Public Meetings - Blacksburg, Virginia

The Blacksburg Planning Commission met on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 6:30 pm in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers of the Blacksburg Municipal Building. Chair Andy Kassoff called the meeting to order, and roll call established a quorum with six commissioners present. Commissioners Brian Britt, Michael Ermann, Jerry Ford Jr., Andy Kassoff, Blaine Keesee, and Susanna Rinehart were present; Tim Colley, Melissa “Mel” Jones, and Latanya Walker were absent. The meeting was brief, with no public hearings, no citizen comments, and no reports under new business. The commission approved the consent agenda and adjourned at 6:32 pm. Consent Calendar - Approved the Planning Commission minutes from November 4, 2025. - Approved scheduling a public hearing for CUP-25-5, a request for general office use in the OTR Old Town Residential district at 207 W. Roanoke Street, for January 6, 2026. - Jerry Ford Jr. moved to approve the consent agenda, Susanna Rinehart seconded, and the motion passed 6-0 with all present commissioners voting yes. There was no discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - None. No citizens were present to address the commission. Unfinished Business - Zoning Ordinance Review Committee: Chair Andy Kassoff reported the committee had not met. - Historic or Design Review Board: Commissioner Michael Ermann reported there was nothing to report. - Montgomery County Planning Commission: No report was given. - Additional items from Planning Commissioners: None. New Business - Chair’s Report: None. - Planning Director’s Report: None. - Town Council Report: Jerry Ford Jr. had nothing to report. Key Outcomes - Approved the consent agenda by a 6-0 vote. - Scheduled the CUP-25-5 public hearing for January 6, 2026. - Adjourned the regular meeting at 6:32 pm.

Note: The provided agenda and minutes are dated December 2, 2025, but the user specified the meeting occurred on November 25, 2025. This summary uses the specified date and reflects the content of the agenda and minutes. The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on November 25, 2025, at the Blacksburg Motor Company, 400 South Main Street. Prior to the meeting, Town Manager Marc Verniel briefed the Council on a recent fire at the Foxridge Apartment Complex, which displaced residents; Virginia Tech Student Affairs arranged hotel accommodations, and a structural engineer will assess damage. The meeting covered follow-up on public hearing items, a strategic goals update, a capital improvement program briefing, and a closed session for real property acquisition. Discussion Items - Follow-Up on Public Hearing Items: Planning & Building Director Andrew Warren discussed Ordinance 2090 with staff updates. Assistant Planning & Building Director Kinsey O’Shea provided a development overview, and Engineering Director Carolyn Howard reported recent bike and pedestrian volumes, noting a plan to widen the sidewalk over a creek. Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer added that the applicants’ proffer is under review. - Strategic Goals Update: Deputy Town Manager Matt Hanratty outlined the Town Council Strategic Goals work plan, focusing on enhancing recreation amenities, supporting downtown development, historic preservation, prioritizing transportation projects that move people not just cars, strengthening community wellbeing, expanding affordable and middle-income housing options, and improving clear, timely communication with residents. He reviewed key projects within each category. - Capital Improvement Program Briefing: Town Manager Marc Verniel summarized the FY2027–FY2031 Capital Improvement Program, noting rising costs and strong revenue growth. The five-year plan includes about $78 million in General Fund projects covering upgrades to parks and trails, downtown improvements (parking deck, streetscape, restrooms), pedestrian and bicycle safety projects, Public Works renovations, and public safety investments such as new mobile radios and updates to St. Luke & Odd Fellows Hall. Key Outcomes - The Council received a briefing on the Foxridge fire response and ongoing assistance to displaced residents. - The Council discussed updates on Ordinance 2090 and related proffer review. - The Council reviewed the Strategic Goals work plan, with no formal vote taken. - The Council was briefed on the FY2027–FY2031 Capital Improvement Program. - The Council adjourned to a Closed Meeting at 12:36 p.m. under Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(A)(3) to discuss the potential acquisition of a parcel in South Blacksburg for a public purpose. - The Council reconvened at 12:52 p.m. and adopted Resolution 12-A-25, certifying the propriety of the closed meeting. The motion passed on a roll call vote: Anderson, Ford, Mattingly, Sutphin, and Watson voted yes; none voted no. Mayor Hager-Smith and Councilmember Colliver were absent.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting on November 25, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. Vice Mayor Michael Sutphin presided in the absence of Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith. The meeting had a short agenda consisting of a consent agenda, citizen comments, and council announcements, and was adjourned at 6:37 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approved the Town Council minutes from November 12, 2025. - Authorized the Town Manager to execute the Miller Street Cooperative Development Agreement. - The consent agenda passed unanimously on a roll call vote (6-0: Colliver, Ford, Mattingly, Sutphin, Watson, and Anderson voting yes; none opposed). Public Comments & Testimony - Steve Gillespie (South Main Street) expressed deep regret over the recently announced land swap between the Virginia Tech Foundation and Virginia Tech. He stated that the university administration has often not been the best neighbor or partner with the town and community, but expressed confidence in the council's efforts to look out for the town's interests. He noted that many residents share his view and do not believe council is influenced by supervisors, developers, or the administration. - Vice Mayor Sutphin responded by reporting that the town had sent a letter to Virginia Tech President Tim Sands that morning, signed by Mayor Hager-Smith and himself, expressing the town's disappointment in the land swap decision. The letter requested senior university leadership to engage with town officials to explore a legal framework to preserve binding zoning commitments that would otherwise be lost if the swap is finalized. Council Announcements - Councilmember Colliver reminded residents about Shop Small Saturday (the Saturday after Thanksgiving) and encouraged participation in Blacksburg's Small Business Week, which includes a Candyland card event, discounts, prizes, and raffles. - Councilmember Anderson announced the annual Holiday Parade on Friday, December 5th at 7:30 p.m. (new time) with a "Holly Jolly Holiday Parade" theme, followed by tree lighting and Santa at the Lyric. - Councilmember Watson congratulated Blacksburg native Kylie Monahan for being named one of 32 American Road Scholars, and reminded of the Blacksburg Police Department's annual gift-wrapping party for Angel Tree recipients on December 10th at 6 p.m. - Councilmember Ford reminded residents that real estate taxes for the town are due December 5th to avoid late fees. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously (6-0). - Town Council received and responded to citizen concerns regarding the Virginia Tech land swap, with a formal letter of disappointment and request for negotiation already sent. - Upcoming meetings: Work session on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Blacksburg Motor Company; next regular meeting on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on November 17, 2025, at the Blacksburg Motor Company (400 South Main Street) from 11:00 a.m. to 1:17 p.m. The session included the Tourism Annual Report, a review of ten public hearing items scheduled for December 9, 2025, an update on the Miller Street Sewer Relocation, and a discussion of a Virginia Tech land swap approved by the Board of Visitors. No formal votes were taken. Tourism Annual Report - Samantha Livesay, Tourism Director of Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Montgomery County Regional Tourism, presented the FY24-25 report highlighting the industry's economic impact, visitor demographics, key programs, marketing efforts, and regional partnerships. Council received the report. Review of Public Hearings Scheduled for December 9, 2025 The Council reviewed ten items that will be formally considered at the December 9, 2025 public hearing. Staff presented each item and Council asked questions or raised concerns. - Ordinance 2090 (Tech Terrace rezoning): Assistant Planning & Building Director Kinsey O'Shea reviewed the request to redevelop the existing Tech Terrace apartments into a seven-story building with 723 bedrooms, 448 parking spaces, and 296 bicycle spaces. Council expressed concerns about open space, density, and stormwater. Steve Semones of Balzer and Associates responded to Council's questions. - Ordinance 2094 (University City Blvd rezoning): Staff presented a proposal for a six-story mixed-use building with 254 units (including at least 32 affordable units), 489 parking spaces, 7% tree canopy, and 30% open space. Council discussed the proposal. - Ordinance 2001 (Downtown Northwest Zoning District): Planning & Building Director Andrew Warren reviewed the proposed form-based zoning district to encourage dense, mixed-use development in the Main/Turner/Prices Fork area, with building heights capped at 100 feet and restrictions on drive-throughs. Council reviewed the district. - Ordinance 2102 (Solar Power Purchase Agreement): Sustainability Manager Carol Davis described the PPA with TB Solar for a solar array on the Blacksburg Transit roof, with a 25-year initial term and options to extend up to 35 years. Council reviewed the agreement. - CUP-25-3 (Dance Hall in DC-Downtown): Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer noted the item had been postponed because a required permit had not yet been obtained. Council had no questions. - CUP-25-4 (Duplex in OTR): Kinsey O'Shea explained the request to convert an existing structure back to a duplex, replacing an expired permit. Staff recommended conditions for substantial conformance and occupancy limits. Council discussed. - Ordinance 2096 (Agricultural and Forestal District Withdrawal): Andrew Warren reported on a request to withdraw 4.672 acres to allow three new residential lots on Tree Top Ridge Road. Roll-back taxes may apply. - Ordinance 2104 (Tax Exemptions for Elderly and Disabled): Town Attorney Spencer presented an ordinance to increase income and asset limits for the tax relief program. - Ordinance 2105 (Easement Vacation near 800 Block N. Main): Spencer noted the ordinance would eliminate an unneeded public utility easement. - Ordinance 2106 (Easement Vacations at 401 and 405 Draper Road): Spencer clarified the ordinance would remove unnecessary public utility easements. Miller Street Sewer Relocation Town Engineer Shawn Veltman described that the developer of 411 Miller Street is proceeding with the Library Café while the Town relocates a sewer. To minimize delays, the developer will construct the sewer under Town oversight, provide necessary easements, and restore the site at no cost. Council discussed. Council/Staff Discussion Town Manager Marc Verniel briefed Council on the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors' recent approval of a land swap: the Virginia Tech Foundation will receive 20 acres near Old Glade Road in exchange for just over seven acres on Turner and Gilbert Streets (including Collegiate Square, Gilbert Place, and the North End Center). Council engaged in a thorough discussion. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken during this work session. - The ten public hearing items are scheduled for formal consideration at the December 9, 2025 Town Council meeting. - The Miller Street sewer relocation will proceed with the developer performing the work under Town supervision. - The Council discussed the Virginia Tech land swap; no action was taken.

The Blacksburg Town Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, November 12, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers of the Blacksburg Municipal Building, 300 South Main Street. All seven members were present: Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith, Vice Mayor Michael Sutphin, and Councilmembers Susan Anderson, Lauren Colliver, Jerry Ford Jr., Susan Mattingly, and Liam Watson. Council unanimously approved an 11-item consent agenda, all six public hearing items, and the Town Corporate Boundary Adjustment Agreement with Montgomery County. The meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approved the Town Council minutes of October 21 and October 28, 2025. - CUP-25-3 (dance hall use, DC-Downtown Commercial): public hearing rescheduled to December 9, 2025. - CUP-25-4 (multi-family duplex use, OTR Old Town Residential): public hearing scheduled for December 9, 2025. - Ordinance 2001 (creating the Downtown Northwest Zoning District as new Sections 3500 through 3507): introduced; public hearing scheduled for December 9, 2025. - Ordinance 2090 (rezoning ±2.638 acres at 305, 306, and 309 Webb Street and 800 Orchard Street from Medium Density Multiunit Residential [RM-48] to Planned Residential): introduced; public hearing scheduled for December 9, 2025. - Ordinance 2094 (rezoning ±4.637 acres at 702, 810, 820, 840, and 844 University City Boulevard from General Commercial to Planned Residential): introduced; public hearing scheduled for December 9, 2025. - Ordinance 2096 (authorizing the withdrawal of land in the Agricultural and Forestal District): introduced; public hearing scheduled for December 9, 2025. - Ordinance 2102 (approving a solar power purchase agreement between the Town of Blacksburg and TB Solar, LLC): introduced; public hearing scheduled for December 9, 2025. - Ordinance 2104 (increasing income and asset limits for tax exemptions for elderly and disabled persons): introduced; public hearing scheduled for December 9, 2025. - Ordinance 2105 (vacating a public utility easement near the 800 block of North Main Street): introduced; public hearing scheduled for December 9, 2025. - Ordinance 2106 (vacating public utility easements at 401 and 405 Draper Road): introduced; public hearing scheduled for December 9, 2025. - Vice Mayor Sutphin moved approval of the consent agenda; Councilmember Anderson seconded; the motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. (The raw transcript's reading of the consent agenda omits Ordinance 2105; the minutes include it in the approved agenda.) Public Comments & Testimony - Tasia Persson of 105 Countryside Court spoke during the Ordinance 2095 (Whipple Drive) public hearing on behalf of her neighborhood. She expressed safety concerns about the intersection of Countryside Court and North Main Street: a blind corner, drivers cutting the corner, no crosswalk, speeding vehicles, and no sidewalk connecting Countryside Court to Gibbons Lane, which she said leaves the neighborhood landlocked for pedestrian use. She asked Council to consider lowering speed limits, strengthening traffic enforcement, installing a crosswalk, and building the connecting sidewalk rather than waiting for a developer to get involved. Councilmember Susan Anderson offered to speak with her after the meeting; Mayor Hager-Smith noted that sidewalk prioritization is handled by the Corridor Committee, which meets Wednesday, November 19, at 7:30 a.m. - No public comment was offered at the other five public hearings, and no citizen comments were submitted during the citizen comments period. Public Hearings Ordinance 2095 — Rezoning of ±2.7 acres at 1709 and 1711 Whipple Drive from RM-48 to Planned Residential - Planning & Building Director Andrew Warren presented the staff report: the proposal would replace a single-family house with seven four-bedroom townhome units, adding 28 bedrooms for a total of 124 bedrooms on the site (a net density of 45 bedrooms per acre). The application commits to 10% overall tree canopy coverage, a Homeowners' Association to manage exterior maintenance, and a potential trail connection to the Eccles Village Trail. The applicant requested one modification: eliminating the required four-foot vegetative strip between the curb and sidewalk to match the existing sidewalk. - Warren reported the Planning Commission recommended approval by a vote of 7 to 0, with 2 members absent. - John Neel of Foresight Design Services, representing the applicant (with Kurt Johnson and Sivan Doske of Greystone Company present), described the project as a planned residential development on 2.77 acres (the agenda and staff cite ±2.7 acres). He stated the design reduces impervious surfaces by more than 20% compared with a by-right plan, preserves 90–95% of the tree line along Eccles Village, increases the building distance from Eccles Village from about 15 feet to more than 100 feet, and provides more than 42% open space. The project proposes a parking ratio of 0.8 spaces per bedroom instead of the required 1.1, citing a parking utilization study of the existing apartments showing a 0.58-space-per-bedroom utilization rate. - Vote: Vice Mayor Sutphin moved approval; Councilmember Anderson seconded; passed unanimously by roll call vote. Ordinance 2097 — Lease of Space on the North Main Street Water Tank - Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer explained the ordinance would extend existing leases for one year under current rent terms to New River Valley Unwired Ventures, LLC (All Points Broadband) and New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC (AT&T). The extensions give All Points time to migrate customers before it is expected to cease service, and give the town a year to review its roughly 20-year-old lease with a consultant. - No public comment. Vote: unanimous approval (motion by Sutphin, second by Anderson). Ordinance 2098 — Increase in the Bad Check Fee - Spencer explained the ordinance increases the fee for returned or dishonored checks from $35 to $50, matching new state code authority; the $35 fee had been in place since 2004. - No public comment. Vote: unanimous approval (motion by Sutphin, second by Anderson). Ordinance 2099 — Business License Requirements - Spencer explained the ordinance elevates the penalty for failing to obtain a business license from the current $500 maximum fine, in place for about 25 years, to a Class 2 misdemeanor (punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both). He said the change would provide an incentive in rare cases where enforcement is needed. - No public comment. Vote: unanimous approval (motion by Sutphin, second by Anderson). Ordinance 2101 — Building Code Updates and Property Maintenance Civil Penalties - Spencer explained the ordinance updates Town Code Sections 6-200 and 6-203 to reflect recent building code changes, with future code changes incorporated by reference automatically. It establishes civil penalties of $100 for a first property maintenance code violation and $350 for subsequent violations. Spencer stated civil penalties are easier to assess against corporate property owners, and the ordinance retains the ability to seek a court order requiring compliance. - No public comment. Vote: unanimous approval (motion by Sutphin, second by Anderson). Resolution 11-A-25 — Conditional Use Permit for an Automotive Dealership at 1711 North Main Street (CUP 25-2) - Zoning Administrator Paul Patterson reviewed Walker AutoWorks LLC's request to operate an online classic-car dealership at 1711 North Main Street, the first automotive dealership request before Council in over nine years. The building's upper level houses the Blacksburg Dance Theater; the dealership would occupy a 3,500-square-foot warehouse area on the lower level of the 0.87-acre property. The business, which imports classic vehicles from Japan for sale online (generally 10 to 15 vehicles at a time), would store all vehicles inside the warehouse with no outside display or repair work beyond possible motor oil changes. Delivery trucks would load and unload at a secondary location, with individual vehicles driven to and from the property. - Patterson reported the Planning Commission recommended approval by a vote of 7 to 0, with 2 members absent, subject to four conditions, including no outside display or parking of vehicles for sale, staff review and approval of any new signage, and installation of carbon monoxide detectors on both floors (the owner has installed them). - Applicant Grant Walker (Walker AutoWorks) offered no further statement beyond answering questions, and described the business as a very niche market that needs filling. Councilmembers asked no questions. - No public comment. Vote: unanimous approval (motion by Sutphin, second by Anderson). Unfinished Business - Town Corporate Boundary Adjustment Agreement with Montgomery County. Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer said the agreement results from the town's first complete corporate boundary survey since an annexation that became effective in 1973. He characterized it as a boundary line correction—including along Mount Tabor Road—not an annexation, and said questions from speakers at the prior meeting had been addressed. For one property owner, the portion of land coming into town would generate about $119 per year in town real estate taxes, and the town could extend trash service to the rental properties; another owner's affected property would generate about $25 per year. Water and sewer service is not currently available to either property because no mains serve them. Spencer noted Montgomery County was holding its own public hearing and vote that evening. - Vote: Vice Mayor Sutphin moved approval; Councilmember Anderson seconded; the motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. (The minutes' roll call for this item erroneously lists Councilmember Colliver twice and omits Councilmember Anderson; the transcript shows Anderson voting aye and the motion passing unanimously.) Council Announcements - Councilmembers Anderson, Watson, and Ford expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the recent campaigns, including unsuccessful candidates Pete Masito, Joel Goodhart, and James Harter, and congratulated Mayor-Elect Sutphin and Councilmember-Elect Campbell on their victories. Councilmember-Elect Campbell attended the meeting. - Mayor-Elect Sutphin thanked the Montgomery County Electoral Board and Office of Elections for their work in conducting the election. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously; all ordinances introduced and all public hearings scheduled for December 9, 2025. - Ordinance 2095 (Whipple Drive rezoning to Planned Residential) approved unanimously (7–0). - Ordinance 2097 (North Main Street water tank lease extensions) approved unanimously (7–0). - Ordinance 2098 (bad check fee increased from $35 to $50) approved unanimously (7–0). - Ordinance 2099 (business license violation penalty elevated to Class 2 misdemeanor) approved unanimously (7–0). - Ordinance 2101 (building code updates; property maintenance civil penalties of $100/$350) approved unanimously (7–0). - Resolution 11-A-25 (conditional use permit for Walker AutoWorks automotive dealership at 1711 North Main Street) approved unanimously (7–0). - Town Corporate Boundary Adjustment Agreement with Montgomery County approved unanimously (7–0). - All approval motions were made by Vice Mayor Sutphin and seconded by Councilmember Anderson. - Next meetings: Town Council Work Session, Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Blacksburg Motor Company Conference Room (400 South Main Street); Town Council Regular Meeting, Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Blacksburg Municipal Building Council Chambers.

The Blacksburg Planning Commission met on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers of the Blacksburg Municipal Building. The meeting lasted until 8:56 PM and included a consent agenda, two public hearings, public comment, and committee reports. The main focus was a controversial rezoning request for a six-story mixed-use development at 702 University City Boulevard. Consent Calendar - Approval of October 7, 2025, Planning Commission Minutes: Approved unanimously (9‑0) with no discussion. Public Hearings CUP-25-4 – Conditional Use Permit for Multi-Family Duplex at 205 Washington Street SW - Staff Presentation (Kinsey O’Shea): The request permits a two-family dwelling (duplex) in the OTR (Old Town Residential) district. The site previously held a CUP that expired in 2022. Units are two bedrooms/one bathroom each. Staff recommended conditions: substantial conformance to the application and occupancy limits of one family plus one unrelated person, or no more than two unrelated persons per unit. - Applicant Presentation (Tom Koontz, TKA Architects): Representing the prospective owner, Koontz stated the building will be restored to residential use, targeting professionals and families (not students). Exterior and interior renovations are planned, including new trim, paint, and updated systems. Parking will be restriped, vegetation added, and a rear buffer improved. - Public Comment: None. - Motion and Vote: Brian Britt moved to approve with all staff conditions; Mel Jones seconded. Passed 9‑0. RZN-25-7/ORD 2094 – Rezoning from GC General Commercial to PR Planned Residential at 702 University City Boulevard - Staff Presentation (Kinsey O’Shea): The applicant proposes a 6‑story building with two floors of structured parking and four floors of residential (836 bedrooms, density 180 bedrooms/acre). The plan includes 12% affordable units (32 units at 50–80% AMI for 50 years), 30% open space, and 0.56 parking spaces per bedroom. The site is in a commercial future land use area and outside Map E high-density student housing zones. Staff noted that sanitary sewer upgrades are needed and that the applicant would bear costs. The current GC zoning allows up to 60 ft height and building to the property line. - Applicant Presentation (Josh Vasbinder, Ascent Properties; Alec Paddock; Jeff Solisco, architect): Vasbinder argued the project meets comprehensive plan goals for housing diversity, walkability, and neighborhood preservation. He noted the existing office space is 60% vacant and has been unsuccessfully marketed for years. Changes from earlier proposals included a 7.5% density reduction, increased parking ratio, improved building articulation, additional retail space (28% increase to 6,300 sq ft), and better setback from the McBryde Village neighborhood (35 ft from the podium to property line, with additional distance for upper floors). The applicant committed to green building standards (NGBS) and a professional management plan with 24/7 staff on site. - Public Comment: - Cayelan Carey (836 Hutchison Drive): Opposed development as out of scale with single‑story homes, incompatible with Comprehensive Plan, would increase traffic on already dangerous corridors (VDOT‑ranked 19th most dangerous for pedestrians). Questioned enforceability of affordable housing. - Annika Schmierer (709 Hutchison Drive): Op posed because the building would be only 34 ft from her backyard, threatening neighborhood character, safety, and sunlight. Urged upholding the Comprehensive Plan. - Bob Pack (522 Prices Fork Road, property owner): Supported rezoning, stating he has struggled to lease office space for years and without conversion the property’s future is uncertain. - Chris Mullins (Zeppoli’s restaurant owner): Supported the project, as his business would return to the new retail space. - Beth Kelsey (714 Barringer Drive): Op posed, citing existing traffic gridlock on University City Boulevard and Kroger parking lot. - Megan Kuczmarski (Edward Jones, 810 University City Blvd): Concerned about loss of office space; stated Blacksburg needs office, not retail. - Dale Woods (614 Woodland Drive): Op posed, calling the development “too big” for the area and noting dangerous pedestrian conditions on Prices Fork Road. Requested safety improvements if approved. - Bruce Glatthorn (825 McBryde Drive): Concerned about over‑occupancy enforcement and traffic; opposed. - Mark Embree (852 Hutchison Drive, VT faculty): Strongly opposed, stating livability is key for faculty recruitment. Cited a recent student fatality on Prices Fork Road. - Bud Bennett (714 Barringer Drive): Concerned about noise and light pollution; opposed. - Florian Zach (832 Hutchison Drive): Argued the development does not fit the Comprehensive Plan and is out of balance. - Mary Biggs (701 Hutchison Drive): Op posed despite revisions, citing density, traffic, and parking concerns. Fears students will park in adjacent lot. - Pat Garst (717 Burruss Drive): Concerned about fire/police response and pedestrian safety; asked how the project benefits Blacksburg. - Joe Garst (717 Burruss Drive): Noted lack of discussion about commercial component; urged long‑term commercial planning. - Kent Rogers (realtor for current owner): Stated the office market is tight (3.2% vacancy) but specialized; the existing building cannot be leased due to outdated design and VT pulling offices back to campus. - Laura Purcell (826 Toms Creek Road): Questioned the traffic study (Level of Service D) and why town should subsidize VT housing; opposed. - Steve Hetzel (840 Hutchison Drive): Opposed, citing overflow of student parties, police inability to enforce occupancy, and pushing residents out of the neighborhood. - Kristine Embree (852 Hutchison Drive): Noted that students’ signifficant others add to population and traffic; son with autisim cannot safley walk due to congestion. - Applicant Rebuttal and Commission Questions: - Vasbinder reiterated that the project offers better management than absentee‑landlord rentals in the neighborhood, will provide 24/7 staff, and will proffer a noise policy. He argued the current zoning already allws 60 ft height and building to the property line, while the proposal sets back farther. - Commissioner Mel Jones asked about enforceing ove‑occupancy. Staff reply: complaint‑driven; management of purpose‑built housing rareely receives such complaints. - Commissioner Susanna Rinehart asked about pedestrian safety solutions on Prices Fork Road. Deputy Town Manager Matt Hanratty said the town is working on a VDOT OIP study (7‑year time frame) and smaller improvements (lighted crosswalks, islands), but noted the funding landscape is challenging. - Commissioner Michael Ermann asked about traffic volumes and whether taking lanes away on Prices Fork had been discussed. Hanratty said it has not been discussed. - Motion and Discussion: - Michael Ermann moved to approve the rezoning. Mel Jones seconded. - Jerry Ford Jr. opposed, citing the Comprehensive Plan as the primary guide; he praised affordable housing but said the overall density and infrastructure impacts are too high. He emphasized that all residents (owner‑occupied and renters) matter. - Latanya Walker expressed ambivallence: student housing needed but infrastructure inadequate; noted the town cannot control VT housing decisions. - Blaine Keesee said the site needs a larger area plan; opposed piecemeal development. - Susanna Rinehart argued that the project addresses the problem of student overflow into neighborhoodes; said the town must sometimes act before solving all contextual issues to force progress. - Mel Jones said the project meets many PR district goals and the people who will live there already live elsewhere in Blacksburg, so car trips may be reduced. - Brian Britt said the development is too big and awkward; Prices Fork is dangerous; the area should remain commercial. - Vote: Passed 5‑4 (Colley, Ermann, Jones, Rinehart, Walker yes; Britt, Ford, Kassoff, Keesee no). Citizen Comment (After Hearings) - A citizen asked how many commissioners live in McBryde Village; only one (who voted yes) said they live in a similar situation but not in McBryde. - A citizen urged commissioners to walk the path from the site to campus to see pedestrian hazards. - Gen Ottinger described dangerous scooter and bike behavior on sidewalks. - Nancy Lowry (821 Hutchison Drive) reported nearly being hit by a car on the sidewalk three times; said there is no police enforcement. - Laura Purcell (826 Toms Creek Road) questioned why the town should subsidize VT housing; noted lack of enforcement of speed limits and narrow sidewalks on Toms Creek. - Megan Kuczmarski clarified that the Comprehensive Plan map shows the site in commercial, not mixed‑use, contrary to earlier staff description. Unfinished Business - Zoning Ordinance Review Committee: Not met. - Historic or Design Review Board: Nothing to report. - Montgomery County Planning Commission: Report given by Brian Britt (October 8 meeting). - Additional Items: None. New Business - Chair’s Report: Chair Kassoff asked commissioners to email topics for the upcoming November 18 work session if there are items to discuss. - Planning Director’s Report: Andrew Warren reaffirmed the request; asked for emails within the next week. - Town Council Report: None. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:56 PM. Key Outcomes - CUP-25-4 approved (9‑0) for a duplex at 205 Washington Street SW with staff conditions. - RZN-25-7 approved (5‑4) for a mixed‑use, 6‑story, 836‑bedroom development at 702 University City Boulevard, subject to proffers including 12% affordable units, green building standards, and parking/occupancy regulations. - Next meeting: Planning Commission Work Session, November 18, 2025, at 5:00 PM.

Vice Mayor Michael Sutphin presided over the October 28, 2025 regular meeting with Councilmembers Anderson, Ford, Mattingly, and Watson present. Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith and Councilmember Lauren Colliver were absent. The meeting included a public hearing on a corporate boundary adjustment with Montgomery County, approval of consent agenda items, and a reappointment. Consent Calendar - Town Council Minutes (October 7, 2025 and October 14, 2025): Approved. - Resolution 10-C-25: Authorized the addition of a Fire Lieutenant and an additional Firefighter/Fire Inspector position in the approved pay plan and transferred funds for these positions. - Resolution 10-D-25: Approved the Blacksburg Transit System 2025 Substance Abuse Policy. - All three items were approved by a unanimous roll call vote (Anderson, Ford, Mattingly, Sutphin, Watson voting yes; none opposed). Public Hearing: Town Corporate Boundary Adjustment Agreement with Montgomery County - Staff Presentation: Town GIS Coordinator Ingrid Mans explained that the last full boundary survey was in 1973. The 2025 survey updated the corporate limits using modern spatial data. Key numbers: 1973 area – 12,016 acres (18.85 sq. mi.); 2025 pre-survey – 12,679 acres (19.81 sq. mi.); 2025 post-survey – 12,686 acres (19.82 sq. mi.). The largest change came from town-owned land behind the former Blacksburg High School. No private property boundaries were changed. - Public Comments: - William Oliver (owner of Oliver Rental Properties, LLC): Expressed concerns about whether post-adjustment properties would receive town water, sewer, trash pickup, and transit service, and noted the new line splits his property nearly in half. - Diane Pfeifer (family property near Bishop Road and Mount Tabor Road): Questioned the boundary shift of approximately 125–130 feet, which splits the family pond, and asked about services. - Tom Roberts (Blacksburg resident): Requested that the documents labeled as "plats" be corrected to "illustrations" or meet state legal standards for plats (e.g., surveyor's signature). - Angie Quesenberry (1725 Merrimac Road): Asked if her property would remain in Montgomery County and raised concerns about dangerous traffic speeds on Merrimac Road, especially with new development. - Action: Councilmember Anderson moved to defer the item for two weeks to the next regular meeting on November 12, 2025. Councilmember Ford seconded; the motion passed on a unanimous roll call vote (Mattingly, Sutphin, Watson, Anderson, Ford voting yes; none opposed).")."] Citizen Comments - No members of the public spoke during the citizen comment period. Appointments - Re-appointment of Jason Karas to the Montgomery Regional Economic Development Commission (MREDC) for a 3-year term: Councilmember Anderson moved approval; Councilmember Ford seconded. The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote (Sutphin, Watson, Anderson, Ford, Mattingly voting yes; none opposed)."."]"]"] Council Announcements - Councilmember Anderson reminded residents that early voting is underway, including a Saturday session on November 1, 2025 at the Community Center on Patrick Henry Drive. The last chance to vote in the current season is November 4, 2025. - Councilmember Ford noted that the November 4 Work Session has been canceled, but the Planning Commission will meet that evening. - Councilmember Anderson noted that the next regular meeting has been moved to Wednesday, November 12, 2025 (due to Veterans Day) at 6:30 p.m. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: All three items approved unanimously. - Boundary Adjustment Vote: Deferred to November 12, 2025 to allow town staff to meet with affected property owners and address questions. - MREDC Appointment: Jason Karas reappointed for a three-year term. - Meeting Adjourned: The meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m.

Note: The agenda and minutes identify this meeting as having taken place on October 21, 2025, but the provided date is October 17, 2025. This summary uses the provided date. The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session at Blacksburg Motor Company on October 17, 2025. The session covered the FY2024 audit, review of upcoming public hearings, transportation planning, new firefighter positions, transit policy update, a boundary adjustment, and downtown zoning discussion. FY2024 Audit Presentation - Chris Banta of Brown, Edwards & Company presented the annual audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. The Town's net position was positive, and staff received commendation for financial management. Review of Public Hearings (November 12, 2025) - Ordinance 2095: Rezoning ±2.7 acres at 1709 and 1711 Whipple Drive from Medium Density Multiunit (RM-48) to Planned Residential (PR). The project includes demolition of a single-family dwelling, retention of existing multi-family units, and construction of seven 4-bedroom townhomes (124 bedrooms), 100 parking spaces, and a 375-foot multi-use trail. - Ordinance 2097: Lease of space on the North Main Street Water Tank to New River Valley Unwired Ventures, LLC and New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC for a one-year term. - Ordinance 2098: Increase the bad check fee from $35 to $50. - Ordinance 2099: Elevate the penalty for failure to obtain a business license to a Class 2 misdemeanor. - Ordinance 2101: Update Town Code Sections 6-200 and 6-203 to reflect building code changes and establish civil penalties for property maintenance violations. Prices Fork Road Transportation Planning - Engineering Director Carolyn Howard presented two concurrent studies: a Town study on the Toms Creek Road corridor and a VDOT OIPI study on Prices Fork Road from the Village of Prices Fork to the North Main Street roundabout. The highest priority focus area is east of US Route 460 Bypass. Both studies will be finalized before the VDOT Smart Scale application in summer 2026. New Firefighter Positions - Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer presented a resolution to create two new full-time positions (Fire Lieutenant and Firefighter/Fire Inspector) and to reallocate funds from the General Fund contingency to the Fire Department personnel and benefits budget for FY 2025/26. Blacksburg Transit Substance Abuse Policy - Director Brian Booth explained the policy update to maintain compliance with federal drug and alcohol regulations, addressing minor issues from a July 2025 audit. Changes include updated testing language, post-accident procedures, refusal-to-test rules, on-duty alcohol limits, and replacement of SAP with EAP for voluntary referrals. License Agreement: Temporary Construction Trailer at Midtown - This item was withdrawn from the agenda with no further action needed. Town Boundary Adjustment Discussion - GIS Coordinator Ingrid Mans and Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer proposed a voluntary Boundary Adjustment Agreement to bring approximately 7.2 acres into the Town, correcting boundary errors and avoiding split parcels. Required notices were provided to affected property owners. Public hearings by the Town and County will be scheduled. The item will be on the next week meeting agenda. Downtown Northwest Zoning District Discussion - Planning Director Andrew Warren reviewed a proposed incentive-based zoning district to add to the existing Downtown Commercial district. It adopts a form-based approach with detailed design standards. After discussion, the Council agreed to limit building height to no more than 100 feet. Key Outcomes - The Council agreed to limit building height to 100 feet in the proposed Downtown Northwest Zoning District. - The Town Boundary Adjustment will be placed on the next Town Council meeting agenda for further action. - The license agreement for a temporary construction trailer at Midtown was withdrawn. - The remaining items were discussed as part of the work session; no formal votes were taken, but they are scheduled for public hearings or future action.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting on October 14, 2025, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The agenda included a police life saving awards ceremony, approval of a consent agenda with several items, public hearings on a rezoning and right-of-way vacation at Holiday Lane, and adoption of three ordinances to modernize subdivision and zoning regulations. Council also heard citizen comments regarding a police incident. All votes were unanimous. Awards and Recognition - Police Chief John Clair presented Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police Life Saving Awards to officers who rescued a person from the New River on September 25, 2024. Officers jumped into the river with full equipment to save the unconscious individual. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved the September 16 and September 23, 2025 Town Council minutes. - Resolution 10‑B‑25: Amended the regular meeting schedule to add a meeting on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 (rescheduled due to Veterans Day). - Boundary Adjustment Agreement: Scheduled a public hearing for October 28, 2025. - Ordinance 2095: Introduced a rezoning of ±2.7 acres at 1709 and 1711 Whipple Drive from Planned Residential to Medium Density Multiunit Residential (RM‑48) and scheduled a public hearing for November 12, 2025. - Ordinance 2097: Introduced a lease of space on the North Main Street water tank to New River Valley Unwired Ventures, LLC and New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC; public hearing November 12, 2025. - Ordinance 2098: Introduced an amendment to Town Code §1‑113 to increase the bad check fee; public hearing November 12, 2025. - Ordinance 2099: Introduced an amendment to Town Code §11‑200 regarding business license requirements; public hearing November 12, 2025. - Ordinance 2101: Introduced amendments to Town Code §§6‑200 and 6‑203 to update building code references and establish civil penalties for property maintenance violations; public hearing November 12, 2025. - CUP 25‑2: Scheduled a public hearing for an automobile dealership in General Commercial zoning for November 12, 2025. - CUP 25‑3: Scheduled a public hearing for a dance hall use in Downtown Commercial zoning for November 12, 2025. The consent agenda was approved unanimously on a roll‑call vote (Anderson, Colliver, Ford, Hager‑Smith, Mattingly, Sutphin, Watson all yes). Public Hearings Ordinance 2075 – Rezoning 3503 Holiday Lane (9.722 acres) from General Commercial and Office to Planned Residential - Staff Presentation: Senior Town Planner Caroline Collins explained the applicant, T.P.B. Enterprises LLC, proposes to rezone the property to allow five four‑story apartment buildings with up to 480 bedrooms (1‑ and 2‑bedroom units), 28% open space (including clubhouse, pool, dog park, trail), and 455 parking spaces (0.94 spaces per bedroom). The project also requests vacation of ±34,872 square feet of right‑of‑way along Holiday Lane to build a 10‑foot multi‑use trail. - Planning Commission Recommendation: Recommended approval 6‑2 (one absent). - Applicant Statement: Steve Semones of Balzer & Associates stated the project targets young professionals, with market‑rate units rented by the unit (not by the bed). Features include rideshare pickup, EV and e‑bike charging, and internal shuttles if needed. A traffic study found no negative impacts. - Public Comment: Steve Gillespie (201 Fairfax Road) expressed concerns that the project is not affordable, lacks transit access, and will negatively impact traffic in south Blacksburg. He urged council to negotiate improvements. - Applicant Rebuttal: Semones reiterated the traffic study showed no warranted improvements and noted the previous commercial proposal would have generated more traffic. - Council Discussion: Councilmembers noted the property has been vacant for five years and the proposed housing type (1‑ and 2‑bedroom, non‑student) meets a community need. They acknowledged the site’s auto‑oriented location but cited potential future Blacksburg Transit connections. The occupancy restriction (family plus one unrelated or no more than two unrelated) aligns with the small lot ordinance. - Action: Motion to approve Ordinance 2075 passed unanimously (Ford, Hager‑Smith, Mattingly, Sutphin, Watson, Anderson, Colliver all yes). Ordinance 2091 – Vacation of a Portion of Public Right‑of‑Way at Holiday Lane - Action: Motion to approve Ordinance 2091 (the related right‑of‑way vacation) passed unanimously (Hager‑Smith, Mattingly, Sutphin, Watson, Anderson, Colliver, Ford all yes). Ordinances 2082, 2083, 2084 – Subdivision and Zoning Ordinance Amendments - Staff Presentation: Town Planner Kali Casper summarized three ordinances based on feedback from a stakeholder group (Sept 2023 – April 2024) and new state laws (HB 2660, SB 974). Changes address street design (allow roll‑top curbing in single‑family districts, require sidewalks on both sides in denser areas), street construction sequencing flexibility, infrastructure timing and bonding, subdivision design (flag lot standards, cul‑de‑sac length, driveway placement), and process improvements (removing Planning Commission from preliminary plat review, shortening plan review timelines). - Planning Commission Recommendation: Unanimous recommendation of approval (8‑0) for all three ordinances. - Public Comment: None. - Council Discussion: Councilmembers thanked staff for the comprehensive update but Councilmember Hager‑Smith noted the process took over three years and initially requests were for only three simple fixes. She stressed the need for continued conversation to address housing and infrastructure needs efficiently. - Action: Motion to approve Ordinances 2082, 2083, and 2084 passed unanimously (Mattingly, Sutphin, Watson, Anderson, Colliver, Ford, Hager‑Smith all yes). Citizen Comments - James Earthman (Giles County) described a December 2024 road rage incident where he was assaulted and criticized the Blacksburg Police Department’s initial inaction and subsequent handling, alleging corruption and false charges. He urged council to address the matter. Council Announcements - Councilmember Anderson reported on the Virginia Municipal League annual conference, noting workshops and networking. - Councilmember Colliver reminded citizens that early voting is underway (weekdays and two Saturdays at the Rec Center). - Councilmember Watson noted the November 4 work session is cancelled for Election Day, and the next regular meeting is Wednesday, November 12, 2025 (rescheduled due to Veterans Day). - Councilmember Ford shared that a VML presentation on the national economy emphasized “uncertainty” and urged local government to provide stability and certainty for the community. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approvals: Consent agenda, Ordinance 2075 (Holiday Lane rezoning), Ordinance 2091 (right‑of‑way vacation), and Ordinances 2082‑2084 (subdivision and zoning code updates). - Public hearings scheduled: Several items were introduced and set for a combined public hearing on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 (see Consent Calendar). - Meeting adjourned: 7:32 p.m.