Blacksburg Planning Commission Regular Meeting - January 5, 2021

The Blacksburg Planning Commission held its regular meeting on January 5, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building Council Chambers. The main item was a public hearing for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for townhouses at 1820 North Main Street, which the Commission approved unanimously. The meeting also included reports on committee activities and updates on other planning matters.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Matthew Smith (204 Mountain Breeze Drive) expressed concerns about the property boundary and requested a fence to mitigate noise and light. He also asked the Town to limit student rentals by requiring owner-occupied tenancy.
• Roberto Leon (417 Heartwood Xing), representing the Maple Ridge Homeowners Association, raised concerns about existing and proposed traffic patterns and inadequate parking. He stated that the traffic study did not convey the real traffic issues.
• Ms. Jiang (1714 North Main Street) stated that she shares a driveway with the proposed project and described the entrance and shared driveway as very dangerous, requesting safety improvements.

Discussion Items

• Staff Presentation: Kinsey O’Shea, Town Planner, presented the request for a Conditional Use Permit for 44 townhome units (131 bedrooms) on 6.596 acres at 1820 North Main Street. The density of 20 bedrooms per acre falls within the R-5 zoning district maximum and aligns with the future land use designation. Proposed improvements include driveway connections, trail improvements, and new trail construction. Staff recommended conditions including a sanitary sewer acknowledgment letter and variances for drive aisles, parking in townhouse yards, and trail-in-lieu of sidewalks.
• Applicant Presentation: Steve Semones of Balzer and Associates stated that units and parking are laid out internally to buffer neighbors, units will be for-sale, and a Homeowners Association will handle exterior maintenance. He confirmed cooperation with staff on sewer and trail improvements.
• Commission Discussion: Commissioners asked questions about the sanitary sewer acknowledgment and transportation impacts. Chair Andy Kassoff inquired about limiting student housing; the applicant noted no current limitations except over-occupancy standards. Commissioner Jones suggested such restrictions could be enforced through the HOA. Kassoff also asked about installing a fence; Semones agreed to discuss with the client. Several commissioners expressed support for a fence and language to limit rental properties. Commissioner Herbein and Davis voiced concerns about traffic on North Main Street and suggested a broader traffic review.

Key Outcomes

• Motion and Vote: Commissioner Ford moved to approve CUP 20-0005 with all staff-recommended conditions and variances/exceptions as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Colley. The motion passed unanimously (7-0).
• Additional Recommendations: The Commission requested that the applicant consider installing a fence along the property boundary and adding language in the HOA covenants to limit rental/student occupancy.

Unfinished Business

• The Zoning Ordinance Review Committee has not met recently.
• The Historic or Design Review Board considered an expansion of Centro Taco at 201 North Main Street.
• The Montgomery County Planning Commission elected new officers and discussed 2021 goals.

New Business

• Planning Director’s Report: Kali Casper reported that the Berewick rezoning (RZN 20-0005) at 1900 Toms Creek Road was referred back to the Planning Commission by Town Council for further review, with a public hearing expected in March. She also noted that the January 19 work session will be held virtually via Zoom.
• Town Council Report: Commissioner Ford confirmed the Berewick referral and provided updates on the Midtown parking garage, Police Safety building, Multi-Modal contract bids, and the Capital Improvements Plan review.