Harrisonburg City Council voted Oct. 14 to close the public alley adjacent to 530 North Main Street after staff and the planning commission recommended approval with conditions to preserve public utility and drainage easements.

Community development staff told council the paper alley dates to 1859, that some segments were vacated during urban renewal in the 1960s, and that the alley is heavily encumbered by floodplain and the mapped Black’s Run drainage. Adam Fletcher said staff had consulted the Northeast Neighborhood Association and the Shenandoah Valley Black Heritage Project; both organizations reported no objections to the proposed closure.

Property owner representative Mike Martin spoke in favor and clarified that Harrisonburg Electric requested a 5‑foot offset from each pole center (a 10‑foot corridor) for power‑line easements and the applicant will provide a final survey. Fletcher told council staff would reserve easements for public utilities and maintenance of drainage infrastructure if the council approved the closure.

In public comment a resident urged the council to keep public land and paper alleys because, he said, they can act as protections and potential public amenities; the speaker asked the city to require the applicant to demonstrate a compelling public use before vacating public land. The Northeast Neighborhood Association’s president, Karen Thomas, told council association members had not identified historical or preservation concerns and supported the closing to allow redevelopment activity.

Action: The council approved the alley closing by roll call (unanimous). The staff condition requires reserved easements for utilities and for drainage/maintenance where Black’s Run and related infrastructure run near the alley.

Ending: With the alley vacated and required easements preserved, the property owner may proceed with plans that will simplify maintenance and allow renovations or additions, subject to final survey, easement dedication, and permitting processes.