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🌱 Patch AM: Why Blacksburg council just blocked over 1,000 new bedrooms

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Coffee in hand, Blacksburg? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Blacksburg council just blocked over 1,000 new bedrooms
  • Will your usual BT route be cut back this January?
  • How a new $1.4M grant could reshape local mental health care

Also on today's calendar: Guest Event | Little Leapers: "The Nutcracker" and 2 more events.

Find out what's happening in Blacksburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Find out what's happening in Blacksburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: A little afternoon rain, with a high of 50 and low of 40 degrees.
  • Friday: Mostly sunny and windy, temps: high: 46, low: 25.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 51 and low of 36 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Blacksburg council denies residential rezoning plans (montcova.com) — Blacksburg Town Council has rejected two proposed high-density housing projects that together would have added more than 1,000 new bedrooms near Virginia Tech and University Blvd. Officials say they want growth to follow the town’s comprehensive plan, while nearby residents raised concerns about building height and how these developments would fit into existing neighborhoods.
   

2. Blacksburg Transit to decrease service in January (montcova.com) — Weekday riders on Blacksburg Transit should prepare for reduced service starting January 18, 2026, as electric bus battery recalls force less frequent trips on at least eight routes between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Peak times will be protected as much as possible, with some routes shifting to diesel buses or split electric coverage. Riders can review specific route changes on BT’s website or contact the town for details.
   

3. Virginia Tech tackles mental health professional shortage in Southwest Virginia with $1.4M federal grant (wsls.com) — Virginia Tech in Blacksburg has secured a $1.4 million federal grant to train more mental health counselors who will serve underserved communities across Southwest Virginia. Graduate fellows will receive funding in exchange for working in high-need areas, including schools, where students often wait months or travel hours for care. The program is already providing thousands of hours of free counseling and emphasizes early intervention and community impact.
   

4. Generous Donation Supports Meals on Main (nrvnews.com) — A local donation of $887.50 is helping the YMCA at Virginia Tech keep free, USDA-approved Meals on Main going for children in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and nearby communities. The program has already served over 200,000 meals and snacks and now includes freshly prepared options from a mobile kitchen. Residents can chip in online or by mailing a check to the Blacksburg Y.
   

5. Virginia Tech releases first-ever safety ratings for youth hockey helmets (wfxrtv.com) — Virginia Tech’s Helmet Lab in Blacksburg has released its first safety ratings specifically for youth hockey helmets, giving parents a clearer way to compare protection. Researchers tested 33 models using their STAR system to measure concussion risk and recommend choosing four- or five-star helmets. Families can look up detailed ratings on the lab’s website, which will be updated as new helmets are evaluated.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Virginia Tech University posted a job opening for Assistant Professor, Music Technology in Blacksburg. Apply here.
  • Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University posted a job opening for Administrative Assistant to the Associate Dean of CALS Global in Blacksburg. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Blacksburg here.

Ok Blacksburg! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
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