Public Meetings - Blacksburg, Virginia

The Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting on May 27, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers of the Blacksburg Municipal Building. The 14-minute meeting included a proclamation, approval of a consent agenda, citizen comments, and final votes on the FY25/26 budget package. Consent Calendar - Town Council Minutes (May 6 and May 13, 2025) – Approved unanimously. - Resolution 5-A-25 – A resolution to the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors regarding the Student Life Village. The resolution requests the Board to rescind its March 25, 2025 resolution that rescinded the 2022 Student Life Village Master Plan Amendment, and urges a freeze on undergraduate enrollment until additional on-campus housing is available. The resolution was read aloud by the Mayor before the vote. Approved unanimously. - Resolution 5-B-25 – A resolution re-referring a proposed zoning ordinance text amendment to the Planning Commission to establish a new, optional Downtown Northwest Zoning District. Approved unanimously. - Resolution 5-C-25 – A resolution transferring funds between capital projects in the General Fund, Stormwater Fund, Water and Sewer Fund, and VDOT Revenue Sharing Fund. Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Charles Schade of 401 Clairmont Drive addressed Council. He expressed support for both Resolution 5-A-25 and Resolution 5-B-25 but criticized the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors' actions. He suggested Council consider an immediate moratorium on off-campus student housing (via zoning changes or permit denials) and recommended pursuing a homestead tax exemption with the state legislature. He also advocated eliminating the proposed Downtown Northwest Zoning District to reduce student housing impacts, citing Blacksburg’s existing housing shortage and uncertainty from federal policies affecting research institutions. Unfinished Business: FY25/26 Budget Package - Ordinance 2076 (Budget Adoption, Real Estate Tax Rate, and Appropriations): Council voted on the ordinance in two parts. First, the main body (excluding Section 4(a)(ii) and Sections 6 and 7) was adopted on a motion by Councilmember Anderson, seconded by Councilmember Colliver, passing 7-0. Second, Sections 4(a)(ii), 6, and 7 were adopted on a motion by Councilmember Anderson, seconded by Councilmember Ford, passing 6-0-1 (Vice Mayor Sutphin abstained per a prior disqualification statement). - Ordinance 2077 (Fee Increases for Water and Sewer Services and Solid Waste and Recycling): A motion by Vice Mayor Sutphin, seconded by Councilmember Anderson, passed 7-0, adopting the fee increases. Council Announcements - Councilmember Watson announced Community Pride of Blacksburg’s third annual Pride Week (June 8–14, 2025), featuring multiple events at various venues. - Vice Mayor Sutphin reminded residents of the Friday Night Concert series on Henderson Lawn (May 30: Blacksburg Community Band; June 6: Blues, R&B, and Rock), 6:00–7:30 PM. - Councilmember Anderson noted the Heritage Park Community Garden ribbon cutting on June 4 (3:00–4:00 PM) and a remembrance for Nikki Giovanni at the Moss Performing Arts Center on June 8 (2:00–4:00 PM). Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved (all four items passed 7-0). - Resolution 5-A-25 adopted – Council formally requests VT Board of Visitors to rescind its March 25, 2025 action and freeze undergraduate enrollment until housing is available. - FY25/26 budget adopted (Ordinance 2076) with Vice Mayor Sutphin abstaining on the tax rate and related sections. Real estate tax rate and appropriations are effective July 1, 2025. - Fee increases approved (Ordinance 2077) for water/sewer services and solid waste/recycling. - Meeting adjourned at 6:44 PM.

Date: May 6, 2025 | Time: 6:30–6:52 PM | Location: Blacksburg Municipal Building, 300 S. Main St. The Blacksburg Planning Commission held a regular meeting on May 6, 2025, chaired by Andy Kassoff. The commission unanimously approved a consent agenda, heard citizen comments on the Farmingdale subdivision, and approved two variances and the preliminary plat for that subdivision. All seven present commissioners voted in favor of each motion. (Member B. Britt was absent.) Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved the April 1, 2025 Planning Commission minutes (8-0). - RZN-25-2 (Clydesview): Scheduled a public hearing for June 3, 2025 on a rezoning from R-5 to PR at 103 Jefferson Street. - RZN-25-3 (North Main Street): Scheduled a public hearing for June 3, 2025 on a rezoning amendment for properties around 801 North Main Street, Kabrich Street, Winston Avenue, and Progress Street. Public Comments & Testimony - John Neel (Foresight Design Services, 1260 Radford Street, Christiansburg, VA) stated he was available to answer questions regarding the Farmingdale variances and distributed a handout illustrating trail-building difficulties in the area. - Annette Bach (Professor Emerita, 209 Farmingdale Lane, Blacksburg) requested fencing around her property to prevent erosion, a “forever clause” ensuring the HOA maintains the stormwater pond, and noted that recent emergency calls on Farmingdale Lane confirm the need for direct access to the US 460 Bypass. Discussion Items PLAT-24-16 & Farmingdale Variance Requests Andrew Warren, Planning and Building Director, presented the two outstanding variance requests: - Section 5-303: Request not to dedicate right-of-way to adjoining properties. Staff recommended against dedication because of limited connectivity, the Town’s low priority for the Toms Creek/Farmingdale connector, and maintenance concerns over a private gravel drive. - Section 5-500: Request not to construct a multi-use trail beyond the existing 800 linear feet of proposed trail. The variance would avoid building 4,000–4,500 additional linear feet of trail in an existing easement along US 460 Bypass. Commissioner Mel Jones asked about stormwater and erosion control oversight; Warren responded that the Town’s engineering department reviews plans and maintains maintenance agreements. Commissioner Michael Ermann reported that the Historic or Design Review Board has openings and is seeking new members, particularly those with backgrounds in architecture, construction, or property ownership in the historic district. Key Outcomes - Variance 5-303 (Right-of-way dedication): Approved 8-0. Motion by Jerry Ford Jr., seconded by Mel Jones. - Variance 5-500 (Multi-use trail construction): Approved 8-0. Motion by Jerry Ford Jr., seconded by Susanna Rinehart. - PLAT-24-16 (Preliminary Plat for Farmingdale Major Subdivision, 210 Farmingdale Lane): Approved 8-0. Motion by Jerry Ford Jr., seconded by Susanna Rinehart. The subdivision creates 20 new lots on approximately 108 acres (6 acres developed), with three new remainder lots (A, B, and one dwelling on lot C). - Upcoming Events: Planning Commission Retreat on May 8, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Blacksburg Motor Company building. Next regular meeting June 3, 2025, at 6:30 PM.

Note on date discrepancy: The meeting is recorded as May 2, 2025 per instructions, though the agenda and minutes list it as May 6, 2025. This work session covered five main agenda items: the Lyric Theatre capital campaign, HOME and CDBG program action plan, regional housing updates, student housing policy review, and an alley encroachment request. The meeting also included a staff discussion on the upcoming Metallica concert. Council took no formal votes but reached consensus on several items. Lyric Capital Campaign Presentation - Seth Davis, Executive Director of the Lyric Theatre, presented proposed renovations and capital improvements, including updated ADA access, lobby expansion, and enhanced storage space. Council expressed overall agreement with the funding request. HOME and CDBG Program Action Plan - Housing and Community Connections Manager Kim Thurlow presented the proposed Annual Action Plan for HOME and CDBG programs, detailing anticipated funding allocations and priorities for Public Services and Affordable Housing. Regional Housing Updates - Jennifer Wilsie of the New River Valley Regional Commission provided updates on the New River Valley Housing Fund, a dedicated funding source for affordable housing preservation or development. Two projects have received funding: Legacy on Main Apartments in Blacksburg and Claremont Apartments in Pulaski. Future funding awards were also highlighted. Review of Student Housing Policies - Planning Director Andrew Warren reviewed the 2019 resolution on student housing, which encouraged redevelopment of older student housing at higher densities. Between 2017 and 2021, approximately 3,500 new bedrooms of student-oriented housing were approved. Town Comprehensive Planner Maeve Gould noted that the 2021 Comprehensive Plan began addressing student housing more directly. After discussion, Council agreed to review the resolution and potentially update or draft a new one. Alley Encroachment Request - Local business owner John Boyer requested an alley encroachment on Draper Road to create a gourmet food space with a coffee shop. The encroachment would allow access along the rear of the building. Staff/Council Discussion - Town Manager Marc Verniel reviewed plans for the upcoming Metallica concert on May 7, including additional police staffing from multiple localities and increased Blacksburg Transit bus service. Key Outcomes - Council expressed overall agreement with the Lyric Theatre's funding request (no formal vote taken). - Council agreed to review the 2019 student housing resolution and potentially update or draft a new resolution. - The alley encroachment request was discussed but no decision recorded in the minutes. - The meeting adjourned at 12:28 p.m.

On April 22, 2025, the Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting at the Blacksburg Municipal Building. The meeting began with a proclamation by Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith declaring May as National Bike Month and Bicycle Safety Month, and May 12-18 as a week-long celebration of bicycling in Blacksburg. The council then addressed the consent agenda, heard citizen comments, received a detailed staff presentation on Prices Fork Road speed limits and safety studies, made several community announcements, and concluded with a closed meeting for personnel evaluations. Consent Calendar - Town Council Minutes: Approved the minutes from April 1, 2025 and April 8, 2025. - Agreement for Professional Services with Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc.: Authorized the Town Manager to sign the agreement. - Agreement for Professional Construction Engineering and Inspection Services for Infiltration and Inflow Abatement Project: Authorized the Town Manager to sign the agreement. - The consent agenda passed unanimously (6-0) on a roll call vote (Colliver, Hager-Smith, Mattingly, Sutphin, Watson, Anderson voting yes). Public Comments & Testimony - Adette Khanna (resident of Apartment Heights Drive, graduate teaching assistant in mathematics at Virginia Tech) addressed the council. She recounted the death of her former student, Franklin Zang, an international student who died in a road accident on March 29, 2025. She stated that a truck flipped and struck a bus stop, killing Zang. Khanna expressed that international students, who are less likely to own cars, are disproportionately vulnerable at bus stops. She urged the council to enact new road and traffic safety plans with utmost urgency and priority, stating, "We need to make sure that there are no cars fast enough in the future to rob Virginia Tech and the world of a brighter future." Discussion Items - Prices Fork Road Speed Limits Presentation: Engineering Director Carolyn Howard presented a comprehensive review of past and ongoing traffic studies along Prices Fork Road. Key points included: - Previous studies (2016, 2017, 2019, 2020) led to improvements such as adjusted signal timing, restricted left-turn movements, wider pedestrian sidewalks, bike lanes, and bike boxes. - Two current studies are underway: 1. Traffic Signal Timing Study (from Old Glade to Tom’s Creek Road) – initiated April 2025; speed data collection will occur before students leave campus; recommendations expected in summer 2025 for implementation before students return in August. 2. VDOT Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment (OIPI) Planning Study (from Main Street to McCoy Road in the village of Prices Fork) – a multi-phase study concluding in August 2026, focusing on vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and other modes, with public engagement in Phase 2 and cost estimates in Phase 3. - Short-term recommendation: reduce the speed limit and conduct a speed and safety study, with implementation targeted for summer 2025. - Public Works will extend the left-turn lane at West Campus Drive and shorten the left-turn lane into McBride to alleviate congestion. - Councilmember noted a Virginia General Assembly bill (HB or SB) that would have expanded school crossing zones to include institutions of higher education; the bill died in committee. Council expressed interest in adding this to the town's legislative agenda. - Councilmember asked about a pedestrian bridge (previously studied in 2019); staff clarified that a mid-block bridge would require ramps making it less attractive than using the at-grade crossing at Tom’s Creek Road, so the focus remains on improving at-grade pedestrian offerings. - Proclamation: Mayor Hager-Smith read a proclamation noting strong community support for bicycling infrastructure, regional bike share program, and Blacksburg’s bicycle master plan. The proclamation declared May as National Bike Month and Bicycle Safety Month, and May 12-18 as a week of bicycling celebrations. Council Announcements - Councilmember Colliver announced a public engagement meeting for a future new community center on Monday, April 28, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at the Blacksburg Community Center. An online survey will also open on Let’s Talk Blacksburg on the same day. - Councilmember Watson noted the Easter egg hunt at a park over the weekend was well attended. - Town Manager Marc Verniel announced the opening of a new trail called "Yard Sale" on Brush Mountain, constructed by the Poverty Creek Trails Coalition, with a grand opening event on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Councilmembers also highlighted other weekend events: Fork and Cork at Smithfield Plantation (Saturday), Blacksburg International Street Fair (Sunday), and the Blacksburg Police Department’s bed building event (Saturday, 9-11 a.m.). Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Approval: Passed 6-0. - Closed Meeting: At 6:50 p.m., the council adjourned to a closed meeting pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(A)(1) for annual discussion and evaluation of the Town Manager, Town Clerk, and Town Attorney. Motion passed 6-0. - Resolution 4-C-25: Upon reconvening at 8:01 p.m., the council adopted a resolution certifying the propriety of the closed meeting. Motion passed 6-0. - Prices Fork Road Next Steps: Staff will continue the traffic signal timing study to collect speed data before summer 2025, present recommendations at a summer council meeting, and aim to implement speed limit reductions and safety improvements before students return in August. The VDOT OIPI study will produce longer-term solutions with cost estimates by August 2026.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on April 11, 2025, to discuss the FY25/26 operating budget agency requests, speed limits on Prices Fork Road, revised design review for Midtown Townhomes, and upcoming public hearings scheduled for May 13, 2025. No votes were taken; the session served as a discussion and information-gathering meeting. Budget Discussion – Agency Financial Requests Town Manager Marc Verniel referred to previous work session reviews of the recommended FY25/26 operating budget and asked for Council input on agency funding proposals. Council made minor edits, adding some funds as requested or maintaining the recommended request. Council requested additional information regarding the Lyric's funding request, and Verniel offered to invite the director to present at a future meeting. Prices Fork Road Speed Limits Manager Verniel explained that a VDOT study is ongoing in the area but staff recommended reviewing speed limits now. Engineering Director Carolyn Howard presented details of studies conducted to date, including a Traffic Signal Timing Study and a VDOT Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment (OIPI) Planning Study. Howard highlighted improvements since 2020 and offered short-term recommendations: a reduction in the speed limit and a speed and safety study. Revised Design Review of Midtown Townhomes (PR2 and PR5) Planning Director Andrew Warren reviewed revised drawings for building types PR2 and PR5. Changes included adding shutters to the side and rear facades to add architectural detail, adding three decorative coping styles along the top edge of the front of fiber-cement sided buildings for a more finished look, and replacing board and batten siding with lap siding on the top level for architectural consistency. Steve Semones, representative of the applicant, was available to answer questions but none were asked. Review of Public Hearings Scheduled for May 13, 2025 Town Manager Verniel briefly reviewed three ordinances previously discussed: - Ordinance 2069: Amending Town Code to waive utility availability fees for affordable housing developments. - Ordinance 2076: Adopting the FY25/26 budget and real estate tax rate. - Ordinance 2077: Increasing fees for water and sewer services and solid waste and recycling fees. No questions were raised by Council. Key Outcomes - Council directed staff to gather more information on the Lyric's funding request for a future meeting. - Council indicated support for short-term recommendations on Prices Fork Road, including a speed limit reduction and a speed/safety study. - The revised design for Midtown Townhomes (PR2 and PR5) was discussed with no objections raised. - All three ordinances (2069, 2076, 2077) were scheduled for public hearings on May 13, 2025, with no further discussion needed. - Council briefly discussed a proposed amendment at the 801 N. Main Street development during the Council/Staff Exchange.

The Blacksburg Town Council met at 6:30 p.m. on April 8, 2025, in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting included a public hearing on consolidating erosion and stormwater regulations, introduction of the FY2025/2026 recommended operating budget, and routine approvals. The meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m. Consent Calendar - Town Council Minutes: Approved minutes from March 11, March 18, and March 25, 2025. - Ordinance 2069: Introduced an ordinance to waive utility availability fees for affordable housing developments; public hearing scheduled for May 13, 2025. - Ordinance 2076: Introduced an ordinance adopting the FY2025/2026 budget and real estate tax rate (unchanged at $0.26 per $100 assessed value); public hearing scheduled for May 13, 2025. - Ordinance 2077: Introduced an ordinance to increase water, sewer, solid waste, and recycling fees; public hearing scheduled for May 13, 2025. - Resolution 4-B-25: Approved revisions to Section 7.4 of the Town Employee Rules and Regulations. Public Comments & Testimony - Javid Torabinejad (address not given): Voiced concerns about raising the water quality disturbance threshold from 5,000 to 10,000 square feet, stating it contradicts the town's comprehensive plan and urged council not to adopt the ordinance. - Gwyneth Homer (222 Price Street): Raised concerns about water runoff and negative effects on water quality, urging the town to maintain higher standards amid federal rollbacks. - Caden McNamara (3110 Meadowbrook Drive): Inquired about both environmental and economic impacts of the proposed changes, noting pressure from Virginia Tech's growth. - Steve Gillespie (201 Fairfax Road): Stated the ordinance primarily benefits developers and asked council to weigh environmental effects more heavily. Discussion Items - Consolidation of Erosion and Stormwater Management Regulations (Ordinance 2061 A, B, C): Town Engineer Kafi Howard presented the staff recommendation to adopt a consolidated ordinance required by the Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Act. Key changes include raising the post-development water quality control threshold from 5,000 to 10,000 square feet (while erosion/sediment and water quantity controls remain at 5,000 sq ft), adding an exception for one duplex outside a common plan, and extending agreements in lieu of plan provisions to one duplex inside a common plan. The ordinance will be effective July 1, 2025. Council discussed the balance between environmental protection and development flexibility, noting that small sites often buy nutrient credits rather than providing on-site benefits. The town remains more stringent than the state's 43,000 sq ft threshold. - Introduction of FY2025/2026 Recommended Operating Budget: Town Manager Marc Verniel presented the $108 million total budget (approx. 3% increase overall, 5% increase excluding capital). The general fund is $53.4 million (4% increase). Property tax rate remains at $0.26 per $100. Notable items: funding for affordable housing fee waivers, New River Valley Passenger Rail Authority station construction, emergency services radio system, behavioral health co-response program, St. Luke and Odd Fellows Hall restoration ($187,000), skate park expansion, zoning ordinance rewrite, and continued transition to electric buses. Utility rates: water and sewer up 5%, solid waste up 3.7% (about $1.17/month), stormwater unchanged. Average utility bill increase of about $6/month for a family using 6,000 gallons. New positions added in finance, transit, and parks and recreation. Budget schedule: public hearing May 13, adoption May 27. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (6-0). - Ordinance 2061 (A, B, C): Approved unanimously (6-0) to adopt the consolidated erosion and stormwater management ordinance, effective July 1, 2025. - Appointment of Captain J. Teubert: Approved unanimously as town representative to the New River Valley Alcohol Safety Awareness Program. - Upcoming Meetings: Work session April 15, 2025; regular meeting April 22, 2025; public hearings on May 13, 2025 for the budget and other ordinances. Council Announcements - Vice Mayor Sutphin noted proclamations signed by the Mayor: Arbor Day (April 26) and National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 13-19). - Councilmember Colliver announced the annual Take Back the Night rally at Virginia Tech on April 10, 2025 (7 p.m., outdoor stage at College Avenue, or Graduate Life Center if raining). - Councilmember Anderson announced the town is accepting public comments on the 2025 Annual Action Plan and Citizen Participation Plan for HUD affordable housing programs, with a public hearing on April 16, 2025.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on March 28, 2025 (note: the agenda and minutes list the date as April 1, 2025; the date used here follows the provided instruction). The meeting covered a Virginia Tech housing update, an affordable housing fee waiver, design review of Midtown Townhomes, and the FY2025/2026 budget introduction. The meeting also included a closed session and subsequent resolution. Discussion Items - Follow-Up Discussion: Virginia Tech Housing Information – Town Manager Marc Verniel briefed Council on the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors’ decision regarding the Student Life Village Master Plan and Slusher Hall. Housing & Community Connections Manager Kim Thurlow presented a GIS analysis showing a decline in owner-occupied parcels across all neighborhoods, raising concerns about dis-appropriation of growth. Extensive Council discussion on Virginia Tech housing policies, rental markets, and overall housing followed. - Availability Fee Waiver for Affordable Housing – Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer discussed revisions to the availability fee waiver, offering more flexibility for water and sewer fees. Kim Thurlow added that waivers would be considered on a case-by-case basis, require affordable housing to be in place for a minimum of 15 years, and need Council authorization. A draft document was provided for review. - Design Review of Midtown Townhomes (PR2 and PR5) – Planning and Building Director Andrew Warren highlighted the design review process and building materials (finishes, doors, shutters, paint, brick). Discussion focused on material desirability. Ian Friend, applicant representative, responded to Council concerns. - FY2025/2026 Budget Introduction – Town Manager Marc Verniel provided a broad overview, noting moderate increases in water and sewer fees due to electricity and equipment maintenance costs. The budget funds employee salary increases, benefits, and new positions. Expenditures and revenues for General Fund, Utility Fund, and Transit Fund were summarized. A public hearing is set for May 13, 2025, with a Council vote on May 27, 2025. Key Outcomes - Closed Meeting – Vice Mayor Sutphin moved to adjourn to a closed meeting under Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711(A)(8) for procurement legal advice. - Resolution 4-A-25 – Council reconvened and adopted a resolution certifying the propriety of the closed meeting. Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote (7-0). No additional actions were taken on the substantive items; they were for discussion only.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting lasted approximately 58 minutes, adjourning at 7:28 p.m. The main focus was hearing FY2025/26 agency funding requests from numerous community organizations as part of Citizen Comments. The consent agenda was approved unanimously, and council members gave brief announcements. Consent Calendar - The Town Council approved the minutes from the March 4, 2025 regular meeting as part of the consent agenda on a unanimous roll‑call vote (7‑0). Public Comments & Testimony - Susan Hansen (Blacksburg Master Chorale) requested $1,000 in funding. She noted the chorale uses past Town support for scholarships, awarding $2,000 in scholarships last year to ten adults and four children. The chorus has no paid staff and practices at Blacksburg Presbyterian Church. - John Viars (Wonder Universe – Children’s Museum) requested $5,000. He stated the museum, located in the Christiansburg Mall, serves about 35,000 children annually, with an estimated 25‑35% coming from Blacksburg schools. The museum has nearly 15,000 square feet and hosts field trips from six counties. - Ferne Moschella (New River Land Trust) requested continued support. She highlighted that over 23 years the trust has conserved about 58,000 acres of farmland, forest, and open space through conservation easements and restoration. - Kacie Hodges (Blacksburg Community Band) requested about $600 (the band’s annual budget is $17,000). The band has approximately 100 volunteer performers, gives seven free concerts per year, and awards two $500 scholarships to high school seniors. - Wendy Baldwin (Imagination Library of Montgomery County) requested funding to support the Dolly Parton program. She reported 2,200 children enrolled out of 3,500 eligible in the county (34% in Blacksburg), with over 18,000 books delivered since inception. The cost per child is $16 per year. - Ginny Ayers (Literacy NRV) requested support. She noted that 8% of Blacksburg adults read below a third‑grade level and 16% speak a language other than English at home. The organization has about 150 tutors, 50 from Blacksburg, providing free one‑on‑one literacy instruction. - Raymond Parks (New River Valley Agency on Aging) requested continued funding. He stated the agency supports older adults aging in place, noting that by 2030 20% of the region’s population will be over 65. The agency leverages local support for Older Americans Act funding. - Sherry Wyatt (Montgomery Museum of Art and History) requested $5,000. She cited that 36% of museum membership resides in Blacksburg. The museum recently hosted the Virginia Association of Museums conference with 300 attendees. - John Walker (Cayambis Institute) requested $1,000. The institute’s Sinfonietta orchestra, founded in 2022, now has 17 players and aims to present four concerts per year in Blacksburg. The organization holds a biennial composition competition to discover emerging composers. - Suzanne Gardner (Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance – RBIA) requested funding for the organization’s accelerator programs and events. She noted RBIA directly served 13 entrepreneurs in 2024 through its RAMP accelerator and hosts events like Beer & Biotech and a Tech Night in May 2025. - Debbie Edwards (Friends of the Farmers Market) requested support. She reported record sales of $2.31 million in 2024, issued $23,000 in SNAP/Virginia Fresh Match benefits, and created an emergency fund of up to $2,000 for vendor disasters. The market supports over 40 small businesses. - Seth Davis (The Lyric) requested operating and capital funding. He noted a 25% increase in overall attendance last year, educational programs tripling, and collaborations with over 40 community groups on 85 programs. The Lyric celebrates its 95th anniversary next month. - Laina Schneider (Live, Work, Eat, Grow) requested continued support of $15,000. She announced a new community garden at Heritage Park with 19 plots, bringing total household garden plots to 129 across four gardens. - Diana Frances (Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation) requested annual funding. She highlighted work with the St. Luke and Odd Fellows Hall working group on restoration plans, and renewed programs such as 16 Squares tours, haunted history tours, and Blacksburg en Blanc. - Pete Macedo (502 Lee Street) thanked Council for listening to residents’ concerns about the 801 North Main Street project. He announced his intention to run for Mayor this fall, stating he had collected over 125 signatures. Council Announcements - Councilmember Liam Watson thanked all the agencies for presenting their work. - Councilmember Susan Anderson expressed disappointment about the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors’ recent resolution regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Student Life Village, but thanked those who participated in supporting DEI at Virginia Tech. - Councilmember Jerry Ford, Jr. noted upcoming community events. - Councilmember Jerry Ford, Jr. also announced the Interfaith Food Pantry food drive (March 16‑30) with a goal of 30,000 cans. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda (approval of March 4, 2025 minutes) was approved unanimously (7‑0). - No other formal votes or decisions were taken; the meeting consisted of citizen comments and council announcements. - The next regular Town Council meeting is scheduled for April 8, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on March 14, 2025 (note: the agenda and minutes reference March 18, 2025, creating a date discrepancy). The session covered a presentation on the Downtown Action Plan, a review of three ordinances consolidating erosion and stormwater management regulations, a preview of the FY 2025/26 operating budget, and additional discussions on issues related to Virginia Tech housing and DEI policies. No public hearings were held; the meeting began at 11:00 a.m. and adjourned at 11:59 p.m. Retail Strategies Presentation - Jenn Gregory of Downtown Strategies (a division of Retail Strategies) presented a five-year Downtown Action Plan for Blacksburg. The plan offers recommendations based on the Town’s strengths, local business preferences, and “pain points” identified through resident survey results. Review of Public Hearings Scheduled for April 8, 2025 – Consolidation of Erosion and Stormwater Management Regulations - Engineering Director Carolyn Howard presented three ordinances (2061(A), 2061(B), 2061(C)) that would repeal existing code sections and adopt a new consolidated Erosion and Stormwater Management Ordinance aligning with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s model. Council had no questions. Preview of FY 2025/26 Operating Budget - Town Manager Marc Verniel provided an overview of the recommended budget, noting that its final release has been postponed to April due to staffing issues. He summarized expenditures and revenues for the General Fund, Utility Fund, and Transit Fund, and highlighted proposed fee increases for Water and Sewer Services, Meter Fees, and Solid Waste and Recycling Services. A schedule of upcoming work sessions was provided. The budget public hearing is set for May 13, 2025, with a Council vote scheduled for May 27, 2025. Additional Discussions - Virginia Tech Board of Visitors: Town Manager Verniel informed Council that the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors would meet the following week to discuss a proposed resolution eliminating the Student Life Village on campus. Council members expressed concerns about the sufficiency of on-campus housing if the resolution passes. - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Resolution: Verniel noted that an additional resolution regarding DEI has been introduced in response to a recent Presidential Executive Order, similar to one passed at the University of Virginia eliminating DEI departments. - Electronic Advertising for Public Hearings: Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer discussed using electronic advertising with Cardinal News for Town public hearing notices. Council agreed to the recommendation. Key Outcomes - Council expressed support for the Downtown Action Plan (no formal vote). - Council had no questions on the three consolidation ordinances; they will proceed to a public hearing on April 8, 2025. - Council received the budget preview and will continue review in upcoming work sessions. - Council agreed to use electronic advertising via Cardinal News for public hearing notices. - No formal votes were taken during the work session.