Changes in speed limits are coming for some business and residential areas in Blacksburg.
Lori Graham
Contributing Writer
BLACKSBURG – Blacksburg Town Council voted 7-0 in approval of a speed limit initiative on March 11, 2025, that will lower some town speed limits from 25 to 20 miles per hour.
A select few other areas will be reduced to 15 mph. Information posted on www.letstalkblacksburg.org provides a timeline of possible implementation by late spring 2025.
In 2021, the Virginia Assembly passed HB1903, allowing local authorities the ability to enact changes to speed limits in business or residential districts (www.legiscan.com). According to the bill, an increase or decrease in speed must be based on “an engineering and traffic investigation by such county, city, or town and provided such speed area or zone is clearly indicated by markers or signs.”
The bill also states that the town is given authority to reduce the speed limit to under 25 mph, but not less than 15 mph.
Also, Blacksburg Town Council proclaimed March 11, 2025, as Paul Lancaster Day in honor of the namesake’s contributions to the town.
Paul Lancaster, a native of New York, achieved a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Washington and Lee University. His experience in media and broadcast journalism, public affairs and communications has served him well in his contributions to the community of Blacksburg through his service and dedication over many years.
Among many of his commitments to the town, Lancaster served on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Montgomery County, the Blacksburg Planning Commission, the Blacksburg Open Space Conservation Committee, the Blacksburg Affordable Housing Management Team, the ADA Committee and the Blacksburg Town Council, according to Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith.
“Paul’s devotion to this community is demonstrated by his strong civic involvement in the Town of Blacksburg. Now, therefore I, Leslie Hager-Smith, Mayor of the Town of Blacksburg, do hereby proclaim March 11th, 2025, as Paul Lancaster Day,” Hager-Smith said.
Lancaster thanked the community for the honor and the ability to work with a variety of people over the years.
The Town of Blacksburg has also issued itself a conditional use permit that will allow for improved lighting at the recreation park located at 2100 Toms Creek Rd. Council members voted unanimously in support of the Resolution 3-F-25. The park has a shelter with picnic tables, a softball field, and a dog park. The change in lighting will provide for a safer environment for participants on the field with minimal impact or change to the neighborhood.
Additionally, council members voted 7-0 in support of Ordinance 2068, rezoning approximately 1.59 acres from R-5 Transitional Residential to Planned Residential zoning. The proposed housing development at 402 Clay St., SE, Blacksburg, will provide a connection to the future Midtown Trail and Clay Street sidewalk, according to Planning Department Staff Matthew Sampa’s presentation to the Council. The proposed construction at the site is for a three-story, 42-unit housing development with a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments.
“A proffer to make 20 percent of the units affordable for residents earning less than 80 percent annual median income is also proposed,” Sampa said.
