Harrisonburg Commission debates student housing increase and traffic concerns on Port Republic Road

Concerns over student housing density and traffic woes dominated the Harrisonburg Planning Commission meeting on June 11, 2025. As discussions unfolded, city officials expressed apprehension about the impact of new developments on already congested Port Republic Road, particularly with the addition of hundreds of new students.

Commissioner Porter voiced a common sentiment among residents, highlighting the pressing traffic issues in the area. "The prospect of 500 more students coming out of what is already a pretty impacted area is deeply concerning," he stated, acknowledging the necessity for student housing but urging for a balanced approach that also considers local families' needs.

The conversation shifted to the role of James Madison University (JMU) in addressing housing demands. Several commissioners emphasized that the university should take greater responsibility for providing on-campus housing to alleviate the pressure on local infrastructure. "The university has a responsibility to build more on-campus housing," one commissioner remarked, pointing out that increased parking on campus only exacerbates traffic problems.

Innovative solutions were proposed, including the idea of converting existing parking decks into High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) spaces to encourage carpooling. "That would be very cheap and very low hanging fruit," suggested another commissioner, advocating for better transportation systems to reduce reliance on cars.

While some officials acknowledged the potential benefits of new multi-use trails and road improvements in the area, the overarching concern remained: how to manage the growing student population without further straining the city's resources. "This is going to exacerbate a problem," one commissioner warned, stressing the need for a comprehensive strategy to tackle the anticipated traffic challenges.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the city faces a complex balancing act—meeting the housing needs of students while ensuring the livability of the community for all residents. The discussions highlighted a critical juncture for Harrisonburg, as officials grapple with the implications of development on traffic, housing costs, and overall quality of life.