Public Meetings - Harrisonburg, Virginia

The Harrisonburg City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included roll call, a consent agenda, four public hearings, several regular agenda items, public comments, and a closed session. Key actions included the approval of a special use permit for a major family day home, a rezoning on North Main Street, preliminary plat approval for a townhome development, and a resolution to apply for federal funding for drainage and utility projects. A major rezoning request for Port Republic Road was defeated. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the February 27, 2024 City Council meeting. - Approved a supplemental appropriation for the General Fund and School and Water Capital Projects Funds. - Approved special event applications for the Shenandoah Valley Autism 5k (April 27, 2024), EMU Spring Commencement (May 5, 2024), and Valley 4th Run (July 4, 2024). All items were approved unanimously on a single roll call vote. Public Hearings - PRR 1 LLC Rezoning and Special Use Permit (1211-1261 Port Republic Road): The applicant proposed 128 dwelling units (26 single-family homes, 28 duplexes, 75 townhomes) on about 20 acres. City staff recommended denial due to non-conformance with the comprehensive plan's low density mixed residential category and the existing pipeline of 584 townhome units citywide. The Planning Commission had recommended approval 4-2. Council members expressed concerns about overloading the market with townhomes and the need for a strategic review of the housing pipeline. A motion to approve the rezoning failed 3-2 (Vice-Mayor Dent and Council Member Fleming in favor; Mayor Reed, Council Member Jones, and Council Member Robinson opposed). The associated special use permit was not considered as the rezoning was not approved. - Flor Asuzena Bautista Special Use Permit (1451 College Avenue): Request to allow a major family day home for up to 12 children. Staff and Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval. The applicant expressed eagerness to start the business. The council approved the permit unanimously. - Edwin E. Joya Rezoning (705-707 North Main Street): Request to rezone a portion from M-1 to B-1C to allow residential use. Staff and Planning Commission recommended approval. No public comments. The council approved the rezoning unanimously. Discussion Items - JLARC Report on K-12 Funding: Mark Gribbin, chief analyst, presented findings that Virginia trails funding benchmarks, and the SOQ formula is problematic. If all near-term recommendations were implemented, Harrisonburg would receive an additional $5.5 million; a full formula change could yield $23 million. The council discussed the Local Composite Index and potential impacts. No action taken. - Public Notice Signage Update: Michael Parks presented the final design for new public notice signs, featuring English and Spanish, a QR code, and city branding. The council approved the design unanimously. - Northside Development Preliminary Subdivision (44 & 81 Wilson Avenue): Request to subdivide 5.23 acres for 58 townhome parcels and 34 multifamily dwellings. Staff and Planning Commission recommended approval. The council approved the preliminary plat with variances. - Wilson Avenue Closure: Second reading of an ordinance to close a 10-foot strip of Wilson Avenue in exchange for a 10-foot strip along Mt. Clinton Pike. The council approved the closure. - Affordable Housing Fee Waiver Pilot Program: Liz Webb, Housing Coordinator, proposed a FY25 pilot program to waive water and sewer capital recovery fees (up to $4,000 per unit) for affordable units, targeting 10 units with a $40,000 budget. The council expressed support and directed staff to draft an ordinance for a future vote. - Ordinance Amendments: - Firearms and archery: Amended to allow archery hunting on city property with permission and to include deer, elk, and bear. Approved unanimously. - Sewer, water consumption, and fishing: Amendments to address backwater valves, high water usage adjustments (limit to one adjustment per 36 months), and fishing regulations at River Rock. Approved unanimously. - Congressional Directed Spending (CDS) Resolutions: - Suter Street Drainage Improvement Project: Request for $2,779,300 with a $926,500 match. Approved unanimously. - Liberty Street Utility Relocation Project: Request for $6 million for undergrounding utilities. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - PRR 1 LLC Rezoning: Denied (3-2 vote). - Special Use Permit for Major Family Day Home: Approved unanimously. - Rezoning of 705-707 N. Main Street: Approved unanimously. - Public Notice Signage Design: Approved unanimously. - Northside Village Preliminary Plat: Approved unanimously. - Wilson Avenue Closure: Approved unanimously. - Ordinance Amendments (Firearms, Sewer, etc.): All approved unanimously. - CDS Resolutions (Suter Street and Liberty Street): Both approved unanimously. - Appointments: Tiara Brown appointed to the CPMT (term to March 26, 2025); Sharon Horn reappointed to the Board of Equalization (term to December 31, 2026). Both unanimous. Other Matters - Public comment: Panayotis “Poti” Giannakouros spoke on incarceration, recidivism, school board, pollinator event, and No Mow May. - Council members reported on the NLC conference, meetings with federal representatives, and local initiatives (pollinator event, beekeeping ordinance, youth council ideas). Closed Session The council entered closed session at 10:22 PM to discuss legal matters involving contractual negotiations and pending litigation. The session ended at 10:52 PM, and the council certified compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. The meeting then adjourned.

The Harrisonburg Planning Commission met on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 6:00 PM in City Council Chambers. Four members were present (Brent Finnegan, Adriel Byrd, Valerie Washington, Richard Baugh), with two absent (Laura Dent, Heja Alsindi) and one vacancy. The meeting included seven public hearings and one other business item, resulting in approvals, a tabling, and a substantial accord finding. The meeting adjourned at 7:42 PM. Approval of Minutes - The minutes from the February 14, 2024 meeting were deferred to the next month because Chair Finnegan, who was absent at the prior meeting, recused himself from voting, leaving only three members. Discussion Items Public Hearings: - Convenience Store Special Use Permit (206/210 Charles Street): The applicant requested a SUP to relocate an existing convenience store to an adjacent parcel and unify three parcels under one permit. Staff recommended approval, noting compatibility with commercial uses along Charles Street. The Commission approved (4-0) with plans to remove unsafe front parking spaces. The recommendation moves to City Council on April 9, 2024. - Short-Term Rental Special Use Permit (1088/1094 College Avenue): The applicant sought a SUP for a short-term rental in an accessory structure. Staff recommended approval with conditions limiting accommodations to three guest rooms and six guests. The Commission approved (4-0), agreeing that the use does not remove a dwelling unit from the housing market. The recommendation moves to City Council on April 9, 2024. - Short-Term Rental Special Use Permit (1048/1048A College Avenue): Staff discovered building code discrepancies regarding the structure's classification (duplex vs. single-family home) and whether a doorway between units was original or later addition. They recommended tabling the request for further investigation. The Commission voted to table (4-0), with the item expected to return on April 10, 2024. - Personal Service Establishment Special Use Permit (220 Reservoir Street): The applicant, owner of Alley Cat Tattoo, requested a SUP to relocate the tattoo shop to a former medical office building. Staff recommended approval, finding the use similar to other by-right nonresidential uses in the R-3 district. The Commission approved (4-0), citing better parking and space. The recommendation moves to City Council on April 9, 2024. - Rezoning to Amend Proffers (325/335 North Liberty Street): The applicant, Sage Bird Ciderworks, requested to remove a parking proffer from the 2018 rezoning to allow their food truck to park on site and enable community events. Staff recommended approval, noting increased on-street parking and changed conditions since 2018. The Commission approved (4-0), with discussion that removal would not harm parking availability. The recommendation moves to City Council on April 9, 2024. - Zoning Ordinance Amendment (M-1 District): The applicant requested adding a new by-right use for mercantile establishments selling parts for over-the-road tractors, trailers, and heavy equipment. Staff supported the amendment as compatible with existing industrial uses. The Commission approved (4-0), noting it fills a gap in the zoning code. The recommendation moves to City Council on April 9, 2024. - Fire Station 5 Substantial Accord Determination (450 Mt. Clinton Pike): The City is purchasing a 15.23-acre site to build Fire Station 5. Staff found the location and character in substantial accord with the Comprehensive Plan, citing Chapter 13 objectives for reducing response times. The Commission agreed (4-0), noting equity in emergency services and consistency with industrial zoning. Findings will be presented to City Council on April 9, 2024. Other Business Items: - Preliminary Subdivision for Tuscan Village (Country Club Road/Keezletown Road): The applicant sought preliminary plat approval for a 16.65-acre mixed-use development including 57 townhomes, multifamily units, duplex lots, and a single-family lot. Five variance requests were made, including reduced street widths and omission of a sidewalk segment in favor of a shared-use path. Staff recommended approval with a condition for a raised crosswalk. The Commission approved (4-0), with support for the shared-use path and traffic-calming features. The recommendation moves to City Council on April 9, 2024. Key Outcomes - All votes were 4-0 in favor of staff recommendations or motions. - The short-term rental at 1048/1048A College Avenue was tabled (4-0) for further investigation. - All approved items will be forwarded to City Council on April 9, 2024, except the tabled item (expected April 10). - The Commission discussed plans for a facilitated roundtable meeting in summer 2024 to discuss broader zoning ordinance revisions, with staff to bring back a plan.

The Harrisonburg City Council met on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers and adjourned at 11:27 PM. Mayor Reed presided with Council Members Dent, Jones, Fleming, and Robinson present, along with City Manager Banks, City Attorney Brown, City Clerk Ulmer, Police Chief Warner, and Fire Chief Tobia. The meeting included proclamations, consent items, two public hearings, a ceasefire resolution, multiple donation approvals, and budget and economy presentations. Consent Calendar - Approved the February 13, 2024 meeting minutes. - Approved the second-reading rezoning request from Harrisonburg Redevelopment & Housing Authority for 715 North Main Street. - Approved a supplemental appropriation for the purchase of real estate. - Approved special event applications for the United Way’s Day of Action Post Event Celebration on Friday, May 31, 2024, 3–5 PM, and the Shenandoah Valley Pride Celebration on Saturday, September 21, 2024. - Consent agenda passed 5-0. Special Recognition - Proclaimed March 2024 as Youth Art Month; Andrew Stavers accepted and invited Council to see student art at Valley Mall. - Proclaimed March 2024 as Brain Injury Awareness Month; Anne Taetzsch Fitzgerald and board member John Norman, a former client, shared personal experiences. - Proclaimed March 2024 as Governmental Purchasing Month; Nicole Robertson and Shane Smith accepted. Public Hearings - Country Club Road Sidewalk Project (VDOT TAP Grant): Public Works Director Tom Hartman said the grant was awarded two years ago with an 80% federal/20% city split. The project will add a five-foot sidewalk, curb and gutter, and an audible pedestrian crosswalk connecting Spotswood Mobile Home Park to Linda Lane, with construction expected to finish before the 2025 school year. Jessica Pyle, a Skyline Middle School teacher, spoke in favor and volunteered to help students cross safely. The item was received and filed. - Gas Pipeline Easement: City Attorney Chris Brown presented a Columbia Gas easement across the South Main Street parking lot to replace gas service lines for the former Free Clinic property now owned by Sentara. Work would occur mostly at night with minimal downtown disruption. No public speakers commented. Vice Mayor Dent said she is not in theory a fan of more fossil fuel infrastructure, but in practice it is needed. Council approved the easement 5-0. Discussion Items - Cease-Fire Resolution: Mayor Reed and Vice Mayor Dent described drafting a resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and Israel, humanitarian aid, and release of hostages. Council Member Jones said the issue is beyond City Council’s scope and urged sustained local civic participation. A suggested amendment to add “and prisoners” was not adopted. The original resolution was adopted 5-0, and Mayor Reed said she would hand-deliver it to Virginia’s U.S. senators the next morning. - HDR Downtown Banner Designs: Andrea Dono, Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance executive director, presented roughly 70 banners with four repeating designs and 15 student duck-themed banners. Council praised the project and approved it 5-0. - Out of the Box Traffic Cabinet Art Project: Ms. Dono proposed wrapping 19 downtown traffic cabinets in two phases, with $400 artist stipends and a virtual artist information session on March 12, 2024. Council approved it 5-0 and discussed possible future expansion citywide and creation of a public arts commission. - Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Presentation: Director Michael McKee presented record demand: BRAFB served about 127,000 people/month in 2023, peaked at 173,000 in October, and is now averaging 153,000/month; distributed 27 million pounds of food; about 3.6 million meals locally; and projected million-dollar annual deficits unless federal support increases. He asked Council members to urge Congress to strengthen the Farm Bill and SNAP. Council thanked him and requested follow-up conversations; the presentation was received and filed. - Swim for Sadie Donation: Parks and Recreation Director Brian Mancini and Sadie Deeble’s parents presented a $50,000 legacy donation from the Swim for Sadie Memorial Fund, funded by more than 235 individual donations. It will create a free “Swim by Second” lesson program for Harrisonburg City Schools students in kindergarten through second grade. Council approved the donation 5-0. - Harrisonburg Little League Donation: Mr. Mancini presented a $33,364 donation from the Harrisonburg Little League Association for solar scoreboards and a storage shed at Purcell Park. Council approved the donation 5-0. - VA 250 Committee Resolution: Tourism Manager Jennifer Bell requested adoption to form a local Virginia America 250 Committee for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, providing eligibility for promotional help and grants. Council Member Robinson expressed concerns about wording on the state VA 250 website and about organizations receiving grant money from African American stories. The resolution was adopted 4-1, with Council Member Robinson voting no. - EECBG Funds: Grants analyst Luke Morgan and sustainability manager Keith Thomas presented the $117,870 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. Staff recommended a 50-kilowatt rooftop solar array on Turner Pavilion, estimated at $250,000, requiring $132,130 in general funds in FY25. The system would generate about 71,000 kWh/year, with excess sent back to the grid rather than used for community shared solar. Council approved the Turner Pavilion solar project 5-0. - Collective Bargaining: City Attorney Chris Brown reviewed staff’s recommendation against a collective bargaining ordinance, citing recent pay increases (average 14% citywide; average 17.25% for eligible HPD officers), improved recruitment, and estimated annual administrative costs of $400,000–$500,000 based on Charlottesville. Council voted to deny the collective bargaining request and asked the city manager to bring back a proposal for an ongoing employee committee. The transcript shows unanimous approval; the meeting minutes’ roll call heading lists “No” followed by all names, which appears to be a clerical inconsistency. - City Parcels and Affordable Housing: Housing Coordinator Liz Webb presented a Virginia Housing-funded study of two city-owned parcels. Neff Avenue could support 180–200 apartments, 72 townhomes, or condos, with site value estimated at $2.4 million and development costs around $2,500/unit. Central Avenue could support 120–133 apartments, 51 townhomes, or 36 tiny homes, with site value estimated at $1.6 million. Council discussed local developer interest, mixed-income options, and first-time homeownership; the presentation was received and filed. - FY 2024 General Fund Revenue and Local Economy: Finance Director Larry Propst reported revenues are projected to be about $9.7 million above budget, with slower sales/meals/lodging growth; next fiscal year real estate assessed value growth is projected at 5.5% compared to 13.5% this year, and declining vehicle values may require a personal property tax rate increase. Economic Development Director Brian Shull reported 1,000 new city jobs in 2023, 3.2% unemployment, second-fastest MSA job growth in Virginia, 88 new business licenses, a $40 million increase in building permit value, and major projects including Farmer Focus, Montibello Packaging, and Lauf. Council discussed the need for housing to support job growth; the presentation was received and filed. Supplementals and Reallocations - Approved a supplemental appropriation of $2,982,833.46 in interest earnings from the September 2021 bond issuance for Rocktown High School and the Shenandoah River waterline to the General Fund and School and Water Capital Projects Funds, 5-0. - Approved a reallocation of ARPA funds from the Sterling Street Project to projects approved on February 13, 2024, 5-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Earnest Liberatore, a county resident, spoke about erosion mitigation, protecting food sources, and gave a handcrafted gift to Public Works. - Virginia Haverty, 458 W. Wolfe Street, spoke about Black History Month and read a statement on Central Africa, Rwanda, the Congo War, and mineral supply chains, calling for consumer awareness and land/reparations. - An unnamed speaker thanked Council for listening to community concerns. Other Matters and Boards/Commissions - Vice Mayor Dent announced that the March 12, 2024 City Council meeting was canceled due to the National League of Cities conference. Council Member Robinson invited the public to the International Women’s Day march on March 9, 2024. Council Member Fleming described NLC child savings account discussions. Mayor Reed noted a WHSV feature showing 1863 Rockingham Register ads for enslaved people and celebrated the current majority-Black Council. - Council appointed Morgan Maskell to the Board of Zoning Appeals (term through March 20, 2029), reappointed Gerald Gatobu to the Harrisonburg Rockingham Metropolitan Planning Organization board, and appointed Craig Anders to the Board of Equalization (term through December 31, 2024), all by unanimous voice vote. Key Outcomes - Adopted a resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and Israel (5-0). - Approved the Country Club Road sidewalk public hearing item as received/filed; no formal action. - Approved the Columbia Gas pipeline easement (5-0). - Approved downtown banners and traffic cabinet art project (5-0 each). - Approved Swim for Sadie and Little League donations (5-0 each). - Adopted VA 250 Committee resolution (4-1). - Approved Turner Pavilion EECBG solar project (5-0). - Denied collective bargaining ordinance; directed city manager to propose an employee committee (unanimous per transcript; minutes note discrepancy). - Approved supplemental appropriation and ARPA reallocation (5-0 each). - Appointed board members.

The Harrisonburg Planning Commission met on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at 6:00 PM in City Council Chambers, with Vice Chair Adriel Byrd presiding. The meeting lasted until 9:08 PM. The commission considered the FY2025-2029 Capital Improvement Program, five rezoning and special use permit requests, a preliminary subdivision plat, and an update on public notice signage. All recommendations approved by the commission will be forwarded to City Council on March 26, 2024. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes from December 19, 2023, and January 10, 2024, were approved by a voice vote (5-0, with Chair Finnegan absent). Discussion Items - Capital Improvement Program (CIP) FY2025-2029: Staff presented the five-year planning document. Commissioner Baugh praised staff's thorough work. The commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval to City Council. (The CIP may appear on City Council's March 26 or April agenda.) - Major Family Day Home at 1451 College Avenue (Item 5a): Applicant Flor Asuzena Bautista requested a special use permit to operate a major family day home for up to 12 children, Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM-4:30 PM. Staff recommended approval with no conditions. The commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval, citing the need for such facilities. - Rezone 705/707 North Main Street (Item 5b): Applicant Edwin Joya sought to rezone a 2,338 sq. ft. portion from M-1 (General Industrial) to B-1C (Central Business District Conditional) to allow a duplex. The property had an illegal residential use. The applicant offered proffers limiting traffic, prohibiting drive-throughs, and restricting parking between buildings and North Main Street. Staff recommended approval. The commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval. - Rezone and SUP for PRR 1 LLC at 1211-1261 Port Republic Road (Items 5c & 5d): The applicant proposed rezoning from R-1 to a conditional district and a special use permit for townhomes, with a maximum of 128 units (58% townhomes). Staff recommended denial, citing the Comprehensive Plan's Low Density Mixed Residential designation (targeting 7 units/acre) and the existing pipeline of 589 approved townhome units since 2021. The applicant argued the plan met density targets and provided much-needed housing options. Public testimony included concerns from neighbors about water runoff, traffic, and density. After debate, the commission approved the rezoning 4-2 (Commissioners Baugh and Armstrong dissenting) and the SUP 4-2 (same dissent). - Rezone for Aldi (N.C.) LLC at 2028 East Market Street (Item 5e): The applicant requested to rezone a 1.68-acre portion and amend 2016 proffers to allow vehicle repair (specifically for a Discount Tire store). The existing proffers prohibited vehicle repair. The applicant argued Discount Tire is a retail business, but staff classified it as repair. A new Traffic Impact Analysis required improvements at Country Club Road and East Market Street. Staff recommended approval. The commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval. - Preliminary Subdivision at 44 and 81 Wilson Avenue (Item 6a): Northside Development Partners LLC requested to create 58 townhome lots, one multifamily parcel (34 units in three buildings), and two common area parcels. The preliminary plat included variances from the Subdivision Ordinance (public street frontage, utility easements, and street design standards). Staff supported all variances and recommended approval. The commission voted 6-0 to approve. - Public Notice Signage Update (Item 9a): Staff presented a redesigned sign with a red background, QR code, and bilingual text. Discussion focused on font sizes, the prominence of “Public Hearing or City Action,” color connotations, and QR code accessibility. Commissioners expressed varied opinions on the red color and wording. No vote was taken; staff will continue refining the design. Key Outcomes - Votes: Items 5a, 5b, 5e, and 6a passed unanimously (6-0). Items 5c and 5d passed 4-2 (Baugh and Armstrong opposed). The CIP passed 6-0. - Next Steps: All recommendations (except the signage update) will go to City Council on March 26, 2024. The CIP may be scheduled for March 26 or April. - Future Meeting: Staff recommended a single meeting for the next month's nine-item agenda; the commission concurred.

This was a test meeting of the Harrisonburg City Council held on February 13, 2024, at 2:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The agenda consisted solely of a test resolution with no substantive business. No minutes were available, and the provided transcript contained unrelated song lyrics, indicating the meeting was a placeholder or simulation. Consent Calendar - No items. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items - The only agenda item was a "Test Resolution" (attachment: Resolution). This was labeled as a test and did not involve any real policy or action. Key Outcomes - No votes or decisions were taken. The meeting was a test with no official business conducted.

The Harrisonburg City Council met on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included a consent agenda, a public hearing, five regular agenda items, a supplemental appropriation, public comments on a Gaza ceasefire resolution, and appointments to boards and commissions. All votes were unanimous unless noted. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the January 23, 2024 Work Session and Regular Meeting were approved. - Rezoning of 585 Pear Street (Cobblers Valley Development LLC) was approved on second reading. - Rezoning of 465 Pear Street and Pear Street (J&D Group LLC) was approved on second reading. - Supplemental appropriation for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant was approved on second reading. Public Hearings - Rezoning 715 North Main Street – The Council approved a request from the Harrisonburg Redevelopment & Housing Authority (HRHA) to rezone 715 N. Main Street from M-1C (General Industrial with conditions) to B-1C (Central Business District with proffers). The property will be used as a recovery residence by Strength in Peers, a local nonprofit. Proffers include a traffic impact analysis threshold, a prohibition on drive-through facilities, and a requirement that no parking lot be located between the building and the public street. Adam Fletcher, Director of Community Development, presented the item. Michael Wong (HRHA) and Nikki Fadley (Strength in Peers) spoke in support. Virginia Haverty asked about the fate of current temporary residents. Panayotis “Poti” Giannakouros expressed sadness at the loss of the food forest and housing. Council members voiced strong support, noting the need for recovery services. The motion carried 6-0. Discussion Items - Blue Ridge Community College Annual Update – Dr. John Downey, BRCC President, reported that 32% of city college-age residents attend BRCC. Enrollment rose 8% last year, nearing pre-COVID levels, and short-term workforce training programs are growing 12-15% annually. Partnerships with JMU, EMU, Bridgewater College, and Harrisonburg City Schools were highlighted. Council Member Fleming noted that 70% of area high school graduates remain in the region within ten years. The Council thanked Dr. Downey and received the presentation. - Preliminary Subdivision – Bluestone Town Center – The Council approved a preliminary plat for EP Harrisonburg Owner LLC covering 62.5 acres (1010 Garbers Church Road and 1645 Erickson Avenue). The plan includes 28.31 acres of initial subdivision: 106 townhome lots, 38 single-family manufactured home parcels, two multifamily lots (83 and 63 units, the latter for senior housing), and variances for street widths, right-of-way dedication, and lot frontage. A condition required that the front facades of units 1-10 face the public street. The motion carried 6-0. - Resolution Designating Revitalization Area for BJ Searles Development – City Manager Ande Banks presented a resolution to designate a portion of the city as a revitalization area, allowing the developer to qualify for low-income housing tax credits from Virginia Housing. Council Member Fleming noted that the designation provides access to state funds. The motion carried 6-0. - ARPA Pedestrian Project Update – Tom Hartman, Director of Public Works, reported that the originally planned Sterling Street sidewalk project faced right-of-way acquisition challenges. Four alternative projects in the Northeast neighborhood were identified. Council members emphasized reinvesting ARPA funds in the same neighborhood. A motion by Council Member Robinson, seconded by Council Member Jones, approved three projects: the Hill Street sidewalk gap, the Sterling Street sidewalk gap, and the Kelley Street to Ralph Sampson Park connector path. The motion carried 6-0. - Zoning Ordinance Amendment – “Family” Definition and “Recovery Residence” Use – City Attorney Chris Brown presented amendments to allow recovery residences and to include minor children in the definition of “family.” He explained that recovery residences are certified by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, with credentialing by Oxford House or the Virginia Association of Recovery Residences (VAR). Under current rules, very few houses in Virginia allow children (VAR: three houses, children under 5; Oxford House: eight houses, children under 12 or 8 depending on gender). Local child protective services expressed support. The amendment aligns with federal fair housing law. The motion carried 6-0. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved (4 items). - Rezoning 715 N. Main Street approved (6-0). - Blue Ridge Community College update received and filed. - Bluestone Town Center preliminary subdivision approved with condition (6-0). - Revitalization area resolution adopted (6-0). - ARPA pedestrian projects (three projects) approved (6-0). - Zoning ordinance amendment for recovery residences approved (6-0). - Supplemental appropriation of $1.3 million for the purchase of real estate for future Fire Station 5 approved (6-0). - Public comment on Gaza ceasefire – Over 20 speakers urged the Council to pass a resolution calling for a ceasefire, release of hostages, and resumption of humanitarian aid. Council members responded, noting ongoing dialogue with Jewish and Muslim community members, a commitment to action, and that they would consider the resolution presented that evening. No vote was taken on the resolution. - Boards and Commissions appointments – SWAC: Kurt Schick, Daniel Stone, Kent O’Donohue, Chelsea Thomas. EPSAC: William Howe (1st term), Doug Hendren (reappointment). HEC: Michael Gochenour. EDA: Marc Lemmond (reappointment). Building Code Board of Appeals: Brian Koerner (reappointment). All appointments approved unanimously. - Closed session – The Council entered closed session under Virginia Code §2.2-3711(A)(3) to discuss real estate acquisition and disposition. The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 PM.