Harrisonburg City Council Meeting - November 12, 2025

The Harrisonburg City Council met on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. All members were present except Council Member Laura Dent. The meeting covered consent agenda items, public hearings, regular items including discussions on community safety related to ICE actions, approval of the joint emergency operations plan, housing development resolutions, and other administrative matters. The meeting adjourned at 10:11 PM following a closed session.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from October 14, 2025 – Approved.
• Rezoning of 910 North Liberty Street (Anicira Veterinary Center) – Approved on second reading (4-0).
• Rezoning (proffer amendment) for Bluestone Town Center properties – Approved on second reading (4-0).
• Supplemental appropriation of $180,000 for Sanitation Fund – Approved on second reading (4-0).
• Supplemental appropriation of $1,231,557 for Children’s Services Act (CSA) – Approved on second reading (4-0).
• Supplemental appropriation of $1,863,581.74 for General Fund grants – Approved on second reading (4-0).

Public Hearings

• 6a. Rezoning 2410 Reservoir Street (R-3 to R-5C): Adam Fletcher, Director of Community Development, presented the request from Valley Housing Trust to rezone a 20,479 square foot surplus city property for five affordable multifamily rental units at 80% AMI for 30 years. Proffers limit units to five one-bedroom/efficiency units, occupancy to families or two individuals, and reduce parking to one space per unit. Safety concerns were raised regarding the entrance near a busy intersection; signage directing right-turn-only exits will be installed. Frank Gordon, applicant, explained the need for R-5C zoning to allow reduced parking without a travel lane to the rear, preserving five units. He stated that the project has sufficient funding even if state grants are not obtained. The Planning Commission recommended approval (5-0). The council approved the rezoning (4-0).
• 6b. Rezoning 320 South Main Street (B-2 to B-1C): Adam Fletcher presented a request due to a prior advertisement error. The rezoning eliminates parking requirements and includes proffers prohibiting drive-throughs, preventing parking lots between the building and the street, and capping traffic-generating uses at 100 vehicle trips per peak hour. No public speakers appeared. Planning Commission recommended approval (6-0). The council approved the rezoning (4-0).

Discussion Items

• 7a. Communications to Federal Representatives on Community Safety: Mayor Reed opened discussion on recent ICE and Homeland Security actions in Harrisonburg, emphasizing the need to protect residents and uphold community values. Vice Mayor Fleming reported specific incidents including children left unattended and unsafe traffic stops, and called for a formal letter to state and federal officials requesting investigation and accountability. Council Member Robinson expressed full support, stating the council stands with affected residents. Council Member Alsaadun shared a personal story of a law-abiding friend detained by ICE, highlighting the human impact. The council requested the city manager draft a letter to federal and state representatives outlining concerns, including safety issues and requests for investigation.
• 7b. Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Update: Paul Helmuth, Deputy Emergency Coordinator, presented the 2025 Joint EOP between the city, Rockingham County, and James Madison University, required every four years. The plan covers authority, chain of command, emergency support functions, and incident annexes. Council asked about information dissemination (Harrisonburg Rockingham Emergency Alert system) and hospital coordination. The resolution was adopted (4-0).
• 7c. Purchase and Renovation of 227 N. Main Street (HRHA): Chris Brown presented a resolution authorizing HRHA to purchase and renovate the former Glenn's Fair Price building into 16 small apartment units (400-500 sq ft) and office space. Michael Wong of HRHA stated the units would temporarily house residents during Lineweaver renovations. Council members raised concerns about ongoing criminal activity, loitering, and safety at Lineweaver, and asked for a concept plan and more detail on management. The item was tabled to November 25, 2025, by unanimous voice vote.
• 7d. Senior and Affordable Housing at Bluestone Town Center (HRHA): Chris Brown presented a resolution authorizing HRHA to construct 62 senior residential units and 83 affordable residential units at Bluestone Town Center. The resolution was adopted (4-0).
• 7e. Neff Avenue Development Opportunity Update: Liz Webb, Housing Coordinator, presented an update on the affordable housing development on city-owned land. After an RFP process with 12 responses, Pennrose was selected as the developer. Pennrose representatives Patrick Stewart and Pat Bateman presented their company's experience, mission, and project examples, emphasizing community engagement and long-term property management. Council members expressed enthusiasm for Pennrose's approach and confidence in the selection. The presentation was received and filed, and the council gave its blessing to proceed with contract negotiations.
• 7f. Community Mosaic Project Display: Amy Snider, Deputy City Manager, requested approval to permanently display over 80 mosaic panels on the fence line between Blacks Run and the Water Street parking deck. Barbara Camph and Sarah Locke from OASIS Fine Art described the project, which involved over 6,000 participants. Public Works supports the installation with OASIS oversight. Council approved the request (4-0).
• 7g. Downtown Outdoor Dining and Encroachment Request (Black Sheep Coffee): Adam Fletcher presented a request for sidewalk seating (4 tables, 8 chairs on East Market Street; 2 tables, 4 chairs on Federal Street) with planters. Staff recommended conditions including setback requirements and a 9-foot unobstructed width on Federal Street (with flexibility). Council approved as presented (4-0).
• 7h. NLC Delegate and Alternate Appointment: Council Member Robinson was appointed as delegate and Council Member Alsaadun as alternate for the NLC Annual Business Meeting in Salt Lake City, November 18–22, 2025. Motion carried (4-0).
• 7i. Easement to SVEC for Pump Station Power: Chris Brown presented a request to grant an easement to Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative for power service to a city-owned pump station on Goods Mill Road as part of the Eastern Raw Waterline project. Council approved the easement (4-0).

Other Matters

• 8a. Public Comments: Panayotis “Poti” Giannakouros spoke about a news article on seasonal affective disorder, the upcoming People’s Day event on January 19, 2026, and his appreciation for former Council Member Charlie Chenault.
• 8b. Council and Staff Reports: Council Member Robinson reported on attending the Watershed Forum, Blue Ridge Nursing Home's trick-or-treat event, and an upcoming panel at EMU. Vice Mayor Fleming attended Battalion Chief Lawrence Werner's retirement, met with Harrisonburg City Schools' Chief Innovation Officer, attended a Virginia First Cities legislative board meeting, and launched the first University Community Council in Virginia. Mayor Reed attended an NAACP state meeting and a ribbon cutting for 7-Brew. City Manager Ande Banks informed the council that school administrators need a letter of support for a competitive grant from the Virginia Department of Education for capital projects (up to 20% reimbursement). Council authorized the city manager to draft the letter.

Boards and Commissions

• 9a. Board of Building Code Appeals: Council appointed Helen Momoh-kwuelum and Valerie Eshleman-Robles to full terms and Mike Williams as alternate, by unanimous voice vote.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved (4-0).
• Rezoning 2410 Reservoir Street approved (4-0).
• Rezoning 320 South Main Street approved (4-0).
• Emergency Operations Plan resolution adopted (4-0).
• HRHA purchase/renovation of 227 N. Main Street tabled to November 25, 2025, for a concept plan.
• HRHA senior and affordable housing at Bluestone Town Center resolution adopted (4-0).
• Neff Avenue development direction endorsed; staff to proceed with contract negotiations.
• Community Mosaic Project display approved (4-0).
• Black Sheep Coffee outdoor dining approved with conditions (4-0).
• NLC delegate and alternate appointed (4-0).
• SVEC easement approved (4-0).
• Board of Building Code Appeals appointments confirmed.
• Letter to be drafted to federal/state representatives regarding ICE actions.
• Letter of support for school grant authorized.
• Closed session held to discuss real estate disposition; city manager authorized to execute an exclusive right-to-sell agreement for 301 S. Main Street using a best-value approach (unanimous).