Blacksburg Town Council Work Session - April 18, 2023

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on April 18, 2023, to review two items scheduled for public hearings on May 9, 2023: a rezoning proposal for 1006 Glade Road (Glade Spring Crossing) and amendments to the Accessory Apartment Permit Program to permit detached accessory apartments. Councilmember Michael Sutphin recused himself from discussion of the Glade Road rezoning item and stepped away from the meeting from approximately 11:02 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. Councilmember Lauren Colliver was absent.

Discussion Items

Ordinance 2007: Rezoning of 44.85 Acres at 1006 Glade Road

• Town Engineer Kafi Howard presented an overview of the proposed stormwater system improvements for Glade Spring Crossing, noting that while water temperature remains a concern, the system will address existing flooding problems.
• Meredith Jones of Eden & Associates showed slides of the existing creek and reiterated the benefits of the proposed retention basin (wet pond).
• Nathan Blinn of Eagle Construction, introduced by Housing & Community Connections Manager Matt Hanratty, provided a synopsis of the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) for the development. He stated that the south side would focus on HERS performance while the north side would prioritize constructability. Homes would generally be three-bedroom, detached units distributed consistently with the neighborhood elevation.
• Director of Engineering Randy Formica summarized the Traffic Impact Analysis, indicating that a three-way stop and right-turn lane would help mitigate delays, but overall staff recommendations remain unchanged.
• Matt Hanratty summarized the Affordable Housing Development Agreement, noting key parameters including a requirement for the applicant to ensure affordability.

Ordinance 2022: Amendments to Accessory Apartment Permit Program

• Planning Director Anne McClung provided information on proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to update standards for accessory apartments and permit detached accessory apartments. She reviewed the history of accessory apartments in Blacksburg, proposed location standards, clarification of allowed zoning districts, and noted that parking requirements would need to be addressed through a separate ordinance.

Key Outcomes

• Council reviewed both items in preparation for the public hearings scheduled for May 9, 2023.
• Councilmember Sutphin recused himself from discussion of Ordinance 2007 due to a potential conflict of interest and did not participate in that portion of the meeting.
• No votes were taken; the work session served as a discussion forum for Council to ask questions and receive staff presentations.
• The meeting adjourned at 12:45 p.m.