Letter: Oppose Blacksburg zoning amendment

Indications suggest that the Blacksburg Town Council is planning to approve a small lot residential zoning amendment.

This proposal appears attractive to the council as it allows for by-right development of eligible lots, while marginalizing citizen input in the decision-making process.

It is concerning that elected officials would choose to systematically exclude residents from influencing the town's developmental trajectory.

Town officials contend that they have adequately informed residents about the amendment; however, we are concerned that citizens have not been given sufficient opportunities to fully understand how this amendment undermines their role in town planning.

Homeowners may find themselves facing new developments on adjacent properties without any means to question the developers, suggest improvements to the projects, or address the Planning Commission or Town Council regarding these changes.

The Planning Commission, which recommended approval of the amendment with a vote of 6 in favor and 1 abstention, appears eager to advance a proposal that diminishes citizen input.

They argue that the amendment establishes a framework for small lot residential development. However, the existing Planned Residential District (PRD) zoning mechanism already provides ample opportunities for such development and has been effectively utilized in the past.

Projects like Pheasant Run, Clover Valley, Echols Village, and the Village of Toms Creek exemplify the effectiveness of the PRD process.

We urge the citizens of Blacksburg to seize the opportunity to email the Town Council and express their opposition to the small lot residential zoning amendment before the public hearing on November 12.

Javad Torabinejad, Blacksburg