Harrisonburg City Council Meeting – August 25, 2026

The City Council met on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included a presentation from the Virginia Department of Health Central Shenandoah Health District, approval of consent agenda items, a contested public hearing on the rezoning of 10 parcels for the Lindsey Apartments (formerly The Link), and a subdivision ordinance amendment. After a lengthy public comment period and council discussion, the council voted 3-2 to approve the rezoning on first reading. The meeting adjourned at 10:53 PM.

Special Recognition / Presentation

• Virginia Department of Health Central Shenandoah Health District: New District Director Xavier Crockett introduced himself and outlined services. He reported FY2026 usage in Harrisonburg: 5,659 immunization clinic visits, 789 long-term care screenings, 444 food safety inspections, and 22 community outreach events. Priorities for FY2027 include supporting the public health workforce, keeping core services reliable, strengthening access for families, and communicating clearly. The presentation was received and filed.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from August 11, 2026 City Council meeting: Approved as part of consent agenda.
• Rezoning request from Jose Antonio Lopez Montiel for 704 N Liberty Street: Approved on second reading.
• Supplemental appropriation for Public Works Department: Approved on second reading.

The consent agenda was approved unanimously by a roll call vote (5-0).

Public Hearing: Rezoning Request for the Lindsey Apartments (435, 445, 457, 473, 483 & 495 S. Main Street and 282, 288, 294 & 298 S. Liberty Street)

• Applicant Presentation: Thanh Dang, Deputy Director of Community Development, presented the request to rezone from R-3 to B-1C. The project is a four-story multifamily building with a maximum of 180 units, 2,500–5,000 sq ft of non-residential space, and a five-level parking garage with at least 320 spaces. Key proffer amendments from April 2026: reduced dwelling units from 250 to 180, bedrooms from 555 to 440, height from 75 ft to 52 ft, and removed occupancy restrictions and parking agreement with the city. Staff recommended approval, noting alignment with the Comprehensive Plan and Downtown 2040 Plan, but Planning Commission had a split vote (3-3) recommending denial.
• Applicant’s Representative: Todd Rhea (Clark & Bradshaw) argued the project is a compromise after community feedback, brings economic benefits (approx. $500,000/year in taxes), and the alternative by-right use is 25–30 townhomes with no proffers or management. He stated the Lindsay family does not support a park on the property.
• Public Comments – In Support (13 speakers): Isaac Witmer, Peter Demby, Leigh Evans, Ed Rodriguez, Sarah Baker-McEvilly, Manny Fisher, Sam Nickels, Jeremy Litwiller, Keith May, and others. Key positions: the project addresses housing shortage, provides walkable density near JMU, supports downtown businesses, and is better than townhomes. Some noted climate benefits of dense infill.
• Public Comments – In Opposition (25 speakers): Steven Sites, Jennifer Cunningham, Sherri Good, Sara Lichty, Nicole, Sunny, Valerie Sulfaro, Elizabeth Swallow, Marsha McGrath, Candy Graham, Jack McCaslin, Cathy Schwartz, Joe Whitehill, Leanne McMurray, Carl Larsson, Aaron Garber, Frank Steller, Panayotis Giannakouros, Heriberto Cortes Mendez, Matt Winters, John Mansfield, Sierra Lambert, Jennifer, Bob Corso, Stephanie West, John McMurray, Bucky Berry (by phone). Key positions: project is too large, 80% four-bedroom units target students only, parking insufficient, proffers not legally binding, harms gateway character, contradicts downtown 2040 plan’s call for green building and transition zones, and will increase noise, trash, and traffic. Many urged creating a park instead and pointed to JMU’s plan to house 60% of students on campus by 2040.
• Public Comments – Neither (1 speaker): Steve Horn expressed neutrality but noted the community trusts council’s judgment.

Discussion on the Rezoning

• Council Member Dent: Supported the project, citing need for inward growth, environmental benefits of walkability, and housing mismatch at both ends. Thanked developer for reducing height. Dismissed park alternative as unrealistic.
• Mayor Reed: Consistent no; reiterated the project is not the right fit for the location due to size and four-bedroom units.
• Council Member Robinson: Opposed, arguing downtown shouldn’t depend on student spending, student housing doesn’t solve community housing needs, and the density and proffers don’t justify the impacts. Called for easier development processes with public engagement requirements.
• Vice Mayor Fleming: Supported the project, comparing it favorably to the by-right alternative of townhomes. Noted that student housing downtown reduces traffic from outlying areas and aligns with the Downtown 2040 Plan.
• Council Member Alsaadun: Initially hesitant but ultimately voted yes after considering investor signals, tax revenue loss if denied, and the long process. He acknowledged community concerns but believed the project is better than the alternative.

Key Outcomes

• Rezoning for The Lindsey Apartments (6.a.): Approved on first reading by a 3-2 roll call vote (Vice Mayor Fleming, Council Members Dent and Alsaadun in favor; Mayor Reed and Council Member Robinson opposed). The vote sends the matter to a second reading at a future meeting.
• Subdivision Ordinance Amendment (7.a.): Approved unanimously on second reading with a late addition clarifying that lot line adjustments and vacations are not considered subdivisions for the purposes of requiring improvements. Vote: 5-0.
• Comments on Other Matters (8.a.): Panayotis Giannakouros spoke about recent primary election results, marginalization, and the need for inclusive community planning.
• Council Member Reports:
  • Dent: Advocated for city participation in Dominion NextEra merger hearings (deadline Sept 11), contesting the roadless rule repeal (deadline Sept 21), and supporting passenger rail to Harrisonburg (deadline Sept 30). Noted a productive meeting with Rep. Ben Cline.
  • Alsaadun: Requested a council letter to the State Department supporting refugee resettlement.
  • Robinson: Promoted a SVBHP workshop on runaway ads (Sept 18) and a CCJB forum (Sept 2–4).
  • Fleming: Reported on the Southern Cities Economic Initiative’s first small business cohort.
  • Mayor Reed: Noted the Lucy Simms exhibit ribbon cutting, weekly prayer at Harrisonburg Baptist Church, welcome to Dukes Making a Difference students, attendance at area college presidents’ address, Rotary speech, and upcoming downtown Block Party (Aug 29).

Adjournment

At 10:53 PM, the meeting was adjourned.