Harrisonburg City Council Meeting – February 13, 2024

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.