Blacksburg Town Council Work Session - October 2, 2026

In a work session held on October 2, 2026 (noting that the meeting agenda and minutes list the date as October 6, 2026), the Blacksburg Town Council received updates on the ReCode Blacksburg project, a Virginia Main Street Program application, and discussed several administrative matters. Councilmembers Jerry Ford, Jr. and Andrew Kassoff were absent. The session adjourned to a closed meeting for real property acquisition and legal counsel discussions.

Discussion Items

ReCode Blacksburg Update

Chris Jeanette and Mitch Perona of Camiros presented the Phase One technical report and schedule for the Town’s comprehensive modernization of its zoning and subdivision ordinances. The goal is to create a unified development code that aligns with the Comprehensive Plan and community priorities, replacing separate zoning and subdivision regulations that have not had a full review in about 30 years. The presentation outlined proposed updates to zoning districts, permitted uses, development and parking standards, housing options, landscaping, signage, administrative procedures, and planned development processes to improve clarity, consistency, and flexibility. The project will proceed to ordinance drafting and public engagement, with a draft anticipated in summer 2027 and adoption targeted for late 2027 to early 2028, subject to public input and legislative changes.

Virginia Main Street Program Application

Business Relations Manager Angie Marcolini provided an update on Downtown Blacksburg initiatives, including the Town’s plans to apply for Virginia Main Street’s Exploring Main Street tier, which would provide access to grants, technical assistance, and program support. She highlighted façade grant awards totaling more than $77,000, upcoming downtown improvements, and coordinated marketing and event planning efforts.

Council/Staff Discussion

Town Attorney Lawrence Spencer announced that a renewed resolution regarding retail marijuana regulations will appear on an upcoming agenda. He also noted that the police towing contract is nearing expiration and the Police Towing Board will need to be reconvened to address the contract and appointments. Mayor Michael Sutphin presented Beth Valentine’s application for the Board of Zoning Appeals, noting she was the only applicant during the previous appointment round, but her application was received too close to the new appointments to be considered. He highlighted her relevant qualifications and asked Council for their thoughts on her potential appointment.

Key Outcomes

• The Council voted to adjourn to a Closed Meeting at 12:13 p.m. for discussions under Virginia Code § 2.2-3711 (A)(3) (potential acquisition of real property in central Blacksburg) and (A)(8) (legal counsel regarding alley access). The motion, moved by Vice Mayor Anderson and seconded by Councilmember Colliver, passed on a roll call vote (Anderson, Campbell, Colliver, Goodhart, Sutphin yes; Ford and Kassoff absent).
• Council reconvened to Open Meeting at 1:04 p.m. and unanimously adopted Resolution 10-A-26 certifying the propriety of the Closed Meeting (moved by Vice Mayor Anderson, seconded by Councilmember Colliver, passed 5-0; Ford and Kassoff absent).