Public Meetings - Harrisonburg, Virginia

The Harrisonburg City Council met on March 24, 2026 at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting opened with roll call, moment of silence, and pledge. A proclamation recognizing Arbor Day was presented. The consent agenda (minutes, voting precincts ordinance, disposal of property at 301 S. Main Street) was approved unanimously. A public hearing on the 2026 CDBG Action Plan was held with no action taken. Regular items included revisions to the Financial Management Policies (approved 4-0) and an addendum to the Downtown Harrisonburg Park Donation Agreement (approved 5-0). Three supplemental appropriations and one reallocation were approved unanimously. Public comments addressed the Link development, a justice march, and pollinator policies. Council members reported on the National League of Cities conference. Ryan Silver was appointed to the Economic Development Advisory Committee. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the March 10, 2026 City Council meeting. - Enacted an ordinance temporarily changing certain voting precincts (second reading). - Approved the disposal of public property at 301 S. Main Street (second reading). All passed unanimously on a single motion. Public Comments & Testimony - Public Hearing on CDBG Action Plan: Joyce Nussbaum, Associate Director for VPAS, expressed appreciation for city support. She noted the Meals on Wheels program served over 45,000 meals in the past fiscal year with nearly 200 volunteers. - Other Matters (public comments): - Wayne Wenger (641 Broadview Drive) spoke against the Link development, criticizing its size and impact on the neighborhood. - Dibora Mekonnen (senior at EMU) reported on a collaboration with JMU students that resulted in a march for Justice, Dignity and Fairness with over 60 participants. She urged council to listen to marginalized communities. - Panayotis “Poti” Giannakouros spoke about the Pollinator in Your Yard event, argued that the problem is not lack of education but bullying and policy enforcement. He called for No Mow May and redirecting resources to neighborhoods impacted by urban renewal. Discussion Items Financial Management Policies (Item 7.a) - Larry Propst, Director of Finance, presented the proposed revisions to the city’s financial management policies, last revised in 2014. Key changes included: updating asset maintenance language to focus on condition rather than fixed cycles; adding a 10-year payout ratio of at least 50% for tax-supported debt; and adding debt service coverage ratio of 1.25 for water and sewer enterprise funds. Council members commended the policies, with Vice Mayor Fleming stressing the importance of public transparency and noting that strong policies contribute to the city’s strong credit rating. Council Member Alsaadun asked about adding policies on decreasing expenses or increasing revenue, but no changes were made. - Vote: Motion carried 4-0 (Council Member Alsaadun absent) – approved revisions. Addendum to Downtown Harrisonburg Park Donation Agreement (Item 7.b) - City Attorney Chris Brown presented an addendum allowing Build Our Park to optionally pursue a public-private partnership under the Virginia Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act (PPEA). This would not obligate the city, and any proposal would require staff review and Council approval at least twice. Bonding would protect the city if the contractor fails. Council members supported providing the option without obligation. - Vote: Motion carried 5-0 – approved addendum. Supplemental Appropriations - Item 8.a (General Fund & Water Capital Projects Fund): $255,000 for land purchase next to HFD Station Four and $174,403 in bond interest earnings for Eastern Source project. - Vote: Unanimous (5-0) - Item 8.b (General Fund, Water Fund, Stormwater Fund): Saufley Farm related appropriations: $980,000 for stormwater tree planting and $476,000 for general fund purchase of house/land. Staff noted the investment will generate nutrient credits and savings. - Vote: Unanimous (5-0) - Item 8.c (Harrisonburg City School Board): $1,398,507.29 to School Fund and $56,369.17 to School Capital Projects from additional state/federal funding. - Vote: Unanimous (5-0) Reallocation - Item 9.a (HCPS): Reallocation of $1,481,630.83 from completed Rocktown High School capital project to Facilities project for boiler replacements and air handler replacements at multiple schools. - Vote: Unanimous (5-0) Appointments - Economic Development Advisory Committee: Ryan Silver appointed to a first term expiring March 24, 2030. Motion carried 5-0. Key Outcomes - Arbor Day recognized; proclamation read. - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - CDBG Action Plan public hearing held; no action taken. - Financial Management Policies revisions approved (4-0). - Park donation agreement addendum approved (5-0). - Three supplemental appropriations and one reallocation approved unanimously. - Public comments received on development, justice, and environmental policies. - Council reported on NLC conference, immigration roundtable, and other activities. - Ryan Silver appointed to EDAC. - Meeting adjourned at 8:23 PM.

The Harrisonburg Planning Commission met on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 409 South Main Street. Six of seven members were present (Chair Richard Baugh, Vice Chair Shannon Porter, Councilmember Laura Dent, KC Kettler, Rob Jezior, and Randy Seitz); Heja Alsindi was absent. After a quorum was established, Fire Chief Matthew Tobia reviewed emergency procedures. The meeting included two rezoning requests, one special use permit, a major rezoning for The Link Apartments, annual reports, and committee reports. The meeting adjourned at 11:31 p.m. Approval of Minutes - The Planning Commission unanimously approved the February 11, 2026 meeting minutes by voice vote (6-0) on a motion by Commissioner Kettler, seconded by Vice Chair Porter. New Business - Public Hearings 4.a 361 Franklin Street - Proffer Amendment Rezoning - Staff Planner Nyrma Soffel presented a request from Katherine S. Moran and Marcie E. Harris to amend proffers on a +/-10,269-square-foot vacant parcel zoned R-8C (Small Lot Residential District Conditional). The property was rezoned in 2023 to allow a single-family dwelling with a proffered 20-foot setback along Franklin Street. - The applicant sought to allow a proposed porch roof to project up to 5 feet into the 20-foot setback. Staff noted the Zoning Ordinance generally permits architectural projections up to 2 feet 8 inches into a required yard setback, and open uncovered porches may project up to one-third of the front setback (about 6 feet 7 inches for a 20-foot setback). The proposed uncovered deck projects 6 feet 4 inches. - The amended proffer would keep the one-dwelling limit and add a specific exception for the porch roof. Staff recommended approval. Applicant representative Matthew Robertson of The Stratford Companies said the design aligned the porch roof with the balcony plane. Councilmember Dent recalled the 2023 rezoning rationale included one-floor living for aging in place. - No members of the public spoke. The Commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval to City Council, with the item due back on April 14, 2026. 4.b and 4.c 851 Madison Street - Rezoning and Special Use Permit - Staff presented a request from the Center for Health and Human Development to rezone a 12,944-square-foot property from R-2 to R-8 and to obtain a special use permit. The applicant proposed subdividing the parcel and constructing a duplex, while retaining an existing non-conforming two-story dwelling. - Staff noted a significant portion of the property is in the 100-year floodplain, requiring floodplain development permits and elevation certificates. The special use permit would reduce the required parking from one space per dwelling to zero, with equivalent open space reserved. Staff recommended approval of the rezoning and approval of the special use permit with a condition limiting the permit to the two planned dwellings. - Applicant representative Sam Nichols said the organization intended to provide affordable, low-cost housing through the duplex and noted the foundation would be two feet above flood stage. Multiple commissioners praised the project for providing housing for formerly homeless individuals and for reducing parking requirements. - No members of the public spoke. The Commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval of both requests to City Council, due back on April 14, 2026. 4.d The Link Apartments - Rezoning of South Main and South Liberty Streets - Staff Deputy Director Thanh Dang presented a request from Trenton Inc. and Bernard LC to rezone a 2.75-acre, 10-parcel site currently zoned R-3 to B1-C (Central Business District Conditional). The site, housing Lindsay Funeral Home, had been the subject of a prior rezoning request that City Council tabled in August 2025 after an advertising error; staff then facilitated community engagement. - The applicant proposed a six-story apartment building with proffered limits of 250 apartment units, 555 total bedrooms, at least 110 studio or one-bedroom units (44% of maximum units), and no more than 85 four-bedroom units. The proffers also included 2,000 to 5,000 square feet of commercial space, 480 structured parking spaces, 65 parking spaces reserved for municipal/public use, fifth- and sixth-floor stepbacks, a new Paul Street extension, sidewalk improvements, and cash proffers of $30,000 for traffic calming, $30,000 for parking enforcement, and $93,738 for affordable housing. - Staff reviewed an updated Traffic Impact Analysis accepted in January 2026 and a Paul Street cut-through analysis. The TIA found minimal increases in delay and queuing and did not require mitigation from the development. Public Works Director Tom Hartman explained the standard TIA methodology and said existing failing movements at Grattan Street/South Main and Grace Street/South Main were not made substantially worse by the project. Staff recommended approval. - Applicant attorney Todd Ray said the project aligned with the Downtown 2040 Plan, represented the largest economic investment in downtown, and would provide dense housing near JMU and downtown. He noted changes made after community feedback, including redesigned exterior materials, stepbacks, and an increased share of one-bedroom units. Public Comments & Testimony - The Link Apartments - Many residents and property owners opposed the rezoning. They said the six-story building was out of scale with the historic gateway to downtown, would overshadow Old Town, increase traffic on Paul and Franklin Streets, worsen parking, harm the character of the neighborhood, and create a precedent for future large developments. Several speakers questioned the TIA methodology, arguing the project should have been analyzed as off-campus student housing rather than standard multifamily housing, and said the $93,738 affordable housing cash proffer was too small to meaningfully address affordability. Speakers also cited concerns about student noise, trash, property management after a future sale, loss of the church steeple view, and historical comparisons to urban renewal. One speaker said the opposition petition had more than 1,500 signatures. - Supporters of the project said Harrisonburg has an acute housing shortage, downtown needs more residents to support businesses, and the project would provide walkable, bikeable housing near campus and downtown. A downtown bakery owner said 10 downtown businesses had closed in the past two years and that downtown rental vacancy was near 2%. A JMU student said his rent had increased 47% in three years. Other supporters argued that new housing supply, even if not deeply affordable, reduces pressure on lower-cost housing through filtering. One speaker analyzed opposition yard signs and said the strongest opposition came from a small area of long-term homeowners in higher-value homes, not the broader city. Commission Discussion and Vote - The Link Apartments - Chair Baugh said the Comprehensive Plan and Downtown 2040 Plan designate the area for mixed-use development and that all new housing helps address a pervasive housing shortage. He indicated he would vote yes. - Vice Chair Porter said she appreciated the developer's changes but had significant concerns about the TIA, the absence of a proffer requiring professional property management in perpetuity, the level of affordable housing investment, and impacts on Harrisonburg Baptist Church parking. She said she would vote no. - Commissioner Seitz supported the project but wished the traffic mitigation proffer were larger and expressed concern about the number of four-bedroom units. Commissioners Kettler, Jezior, and Councilmember Dent supported the project, citing density, walkability, housing supply, and downtown vitality. - The Commission recommended approval by a recorded roll call vote of 5-1, with Vice Chair Porter voting no. The recommendation will go to City Council on April 14, 2026. Annual Reports - The Planning Commission approved its 2025 Annual Report by voice vote (6-0) on a motion by Commissioner Seitz, seconded by Commissioner Jezior, to forward it to City Council. - The Planning & Zoning Division Annual Report 2025 was presented as an informational item; no vote was needed. Reports of Secretary and Committees - Commissioner Seitz reported on the March 3, 2026 Rockingham County Planning Commission meeting: a rezoning of 2.381 acres from R-2 to A-2 was approved (3-0), and The Ponds of Island Ford proffer amendment was denied (3-0). - Councilmember Dent reported on City Council actions from February 24, 2026: a special use permit at 660 Walnut Lane was approved, rezoning at 2600 and 2580 South Main Street was approved, the Capital Improvement Program for FY 2026-2027 through 2030-2031 was approved, and a special use permit at 380 Sunrise Avenue was approved. At the March 10, 2026 City Council meeting, there were no Planning Commission public hearing items, but a subdivision ordinance variance for Franklin Street extended (The Edge) was considered. Other Matters - Next Month's Applications - Staff reviewed items anticipated for the April 2026 agenda: a rezoning and special use permit at 1351 and 1361 Peach Grove Avenue; a special use permit at 140 East Wolfe Street; a special use permit at 165 South Main Street; the Collicello North R-7 Master Plan amendment; and a request to initiate Zoning Ordinance amendments. Staff recommended one meeting. Key Outcomes - Approved February 11, 2026 minutes (6-0). - Recommended approval of the 361 Franklin Street proffer amendment to City Council (6-0), due April 14, 2026. - Recommended approval of the 851 Madison Street rezoning and special use permit to City Council (6-0), due April 14, 2026. - Recommended approval of The Link Apartments rezoning to City Council (5-1, Porter no), due April 14, 2026. - Approved the 2025 Planning Commission Annual Report for forwarding to City Council (6-0). - Received the 2025 Planning & Zoning Division Annual Report as information. - No public comments were offered during the general public comment period.

This meeting of the Harrisonburg City Council on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, began at 7:00 PM and adjourned at 10:16 PM, after a brief recess from 9:40 PM to 9:45 PM. All five council members were present (with Council Member Dent participating remotely due to illness). Key actions included approving the sale of a city-owned property, granting a subdivision variance, receiving a presentation on the state of the schools, ratifying a real estate contract for Fire Station 4 expansion, and terminating a local emergency declaration. Over 30 members of the public spoke during the public comment period, the vast majority urging the council to end the city's contract with Flock Safety for automated license plate reader cameras. Consent Calendar - Rezoning of 2600 and 2580 South Main Street (second reading): Approved unanimously via roll call vote (5-0). - Amendments to Ordinance Section 15-2-24 (Fowl, Chickens and Other Domestic Birds): Approved on second reading. - Minutes from February 24, 2026 City Council meeting: Approved. Public Hearings - Disposal of Public Property at 301 S. Main Street (the former Quilt Museum): City Attorney Chris Brown presented a sales contract to Annie McDonald and John Buller for $345,000 (netting approximately $325,000 after commissions and closing costs). The deed includes historic preservation restrictions. Public comment included support from the purchasers (who plan to create an arts hub) and opposition from Rita Peters (representing a higher cash offer of $410,000 that was not accepted) and Panayotis Giannakouros (who argued against privatization). Council discussed choosing the proposal that best fit downtown's vision over the highest dollar amount. Motion by Council Member Robinson, seconded by Council Member Dent, to approve the disposal passed 5-0. Discussion Items - Variance Request for Franklin Street (625 and 630 Franklin Street): Adam Fletcher, Director of Community Development, presented a request from The Edge Realty Partners LLC for variances relating to vertical curvature (reducing K-value from 20 to no less than 15) and street width (varying pavement widths with and without on-street parking) for an undeveloped portion of Franklin Street. Staff and the Planning Commission (5-0 vote) recommended approval with the condition on the K-value. Council approved the variance with conditions in a 5-0 vote. - Presentation on the State of the Schools: Tim Howley (Chair of Harrisonburg City Public Schools Board) and Dr. Michael Richards (Superintendent) presented. Dr. Richards explained that HCPS serves over 6,300 students, 45% of whom are English learners from 74 countries. He addressed questions about student population growth (plateaued, but planning for future needs) and SOL scores. He argued that comparing HCPS to the state average is statistically invalid due to the high proportion of English learners and economic disadvantage. He emphasized growth over snapshot scores, showing that HCPS is above the national average on NWEA MAP growth assessments. The presentation highlighted literacy gains, multi-tiered student supports, mental health teams, community partnerships, and a focus on authentic student success. Council members discussed equity gaps, particularly for black and male students and post-high school outcomes. The presentation was received and filed. - Resolution Ratifying Real Estate Contract with 7-Eleven, Inc.: City Attorney Brown presented a contract to purchase approximately half an acre of land behind the 7-Eleven on North Mason Street for $250,000 (plus minor closing costs) to allow expansion and improved ingress/egress for Fire Station 4. Approved unanimously (5-0). - Resolution Terminating Declaration of Local Emergency: City Attorney Brown presented a resolution to terminate the emergency declaration made on January 24, 2026, due to a snow and ice event. Approved unanimously (5-0). Public Comments & Testimony Comments on matters not on the regular agenda (primarily directed at Flock Safety cameras): Over 30 residents spoke during two public comment periods (before and after a recess). Nearly all speakers urged the council to cancel the city's contract with Flock Safety, citing concerns about privacy, data security, potential misuse by ICE, environmental impact of data centers, and the company's track record of security vulnerabilities. Specific arguments included: - Flock's data may be shared with federal agencies despite state guardrails; Virginia's own network was searched for immigration purposes thousands of times. - Security researchers documented numerous vulnerabilities in Flock cameras, including unencrypted feeds and remote code execution risks. - Neighboring cities (Staunton, Charlottesville) have already terminated their Flock contracts. - The company's CEO has labeled critics as terrorists. - Surveillance disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, including immigrants and people of color. - A petition with over 1,000 signatures was cited. A small number of speakers addressed other topics: one thanked the city for solar panels at Turner Pavilion and urged more civic engagement; one questioned a council member's use of a phrase at a recent presentation. Key Outcomes - Vote on 301 S. Main Street sale: Approved 5-0. - Vote on Franklin Street variance: Approved with conditions 5-0. - Vote on 7-Eleven contract ratification: Approved 5-0. - Vote on termination of local emergency: Approved 5-0. - State of Schools presentation: Received and filed. - Public comment consensus: Overwhelming majority requested cancellation of the Flock Safety contract. Council members noted discussions with Chief Tucker and residents and referenced ongoing review of the contract. No immediate vote was taken. - Council announcements: Council Member Dent reported on the VA250 dinner, International Women's Day, and upcoming NLC conference. Council Member Robinson reported on a successful VMRC presentation and International Women's Day. Vice Mayor Fleming reported on a student government forum, a meeting with residents and Chief Tucker about Flock, and successful opposition to state legislation (Senate Bill 454) that would have limited local control over housing development.

The Harrisonburg City Council met on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included special recognitions, consent agenda approvals, four public hearings, two regular items, public comments, council and staff reports, and a closed session. All votes were unanimous (5-0). Special Recognition - Governmental Purchasing Month: Vice Mayor Fleming presented a proclamation recognizing March 2026 as Governmental Purchasing Month. Nicole Robinson and Shane Smith from the Purchasing Department accepted, thanking the Council. - International Women's Day: Mayor Reed presented a proclamation recognizing March 8, 2026, as International Women's Day. Council Member Robinson noted the committee's long effort over ten years to achieve equity for women. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the February 10, 2026 meeting. - Approved amendments to Section 2-3-23 (General Order of Business) and Section 2-2-6 (Special Meetings) on second reading. Public Hearing: Special Use Permit at 660 Walnut Lane - Applicant: Craig D. and Sue W. Smith, represented by Matchbox Realty (Weston Bayes and Erin Bishop). - Request: Convert a single-family home into four three-bedroom dwelling units at 660 Walnut Lane, zoned R-3. - Discussion: Adam Fletcher, Director of Community Development, presented the history of the property (previously over-occupied, unfit for habitation in 2023). The applicant plans a $150–200,000 renovation including a sprinkler system, targeting completion by summer 2027. Parking requirements (10 spaces) must be met. Staff and Planning Commission (6-0) recommended approval. - Outcome: The Council approved the special use permit (motion by Vice Mayor Fleming, second by Council Member Dent), with a unanimous 5-0 vote. Public Hearing: Rezoning at 2600 and 2580 South Main Street - Applicant: Todd B. Stone. - Request: Rezone a three-acre portion of the property from M-1 to R-3C (conditional medium-density residential) to allow the applicant to move back and renovate the historic 1805 home. - Discussion: The applicant, Todd Stone, shared family history and plans to preserve the original structure while adding a small addition. Three proffers were offered: limit of three dwelling units, prohibition of college/university buildings and cemeteries, and a traffic impact analysis trigger. Staff and Planning Commission (7-0) recommended approval, noting the property's history and suitability for residential use despite a commercial land-use designation. - Outcome: The Council approved the rezoning (motion by Council Member Dent, second by Council Member Alsaadun), with a unanimous 5-0 vote. Public Hearing: FY2026-2027 through 2030-2031 Capital Improvement Program - Presenter: Adam Fletcher. - Summary: The five-year CIP totals $115.8 million in general fund requests, $34.6 million for water, and smaller funds. The largest projects include a municipal building and social services facility. Discussion focused on the gap between requested funding ($47M in FY27) and available resources, the importance of prioritizing needs vs. wants, and the need to account for operational costs. Staff and Planning Commission (7-0) recommended approval. - Outcome: The Council approved the CIP (motion by Council Member Alsaadun, second by Council Member Robinson), with a unanimous 5-0 vote. Public Hearing: Special Use Permit at 380 Sunrise Avenue - Applicant: Jason Burch. - Request: Add a third story to an existing two-story house at 380 Sunrise Avenue, requiring a reduced side setback using a newly approved ordinance allowing non-operational windows on the first floor. - Discussion: The side setback for the third story would be less than the required 10 feet. The applicant offered a condition that the setback be no less than 5 feet. Staff and Planning Commission (6-0, with one recusal) recommended approval. - Outcome: The Council approved the special use permit with the 5-foot minimum condition (motion by Vice Mayor Fleming, second by Council Member Robinson), with a unanimous 5-0 vote. Regular Item: Amendments to Fowl Ordinance (Section 15-2-24) - Proposal: Clarify permit requirements for chickens, including adding manufactured homes to eligible dwelling types, defining pens, exempting internal property lines from setback rules, updating administrative processes, and reducing the penalty from a Class 3 misdemeanor (max $500 fine) to a Class 4 (max $250). - Discussion: The changes were recommended by staff and Planning Commission (7-0) to reflect current practices and improve flexibility. - Outcome: The Council approved the ordinance amendment (motion by Council Member Alsaadun, second by Vice Mayor Fleming), with a unanimous 5-0 vote. Regular Item: Temporary Change of Voting Precincts for Special Election - Presenter: City Attorney Chris Brown and Registrar Mark Finks. - Proposal: Due to a potential special election on April 21, 2026, and school scheduling conflicts, three precincts will be temporarily relocated: Thomas Harrison, Spotswood, and Keister elementary schools will move to Heritage Oaks Community Room, Pleasant Valley Fire Station, and other locations. Affected voters will receive mailed notices and public outreach. - Discussion: Early voting is expected to begin March 6, 2026. The Council expressed confidence in Registrar Finks' planning. - Outcome: The Council approved the temporary ordinance (motion by Council Member Robinson, second by Council Member Dent), with a unanimous 5-0 vote. Public Comments - Tom Domonoske (461 Lee Ave.) thanked the Council for sending a letter regarding ICE activity to state representatives and expressed gratitude for the city's effective governance. He urged the Council to convene a community conversation about difficult national times. Council and Staff Comments - Vice Mayor Fleming reported on the Harrisonburg Fire Department Awards Banquet, a National League of Cities racial equity meeting, and the Southern Cities Economic Initiative meeting in Birmingham, Alabama. He commended city staff for snow removal efforts. - Council Member Robinson discussed historical markers with Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance, an upcoming Community Connectors meeting, and the International Women's Day march on March 7, 2026. - Council Member Dent announced Virginia 250 events, including a Ken Burns film screening and a mobile museum at Harrisonburg High School. - Mayor Reed visited Keister Elementary kindergarteners and Boy/Girl Scouts, toured a new child care center at Park View, and noted Black History Month events. She congratulated Vice Mayor Fleming on his NLC board appointment and announced her own speaking engagement at the NLC Congressional City Conference. She also congratulated Dr. Sherry Darks-Johnson on receiving the Strong Men Strong Women award. - City Manager Ande Banks announced that the city has signed a contract for an undeveloped lot at Community Street and E. Gay Street to expand Fire Station 4. Closed Session - At 8:53 PM, the Council entered closed session under Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(A)(5) to discuss the disposition of publicly held real property. The session ended at 9:24 PM, and the Council certified that only exempt matters were discussed. The meeting was then adjourned. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda items approved (minutes, two ordinance amendments). - Special use permit at 660 Walnut Lane approved. - Rezoning at 2600/2580 S. Main Street approved. - Capital Improvement Program FY27-31 approved. - Special use permit at 380 Sunrise Avenue approved (with 5-foot side setback condition). - Fowl ordinance amendments approved. - Temporary voting precinct changes for April 21 special election approved. - Closed session held; real property acquisition for Fire Station 4 expansion noted. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

The Harrisonburg Planning Commission met on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 6:00 PM in City Council Chambers, 409 South Main Street. Five members were present (Richard Baugh (Chair), Laura Dent, KC Kettler, Rob Jezior, and Randy Seitz); Shannon Porter and Heja Alsindi were absent. The meeting adjourned at 7:08 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of January 14, 2026 Minutes: Approved by voice vote (5-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Sarah Showalter (601 Franklin Street) – Speaking during the public hearing on Item 4a, she expressed her investment in the neighborhood and raised questions about traffic calming, bikeability on the narrowed street, and the lack of communication from the developer (The Edge Realty Partners) despite multiple outreach attempts by residents. She asked whether a raised speed hump could be added to the western end of Franklin Street and who is accountable for traffic impacts. - No callers joined the general public comment period following the variance vote. Discussion Items - Franklin Street Variance (Item 4a): Planner Meg Rupkey presented a request from The Edge Realty Partners LLC for two variances from the Subdivision Ordinance and Design and Construction Standards Manual (DCSM) for an undeveloped portion of Franklin Street between 625 and 630 Franklin Street: 1. SAG vertical curve K-value: Reduce the required minimum K-value from 20 to 15 (the applicant’s design uses 15.35) due to an existing slope of 9.82%. Staff found the request reasonable. 2. Street pavement width: Allow 20 feet of pavement (24 feet curb-to-curb) where no parking is provided and 25 feet (29 feet curb-to-curb) where parking is on one side, instead of the standard 30 feet (34 feet curb-to-curb). Public Works supports the narrower widths. - Staff recommended approval of the K-value variance with a condition that the K-value not be less than 15, and no conditions for the street width variance. - Commissioner discussion included the history of the Franklin Street extension (proffered during a 2022 rezoning), the importance of traffic calming (narrow streets, bump-outs, raised crosswalks), and the lack of sidewalks on the rest of Franklin Street. Concerns about cut-through traffic and connectivity vs. neighborhood character were raised. - Applicant representative Ryan Bosshart (Valley Engineering) answered questions, noting that on-street parking spaces are primarily for short-term use (dog park, mail center) and that the narrower widths contribute to traffic calming. - Motion by Commissioner Seitz, seconded by Councilmember Dent, to approve the variances as recommended. Unanimous vote (5-0). The variance request will be presented to City Council on March 10, 2026. - Zoning Reform Legislation: Councilmember Dent reported on a Virginia state bill (sailing through the legislature) that would allow multifamily housing by right in at least 75% of commercially zoned properties. Deputy City Attorney Wesley Russ clarified it would apply to any zoning district where a commercial use is permitted by right (including R-3). Commission members expressed concern about loss of local control, the potential for student housing, and the erosion of community engagement (e.g., proffers and special use permits). Commissioner Kettler asked for an update on Harrisonburg’s Zoning Ordinance Update Project; staff indicated an update would be provided later. Reports - Rockingham County Planning Commission Liaison (Chair Baugh): Reported on the February 3, 2026 meeting, which approved three unanimous (3-0) ordinance amendments: (1) solar project commencement timeline update per state code, (2) supplemental standards for large solar energy facilities, and (3) agricultural setback adjustments in urban growth areas. - City Council Report (Councilmember Dent): Noted that no Planning Commission public hearings were presented on February 10; the January 14 items (Capital Improvement Program, rezoning on South Main Street, special use permits on Sunrise Avenue and Walnut Lane) will go to Council on February 24. Also highlighted: Rocktown and Harrisonburg High Schools musical performance, Open Doors and library updates, Southern Cities Economic Initiative grant, a code amendment changing the invocation to a moment of silence, and appointments to boards and commissions. Other Matters - Scam Prevention: Staff announced that contact information (phone numbers, email addresses, physical addresses) will be redacted from applications posted on Legistar to prevent impersonation scams; the information remains available by contacting Community Development. - Next Month’s Agenda (March 2026): Three rezonings are anticipated: a proffer amendment on Franklin Street, a rezoning/special use permit at 851 Madison Street, and a public hearing for The Link apartments. Chair Baugh noted that staff should prepare for a sizable crowd given past public interest. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of January 14, 2026 (5-0). - Approved variances for Franklin Street street design standards (5-0) with a condition that the K-value for the sag vertical curve shall not be less than 15. - Noted that the variance request will go to City Council on March 10, 2026. - Adjourned at 7:08 PM.

The Harrisonburg City Council met on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included a special recognition, approval of a consent agenda covering multiple rezoning and zoning ordinance amendments, updates from Open Doors and the Massanutten Regional Library, approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with the National League of Cities, several ordinance amendments, ratification of a local emergency declaration, public comments, and council member remarks. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Turkey Properties LLC rezone (797 Chicago Avenue) – Approved on second reading. - Valley Corner LLC rezone (1110 N Liberty Street) – Approved on second reading. - AM Yoder & Co zoning ordinance amendment – Modifying special use permit requirements for side yard setbacks in R-8 district; approved on second reading. - Honest Meats LLC zoning ordinance amendment – Allowing meat processing and storage by special use permit in M-1; approved on second reading. - Minutes from January 11, 2026 City Council Retreat – Approved. - Minutes from January 3, 2026 City Council meeting – Approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Panayotis “Poti” Giannakouros (Harrisonburg resident) spoke about the recent People’s Day event and civic conversations. He also criticized city fees for ordinance violations, citing a $1,360 invoice for lawn mowing, and urged the city to improve its processes. Discussion Items - Open Doors Update (Navigation Center) – Executive Director Nate Riddle presented first-year statistics (January 1 – December 31, 2025): 392 unique shelter guests, 53 exited to permanent situations, 227 guests reported Harrisonburg as their last permanent residence, and 245 unique drop-in center visitors. The center operates a low-barrier shelter (80 beds, expandable by 20 in severe weather) and a daytime drop-in center with laundry, showers, Wi-Fi, and eight on-site partners. A major challenge is the lack of full meal service; the kitchen is underused. Estimated cost to restore three‑day‑a-week meal service is $200,000. Riddle noted no direct county or federal funding for the center, but engagement with Rockingham County is increasing. Council discussed the need for permanent supportive housing and the impact of federal policy changes. - Massanutten Regional Library Update – Executive Director Zach Elder reported FY2025 statistics: over 242,000 visits, 890,000 checkouts (system record), Wi‑Fi usage from 50,000 devices, and a $19.5 million community return on investment. The library won the 2025 Virginia Library Association Library of the Year and the Harrisonburg‑Rockingham Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year. Programs included the Big Read, Rocktown Author Festival, and a new library speakers consortium. Challenges include federal funding uncertainty and need for more space, especially for teens. The library added foreign language titles (over 1,000 new titles) and expanded community gear library checkouts by 400%. - Memorandum of Understanding with National League of Cities – Director of Economic Development Brian Shull presented the MOU for the Southern Cities Economic Initiative (SCEI). The city was selected as one of 14 U.S. Southern cities and will receive a $52,500 grant to further develop the Harrisonburg Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (HEDI) program. The motion to approve was carried unanimously. - Ordinance Amendment – Section 2‑3‑23 (General Order of Business) – City Attorney Chris Brown presented an amendment to replace “Invocation” with “Moment of Silence” to reflect current council practice. Approved unanimously. - Ordinance Amendment – Section 2‑2‑6 (Special Meetings) – Amended to allow special meetings at a time and place convenient to council, rather than a fixed 7:30 PM time. Approved unanimously. - Resolution Ratifying City Manager’s Declaration of Local Emergency – The resolution ratified the declaration made on January 24, 2026, due to the snowstorm. The original termination language was stricken because snow/ice clearance efforts were ongoing. The amended resolution was adopted unanimously. - Council Member Comments – Council members reported on events: Vice Mayor Fleming attended the Virginia Municipal League Legislative Day, discussed concerns about preemption bills (e.g., housing). Council Member Dent attended a vigil and conferences on child savings accounts and data center regulation. Council Member Robinson participated in the Chesapeake Watershed Forum. Mayor Reed and Council Member Robinson spoke about racism and fear following the President’s controversial video depicting a former president as an ape. They expressed solidarity with immigrant communities and called for action against hate. Council Member Alsaadun received the MLK Leadership Award and advocated for refugees in Richmond. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda – Approved unanimously (5‑0) on a roll call vote. - MOU with National League of Cities – Approved unanimously (5‑0). - Ordinance amendments (Sections 2‑3‑23 and 2‑2‑6) – Both approved unanimously by voice vote. - Emergency declaration resolution – Adopted unanimously by voice vote, with the termination clause removed. - HRHA appointment ratification – Council confirmed the appointment of Anthony Hayes to the Harrisonburg Redevelopment Housing Authority after he moved into the city; carried unanimously by voice vote. - Board Appointments – - Community Services Board: William Holland reappointed to a first full term expiring June 30, 2028 (unanimous). - Environmental Performance Standards Advisory Committee (EPSAC): Admassu Yonathan, Kathleen Holm, and Rebecca Schrupp appointed to full terms expiring February 10, 2029 (unanimous). - Transportation Safety and Advisory Commission (TSAC): Kyle Lawrence reappointed to a third term (expiring December 31, 2028) and Michael Van Poots appointed to a full term (expiring February 10, 2029) (unanimous). - No closed session – The meeting adjourned at 9:05 PM.

No agenda, minutes, or raw transcription were provided for this meeting. Consequently, no summary of discussions, decisions, or public comments can be generated.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. As a result, no discussion items, public comments, consent calendar items, or key outcomes can be summarized. The meeting took place on 2026-02-05 at 19:30:00+00:00.

The Harrisonburg Planning Commission met on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 409 South Main Street. Members present were Chair Richard Baugh, Vice Chair Shannon Porter, Commissioners KC Kettler, Jezior, Heja Alsindi, and Randy Seitz, with Councilmember Laura Dent arriving at 6:01 p.m. The Commission conducted officer elections, considered three public hearing items, reviewed the five-year Capital Improvement Program, and received reports. The meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m. Election of Officers and Administrative Items - Richard Baugh was reelected Chair, Shannon Porter was reelected Vice Chair, and Shannon Porter was reappointed as the Board of Zoning Appeals representative. Anastasia Montigney was appointed Secretary. All were approved by voice vote. - The Commission unanimously affirmed the American Planning Association's Ethical Principles in Planning. - Minutes from the December 10, 2025, Planning Commission meeting were approved by a 7-0 voice vote. Public Hearing: Special Use Permit Request for 380 Sunrise Avenue - Applicant Jason Burch requested a special use permit (SUP) to add a third story to an existing two-story single-family home in the R-8C Small Lot Residential District Conditional zoning district while maintaining its current footprint. - The existing structure is 7.8 feet from the shared property line with 370 Sunrise Avenue. A three-story structure requires a minimum 10-foot side yard setback in the R-8 district, so the SUP would allow a reduced setback. - Staff noted the property was rezoned from R-1 to R-8C on May 27, 2025, and that City Council voted on January 13, 2026, to approve an ordinance amendment permitting reduced side yard setbacks with fire-rated assemblies. The minutes state the amendment would take effect after a second reading on February 24, 2026, but during the hearing staff corrected the second reading to January 27, 2026. - Staff recommended approval with the applicant's proposed condition that the side yard setback along the shared property line with 370 Sunrise Avenue not be less than five feet. - Chair Baugh recused himself because of his obligations as a licensed Virginia attorney and left the room; he did not participate. - No public speakers testified. Vice Chair Porter and Commissioner Kettler spoke in support. - The Commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval to City Council on February 10, 2026. Public Hearing: Special Use Permit Request for 660 Walnut Lane - Matchbox Realty, represented by Weston Bayes, requested a SUP to convert the existing single-family dwelling at 660 Walnut Lane into four three-bedroom multifamily units in the R-3 district. The lot is approximately 16,400 square feet and the structure is approximately 6,400 square feet. - Staff reviewed the property's history: in 2023 it was found over-occupied with up to 15 unrelated individuals and was issued a notice of violation for an illegal fraternity use; a subsequent SUP for a boarding/rooming house was unanimously denied by City Council in January 2024. - The proposal includes a building-wide sprinkler system. The minutes cite the investment as $85,000, while the raw transcript says $8.5 million; this discrepancy is noted. - Parking: four three-bedroom units require 10 off-street parking spaces. The applicant plans to restripe the existing lot and share two spaces at 635 South Main Street. Staff noted the plan did not yet show an accessible parking space and that one 90-degree space may need to be removed to provide one. - Staff recommended approval as submitted. Commissioner Seitz recused himself because his firm, LDDBlueline Inc., prepared the permit drawings for Matchbox Realty. - The applicant is currently proposing four units, although the R-3 district would allow up to five; staff said any increase in units or bedrooms would require a new parking plan. - Estimated student generation is two K-12 students at full build-out. - The Commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval to City Council on February 10, 2026. Public Hearing: Rezoning Request for 2600 and 2580 South Main Street - Applicant Todd B. Stone requested rezoning of an approximately three-acre portion of an approximately 13.14-acre parcel from M-1 General Industrial District to R-3C Medium Density Residential District Conditional. - The property includes a house built around 1805, a separate cottage, and a barn. The house and cottage are nonconforming single-family dwellings on M-1 zoning. The cottage received a building alteration permit in April 2025 that was later described as issued in error, creating a vested right. - The applicant offered proffers: no more than three dwelling units; no college/university buildings or functions, including fraternities and sororities; no cemeteries; and traffic-generating uses limited to 100 vehicle trips in either the AM or PM peak hour unless a traffic impact analysis is completed and mitigation implemented. - Staff explained that rezoning would make the two dwellings conforming but would create a nonconforming 12-foot separation between principal buildings (20 feet is required). It would also make adjacent family-owned M-1 self-storage buildings nonconforming because they sit within the required 30-foot setback from a residential district. - Staff recommended approval, finding that the advantages outweighed the disadvantages. No public speakers testified. - The Commission voted 7-0 to recommend approval to City Council on February 10, 2026. Capital Improvement Program FY2026-2027 through 2030-2031 - Director of Community Development Adam Fletcher presented the draft CIP, describing it as a planning tool rather than a budget for capital items of $50,000 or greater. - Charts showed the largest projected expenditures coming from the general fund, followed by water. General properties represented 21% of the five-year total, including an estimated $24 million municipal building/City Hall complex renovation. - Councilmember Dent voiced support for Fire Station 4, the municipal building renovation, solar panels, and the multimodal transit center. Commissioner Jezior raised safety concerns about missing sidewalks near Rocktown High School and the navigation center and supported prioritizing Bluestone Trail phase 2. Commissioner Alsindi emphasized that the CIP should be more clearly linked to the Comprehensive Plan as the guiding vision. - Several commissioners said too many projects were clustered at priority 2 and asked for more prioritization to improve budget decisions. - Commissioner Jezior disclosed that his firm is the architect for the City Hall renovation and was shortlisted for the Harrison House project, but he stated he could vote impartially. - The Commission voted 7-0 to recommend approval of the CIP as presented to City Council on February 10, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - During the 660 Walnut Lane hearing, Roberta McCorkle, a resident of 95 Campbell Street, spoke in support of the project. She praised the Matchbox Realty model for repurposing well-built historic homes, providing homes for students or faculty, and making the neighborhood more compatible. - No one spoke during the public hearings for 380 Sunrise Avenue or the South Main Street rezoning, and no one spoke during the general public comment period. Reports - Commissioner Seitz reported that the Rockingham County Planning Commission on January 6, 2026, approved a proffer amendment related to Lake Point Village by a 6-0 vote. - Councilmember Dent reported that City Council on January 13, 2026, approved the R-8 side-yard setback ordinance amendment, an M-1 special use permit for meat processing and storage, a rezoning at 797 Chicago Avenue, and a rezoning at 1110 N. Liberty Street. Other Matters - Commissioner Heja Alsindi disclosed that her Wednesday evening teaching duties at Eastern Mennonite University from February through April 2026 would cause her to miss about three or four Planning Commission meetings. She offered to resign if the Commission preferred. Chair Baugh, Vice Chair Porter, and Councilmember Dent encouraged her to remain, saying the Commission could operate with six members; staff agreed to review the bylaws. Next Month's Applications - Staff reviewed two anticipated February agenda items: Subdivision Ordinance variances for The Edge (Franklin Street), related to public street design, and 1176 Nelson Drive, a proposed lot without public street frontage. One meeting was recommended. Key Outcomes - Reelected the Chair, Vice Chair, BZA representative, and Secretary; affirmed ethics; approved the December minutes. - Recommended approval 6-0 for the 380 Sunrise Avenue special use permit. - Recommended approval 6-0 for the 660 Walnut Lane special use permit. - Recommended approval 7-0 for the 2600/2580 South Main Street rezoning. - Recommended approval 7-0 for the FY2026-2027 through 2030-2031 Capital Improvement Program. - Commissioner Alsindi will remain on the Commission; staff will review attendance bylaws. - The four recommendations are scheduled to go to City Council on February 10, 2026. The R-8 ordinance amendment second reading is scheduled for January 27, 2026, according to the hearing correction, though the minutes also reference February 24, 2026.