Blacksburg Town Council Work Session – April 11, 2025

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on April 11, 2025, to discuss the FY25/26 operating budget agency requests, speed limits on Prices Fork Road, revised design review for Midtown Townhomes, and upcoming public hearings scheduled for May 13, 2025. No votes were taken; the session served as a discussion and information-gathering meeting.

Budget Discussion – Agency Financial Requests

Town Manager Marc Verniel referred to previous work session reviews of the recommended FY25/26 operating budget and asked for Council input on agency funding proposals. Council made minor edits, adding some funds as requested or maintaining the recommended request. Council requested additional information regarding the Lyric's funding request, and Verniel offered to invite the director to present at a future meeting.

Prices Fork Road Speed Limits

Manager Verniel explained that a VDOT study is ongoing in the area but staff recommended reviewing speed limits now. Engineering Director Carolyn Howard presented details of studies conducted to date, including a Traffic Signal Timing Study and a VDOT Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment (OIPI) Planning Study. Howard highlighted improvements since 2020 and offered short-term recommendations: a reduction in the speed limit and a speed and safety study.

Revised Design Review of Midtown Townhomes (PR#2 and PR#5)

Planning Director Andrew Warren reviewed revised drawings for building types PR#2 and PR#5. Changes included adding shutters to the side and rear facades to add architectural detail, adding three decorative coping styles along the top edge of the front of fiber-cement sided buildings for a more finished look, and replacing board and batten siding with lap siding on the top level for architectural consistency. Steve Semones, representative of the applicant, was available to answer questions but none were asked.

Review of Public Hearings Scheduled for May 13, 2025

Town Manager Verniel briefly reviewed three ordinances previously discussed:

• Ordinance 2069: Amending Town Code to waive utility availability fees for affordable housing developments.
• Ordinance 2076: Adopting the FY25/26 budget and real estate tax rate.
• Ordinance 2077: Increasing fees for water and sewer services and solid waste and recycling fees. No questions were raised by Council.

Key Outcomes

• Council directed staff to gather more information on the Lyric's funding request for a future meeting.
• Council indicated support for short-term recommendations on Prices Fork Road, including a speed limit reduction and a speed/safety study.
• The revised design for Midtown Townhomes (PR#2 and PR#5) was discussed with no objections raised.
• All three ordinances (2069, 2076, 2077) were scheduled for public hearings on May 13, 2025, with no further discussion needed.
• Council briefly discussed a proposed amendment at the 801 N. Main Street development during the Council/Staff Exchange.