Blacksburg Town Council Work Session - May 2, 2025

Note on date discrepancy: The meeting is recorded as May 2, 2025 per instructions, though the agenda and minutes list it as May 6, 2025.

This work session covered five main agenda items: the Lyric Theatre capital campaign, HOME and CDBG program action plan, regional housing updates, student housing policy review, and an alley encroachment request. The meeting also included a staff discussion on the upcoming Metallica concert. Council took no formal votes but reached consensus on several items.

Lyric Capital Campaign Presentation

• Seth Davis, Executive Director of the Lyric Theatre, presented proposed renovations and capital improvements, including updated ADA access, lobby expansion, and enhanced storage space. Council expressed overall agreement with the funding request.

HOME and CDBG Program Action Plan

• Housing and Community Connections Manager Kim Thurlow presented the proposed Annual Action Plan for HOME and CDBG programs, detailing anticipated funding allocations and priorities for Public Services and Affordable Housing.

Regional Housing Updates

• Jennifer Wilsie of the New River Valley Regional Commission provided updates on the New River Valley Housing Fund, a dedicated funding source for affordable housing preservation or development. Two projects have received funding: Legacy on Main Apartments in Blacksburg and Claremont Apartments in Pulaski. Future funding awards were also highlighted.

Review of Student Housing Policies

• Planning Director Andrew Warren reviewed the 2019 resolution on student housing, which encouraged redevelopment of older student housing at higher densities. Between 2017 and 2021, approximately 3,500 new bedrooms of student-oriented housing were approved. Town Comprehensive Planner Maeve Gould noted that the 2021 Comprehensive Plan began addressing student housing more directly. After discussion, Council agreed to review the resolution and potentially update or draft a new one.

Alley Encroachment Request

• Local business owner John Boyer requested an alley encroachment on Draper Road to create a gourmet food space with a coffee shop. The encroachment would allow access along the rear of the building.

Staff/Council Discussion

• Town Manager Marc Verniel reviewed plans for the upcoming Metallica concert on May 7, including additional police staffing from multiple localities and increased Blacksburg Transit bus service.

Key Outcomes

• Council expressed overall agreement with the Lyric Theatre's funding request (no formal vote taken).
• Council agreed to review the 2019 student housing resolution and potentially update or draft a new resolution.
• The alley encroachment request was discussed but no decision recorded in the minutes.
• The meeting adjourned at 12:28 p.m.