Blacksburg planning commission OKs two variances for Farmingdale subdivision, tables right-of-way and trail decisions

The Blacksburg Planning Commission approved two variance requests for the proposed Plat 2416 Farmingdale Major Subdivision and postponed decisions on a proposed right-of-way dedication and multiuse-trail construction to a future work session.

The commission voted unanimously to grant a variance to allow T-turnarounds in place of bulb cul-de-sacs and to allow five driveways closer than the code's 50-foot intersection separation. Planning staff described the development as a "by right use of the land," noting the developer had submitted the project for major-subdivision review because a series of prior minor subdivisions on the parcel triggers that review level.

Why this matters: The subdivision would add house lots and a new public street off Farmingdale Lane and is sited inside a larger area that staff and the applicant say already contains substantial dedicated open space. Commissioners and several residents raised questions about whether broad right-of-way dedications proposed along long stretches of Farmingdale should be required now or left until future development demonstrates a specific alignment and funding for construction.

Planning director Andrew Warren said the submission qualifies as a major subdivision under town code and listed the applicant's variance requests, including the exceptions to the town's standard that requires proposed streets be extended by dedication to the boundary of adjoining properties. "It is a by right use of the land," Warren said in his presentation while outlining required submittal items such as boundary surveys, lot dimensions and stormwater provisions.

John Neal of Foresight Design, speaking for the applicant, said the overall parcel is roughly 108 acres but that the "effective area" for the current subdivision is a little under 6 acres and that the proposal includes 23 titled lots (20 primary lots and three additional lots). Neal told the commission the project will dedicate more than 50% of the site as open space and that public water and sewer service…