Public Meetings - Blacksburg, Virginia

The Blacksburg Town Council met on August 12, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers of the Blacksburg Municipal Building. The meeting lasted 14 minutes, concluding at 6:44 PM. The council addressed a consent agenda, held a public hearing on a procurement code update, and made council announcements. There were no public comments or testimony. Consent Calendar - A. Town Council Minutes (June 24, July 1, July 8, 2025): Approved unanimously. - B. Resolution 8-A-25 (New River Valley Hazard Mitigation Plan 2025 Update): Approved unanimously. - E. Resolution 8-D-25 (Campaign Finance Reform Position): Approved unanimously. - F. Ordinance 2092 (Traffic Signal Controllers Budget Amendment): Introduced and public hearing scheduled for September 9, 2025. - G. Ordinance 2093 (Police Equipment Grant $55,000): Introduced and public hearing scheduled for September 9, 2025. - H. CUP-25-1 (Outdoor Camp at 2190 Merrimac Road): Public hearing rescheduled to September 9, 2025. Note: Vice Mayor Michael Sutphin recused himself from Items C and D due to a conflict of interest (employment with Community Housing Partners, which benefits from the fee waivers). The council voted to remove Items C and D from the consent agenda and vote on them separately. - C. Resolution 8-B-25 (Waiver of Water/Sewer Fees for Stroubles Ridge Affordable Housing): Approved with 6 yes votes (Hager-Smith, Mattingly, Watson, Anderson, Colliver, Ford) and 1 abstention (Sutphin). - D. Resolution 8-C-25 (Waiver of Water/Sewer Fees for Airport Road Affordable Housing): Approved with the same 6-0-1 vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public hearing for Ordinance 2078 or during the citizen comments period. Discussion Items - Public Hearing – Ordinance 2078 (Procurement Code Update): Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer presented the ordinance, which amends several sections of the town code to incorporate provisions from the Virginia Public Procurement Act. Key changes include clarifying the purchasing agent's authority, requiring website notice for construction and professional services contracts over $80,000, incorporating by reference state law on sole source and emergency procurement, and adding state code language regarding IT contracts. Council asked no questions. No public comment was received. The council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance. Key Outcomes - Approved all consent agenda items and the procurement code update. - Scheduled public hearings for September 9, 2025, on Ordinance 2092 (traffic signal controllers), Ordinance 2093 (police equipment grant), and CUP-25-1 (camp permit). - Council Announcements: Councilmembers promoted upcoming events including the Last Mingle at the Market (August 13, 4-6 PM), Blacksburg Market Square Jams (Wednesdays through September), the Mayoral Forum (August 21, 6:30 PM), and the Town Council Candidates Forum (August 28, 6:30 PM), both in council chambers. Councilmember Anderson thanked volunteers for Steppin’ Out. Vice Mayor Sutphin announced a Touch-a-Truck event in Christiansburg on August 16, where he will be in a dunking booth.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on August 5, 2025, at the Blacksburg Motor Company, 400 South Main Street. The meeting began at 11:00 a.m. and adjourned at 11:55 a.m. Council discussed the New River Valley Hazard Mitigation Plan, reviewed an upcoming public hearing for Ordinance 2078 (procurement code updates), considered budget amendments for traffic signal controllers and police equipment, and reviewed proposed affordable housing utility fee waivers. No formal votes were taken; the session focused on discussion and consensus building. Discussion Items - New River Valley Hazard Mitigation Plan: Christy Straight of the New River Valley Regional Commission presented the plan, which was developed over a 24-month planning process. She explained the goal is to reduce or eliminate long-term risks to people and property by identifying hazard ratings and informing the Town's CIP and Zoning methods. Council received the information without a vote. - Review of Public Hearing for Ordinance 2078: Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer summarized the proposed amendments to the Town Procurement Code (Sections 16-116, 16-200, 16-203, 16-204, 16-207, and 16-506, adding new Section 16-123). Key changes include contract authorization process, incorporation of state law on procurement methods (sole source, emergency procurement), and addition of state code language for IT contracts. The public hearing is scheduled for August 12, 2025. - Budget Amendment – Traffic Signal Controllers: Public Works Director John Boyer requested funds to modernize traffic controllers across town, noting that several current controllers are incompatible with newer models. The upgrade would enable live streaming, remote access, and traffic count capabilities on all signals. - Budget Amendment – Police Department Equipment Grant: Town Manager Marc Verniel summarized the proposed amendment to the FY25/26 Operating Budget, appropriating $55,000 from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Equipment Grant to the Police Grant Expenditure line item in the General Fund for public safety equipment. - Proposed Affordable Housing Utility Fee Waivers: Housing and Community Connections Manager Kim Thurlow reviewed two upcoming affordable housing projects: Stroubles Ridge Project and Airport Road Project. She explained that waivers are based on income eligibility, affordability terms, financing sources, and Council discretion. Council expressed overall agreement with the proposed fee waivers for both projects. Key Outcomes - Council reached consensus to support the affordable housing utility fee waivers for Stroubles Ridge and Airport Road projects. - No formal decisions were made on the hazard mitigation plan, procurement ordinance, or budget amendments; these items were discussed as informational or preparatory for future action. - During the Staff/Council Discussion segment, Council and staff exchanged information on speaker time limits at work sessions, speed limit signage, and allowable enforcement of smoking at the Farmers Market.

The Blacksburg Planning Commission held a regular meeting on August 5, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers of the Municipal Building. The meeting was brief, lasting approximately three minutes, and primarily addressed consent agenda items, with no public hearings, citizen comments, or substantive unfinished business. All seven present commissioners voted unanimously on the consent agenda. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (July 1, 2025): Approved unanimously (7-0). - RZN-25-6 – Yellow Sulphur Apartments PRD Rezoning (3503 Holiday Lane): Scheduled for a public hearing on September 2, 2025. This request was previously designated RZN-25-4 and has been revised with additional acreage and bedrooms. - Subdivision and Zoning Ordinance Stakeholder Group and General Assembly Amendments: Scheduled for a public hearing on September 2, 2025. - RZN-25-5 – Tech Terrace PRD Rezoning (305 & 309 Webb Street): The August 5, 2025 public hearing was cancelled and rescheduled for September 2, 2025. Discussion Items - Planning Director's Report: Planning and Building Director Andrew Warren noted that the Town received five new public hearing applications as of the August 1, 2025 submission deadline. - Unfinished Business – Montgomery County Planning Commission: Commissioner Susanna Rinehart indicated she was unable to attend the July meeting and would report back at the September 2, 2025 meeting. - Unfinished Business – Zoning Ordinance Review Committee: The committee has not met. - Town Council Report: Not provided due to absence of Councilmember Jerry Ford Jr. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Vote: Approved 7-0 (all present commissioners in favor). Motion by Tim Colley, seconded by Susanna Rinehart. - Public Hearing Rescheduling: The Tech Terrace PRD rezoning (RZN-25-5) public hearing was cancelled for August 5 and rescheduled to September 2, 2025. - Future Meetings: The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for September 2, 2025, at 6:30 PM. A work session is planned for August 19, 2025, at 5:00 PM.

Blacksburg Town Council met at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers, 300 South Main Street, for a regular meeting. Council took action on six public hearings, approved all consent agenda items, and announced upcoming community events. Council member Mattingly was absent; all other members participated. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from June 3, June 10, and June 17, 2025. - Adopted Resolution 7-A-25, setting regular Town Council meeting dates. - Adopted Resolution 7-B-25, referring proposed subdivision and zoning ordinance amendments to the Planning Commission. - Scheduled a public hearing for August 12, 2025, on conditional use permit CUP-25-1 for an outdoor educational and recreational camp at 2190 Merrimac Road. - Introduced Ordinance 2078 and scheduled a public hearing for August 12, 2025, to update Town procurement code with provisions from the Virginia Public Procurement Act. All consent items were approved unanimously by roll call. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered comments during any of the public hearings; the citizen comments portion was skipped. Public Hearings & Discussion - Ordinance 2079 – Clydesview rezoning: Council approved the request by Balzar and Associates on behalf of Shaw Development LLC to rezone 0.655± acres at 103 Jefferson Street and East Roanoke Street from R-5 Transitional Residential to Planned Residential District. The project would create 10 detached single-family homes with 20 bedrooms, 20 parking spaces, 6 bicycle spaces, and 13% open space. Applicant Steve Simonis described it as a "front porch community" of modestly sized, attainable for-sale homes. Planning Commission had recommended approval 7–0. Council members praised it as a proof of concept for small-lot infill development. - Ordinances 2080 and 2081 – North Main Street amendment and alley vacation: Council considered a joint request by LV Collective to vacate approximately 2,981 square feet of town-owned alley right-of-way and to amend the previously approved planned residential development at 801 North Main Street by adding the former Speedway parcel. The amendment includes approximately 103 additional beds, 45 units, 96 residential parking stalls, 3,200 square feet of retail, 135 linear feet of Main Street commercial frontage, 18 retail parking stalls, and 12,200 square feet of additional open space. The applicant stated the affordable housing contribution would increase by $161,000 to a total of $1.3 million. Planning Commission had recommended approval 7–0. Council member Anderson voted no, citing excess density and an inadequate parking ratio; several other members said the amendment improves the previously approved plan. - Ordinance 2086 – 411 Draper Road encroachment: Council approved an encroachment for a delivery ramp, walkway, handrail, and wall in town right-of-way at 411 Draper Road. The encroachment is approximately 1,200 square feet and will serve the proposed Library Cafe and Draper Road Provisions. Applicant John Neal of Foresight Design said a site plan would be submitted within the next week and a half. - Ordinance 2087 – Prices Fork Road speed limit: Council lowered the speed limit on Prices Fork Road from Old Glade Road to Main Street from 35 mph to 25 mph. Staff cited a 75% increase in pedestrian crossings of Prices Fork Road since 2019, more than 5,000 pedestrians per day crossing at Tom's Creek Road, and anticipated redevelopment in the corridor. Council members expressed support for improving safety for vulnerable road users. - Ordinance 2088 – 104 Draper Road lease: Council approved authorizing the lease of one office in the Thomas Connor House annex to Live Work Eco (L-Weg), an organization that manages four community gardens. The previous Virginia Tech lease ended December 31, 2024, and generated approximately $80,000 per year. Key Outcomes - Approved consent agenda unanimously (6–0). - Approved Ordinance 2079 unanimously (6–0). - Approved Ordinance 2080 by a 6–1 vote, with Council member Anderson dissenting. - Approved Ordinance 2081 unanimously (6–0). - Approved Ordinance 2086 unanimously (6–0). - Approved Ordinance 2087 unanimously (6–0). - Approved Ordinance 2088 unanimously (6–0). - Upcoming meetings: July 15 work session and July 22 regular meeting are cancelled; next work session is August 5 at Blacksburg Motor Company, and next regular meeting is August 12 in chambers.

The Blacksburg Planning Commission met Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 6:30 pm in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers of the Blacksburg Municipal Building. Chair Andy Kassoff called the meeting to order. Commissioners present were Tim Colley, Jerry Ford Jr., Andy Kassoff, Blaine Keesee, Melissa Jones, and Susanna Rinehart; Brian Britt, Michael Ermann, and Latanya Walker were absent. The commission unanimously approved the consent agenda and, after a public hearing, unanimously approved a conditional use permit for the Graham Outdoor Recreation Camp at 2190 Merrimac Road. Two scheduled public hearings were canceled and rescheduled. The meeting adjourned at 7:57 pm. Consent Calendar - Approved the June 3, 2025 Planning Commission minutes. - Scheduled a public hearing for August 5, 2025, for RZN-25-5, the Tech Terrace PRD rezoning request at 305 & 309 Webb Street. - Canceled the July 1, 2025 public hearing for RZN-25-4, the Yellow Sulphur Apartments PRD rezoning request at 3503 Holiday Lane, and rescheduled it for a later date. - Canceled the July 1, 2025 public hearing for Zoning Ordinance Amendment 60/ORD 2001, which would create a new Downtown Northwest zoning district bounded by North Main Street, Turner Street, and Prices Fork Road, and rescheduled it for a later date. The consent agenda was moved by Jerry Ford Jr., seconded by Tim Colley, and passed 6-0. Public Hearing: CUP-25-1 – Graham Outdoor Recreation Camp Staff and applicant presentations: - Assistant Planning Director Kinsey O’Shea presented the request for a conditional use permit to operate an outdoor educational and recreational camp with a lodge for occasional overnight stays and planned events at the historic Linkous-Kipps House. The property is over 15 acres zoned RR-1 (Rural Residential). The zoning administrator found the existing 10 paved parking spaces adequate; public water and sewer are available, but staff recommended monitoring for sewer overcapacity. Staff-recommended conditions included compliance with the application, no more than three events per week, attendee limits, overnight stays limited to 90 days per year with no more than 10 guests at a time, event hours between 8 am and 10 pm, and coordination with staff on sanitary sewer issues. A neighborhood meeting was held May 28, 2025. - Applicant Jeff Graham and his daughter Fiona Allen said the house was built in 1799, is the second oldest in Blacksburg, and has been restored by them. They proposed historical and educational tours, environmental and equine therapy programs, small workshops, retreats, and limited overnight lodging. They stated events would be capped at 50 people including staff, the lodge would accommodate up to 10 guests, overnight stays would be limited to 90 days per year, and events would end by 10 pm. They said they are not seeking to run an Airbnb and accepted all staff-recommended conditions. They described a 30-foot easement containing a 10-foot driveway; the closest Kipps Farm house is 0.2 miles away and up a 37-foot hill with mature trees. They also acknowledged that the conditional use permit, if granted, would run with the land. Public comments and positions: - Gwen Ogle (2813 Tall Oaks Drive, Strubles Mill) supported the permit, saying her daughter has benefited greatly from equine therapy and the Graham/Allen family has restored and maintained the historic home. - Shaun Grahe (2300 Scenic Ridge Circle), president of the Kipps Farm Homeowners Association, expressed concern about traffic, easement access, overnight guests, liability, and converting a residential easement to commercial use. He said many Kipps Farm properties are within 15 feet of the driveway, asked that alternate access be explored, and requested that the permit not automatically transfer with ownership outside the family. - Megan Fitterer (2248 Scenic Ridge Circle) strongly opposed the application, arguing the described activities matched event center and general office uses, not a camp; that the easement was not designed for high-volume traffic; and that approval would set a dangerous precedent. She said she found more than 60 other RR-1 properties over 10 acres within town limits. - Doug McLellan (2302 Scenic Ridge Circle) raised concerns about enforcement of occupancy limits, handicap access, fire code compliance, proximity to a school, and characterized the use as more like a hotel or motel. - Frank Flaim (2304 Scenic Ridge Circle) said his property is about five feet from the driveway, cars frequently pull into his yard to pass, and there is no lighting at night, creating safety risks for his children. He said he supports therapy and education but is deeply concerned about safety. - Amanda Linkous (934 Council Lane, Montgomery County) supported the Grahams, saying they are honest people who will follow the rules and will not have parties or late-night noise. - Jennie Orzolek (2294 Scenic Ridge Circle) opposed the proposal, describing it as an “Airbnb and event center” with no on-site full-time staff, incompatible with the residential area and inconsistent with Blacksburg’s homestay policy. - Dr. Wendy Green, a Kipps Farm resident, Radford University professor, and therapist, supported the request, citing the 2024 New River Community Health Assessment that ranked access to mental health services as the number two concern in the region. - Joseph Bruzgul (303 Overlook Drive) supported the permit, saying historic properties are often lost to decay when preservation plans are denied, and the Grahams have the character to run the property responsibly. - Todd Linkous (2030 Oilwell Road, Montgomery County), nephew of former owner Larry Linkous, supported the request, saying the Grahams saved a decaying property and that concerns can be addressed with fences and other measures. Applicant rebuttal: - Jeff Graham said he is sympathetic to neighbors’ concerns. He stated he and family members and staff will be on the property frequently, although it will not be staffed 24-7, and he is willing to investigate fencing, barriers, or other safety measures. He said rejecting the request would leave the restored house inaccessible to the community. Commission discussion: - Commissioners discussed the easement; staff said no language was found limiting the easement to residential use, and it was granted before Kipps Farm was developed. - Jones, Ford, Keesee, Rinehart, and Colley all expressed support for the proposal with conditions. Ford said the preservation aligns with the Comprehensive Plan’s Community Characteristics and appreciated the applicant’s agreement to overnight limits. He also noted receiving about 32 emails from citizens on the request. Jones said the applicant has the burden to minimize impacts on neighbors and should put measures such as fencing, reflectors, or wayfinding in writing so future owners must follow them. Ford asked whether speed-limit signs and fencing should be considered at the Town Council level. Colley asked about the 90-night limit; staff clarified a night counts regardless of the number of guests. - Blaine Keesee moved to approve CUP-25-1 with all staff-recommended conditions; Mel Jones seconded. The motion passed 6-0. Citizen Comment - Amanda Linkous cautioned that adding a second fence alongside existing Kipps Farm fences could create a safety hazard for children. Jeff Graham said fencing is difficult in some areas; Keesee suggested bollards, Mel Jones suggested reflectors or wayfinding, and Ginger O’Brian (601 Alleghany Street) suggested solar lights along the driveway. Frank Flaim said he would withdraw his concerns if a fence or guidance system were installed. Unfinished and New Business - The Zoning Ordinance Review Committee had not met. There was no report from the Historic or Design Review Board because Michael Ermann was absent, and the Montgomery County Planning Commission had nothing to report. - Jerry Ford Jr. reported that Town Council is reviewing subdivision ordinance changes and noted that former police chief Brewster retired after a 28-year career; Chief Claire was installed and began his first day that day. Key Outcomes - Approved the consent agenda 6-0, including scheduling the Tech Terrace PRD hearing for August 5, 2025, and rescheduling the Yellow Sulphur Apartments and Downtown Northwest zoning district hearings to later dates. - Approved CUP-25-1 for the Graham Outdoor Recreation Camp at 2190 Merrimac Road by a 6-0 vote with all staff-recommended conditions. - Next Planning Commission work session: July 15, 2025, at 5:00 pm; next regular meeting: August 5, 2025, at 6:30 pm.

This work session was scheduled for July 1, 2025 per the agenda, but the provided date is June 27, 2025. The available transcription contains only a single fragment ("And I've got more."), so detailed discussion, speaker positions, and decisions cannot be reliably reported. Below are the agenda items as listed. Discussion Items - 2025 Façade Improvement Grants – No discussion available. - Preview of August 12, 2025 Public Hearing: Graham Outdoor Recreation Camp Conditional Use Permit Request (CUP-25-1) – No discussion available. - Subdivision Ordinance Changes – No discussion available. - Procurement Ordinance Updates – No discussion available. - Student Housing Discussion – No discussion available. Key Outcomes - No votes or decisions are documented due to insufficient transcript.

The Blacksburg Town Council met on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting opened with the introduction of new Police Chief John Claire, followed by approval of the consent agenda, a public hearing on VDOT revenue sharing funds for the Harding Avenue project, citizen comments regarding a development amendment, appointments to town boards and committees, and council announcements. Consent Calendar - Approved Town Council minutes for May 20, 2025, and May 27, 2025. - Adopted Resolution 6-C-25, writing off uncollectible water, sewer, refuse, stormwater receivables, and real estate taxes. - Adopted Resolution 6-D-25, transferring $370,000 between Water and Sewer Fund capital projects. - Approved a change order extending the Blacksburg Transit construction management contract. Public Hearing Ordinance 2089 – VDOT Revenue Sharing Funds Staff presented the ordinance to amend the FY 2024/2025 operating budget to accept and appropriate $2,397,387 from the Virginia Department of Transportation Revenue Sharing Program for the Harding Avenue project. The project includes nearly 4,000 linear feet of sidewalk, bike lanes, and stormwater improvements from the eastern corporate limit along Harding Avenue past Patrick Henry Drive. No public comments were offered. Council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance. Citizen Comments Mark Tobacca (817 Montgomery Street) spoke during citizen comments. He urged council to deny the upcoming 801 North Main amendment, citing three concerns: 1. Parking: The proposed 0.5 parking ratio is too low; at a standard of 0.8–1.1, the development would create an overflow of 228 to 456 cars that would likely spill onto public streets, businesses, and nearby complexes. 2. Aesthetics: The amendment would bring a zero-foot setback closer to Main Street, reducing the current 10-foot commercial setback requirement. 3. Traffic: The development would increase congestion and hamper the ability to install a traffic circle at that intersection. Tobacca also discussed his “street parking is theft” shirt, arguing that street parking should be repurposed for bike lanes, and criticized the town for providing free parking to developers. He noted Blacksburg’s biking infrastructure is inadequate. Appointments Council unanimously approved a slate of appointments to town boards and committees. Notable reappointments include Mel Jones to the Planning Commission, Jesse Dubrowski (new) to the Board of Zoning Appeals, and several members to the Historic or Design Review Board, Recreation Advisory Board, Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee, and other bodies. Mayor noted citizen participation is critical and valued. Council Announcements - The Fourth of July parade will be held July 4, 2025, at 2 p.m. (lineup at 1:30 p.m.) with the theme "We the People." Fireworks will follow that evening. - Summer concert series continue: Friday night outdoor concerts (6–7:30 p.m. on Henderson Lawn), Thursday indoor concerts, classic movies at the Lyric, and a Shakespeare workshop on June 26. - The Community Foundation of the New River Valley’s annual Giving Day is Wednesday; residents are encouraged to give generously. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (6-0; Councilmember Oliver absent). - Ordinance 2089: Approved unanimously (7-0). - Boards and Committees Appointments: Approved unanimously (7-0). - New Police Chief John Claire welcomed; he outlined his background including a 35% crime reduction in Marion and overseeing a $2.1 million budget with 22 sworn officers. - The meeting adjourned without other business.

This work session of the Blacksburg Town Council took place at the Blacksburg Motor Company. Note: The agenda and minutes list the meeting date as June 17, 2025, conflicting with the provided timestamp of June 13, 2025. The council discussed airport planning, architectural review, budget transfers, transit center management, and upcoming public hearings. No formal votes were taken; consensus was reached on several items. Airport Authority Master Plan Update Virginia Tech-Montgomery Regional Airport Authority Executive Director Keith Holt presented the Airport Master Plan, covering a 20-year planning period. The 2020 completion of the runway extension generated the need for this update. The plan focuses on growth within the fence and future terminal expansion or new building location. Completion is targeted for early 2026, requiring FAA consensus. Architectural Review of Hyatt Studios (Midtown Parcel DC6) Planning Director Andrew Warren recapped the design review process for Parcel DC6, including site layout, elevations, materials (brick, fiber cement siding, metal paint), and proposed landscaping. Council provided feedback, and the applicant agreed to address the requested changes. Water and Sewer Fund Budget Transfer Engineering Director Carolyn Howard requested a transfer of funds due to overages on two completed projects to three new sewer relocation projects. Council was in overall agreement to transfer the funds as requested. Transit Center Project Management Contract Extension Transit Director Brian Booth requested a 6-month extension of the project management contract for the new Transit Center, citing minor items remaining before a final certificate of occupancy. The contract would end sooner if work is completed. This request is scheduled for the next regular meeting agenda. Review of Public Hearing Scheduled for June 24, 2025 Ordinance 2089: Deputy Town Manager Matt Hanratty reviewed the ordinance to accept and appropriate $2,397,387 in Virginia Department of Transportation Revenue Sharing Funds for the Harding Avenue project, which will upgrade the stormwater system to VDOT standards, provide continuous sidewalks and bike lanes, and meet traffic needs. Review of Public Hearings Scheduled for July 8, 2025 Ordinance 2079: Town Planner Matthew Sampa highlighted a rezoning request for 0.655 acres at 103 Jefferson Street from R-5 Transitional Residential to Planned Residential to allow ten 2-story single-family homes (2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths). Applicant representative Steve Semones of Balzer and Associates presented small farmhouse-style homes with walkability and access to Blacksburg Transit. Semones responded to council questions on recycling, drainage, and a potential HOA. Ordinances 2080 and 2081: Planning Director Andrew Warren reviewed Ordinance 2080, which amends previous rezoning to add the former Speedway gas station property at 825 North Main Street. The development would have a maximum of 810 bedrooms in the mixed-use building and 59 in townhomes, totaling 869 bedrooms (265 bedrooms/acre). Ordinance 2081 is a companion request to vacate approximately 2,981 square feet of town-owned alley right-of-way. Ordinance 2086: Warren summarized a proposed ordinance to permit an encroachment at 411 Draper Road, allowing a masonry block wall, handrail, and concrete ramp in the public alley. Ordinance 2087: Engineering Director Carolyn Howard explained a proposal to lower the speed limit on Prices Fork Road from 35 mph to 25 mph from Old Glade Road to Main Street, based on a traffic study showing increased pedestrian traffic. Ordinance 2088: Deputy Town Manager Matt Hanratty presented a proposed lease of office space at 104 Draper Road to Live, Work, Eat, Grow, Inc. The Housing & Community Connections Office already occupies part of the building, making the lease ideal. Council/Staff Discussion Vice Mayor Michael Sutphin discussed recommendations for appointments to town boards and committees, stating he would distribute recommendations and additional information. Town Manager Marc Verniel noted that a resolution related to the town's annual write-offs would also be on next week's agenda. Key Outcomes - Council consensus to transfer water and sewer funds as requested. - The Hyatt Studios applicant agreed to address council feedback. - The transit contract extension request will be placed on the regular meeting agenda. - No formal votes were taken; these items are scheduled for action at upcoming public hearings on June 24 and July 8, 2025. - A discrepancy exists between the provided meeting timestamp (June 13, 2025) and the agenda/minutes (June 17, 2025).

The Blacksburg Town Council held its regular meeting on June 10, 2025, at the Blacksburg Municipal Building. All council 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. The meeting included a retirement tribute to the police chief, a unanimous consent agenda, and one citizen comment. Consent Calendar Vice Mayor Sutphin moved to approve the consent agenda, Councilmember Anderson seconded, and the motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote with all seven council members voting yes and none voting no. The following items were approved or introduced with public hearings scheduled: - Ordinance 2079 - Rezoning approximately 0.655 acres at 103 Jefferson Street and East Roanoke Street from R-5 Transitional Residential to Planned Residential District zoning; public hearing scheduled for July 8, 2025. - Ordinance 2080 - Amending Ordinance 2062, which rezoned approximately 2.80 acres at 801 North Main Street and adjacent blocks, to rezone an additional parcel at 825 N. Main; public hearing scheduled for July 8, 2025. - Ordinance 2081 - Vacating approximately 2,981 square feet of town-owned alley right-of-way; public hearing scheduled for July 8, 2025. - Ordinance 2089 - Amending the FY 2024/2025 operating budget to accept and appropriate $2,397,387 in Virginia Department of Transportation Revenue Sharing Funds; public hearing scheduled for June 24, 2025. - Resolution 6-A-25 - Approving the allocation formula agreement for annual contributions to the New River Valley Emergency Communications Regional Authority; approved. - Resolution 6-B-25 - Approving a support agreement related to revenue bonds issued by the New River Valley Emergency Communications Regional Authority and the Town of Blacksburg's related payment obligations; approved. - Independence Day Fireworks Permit for 2025; approved. - Ordinance 2086 - Permitting an encroachment in town right-of-way at 411 Draper Road; public hearing scheduled for July 8, 2025. - Ordinance 2087 - Amending Town Code Section 12-309 to lower the speed limit on Prices Fork Road; public hearing scheduled for July 8, 2025. - Ordinance 2088 - Authorizing a lease of office space at 104 Draper Road; public hearing scheduled for July 8, 2025. Public Comments & Testimony - Samantha Livesay, the new Montgomery County Tourism Director, introduced herself and described the goals of her office. She stated that her primary objective is to focus on strategic planning and marketing the area. Vice Mayor Sutphin added that the tourism operation is a regional effort with Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Montgomery County, funded in part through the transient occupancy tax. Council Announcements - Councilmember Anderson announced summer events including Friday Night Concerts, Thursday indoor concerts, classic movies at the Lyric, Summer Solstice, and the Blacksburg Market Square Jam. - Councilmember Mattingly noted that “Mingle at the Market” would take place at the Farmers Market. - Vice Mayor Sutphin recommended Pride Month events and highlighted Pride Week activities in Blacksburg. - Councilmember Colliver reminded citizens that early voting has begun and encouraged them to vote. - Councilmember Ford recognized the Public Arts Committee for recent electric box murals and noted a new call to artists for Draper Road work. Key Outcomes - The Town Council unanimously approved the consent agenda. - Public hearings for most ordinances were scheduled for July 8, 2025; the VDOT Revenue Sharing funds hearing was scheduled for June 24, 2025. - Mayor Hager-Smith presented a plaque to Police Chief T. Brewster in recognition of his service, and Brewster thanked the council and community, reflecting on his years with the town and police department. - The meeting had no public hearings, unfinished business, or new business, and was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.