OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Blacksburg Town Council Regular Meeting – September 8, 2026

Town Council — Tuesday, September 8, 2026
BodyBlacksburg, Virginia
SessionTown Council
DateTuesday, September 8, 2026
StatusNEW · FILED
Video Record
0:00 / 46:31

Transcript — Verbatim
0:28

We will go ahead and get started.

0:30

Will the council please come to order and will the clerk call the roll?

0:33

Anderson, present Campbell.

0:35

Present.

0:36

Oliver's absent forward.

0:38

Here.

0:38

Goodhart?

0:39

Here.

0:39

Cassoff?

0:40

Present.

0:41

Set Finn.

0:42

Here.

0:43

We will move on to the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:44

Will the Vice Mayor please lead us in the pledge?

0:48

I pledge allegiance to the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

0:56

One nation under God.

0:58

Indivisible.

0:59

With liberty and justice for all.

1:04

We will move on to the consent agenda.

1:07

We have several items on the consent agenda tonight.

1:10

Item A is the town council minutes for August 18th and August 25th, which we will be approving.

1:16

Item B is ordinance 2073, an ordinance to update the town's home state ordinance to reflect state law changes and establish civil penalties by amending town code sections 6601, 6602, 6605, and 6606.

1:30

We'll be introducing that ordinance tonight and scheduling the public hearing for October 13th, 2026.

1:36

Item C is ordinance 2117 and ordinance to amend sections 22700, 22703, 22704, and 22705 of the town code pertaining to meals tax to update definitions and exemptions from the tax and establish an additional penalty for late payments.

1:55

I will again be introducing the ordinance and scheduling the public hearing for October 13th.

2:00

And then we have item D, which is ordinance 2121, an ordinance authorizing the conveyance of a utility easement over town property at Appalachian Power Company.

2:10

We will also be up introducing that ordinance and scheduling the public hearing for October 13th.

2:16

What is council's pleasure on the consent agenda?

2:19

I move approval of the consent agenda.

2:21

Second.

2:22

We have a motion and a second.

2:23

Any discussion?

2:25

Seeing none, will the clerk call the roll?

2:27

Campbell.

2:28

Aye.

2:28

Or aye.

2:30

Good heart.

2:30

Aye.

2:31

Cassoff.

2:32

Set Finn?

2:33

Aye.

2:33

Anderson.

2:34

Aye.

2:34

The motion passes and the consent agenda is approved.

2:38

We will move on to public hearings, and we have two public hearings tonight.

2:42

We will begin with resolution 9B 26, which is a resolution granting a conditional use permit for a drive-through use in the planned commercial district at 1800 prices for Cro.

2:53

This is also CUP 2601.

2:56

We will begin tonight with the staff presentation.

3:46

So here's an aerial view of the site that just shows there's an existing BP gas station stored directly across from Plantation Road to the east, a holiday and express mini warehouse to the north, and the BRECS housing development to the west, and um growing clinic and other office space directly across Prices Fork Road to the south.

4:07

The subject parcel is currently zoned PC planned commercial.

4:12

Surrounding zoning districts include PC Planned Commercial and PR, Planned Residential and Office.

4:34

So just for some background for you all.

5:00

However, the specific use and site layout for the slot were not decided at the time of the approval was in 2023.

5:04

And as a condition, the property owner was required to amend the CEP prior to the development of the lot to establish the proposed use in site layout.

5:13

So the request before you tonight does satisfy that requirement.

5:18

Here is the latest concept plan submitted to us by the applicant.

5:23

This was submitted to us after the August work session, some additional feedback received from you all at that work session.

5:31

A few highlights for you.

5:38

Total lot coverage of the project area will be 17,663 square feet, which is an impervious surface percentage of 39%.

5:47

The drive-thru is proposed to be located on the side of the building facing the northern boundary line.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████████████████████32%
Urban Planning█████████████████17%
Zoning Ordinance████████████████16%
Public Engagement██████████10%
Engineering And Infrastructure███████7%
Housing███████7%
Public Transportation██████6%
University Governance███3%
Cannabis Regulation██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Blacksburg Town Council Regular Meeting – September 8, 2026

The Blacksburg Town Council met on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers. The meeting included approval of the consent agenda, two public hearings on conditional use permits, a reappointment to the New River Valley Agency on Aging, council reports, and community announcements.

Consent Calendar

  • Town Council Minutes (August 18 and August 25, 2026) – Approved unanimously.
  • Ordinance 2073 (Homestay ordinance update to reflect state law changes and establish civil penalties) – Introduced; public hearing scheduled for October 13, 2026.
  • Ordinance 2117 (Meals tax amendments updating definitions, exemptions, and late payment penalties) – Introduced; public hearing scheduled for October 13, 2026.
  • Ordinance 2121 (Utility easement conveyance to Appalachian Power Company) – Introduced; public hearing scheduled for October 13, 2026.

Public Hearings

Resolution 9-B-26: Conditional Use Permit for Drive-Through Use at 1800 Prices Fork Road (CUP 26-01)

  • Staff Presentation: The site is a 0.8-acre parcel zoned Planned Commercial. The applicant proposes a financial institution with a drive-through (one teller window, one outer lane, a bypass lane, and an ATM). The concept plan was revised after an August 2026 work session: compact parking replaced a parallel space, crosswalk relocated, and a variance for access off Plantation Road (instead of Prices Fork Road) is requested. The project exceeds open space requirements (25% vs. 21% minimum). Staff recommended restricting left-turn movements due to insufficient stopping sight distance (22 feet less than required). The Planning Commission recommended approval 6–0 on August 4, 2026.
  • Applicant Statement: John Neal of Foresight Design (Christiansburg) acknowledged collaborative work with staff and Planning Commission; expressed satisfaction with the final plan.
  • Council Discussion: Council member noted the CUP process and highlighted the extensive revisions from the initial three variance requests to a refined plan; praised applicant’s responsiveness.
  • Action: Motion to approve Resolution 9-B-26 passed unanimously (7–0).

Resolution 9-C-26: Conditional Use Permit for General Office, Medical Office, or Fine Arts Studio Uses at 700/706 South Main Street and 105 Eakin Street (CUP 26-02)

  • Staff Presentation: The 32,000 sq ft site is zoned R-5 Transitional Residential. Three existing residential structures and two brick garages; garages will be removed; houses converted to offices/studios. A new 12,000 sq ft one-story office building is proposed behind 706 S. Main. The site currently has sanitary sewer laterals crossing property lines that do not meet current code; the applicant will work with the town to reroute them. A vegetative buffer is proposed along the southern boundary. Hours of operation: 8 a.m.–6 p.m. public, with art-related special events allowed until 10 p.m. Sidewalk along Eakin Street required but subject to feasibility determination. Planning Commission recommended approval.
  • Applicant Statement: The applicant (property owner on Draper Road) emphasized beautifying Main Street, removing some driveways for safety, and mitigating impacts. Timeline: late winter/spring 2027, pending site plan.
  • Council Discussion: Council member clarified that the CUP does not eliminate residential use; the property can remain or revert to residential. Concerns about removing housing were addressed—the CUP adds flexibility, and the applicant has a strong track record. Council member shared personal experience living at 700 S. Main and supported the conversion.
  • Action: Motion to approve Resolution 9-C-26 passed unanimously (7–0).

Citizen Comments

  • No members of the public spoke.

Appointment

  • Reappointment of Lauren Colliver and Andrew Kassoff (alternate) to the New River Valley Agency on Aging – Approved unanimously for a one-year term.

Council Reports

  • Passenger Rail Station Authority: Update on platform construction (675 of 960 feet completed), track work, parking lot improvements, and a $1 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission. Service remains on schedule for Q3 2027.
  • Planning Commission: Officers elected (Mel Jones – Chair, S. Reinhart – Vice Chair, B. Cassie – Secretary); recaps of cannabis regulation update and Recode Blacksburg progress.
  • Housing Committee: Discussed the NRV Wayfinder website (community resource hub) and reallocations of housing funds.
  • Virginia Tech Presidential Search: Joint local government meeting with search committee; emphasis on collaboration and regional cooperation.
  • Downtown Revitalization Committee: Meeting on September 1, 2026; updates on train and coordination.
  • Main Street Connect: Presentation of the new town brand system (colors, fonts) for Blacksburg and economic development partners; well received.

Announcements

  • League of Women Voters Forum: Thursday, September 10, 2026, 7 p.m. in Council Chambers, on three Virginia constitutional amendments (reproductive freedom, marriage equality, voting rights).
  • Second Kickoff on College Avenue: Friday, September 11, 2026, 5–9 p.m. downtown.
  • Welcoming Week (September 10–19): Organized by YMCA, Virginia Tech, and community partners; includes art exhibits, concerts, workshops, story time. Proclamation by the Mayor on September 15, 2026, at 10 a.m.
  • Early Voting: Begins September 18, 2026.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda approved unanimously.
  • Ordinance introductions for October 13, 2026, public hearings: all passed.
  • Resolution 9-B-26 (drive-through CUP) approved unanimously.
  • Resolution 9-C-26 (office/studio CUP) approved unanimously.
  • Reappointments to NRV Agency on Aging approved unanimously.
  • Upcoming meetings: Work session September 15, 2026, at Blacksburg Motor Company Conference Room; Regular meeting September 22, 2026.

Meeting Transcript

We will go ahead and get started. Will the council please come to order and will the clerk call the roll? Anderson, present Campbell. Present. Oliver's absent forward. Here. Goodhart? Here. Cassoff? Present. Set Finn. Here. We will move on to the Pledge of Allegiance. Will the Vice Mayor please lead us in the pledge? I pledge allegiance to the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God. Indivisible. With liberty and justice for all. We will move on to the consent agenda. We have several items on the consent agenda tonight. Item A is the town council minutes for August 18th and August 25th, which we will be approving. Item B is ordinance 2073, an ordinance to update the town's home state ordinance to reflect state law changes and establish civil penalties by amending town code sections 6601, 6602, 6605, and 6606. We'll be introducing that ordinance tonight and scheduling the public hearing for October 13th, 2026. Item C is ordinance 2117 and ordinance to amend sections 22700, 22703, 22704, and 22705 of the town code pertaining to meals tax to update definitions and exemptions from the tax and establish an additional penalty for late payments. I will again be introducing the ordinance and scheduling the public hearing for October 13th. And then we have item D, which is ordinance 2121, an ordinance authorizing the conveyance of a utility easement over town property at Appalachian Power Company. We will also be up introducing that ordinance and scheduling the public hearing for October 13th. What is council's pleasure on the consent agenda? I move approval of the consent agenda. Second. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Seeing none, will the clerk call the roll? Campbell. Aye. Or aye. Good heart. Aye. Cassoff. Set Finn? Aye. Anderson. Aye. The motion passes and the consent agenda is approved. We will move on to public hearings, and we have two public hearings tonight. We will begin with resolution 9B 26, which is a resolution granting a conditional use permit for a drive-through use in the planned commercial district at 1800 prices for Cro. This is also CUP 2601. We will begin tonight with the staff presentation. So here's an aerial view of the site that just shows there's an existing BP gas station stored directly across from Plantation Road to the east, a holiday and express mini warehouse to the north, and the BRECS housing development to the west, and um growing clinic and other office space directly across Prices Fork Road to the south. The subject parcel is currently zoned PC planned commercial.

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