Blacksburg Town Council Work Session: September 20, 2022

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on September 20, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:17 p.m. to review three public hearing items scheduled for the October 11, 2022 regular meeting and to review architectural drawings for Midtown Parcel DC#4. All council members were present except Councilmember Susan Mattingly.

Review of Public Hearings for October 11, 2022

• Ordinance 1988 (Erosion and Sediment Regulations): Town Attorney Lawrence S. Spencer, Jr. summarized proposed amendments to Town Code §§ 10-100, 10-200, 10-201, and 10-203 to update outdated references to Virginia State Code. No concerns were raised.
• Ordinance 1994 (Rezoning at 1800 Whipple Drive): Town Planner Kinsey O’Shea reviewed the proposal to rezone 3.08± acres from Transitional Residential to Planned Residential zoning. The applicant plans to construct 34 townhome units, each equipped with solar panels. The applicant’s representative explained the proposal and answered questions. Council expressed concerns about the proposed reduced public utility easement, paving surface materials, landscaping, and the number of parking spaces.
• Ordinance 1998 (Vacating Waterline Easement at 200 Cedar Pointe Drive): Town Attorney Spencer explained that the ordinance would vacate an unneeded waterline easement. No further discussion.

Review of Architectural Drawings for Midtown Parcel DC#4

Planning Director Anne McClung presented slides showing updated renderings for the DC parcel in the Midtown Development, comparing them with the previous version. Councilmembers expressed concerns about corner elements, the plaza façade, and other design details. Ian Friend, representative for the applicant, and Steve Semones of Balzer and Associates responded to the questions and concerns.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken during the work session; all items were reviewed for discussion and input.
• The three public hearings remain scheduled for the October 11, 2022 Town Council meeting, with council’s concerns noted for staff and applicant consideration.
• The architectural review for Midtown Parcel DC#4 will continue with council’s feedback to be incorporated into future designs.