appointee selection. He compared the process unfavorably to the Town of Christiansburg's approach, noting he had not been asked about his interest and that the Council had made its decision in nine days rather than the available 45 days. Discussion Items Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Adoption – Resolution 1-E-26 - Councilmember Colliver discussed a citizen's concern about water main breaks and reported that staff provided details: in 2024, 800 feet of water mains were replaced on Locust Avenue; in 2026, 1,300 feet of water main is planned for Highland Circle; and in 2027, another 1,000 feet plus a 350-foot section. She expressed confidence that core services are being addressed. - The resolution adopting the CIP for FY2027–FY2031 passed unanimously on a roll call vote (5-0: Colliver, Ford, Sutphin, Anderson, Campbell voted yes; none opposed). Town Council Interim Appointments - Mayor Sutphin read a statement explaining the statutory process: vacancies arose from his move to mayor and Liam Watson's resignation; state law requires appointments within 45 days, a public hearing, and a special election in November 2026. The proposed appointees (Joel Goodhart and Andrew Kassoff) were announced at a January 13 public hearing. - Council discussion included concerns about transparency and process. Councilmember Campbell expressed discomfort with the lack of public input and called for a process similar to Christiansburg's. Councilmember Colliver defended the appointments, noting Goodhart's service on the housing board and Kassoff's track record on the planning commission. Vice Mayor Anderson supported the picks, citing Kassoff's empathy and Goodhart's vote totals from the recent election. Councilmember Ford framed the selection as a hiring decision for a 10-month term. - A motion to appoint Joel Goodhart and Andrew Kassoff to the interim terms passed on a roll call vote: Ford, Sutphin, Anderson, and Colliver voted yes; Campbell abstained; none voted no. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved (5-0). - Resolution 1-E-26 (CIP Adoption) approved (5-0). - Interim appointments: Joel Goodhart and Andrew Kassoff appointed (4-0-1, with Campbell abstaining). - The appointed members will serve through the November 2026 special election, after which voters will fill the seats for the remainder of the original terms ending December 31, 2027. - Upcoming meetings: Work session February 3, 2026; Regular meeting February 10; Council retreat February 12.

Note: The agenda and minutes list the meeting date as January 20, 2026, but the provided metadata indicates January 16, 2026. This summary uses the metadata date. The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on January 16, 2026, at the Blacksburg Motor Company, 400 South Main Street. The meeting convened at 11:00 a.m. and adjourned at 12:58 p.m. All council members were present: Mayor Michael Sutphin, Vice Mayor Susan Anderson, Councilmembers Darryl Campbell, Lauren Colliver, Jerry Ford, Jr., Marc Verniel (Town Manager), Lawrence S. Spencer (Town Attorney), and Lorraine S. Spaulding (Town Clerk). Follow-Up on Interim Town Council Appointments - Mayor Sutphin opened discussion on two nominees for interim council vacancies: Joel Goodhart and Andrew Kassoff. Council expressed overall support for both nominees. No formal vote was taken. Capital Improvement Program Follow-Up - Town Manager Marc Verniel reviewed citizen comments from the public hearing and emails regarding the recommended Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Key topics included: the pavement condition index informing paving recommendations, the need for the Progress Street parking deck, ensuring the Draper Road Streetscape project serves the wider community, and the cost and schedule of the Clay Street sidewalk. Verniel responded to council questions. Financial Planning – Large Capital Projects - Courtney Rogers and Stephen Geisz of Davenport & Company presented factors influencing the Town’s credit assessment and recommendations for proceeding with major capital projects (e.g., the Recreation Center). They analyzed the first five years and years six through ten. Review of Public Hearings Scheduled for February 10, 2026 - Ordinance 2108: Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer described an ordinance to vacate public utility easements at 3503 and 3511 Holiday Lane, allowing a quit-claim deed to MH Development of Virginia, LLC. - CUP-25-5: Zoning Administrator Paul Patterson explained a request for a 1980 Special Use Permit amendment at 207 W. Roanoke (OTR-Old Town Residential) to reinstate missing front and rear landscaping and a bicycle rack for five bicycles. Community Relations Office Upcoming Projects - Community Relations Manager Kenna Jewell outlined proposals for new town branding and a new website. The branding effort will create an updated organizational and place brand, refresh partner branding, and support consistent communications. The website update will modernize design, improve accessibility and functionality, enhance internal staff tools, and add new communication features. The two projects will follow a staggered timeline. Floodplain Overlay District Discussion - Engineering Director Carolyn Howard reviewed the Flood Plain Overlay District, which aims to protect life, property, public health, and local services while minimizing flood costs and preserving the tax base, in compliance with federal flood insurance standards. Recent developments led to ordinance revisions following the DCR template, updating terminology from “floodplain” to “special flood hazard areas” and from “100-year flood” to “one percent annual chance flood.” School Speed Zone Camera Enforcement Update - Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer described a potential five-year contract with Altumint, Inc. to install and operate automated school speed zone enforcement, including citation processing. Two payment options were proposed. Initial citation verification could burden the police department, though retired officers could assist under a pending General Assembly bill. Delinquent citations would be handled through Taxing Authority Consulting Services (TACS). Key Outcomes - Council expressed unanimous support for the interim nominees (Goodhart and Kassoff). - No formal votes were taken on CIP, financial planning, floodplain revisions, or the speed camera contract; discussions advanced understanding of these items. - Public hearings for Ordinance 2108 and CUP-25-5 are scheduled for February 10, 2026. - The branding and website projects will proceed with a staggered timeline; further council review is expected. - The speed camera enforcement contract with Altumint remains under consideration, with a decision pending clarification of citation verification responsibilities.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting on January 13, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting began with the ceremonial administration of oaths for newly elected and returning members: Mayor Michael Sutphin, and Councilmembers Susan Anderson, Darryl Campbell, and Lauren Colliver. Darryl Campbell was recognized as the first Jamaican Caribbean American and second person of color to serve on the council. Councilmember Susan Anderson was elected Vice Mayor. The consent agenda was approved unanimously. Public hearings were held on property acquisition on Brush Mountain, a dance hall permit at 130 Jackson Street, the five-year Capital Improvement Program, and the process to fill two vacant council seats. Citizen comments covered traffic safety, environmental concerns, and accessibility. Council appointments for 2026 were also approved. Consent Calendar - Town Council Minutes from December 2 and December 9, 2025, were approved. - Farmers Market License Renewal was authorized. - Resolution 1-B-26, authorizing a petition for writ of special election, was adopted. - Resolution 1-C-26, setting forth the Town of Blacksburg’s 2026 legislative priorities, was adopted. - Ordinance 2108, vacating public utility easements at 3503 and 3511 Holiday Lane, was introduced and a public hearing scheduled for February 10, 2026. - CUP-25-5, for general office use in the Old Town Residential district at 207 W Roanoke Street, was scheduled for a public hearing on February 10, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony On the Capital Improvement Program: - Emilio Santini (607 Progress St.) asked about the Mount Tabor sidewalk extension and suggested it be considered sooner. - Anna Marie Chase (1304 Highland Cir.) raised concerns about stormwater and drainage notifications and requested more attention to water/sewer infrastructure. - Charles Schade (401 Clairmont Dr.) thanked staff for the CIP but criticized the postponement of Clay Street sidewalk/road improvements from 2027 to 2029 and the cost increase from $3 million to $8 million. He urged prioritizing the project for pedestrian safety and continuity. - Katelyn Jacobs (213 Craig St.) asked if a light rail could be considered for future transit investments, noting higher upfront costs but longer-lasting rolling stock and potential property value increases. On Council Vacancies: - Edward Hokanson (209 Orchard View Ln.) requested that Council appoint Rick Johnson and Pete Macedo. - Elaine Jenkins (202 Mateer Cir.) expressed disappointment with the selection process, criticizing lack of transparency and perceived political motivation. - Rick Johnson (904 Willard Dr.) argued he was the rightful successor following the election fraud conviction of former Councilmember Watson, and accused Council of disregarding fairness and ethics. - Chris Caldwell (2105 Meadowbrook Dr.) asked that Council consider Rick Johnson. - Dawn Geitzen (708 Airport Rd.) spoke in support of Rick Johnson. - Joel Goodhart (902 North Dr.) thanked Council for the nomination and outlined his focus on housing affordability, road safety, and community resilience. - Katelyn Jacobs (213 Craig St.) spoke in favor of Joel Goodhart, citing his thoughtful, issue-focused approach and long-term vision. - Charles Schade noted that Joel Goodhart had been an official candidate and that both candidates seeking the seat had not run in the most recent election; he expressed support for Goodhart. - Steve Gillespie (201 Fairfax Rd.) supported Goodhart. - Emilio Santini supported Goodhart, calling him honest, sincere, and trustworthy. - Anna Marie Chase criticized the process as predetermined, saying public comment was tokenism. - Corey Scott (3695 Hamilton Ct.) spoke in favor of Goodhart, citing his passion. - Joann Dean (608 Kentwood Dr.) asked Council to reconsider Rick Johnson. During Citizen Comments: - Emilio Santini praised Deputy Town Manager Matt Hanratty and Lieutenant Sedrick Hayes for rapidly implementing speed enforcement on Progress Street after his request. - Gabrielle Spennacchio-Parker (1322 Brightwood Ct.) detailed violations at the Radford Army Arsenal, including an unpermitted hazardous waste impoundment and leaks, and asked the Town Council to acknowledge the health risks and revisit a 2017 resolution for accountability. - Katelyn Jacobs requested temporary safety measures on North Main Street for bicyclists, noting the unsafe road and bumpy sidewalk. - Steve Gillespie agreed with concerns about the Radford Arsenal. - Pete Macedo (502 Lee St.) raised accessibility issues for people with disabilities and urged Council to improve representation and listen to those with limitations. Discussion Items - Ordinance 2107 – Brush Mountain Property Acquisition and Open-Space Easement: Town Manager Marc Verniel presented the Stone Cutters Hollow property, part of Heritage Park, acquired with New River Land Trust. The town will accept the property and convey an open-space easement to the Virginia Outdoors Foundation. No public comments. Council approved unanimously. - Resolution 1-D-26 – Dance Hall Conditional Use Permit (CUP-25-3): Zoning Administrator Paul Patterson presented the request for a dance hall at 130 Jackson Street (former Blue Ridge Axe Throwing). Planning Commission recommended approval 7-0 with conditions. Applicant Melanie Velis described plans for a restaurant (dining before 10 p.m., max 188) and dance hall (after 10 p.m., max 292, 21+). Conditions include no pyrotechnics, exterior safety lighting, security cameras, and an approved sign permit. No public comments. Council approved unanimously, with Councilmember Ford expressing excitement for a long-awaited dance hall in Blacksburg. - Capital Improvement Program (CIP) FY2026/2027-2030/2031: Verniel presented a five-year plan covering 114 projects totaling $182.3 million ($64 million bonded). Key projects include Draper Road Streetscape, Progress Street parking deck, athletic field upgrades, pedestrian safety improvements, Clay Street sidewalk, transit bus replacements, and stormwater repairs. Public comments were heard (see above). Council deferred action to the January 27, 2026 meeting, after further discussion at the January 20 work session. - Council Vacancies: Mayor Sutphin announced candidates Joel Goodhart and Andrew Kassoff for interim appointment to two vacancies created by his resignation (to become mayor) and Liam Watson’s resignation. The January 13 meeting served as the public hearing; final appointment will be on January 27, 2026, with a special election in November 2026. Public comments were heard (see above). Council will discuss comments at the January 20 work session. Key Outcomes - Election of Vice Mayor: Susan Anderson was elected Vice Mayor on a motion by Councilmember Ford (seconded by Colliver). Roll call: Campbell, Colliver, Ford, Sutphin voted yes; Anderson abstained. - Consent Agenda Approved: Unanimous roll call (Colliver, Ford, Sutphin, Anderson, Campbell). - Ordinance 2107 Approved: Unanimous roll call (Ford, Sutphin, Anderson, Campbell, Colliver). - Resolution 1-D-26 Approved: Unanimous roll call (Sutphin, Anderson, Campbell, Colliver, Ford). - CIP Action Deferred: To January 27, 2026 meeting. - Council Vacancy Appointments Deferred: To January 27, 2026 meeting, after a work session on January 20. - Town Council Membership Appointments for 2026 Approved: Unanimous roll call (Anderson, Campbell, Colliver, Ford, Sutphin). Appointments listed for each council member to various boards and committees.

The Blacksburg Planning Commission held its regular meeting on January 6, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. Vice Chair Mel Jones presided. The meeting lasted approximately 12 minutes, concluding at 6:42 PM. The Commission approved the consent agenda and a conditional use permit for general office use, and received reports on committee activities and Town Council matters. Consent Calendar - Approval of Planning Commission Minutes – December 2, 2025: Approved unanimously (7-0). - CUP-25-7 – Request for Educational Facilities (College and University Use) at 1701 Kraft Drive: Scheduled for public hearing on February 3, 2026. Approved unanimously (7-0). Public Hearings CUP-25-5 – General Office Use in OTR (Old Town Residential) at 207 W. Roanoke Street - Staff Presentation (Paul Patterson): The property at 207 W. Roanoke Street is currently vacant. A 1980 Special Use Permit (SUP) restricted use to Virginia Tech faculty offices. The owner, John Skelton, seeks to amend the SUP to allow General Office use. Staff recommended conditions: cancel 1980 SUP conditions; install missing trees and landscaping on front and rear property lines; install a town-standard inverted U-shaped bike rack for five bicycles; provide one ADA-accessible parking space with signage; and submit a sign permit before any new signage. A request from the applicant to waive landscaping on the western side due to a drainage swale was noted. - Applicant Presentation (Matt Biederman for John Skelton): The applicant stated the future tenant will be a title company and offered to answer questions. - Public Comment: None. - Motion and Discussion: Jerry Ford Jr. moved to approve CUP-25-5 with all staff recommended conditions. Susanna Rinehart seconded. Commissioners expressed satisfaction that the building will be occupied and encouraged signage and street presence to signal active use. The motion passed unanimously (7-0). Unfinished Business - Zoning Ordinance Review Committee: Reported no meetings. - Historic or Design Review Board: Representative Michael Ermann was absent; no report given. - Montgomery County Planning Commission: Report deferred (commissioner to review video). - Additional Items from Planning Commissioners: None. New Business - Chair’s Report: None (Vice Chair filling in). - Planning Director’s Report (Andrew Warren): Reminded commissioners that real estate disclosure forms are due by February 2, 2026. - Town Council Report (Jerry Ford Jr.): Reported on Town Council’s first work session of 2026. Upcoming items include accepting parcel 2 of the Brush Mountain / Stone Cutters Hollow open space, with an open space easement through the Virginia Outdoors Foundation to preserve viewshed; the dance hall permit (mandatory criminal background check completed, conditions including no pyrotechnics or fireworks inside); and continuation of the capital improvement program discussion. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved 7-0. - CUP-25-5 (General Office at 207 W. Roanoke St.): Approved 7-0 with staff conditions. - Next Meetings: Work session on January 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM; regular meeting on February 3, 2026, at 6:30 PM.