Blacksburg Town Council Work Session - April 4, 2023

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on April 4, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. to discuss four items: a right-of-way vacation request from Habitat for Humanity, a rezoning proposal for Glade Spring Crossing, the FY23/24 operating budget, and a potential amendment to the inoperable vehicle ordinance. No formal votes were taken; deliberations will continue at upcoming meetings.

Right-of-Way Vacation at 1200 Block of Airport Road

• Housing & Community Connections Manager Matt Hanratty presented a request from Habitat for Humanity to vacate two undeveloped "paper streets" on the 1200 block of Airport Road. The Town has no future plans for the right-of-way, and the adjacent owner has no concerns. Council expressed overall agreement to consider the request. Councilmember Jerry Ford abstained from the discussion. Councilmember Michael Sutphin disqualified himself from the next item and left the meeting at approximately 11:07 a.m.

Glade Spring Crossing Rezoning (Ordinance 2007) – 1006 Glade Road

• Town Planner Kinsey O'Shea outlined modifications to the original rezoning request, including removal of the connection to Village Way South. The proposed small lot layout requires several variances, particularly to driveway and parking location standards and street tree ratios. Council voiced concerns about the lack of green space. Meredith Jones of Eden and Associates, representing the applicant, explained that landscaping and greenspace would be developed through a successional process. The discussion will continue at the April 18 work session.

Discussion of FY23/24 Operating Budget

• Town Manager Marc Verniel provided an overview of the recommended budget, highlighting a proposed real estate tax increase and agency funding requests. He noted that Council will have time for further review and public input before adopting the budget package on April 25.

Inoperable Vehicle Ordinance – Potential Amendment

• Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer informed Council of a proposed minor change to the penalty provision of the inoperable motor vehicle ordinance. No further details were provided.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken. Council agreed to consider the right-of-way vacation. The Glade Spring Crossing rezoning discussion will continue at the April 18 work session. The FY23/24 budget adoption is scheduled for April 25, pending further review and public input. The inoperable vehicle ordinance amendment will be considered at a future meeting.