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Votes at a glance: Harrisonburg council approves rezoning and permitting items, and funds transportation grants
Summary
At its April 8 meeting the council approved multiple land use requests and a supplemental appropriation for grant-funded transportation work; one high-profile rezoning (Smithland Road) was tabled for additional technical review.
HARRISONBURG — City council acted on multiple agenda items April 8, approving several rezoning and permitting requests, and authorizing a supplemental appropriation for grant-funded transportation projects. Key outcomes:
- 1680 Country Club Road (M-1 to B-2 conditional): Council approved a rezoning that will allow Divine Unity Community Church to continue religious operations and expand associated community uses. The applicant proffered the dedication of 15 feet of right-of-way along Country Club Road and prohibited certain high-traffic commercial uses; the planning commission had recommended approval. Vote: unanimous.
- 532 Hawkins Street (R-3 to R-5C): Council approved a rezoning to permit four townhouse-style units planned for a nonprofit housing operator (Bridge of Hope). The applicant proffered occupancy limits and parking provisions; the city and planning commission recommended approval. Vote: unanimous.
- Boulder Ridge (special use permit): Council approved a special use permit for multifamily buildings with more than 12 units on the city portion of a larger Boulder Ridge development. The action changes the planned building configuration (three 24-unit buildings instead of six 12-unit buildings) while keeping the total unit count the same. Vote: unanimous.
- Supplemental appropriation for capital projects (VDOT and federal grants): Council approved appropriating approximately $3.97 million in grant funds — including VDOT pedestrian and Gay Street project funds and the city’s initial $2.2 million share of a larger $14.3 million RAISE federal grant — to begin design and preliminary work. Vote: unanimous.
- Consent agenda: Routine consent items (special events and other consented matters) were approved in a single motion earlier in the meeting.
Separately, the proposed rezoning for Smithland Road (R-1 to R-8C) was tabled to the council’s next meeting following extended discussion about street grades, cul-de-sac length, stormwater detention and the parcel’s role as a gateway to adjacent undeveloped acreage.
