Samuel M. Bishop

The budget for FY 2025-2026 includes key aspects such as revenue forecasts, economic recovery, and inflation rates. It details proposed increases in water charges, while maintaining current real estate and personal property tax rates, as well as solid waste collection fees. Capital projects for infrastructure, streets, storm water, trails, water, and sewer systems are prioritized, with plans to develop more detailed capital improvement plans for the future. The budget also outlines the use of reserve funds for various projects and includes estimates of annual revenue and operation expenditures for the next five years, along with projected capital needs.

The Christiansburg Planning Commission meeting addressed a conditional use permit request by Rockstep Christiansburg LLC for the operation of a carnival from April 27, 2022, through May 8, 2022, and a conditional use permit request by Taylor E Lincus and Blair Lawton LLC for an auction house business. The commission recommended to council to consider additional years for the carnival permit if the applicant is open to it. The auction house proposal involves an online auction business with a small percentage of local pickups, aiming to revitalize a vacant restaurant building.

The meeting of the Central Business District Committee included discussions around enhancing the downtown park, potentially adding cafe lights, temporary pools, and hosting a mini-concert series. There was also discussion regarding the possibility of a talent show or small events, and the potential use of the amphitheater at the library. Other topics included connecting Hickok Street to downtown with a trail, working with master gardeners and plant societies for landscaping, and hosting a design day at the park. The committee also discussed rezoning options to accommodate more retail, food, and beverage businesses, as well as mixed-use developments.

The committee discussed the facade grant program, including a review of past grant recipients and projects. They considered expanding the eligibility criteria to include areas outside of downtown and Cambria, such as Roanoke and Radford streets, and discussed the possibility of including signage as an eligible activity. The committee also explored the idea of prioritizing older buildings and limiting eligibility to new applicants to ensure broader participation.

The Christiansburg Planning Commission meeting included a public hearing for a conditional use permit request by McNeil Property Management LLC to allow for a private school in the general business district. Discussions involved the property's location, existing commercial office building, and the need for a conditional use permit for private schools in the B3 district. The Hughes Center, which provides services to special education populations, was mentioned as the applicant. Concerns were raised about traffic, dust from a nearby concrete plant, and safety measures such as fencing and locked buildings.