The June 17 Christiansburg Town Meeting began with a Joint Public Hearing on three matters, including a rezoning request and two conditional use permit (CUP) applications.
The rezoning was later approved and allows property at 310 Holmes Street to shift from Agricultural to R-3 Multi-family. A first for this type of rezoning request came from Councilman Barber, who indicated a preference for seeing future plans before approving but after discussion the council voted unanimously to approve.
The Dwelling Place Christian Fellowship property at 3325 North Franklin was granted a CUP to allow a private school in the B-3 General Business District. Principles were not present and there were no speakers.
Bishop Townhomes, a HouseSmart Development project, brought out a contingency of neighbors concerned about water run-off and very limited parking. The development provides just two parking places per unit, leaving three only three other spaces for guests. It was noted some of the drainage problems were related to a lack of rip-rap to slow water coming off of slopes and construction vehicles crushing culverts. This CUP for a sales office was granted with five conditions, including limiting business to the two sales employees, the CUP expiring once the property changed ownership, and reviewing the application in one year.
During the Citizens Hearing, Jeremy Allen of the Tourism Development Council (TDC) reminded council that representatives of the lodging industry had requested a 1% increase to room taxes in 2005. This was subsequently increased 2%, with 1% going to the contracted regional tourism initiative. In adopting its 2008-09 budget, the town capped these funds at $100,000 and directed the Town Manager to renegotiate the contract or give notice of cancellation. Mr. Allen stated that TDC goals were being met for increasing occupancy rates, which also translated to more meals and sales taxes for the town. He encouraged council to remain fully committed to this regional partnership and to view it as an enterprize fund instead of a donation to the local chamber, noting any other designated portion of the 6% lodging tax retained by the town could support marketing and tourism specific to Christiansburg.
Lisa Lucas Gardner addressed council, restating several concerns she had spoken on during previous meetings and asked what council's process was as regards getting any response. The Mayor pointed out that both he and the Town Manager did make notes during these hearings and do make efforts to research these concerns and follow up. The Mayor stressed that he returns all telephone calls.
Councilman Stipes and representatives of Gay & Neel provided an update on the extension of the Huckleberry Trail from its present terminus at the NRV mall, indicating that requested grant monies were not awarded. Council was presented with several bridge options and estimated costs. Stipes indicated this project would continue to press forward and reapply for grants for consideration during the next funding cycle. He stated the goal continues to have the Huckleberry extended into the heart of town. The bridge designs all had concrete beds, as contrasted to those used on other areas of the trail or at the Coal Miners Heritage Trail, with the engineers saying the additional cost would be worth it due to long term issues relative to using wood. Council will continue reviewing the proposed bridge designs and asked for cost estimates for other features such as decorative stone. Bridge prices ranged from $525K to $925K for an arched structure. While the trail is typically 10' the bridge would be 8' wide and built to accommodate future widening of Peppers Ferry Road.
Town Council unanimously approved a Resolution for Revenue Sharing with Montgomery County relative to a "friendly boundary line adjustment" initiated after plans submitted by developer Roger Woody were denied. Terms of revenue sharing of future town meals and lodging taxes with the county in exchange for this boundary adjustment were not stated at the meeting.
Reporter Donna Alvis Banks, who is retiring from the Roanoke Times, was recognized by council as "one of our daughters" and thanked for her commitment to Christiansburg.
Councilman Huppert reported that the town's Grand Reopening had 176 participants in the 5K race and Fun Run, including himself and the Mayor. Dale Echols reported that they parked 335 cruise in cars, but due to heavy rains and storms, most vehicles departed early. Kudos were made recognizing town staff and event volunteers, and Huppert stated the desire was to continue with downtown events and possibly two 5K races a year.
Planning Commission member Wayne Booth, a passionate basketball fan, shared that the "Backyard Brawl" would again be held, with games being held at several schools on June 27 & 28. This year's event will pit 40 teams from Virginia and West Virginia and is coordinated by Kevin Stoner.
The Town Manager shared an unusual announcement from VDoT as regards the US Navy moving a 28' wide vehicle on I-81 northbound between 9 pm and 6 am June 17-18), noting the average lane s 12' wide.
The Town Manager reported on a requested cell phone tower lease with a five year clause, to be refinanced with a 20 year lease with an inflationary clause which will come before council. The company making this request has suggested making a contribution to a recreational program such as the skate park. The manager will consider the offer and negotiate with the company. He also reported that new light poles for the downtown project would be installed later that week and that the aquatic center is pouring concrete in the large, excavated area.
Three public hearings were scheduled for July 17: one garage/towing service at 940 Redford Road, vacating common area at Scott Street, and a major home occupation for a lawn care business on Howery St.
The next regular meeting of the Christiansburg Town Council is scheduled for Tuesday, July 1. Street Committee members Stipes and Canada stated they were ready to have the downtown parking issue on that agenda for discussion and action by council.