Blacksburg Town Council Work Session - March 7, 2023

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on March 7, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. The session included updates on public hearings scheduled for March 14, 2023 regarding the Plantation Road property, and an overview of a rezoning request at 1006 Glade Road. Councilmember Michael Sutphin disqualified himself from the Glade Road item.

Updates on Public Hearings for March 14, 2023

• Ordinance 2003 (1055 Plantation Road): Assistant Planning Director Kali Casper reviewed revisions from a staff memorandum. The applicant agreed to modify storage unit colors to hunter green and provided additional perspective views. Minor changes were made to the proffer for clarity. Craig Stipes of Broadstreet Partners addressed Council concerns regarding the use of nutrient credits for stormwater compliance. No vote was taken; the item was set for public hearing on March 14, 2023.
• Conditional Use Permit (1055 Plantation Road): Similarly updated as part of the same agenda item. The resolution grants a conditional use permit for mini warehouse use in the Planned Commercial zoning district.

Overview of Rezoning Request at 1006 Glade Road (RZN 22-0004)

• Town Planner Kinsey O’Shea outlined the request to rezone approximately 45 acres of vacant land from Rural Residential 1 to Planned Residential. The proposal includes 176 residential dwelling units, with 24 units designated as affordable housing. The development would construct new public streets connecting to Glade Road adjacent to The Farm development and to Village Way South in the Village at Tom’s Creek. The applicant also requests removal from the Toms Creek Basin unsewered area to install a central gravity sewer system, with public water provided from adjacent parcels.
• Housing and Community Connections Manager Matt Hanratty explained the affordable housing plan, including the role of his department and the New River Home Trust.
• Engineering Director Randy Formica described variance requests related to street standards, including landings, street grades, and roll top curbs.
• Meredith Jones of Eden & Associates, representing the applicant, introduced herself and answered questions. Council discussed the proposed connection to Village Way South, emphasizing the need for further discussion at subsequent work sessions.
• Councilmember Sutphin disqualified himself from this item, stating a written disqualification statement would be filed with the clerk before any formal action. He stepped away from the meeting at approximately 11:11 a.m.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken during the work session.
• The Plantation Road public hearings are scheduled for March 14, 2023.
• The Glade Road rezoning request will be discussed further at future work sessions, particularly regarding the connection to Village Way South.
• Councilmember Sutphin’s disqualification will be formally documented before any vote.