Planning commission backs closing 2,500 sq ft alley at 291–295 Franklin Street with shared-access condition

The Harrisonburg Planning Commission voted 5–1 on May 14 to recommend that City Council close a roughly 2,500-square-foot undeveloped public alley between 291 and 295 Franklin Street, with a condition that the adjoining owners establish a private shared access agreement.

City staff told commissioners the alley sits within an older subdivision and the underlying land is held in the names of the adjoining property owners while the city holds an easement. Staff recommended approval of the closing on the condition that a “private shared access agreement shall be established among the owners of 291 Franklin Street, 295 Franklin Street and 294 Campbell Street to maintain rear access to all three properties.” The commission’s recommendation will go to City Council on June 10.

Why it matters: closing a public alley removes the city’s…