Angelica Ramos
Contributing Writer
BLACKSBURG- The Capital Improvement Program for the Town of Blacksburg had its public comment session Jan. 14, 2025 leading to its potential approval Jan. 28, 2025.
Blacksburg Town Manager Marc Verniel presented an update on the Capital Improvement Program for the Town of Blacksburg during the Jan. 14, 2025 town council meeting. The Capital Improvement Program was first introduced and explained in November of 2024, but as the holidays have passed and it is now the beginning of 2025, Verniel refreshed citizens and council’s memories and explained a bit more in depth about the proposed projects for the next five years. The Capital Improvement Program is a five-year capital improvement project proposal with an estimation of prices toward the costs of these improvements for 2026 – 2030. Projects in this proposed program include: a public restroom downtown for citizens and the events held downtown, skate park improvements, road and sidewalk maintenance, storm water management, bus charging infrastructure, athletic field renovations and more.
Citizens had the opportunity to comment on Jan 14, and many residents spoke to the proposed renovations and assistance that the CIP plans for Saint Luke and Odd Fellows Hall. Saint Luke and Odd Fellows Hall is a historical site in Blacksburg that is also a museum of African American Heritage. Saint Luke and Odd Fellows Hall was a center and a social space for African Americans beginning in 1905 until the end of segregation. It was a gathering place and a space for the community to come together for decades but over the years, it has fallen into a state of disrepair and volunteers and committees have been working together to remedy that. With Saint Luke and Odd Fellows Hall being in the CIP for 2026 through 2030, that help could push Saint Luke and Odd Fellows Hall into better shape and help those who have been pouring so much of themselves into this space.
Other citizens proposed potential solutions for the downtown restroom project. After the vandalization of the Stella Rose piano, some residents are concerned about a public restroom being vandalized unless it is locked at a certain time. Residents recommended the council and town look into trailer or portable bathrooms for downtown events because not only would that have lower costs than a permanent structure, but because they might be easily locked, it could prevent vandalism. Residents are also wondering what improvements on Draper Road in particular will be done.
The town will review the Capital Improvement Program again on Jan. 21, 2025 and it will be up for approval Jan. 28, 2025.