Blacksburg Town Council Work Session – February 4, 2025

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on February 4, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:03 p.m. at the Blacksburg Motor Company, 400 South Main Street. Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith presided, with Vice Mayor Michael Sutphin and Councilmembers Susan Anderson, Lauren Colliver, Jerry Ford Jr., Susan Mattingly, and Liam Watson present. The session covered six agenda items, including updates on building restoration, zoning, a rezoning request, speed limits, sewer ordinance amendments, and a proposed resolution of censure.

St. Luke and Odd Fellows Hall Update

• Sustainability Manager Carol Davis presented a detailed review of the structural, electrical, and architectural conservation assessments of the St. Luke and Odd Fellows Hall. Council expressed consensus with the recommended actions for the building’s preservation.

Zoning Ordinance Update

• Town Planner Kali Casper outlined plans for a comprehensive update to the Zoning Ordinance, to be aligned with the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, commercial trends, sustainability goals, and community values. Staff has begun the process of hiring a consulting firm; future updates will be provided.

Follow-Up on 801 North Main Street Rezoning Request (Ordinances 2062, 2063, and CUP 24-3)

• Assistant Planning Director Kinsey O’Shea reviewed the proposal. Council asked questions about height and stormwater improvements. The Mayor invited a local business owner to elaborate on concerns; the business owner voiced opposition to the project’s potential impact on his business. Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer reminded council that the discussion pertains only to land use. A representative for the applicant responded to height questions and offered to send updated information to Council.

Amendment to Lower Speed Limits on Certain Town Streets

• Planning Director Andrew Warren reviewed a proposed ordinance allowing reduction of speed limits on specified streets. Town Attorney Spencer noted the ordinance includes flexibility for future revisions. No questions were raised by Council.

Follow-Up Discussion on Sanitary Sewer Ordinance (Ordinance 2070)

• Planning Director Warren explained the stakeholder group formed in 2023 to reduce development barriers while maintaining town goals. Proposed changes include adding references to sanitary sewer specifications, clarifying STEP/STEG systems, and removing definitions of minor and major subdivisions. No questions were raised.

Council Discussion – Proposed Resolution of Public Censure

• Vice Mayor Sutphin distributed and read portions of a proposed resolution of public censure regarding Councilmember Watson. Following extensive discussion, Council agreed to add this item to the agenda of the next regular meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Council reached consensus on recommended actions for St. Luke and Odd Fellows Hall.
• The 801 North Main Street rezoning discussion remained in review pending updated information from the applicant.
• Council agreed to place the proposed resolution of censure on the next week’s agenda for formal consideration.
• No formal votes were taken on other items; all discussions were advisory.