Blacksburg Town Council Work Session - August 1, 2023

The Blacksburg Town Council met for a work session on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:11 p.m. at the Town Hall. Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith, Vice Mayor Susan Anderson, and Councilmembers John Bush, Lauren Colliver, Jerry Ford Jr., Susan Mattingly, and Michael Sutphin were present. Deputy Town Managers Steve Ross and Chris Lawrence, and Town Clerk Lorraine S. Spaulding also attended. Town Manager Marc A. Verniel and Town Attorney Lawrence S. Spencer Jr. were absent. The meeting covered five agenda items: Midtown Redevelopment Parcel DC2, New River Unwired lease, Blacksburg Transit update, Fall Semester updates, and Kent Square Parking Garage Agreement. Items 6 (Regional Housing Trust Fund) and 7 (Interim Draper Road Streetscape) were not discussed.

Midtown Redevelopment Parcel DC2

Planning Director Anne McClung presented the proposed construction plan and building materials for Parcel DC2, noting adjacent lots would include townhomes and mixed-use housing. She summarized the Historic Design Review Board's consultation, which accepted the renderings with minor recommendations. The Council raised concerns about the building height and setback. After discussion, it was agreed that further consideration of the Conditional Use Permit (CUP 23-0003) was needed, and the item was postponed to a later date.

New River Unwired Lease

Deputy Town Manager Chris Lawrence explained the lease with New River Valley Unwired/All Points Broadband for a one-year term, renewable for an additional year. The wireless site's customer base is very limited, and the company plans to phase out its use.

Blacksburg Transit Update

Blacksburg Transit Director Brian Booth provided an overview of the department's service performance, staffing, and ridership. He highlighted upcoming projects, including the Multimodal Transit Facility and the purchase of additional electric buses.

Fall Semester Updates

Several officials reported on preparations for the fall semester:

• Housing and Community Connections Manager Matt Hanratty described updates to code enforcement regarding tall grass, weeds, trash, and clutter, including civil penalties.
• Planning Director Anne McClung outlined a new ticketing capability to address over-occupancy and parking issues, coordinated between the Zoning/Code Inspector and the Police Department.
• Police Chief Todd Brewster explained management of pre-game activities, coordination with Virginia Tech on student logistics, and continued community outreach. Virginia Tech is organizing an on-campus student event that may grow long-term.

Kent Square Parking Garage Agreement

Deputy Town Manager Steve Ross briefed the Council on the parking garage agreement with Kent Square owners, which is up for renewal. The owners requested that the Town stop charging a monthly fee. The Council's general consensus was to continue charging the fee.

Consent Calendar

No consent calendar items were listed or approved during the work session.

Public Comments & Testimony

No public comments or testimony were recorded.

Key Outcomes

• The Midtown Parcel DC2 Conditional Use Permit discussion was postponed.
• The Council agreed to continue charging the monthly fee for the Kent Square parking garage.
• The New River Unwired lease was presented for information; no action taken.
• Blacksburg Transit and Fall Semester updates were informational.
• Items 6 (Regional Housing Trust Fund) and 7 (Interim Draper Road Streetscape) were not addressed during the meeting.