Blacksburg Town Council Work Session

The Blacksburg Town Council held a work session on November 17, 2025, at the Blacksburg Motor Company (400 South Main Street) from 11:00 a.m. to 1:17 p.m. The session included the Tourism Annual Report, a review of ten public hearing items scheduled for December 9, 2025, an update on the Miller Street Sewer Relocation, and a discussion of a Virginia Tech land swap approved by the Board of Visitors. No formal votes were taken.

Tourism Annual Report

• Samantha Livesay, Tourism Director of Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Montgomery County Regional Tourism, presented the FY24-25 report highlighting the industry's economic impact, visitor demographics, key programs, marketing efforts, and regional partnerships. Council received the report.

Review of Public Hearings Scheduled for December 9, 2025

The Council reviewed ten items that will be formally considered at the December 9, 2025 public hearing. Staff presented each item and Council asked questions or raised concerns.

• Ordinance 2090 (Tech Terrace rezoning): Assistant Planning & Building Director Kinsey O'Shea reviewed the request to redevelop the existing Tech Terrace apartments into a seven-story building with 723 bedrooms, 448 parking spaces, and 296 bicycle spaces. Council expressed concerns about open space, density, and stormwater. Steve Semones of Balzer and Associates responded to Council's questions.
• Ordinance 2094 (University City Blvd rezoning): Staff presented a proposal for a six-story mixed-use building with 254 units (including at least 32 affordable units), 489 parking spaces, 7% tree canopy, and 30% open space. Council discussed the proposal.
• Ordinance 2001 (Downtown Northwest Zoning District): Planning & Building Director Andrew Warren reviewed the proposed form-based zoning district to encourage dense, mixed-use development in the Main/Turner/Prices Fork area, with building heights capped at 100 feet and restrictions on drive-throughs. Council reviewed the district.
• Ordinance 2102 (Solar Power Purchase Agreement): Sustainability Manager Carol Davis described the PPA with TB Solar for a solar array on the Blacksburg Transit roof, with a 25-year initial term and options to extend up to 35 years. Council reviewed the agreement.
• CUP-25-3 (Dance Hall in DC-Downtown): Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer noted the item had been postponed because a required permit had not yet been obtained. Council had no questions.
• CUP-25-4 (Duplex in OTR): Kinsey O'Shea explained the request to convert an existing structure back to a duplex, replacing an expired permit. Staff recommended conditions for substantial conformance and occupancy limits. Council discussed.
• Ordinance 2096 (Agricultural and Forestal District Withdrawal): Andrew Warren reported on a request to withdraw 4.672 acres to allow three new residential lots on Tree Top Ridge Road. Roll-back taxes may apply.
• Ordinance 2104 (Tax Exemptions for Elderly and Disabled): Town Attorney Spencer presented an ordinance to increase income and asset limits for the tax relief program.
• Ordinance 2105 (Easement Vacation near 800 Block N. Main): Spencer noted the ordinance would eliminate an unneeded public utility easement.
• Ordinance 2106 (Easement Vacations at 401 and 405 Draper Road): Spencer clarified the ordinance would remove unnecessary public utility easements.

Miller Street Sewer Relocation

Town Engineer Shawn Veltman described that the developer of 411 Miller Street is proceeding with the Library Café while the Town relocates a sewer. To minimize delays, the developer will construct the sewer under Town oversight, provide necessary easements, and restore the site at no cost. Council discussed.

Council/Staff Discussion

Town Manager Marc Verniel briefed Council on the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors' recent approval of a land swap: the Virginia Tech Foundation will receive 20 acres near Old Glade Road in exchange for just over seven acres on Turner and Gilbert Streets (including Collegiate Square, Gilbert Place, and the North End Center). Council engaged in a thorough discussion.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken during this work session.
• The ten public hearing items are scheduled for formal consideration at the December 9, 2025 Town Council meeting.
• The Miller Street sewer relocation will proceed with the developer performing the work under Town supervision.
• The Council discussed the Virginia Tech land swap; no action was taken.