Blacksburg Town Council Work Session - June 13, 2025

This work session of the Blacksburg Town Council took place at the Blacksburg Motor Company. Note: The agenda and minutes list the meeting date as June 17, 2025, conflicting with the provided timestamp of June 13, 2025. The council discussed airport planning, architectural review, budget transfers, transit center management, and upcoming public hearings. No formal votes were taken; consensus was reached on several items.

Airport Authority Master Plan Update

Virginia Tech-Montgomery Regional Airport Authority Executive Director Keith Holt presented the Airport Master Plan, covering a 20-year planning period. The 2020 completion of the runway extension generated the need for this update. The plan focuses on growth within the fence and future terminal expansion or new building location. Completion is targeted for early 2026, requiring FAA consensus.

Architectural Review of Hyatt Studios (Midtown Parcel DC#6)

Planning Director Andrew Warren recapped the design review process for Parcel DC#6, including site layout, elevations, materials (brick, fiber cement siding, metal paint), and proposed landscaping. Council provided feedback, and the applicant agreed to address the requested changes.

Water and Sewer Fund Budget Transfer

Engineering Director Carolyn Howard requested a transfer of funds due to overages on two completed projects to three new sewer relocation projects. Council was in overall agreement to transfer the funds as requested.

Transit Center Project Management Contract Extension

Transit Director Brian Booth requested a 6-month extension of the project management contract for the new Transit Center, citing minor items remaining before a final certificate of occupancy. The contract would end sooner if work is completed. This request is scheduled for the next regular meeting agenda.

Review of Public Hearing Scheduled for June 24, 2025

Ordinance 2089: Deputy Town Manager Matt Hanratty reviewed the ordinance to accept and appropriate $2,397,387 in Virginia Department of Transportation Revenue Sharing Funds for the Harding Avenue project, which will upgrade the stormwater system to VDOT standards, provide continuous sidewalks and bike lanes, and meet traffic needs.

Review of Public Hearings Scheduled for July 8, 2025

Ordinance 2079: Town Planner Matthew Sampa highlighted a rezoning request for 0.655 acres at 103 Jefferson Street from R-5 Transitional Residential to Planned Residential to allow ten 2-story single-family homes (2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths). Applicant representative Steve Semones of Balzer and Associates presented small farmhouse-style homes with walkability and access to Blacksburg Transit. Semones responded to council questions on recycling, drainage, and a potential HOA.

Ordinances 2080 and 2081: Planning Director Andrew Warren reviewed Ordinance 2080, which amends previous rezoning to add the former Speedway gas station property at 825 North Main Street. The development would have a maximum of 810 bedrooms in the mixed-use building and 59 in townhomes, totaling 869 bedrooms (265 bedrooms/acre). Ordinance 2081 is a companion request to vacate approximately 2,981 square feet of town-owned alley right-of-way.

Ordinance 2086: Warren summarized a proposed ordinance to permit an encroachment at 411 Draper Road, allowing a masonry block wall, handrail, and concrete ramp in the public alley.

Ordinance 2087: Engineering Director Carolyn Howard explained a proposal to lower the speed limit on Prices Fork Road from 35 mph to 25 mph from Old Glade Road to Main Street, based on a traffic study showing increased pedestrian traffic.

Ordinance 2088: Deputy Town Manager Matt Hanratty presented a proposed lease of office space at 104 Draper Road to Live, Work, Eat, Grow, Inc. The Housing & Community Connections Office already occupies part of the building, making the lease ideal.

Council/Staff Discussion

Vice Mayor Michael Sutphin discussed recommendations for appointments to town boards and committees, stating he would distribute recommendations and additional information. Town Manager Marc Verniel noted that a resolution related to the town's annual write-offs would also be on next week's agenda.

Key Outcomes

• Council consensus to transfer water and sewer funds as requested.
• The Hyatt Studios applicant agreed to address council feedback.
• The transit contract extension request will be placed on the regular meeting agenda.
• No formal votes were taken; these items are scheduled for action at upcoming public hearings on June 24 and July 8, 2025.
• A discrepancy exists between the provided meeting timestamp (June 13, 2025) and the agenda/minutes (June 17, 2025).