Blacksburg Town Council will dedicate three meetings, Oct. 16, Oct. 30 and Nov. 6 to review and consideration of the documents guiding the rezoning of the Old Blacksburg Middle School property in the run-up to what will be, at a yet-to be-determined-date, the public hearing and final vote on the downtown Main Street land.
On Sept. 4, the planning commission recommended approval of the rezoning of the old Blacksburg Middle School property, sending that recommendation to the Blacksburg Town Council for public hearing and a final decision.
During Tuesday’s work session, Director of Planning and Development Anne McClung presented a schedule for the council to follow in preparation and consideration of the contracts involved in the significant transaction.
“This is an update and what to expect the game plan to be going forward,” she said.
The council will examine rezoning at the same time as tracking it with the proffers and development agreement.
“Working so those things dovetail,” McClung said.
The Planning Commission had 4 work sessions to respond to changes made by the developer.
On October 16, council will consider zoning and building design elements,
talk about the pattern book, building design, materials, density and occupancy.
On Oct. 30, (which is also the quarterly work session) will examine aspects of infrastructure, road, traffic, bike facilities, sidewalks, water and sewer.
Nov. 6 will serve as a follow up opportunity ”to tie up loose ends.”
Of the bales of information and documents to be read and absorbed by the council, McClung told council, “You are going to get stuff. I’d review the staff report.”
Councilman Jerry Ford pointed out that Nov. 6 is Election Day and that Oct. 30 is “Mischief Day.”
Work Sessions are held at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays between regular council meetings at the Motor Company Building (400 S. Main Street).
While there is not an opportunity for comment during the meeting, the public is welcomed to attend.
Work sessions allow the council to review requests made to the town, hear staff reports and prepare to make long-term decisions. Work sessions presumably make regular council sessions more productive and shorter.
The town website dedicated to the rezoning of the OBMS land and presenting work session and town council meeting schedules is www.Blacksburg.gov/OBMS.
