In a recent town council meeting, several key items were addressed, including the approval of the consent agenda, which featured the adoption of town council minutes from August 6 and 13, and the transfer of nearly $1.87 million between ARPA fund projects. The council also authorized the assignment of a cable optic agreement from Zayo Group LLC to its subsidiary, Zayo Infrastructure Holdco LLC, and accepted an amended easement for a multimodal transit facility located on the Virginia Tech campus.

During the meeting, a council member disclosed a personal interest related to the transit facility, stating that their spouse is employed by Virginia Tech, which will benefit from the project. The member confirmed their ability to participate in the transaction fairly and objectively.

Following the consent agenda, the council opened the floor for citizen comments. Local business owner Eric Bissy raised concerns about homelessness in the area, proposing two ordinances aimed at addressing the issue: one to prohibit sleeping or camping on public property and another to ban panhandling within town limits. Bissy argued that the presence of homeless individuals negatively impacts local businesses and sanitation. He cited Roanoke's similar ordinances as a potential model for Blacksburg.

The discussion highlighted ongoing community concerns regarding homelessness and the council's role in addressing these issues. The police chief was present, indicating a willingness to further explore the matter. However, it was noted that current regulations may limit the council's ability to enact a panhandling ordinance. The meeting underscored the complexities surrounding homelessness and the need for collaborative solutions within the community.