Anderson for Council

Blacksburg is at a critical point in its history and development. We can yield to the temptations of fast growth and unchecked commercial development and soon become just another congested anytown USA, or we can strive to preserve our character and quality of life while becoming a model "Cool City" committed to both economic and ecological sustainability.

As a community we face a number of important issues that will determine Blacksburg’s character and the quality of our lives in the years ahead. We must address growth, development, and redevelopment in thoughtful, creative, and sustainable ways. I believe that a better and brighter future for us all depends on the following:

Wise management of growth and development to ensure both economic viability and community livability. Development and redevelopment should be guided by our shared community values and managed by strict adherence to zoning laws and the vision articulated in our Comprehensive Plan. Directing growth toward clustering, in-fill, preservation of green space, and diverse housing options, including workforce housing, should be encouraged.
The continued revitalization of our historic downtown as a pedestrian friendly, vibrant retail and arts center is essential to both the health and the character of Blacksburg. Much progress has been made over the past few years:

During the summer of 2007, the Downtown Revitalization Committee formed, comprised of representatives from various stakeholders within the community: Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg (now Downtown Blacksburg, Inc.), the Lyric Theatre, Blacksburg Partnership, Town Staff, Town Council, Citizens First, Townscape, VT Arts Initiative, residential neighborhood representatives, and local business and development leaders.
Since 2008, the town has dedicated two maintenance staff positions to cleaning up the downtown. Both residents and downtown merchants have commented positively about the upkeep of downtown.
During the fall of 2008, Town Council approved a downtown façade improvement program using $50,000 from the Community Development Block Grant program. Two façades were approved during the spring of 2009 using these funds. Beginning July 1, additional funds have been allocated and three more façades have been approved, with funding available for one more façade this fiscal year.
Chaired by Susan Anderson, the Downtown Revitalization Committee, through the help of town staff and the town attorney, has drafted an incentives ordinance for the downtown and a brochure for prospective businesses describing the incentives and other town, state, and federal programs which provide aid. The draft ordinance is now before Town Council and is scheduled to be voted on in October.
The Downtown Revitalization Committee, during the summer of 2009, cleaned up seven window fronts in downtown and placed displays promoting Blacksburg activities in the windows. Susan helped from beginning to end on each of these work days:

In the former Mainstream Music space between the UPS store and Mish Mish, we placed a display promoting Steppin’ Out. This space has now been leased!
Next to 310 Rosemont, we created two different displays--the first one promoting Summer Solstice and then one promoting Market Square Park and Farmers Market, which is currently under construction.
Our third location, next to Art Pannonia, promoted Art at the Market, which was held this summer. This space has now been leased!
We then worked on the old Chocolate Spike location behind Homebody, showcasing maps of our town’s walkways and bikeways.
Next we promoted the "Buy Local, Eat Local, Be Local" campaign in the former Record Exchange space next to the Cellar Restaurant.
Our sixth and seventh locations are next to the old bank building downtown, with displays on live performances at the Lyric this fall and recycled art.

In the works is a recycling program for downtown businesses.
In 2006, College Avenue had at least three vacancies; now in 2009, there are none. And more businesses are popping up on Main Street in the downtown district. We need to actively recruit more business to our downtown specifically and Blacksburg generally.

Open spaces, neighborhood parks, greenways, biking and walking paths, as well as quality recreational facilities--including athletic fields--for residents of all ages contribute greatly to the livability of our community. Through strongly supporting the Comprehensive Plan and the Comprehensive Plan planning process, as well as careful budget management, we must preserve and expand these resources.
Rehabilitating the old Blacksburg Middle School property as a civic, cultural, educational, and recreational resource is a key investment in our community’s future. Because of the size of this property and its strategic location at the meeting point of our south side residential neighborhoods, our civic center (municipal building, library, police station, Blacksburg Motor Co. building), and our downtown commercial district, we must ensure that all stakeholders have a say in its fate and that what develops here reflects our shared vision of Blacksburg’s future.
Preserving the integrity of our neighborhoods by guarding against external encroachment and internal decay is vital to maintaining a high quality of life for all Blacksburg residents. Town officials should strictly enforce all safety, noise, and housing codes, and Council should follow both the Comprehensive Plan and zoning ordinances when ruling on permits and other issues. Town Council should encourage strong neighborhood associations and provide regular opportunities for dialogue with neighborhood representatives to share ideas and discuss concerns.
To ensure the fiscal health of our town in the face of decreasing state funding and limited revenue sources, I believe that Town Council should pursue the following measures:

Insist that any new development of housing areas and/or satellite retail hubs (for example, South Main interchange development, University Mall, North Main) pay the full cost of infrastructure development--sewer needs, water needs, electric needs, roads, etc.
Adhere strictly to the town charter requirement of a super majority for any new assumption of debt.
Take full advantage of and be more aggressive in securing opportunities for state and federal grants for town projects. For example, Blacksburg can apply for more funds for demonstration projects, housing grants, and technology grants.

Steppin' Out

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