Harrisonburg City Council Meeting – September 23, 2025

The City Council met on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. Mayor Deanna R. Reed presided with all five council members present. The meeting adjourned at 8:34 PM. No public hearings or closed sessions were held.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the September 9, 2025 City Council meeting.
• Approved a supplemental appropriation of $22.7 million for carryover and reappropriation of prior-year encumbrances, unexpended grants, and new grant awards.
• Approved three special event applications: the Race to Beat Breast Cancer 5k Run/Walk (Saturday, October 25, 2025); HDR’s Skeleton Festival (October 25, 2025, 1-5 PM); and the Veterans Parade (Sunday, November 9, 2025). All items passed unanimously on a roll-call vote.

Discussion Items

7a. Boys and Girls Club of Harrisonburg and Rockingham – ARPA Mental Health Funding Update

Sandra Quigg, CEO of BGCHR, together with JMU Graduate Assistant Anna Garst and Dr. Katyln Owens, presented an update on a pilot program funded by $125,000 in ARPA funds. The program’s goals included increasing staff capacity, incorporating evidence-based interventions, connecting youth and families to services, and enhancing data collection. Outcome data showed improved personal and pro-social behaviors in grades K-2, and reductions in hyperactivity and emotional problems for grades 3-12. A notable finding: nearly half of youth in grades 3-12 fell in the abnormal range for peer problems at the start. Staff training improved but challenges remained with part-time staff capacity and turnover. To address turnover in the mental health advocate role, the program shifted to a graduate-assistant model and is launching on-site therapeutic services through JMU clinical psychology students. Council members praised the program’s impact and discussed potential federal funding threats. The report was received and filed.

7b. Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) – FY25 Annual Report

Ann Cundy, executive director, presented the annual report. CSPDC serves five counties, five cities, and 11 towns. Over FY21-24, the commission brought $93 million in state and federal funding to the region, with $35.5 million in FY24 alone. For every $1 in member dues, $98 was returned. Key highlights included: $1.6 million for 48 affordable housing units, first-time homebuyer assistance, a safety study on Port Republic Road, an EV charging site inventory of 120 locations, and $2 million for emergency radio upgrades. Looking ahead, CSPDC will continue housing stability programs, improve the Afton Express commuter service (which grew 16% in ridership), and advocate for regional transportation priorities. Council thanked CSPDC for its regional focus. The report was received and filed.

7c. Report on Rezoning Error for The Link Apartments (435-495 S. Main St. and 282-298 S. Liberty St.)

Thanh Dang, Deputy Director of Community Development, informed council that the public hearing notice for the July 9 Planning Commission meeting was not correctly advertised in the local newspaper. Consequently, both The Link rezoning and a separate rezoning at 320 S. Main St. must go through a new public hearing process. The 320 S. Main St. item is scheduled for Planning Commission on October 8 and City Council on November 12. For The Link, Todd Rhea of Clark & Bradsham, representing the applicant, announced a facilitated community engagement process expected to last six to eight weeks. The process will include online feedback, open houses, and small-group meetings to gather input before proffer amendments are presented to Planning Commission. Council emphasized the need to widely publicize these engagement opportunities. The report was received and filed.

Public Comments

• Wayne Wenger (641 Broadview Dr.) recounted past urban renewal and the recent Mason Street closure, expressing concern that community members were displaced without adequate oversight. He urged the city to acknowledge historical redevelopment decisions.
• Dr. Javier Calleja (257 Fairway Dr.) spoke on federal budget cuts and fear among residents from ICE enforcement. He called on council to engage with community leaders across diverse groups to understand residents’ needs.
• Panayotis “Poti” Giannakouros (by phone) described an observation of a wheelchair user struggling with bus ramp and securement, mirroring previous testimony. He argued that the city’s vision for public transportation must prioritize dignified service for all, rather than treating wheelchairs as an “extra.”

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously.
• Reports from the Boys and Girls Club and CSPDC received and filed.
• Rezoning error for The Link and 320 S. Main St. acknowledged; public engagement process for The Link to proceed over six to eight weeks, followed by new public hearings.
• Council members reported on various community events, including early voting (starting September 19), a solar barn raising, the Levitt AMP grant renewal, and participation in regional forums.