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Council approves HRHA purchase and renovation of 227 North Main for mixed-use affordable housing
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Summary
Harrisonburg City Council approved HRHA's purchase and planned renovation of 227 North Main into 16 residential units plus office space, citing preservation of affordable housing and concerns about after-hours safety at the existing Line Weaver property; the motion passed with one recorded nay.
The City Council voted Nov. 25 to authorize the Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority (HRHA) to purchase and renovate 227 North Main Street into a mixed-use development combining residential and office space. Council packet materials describe an adaptive-reuse plan for about 16 residential units and ground-floor office or commercial space.
HRHA representatives described safety and management issues at the existing Line Weaver (transcript also uses "Pine Weave/Line Weave") apartment complex, reporting more than 550 calls for service to the property in the last year (over 50% for health-related issues) and 19 arrests at the Pine Weave complex during the year; HRHA said only three arrested individuals were residents and the rest were guests or visitors. HRHA said upgrades would include updated camera systems, a new key-fob access system and other security measures; staff emphasized the need for resident cooperation in issuing no-trespass notices and following lease and visitor policies.
Council members acknowledged the building's poor condition and the potential dignity and safety benefits from renovation. Councilmember Robinson recorded a recorded nay on the final roll call; other members voted aye and the resolution passed.
Council instructed HRHA to continue working with residents and police on after-hours safety protocols and to pursue the adaptive reuse plan that HRHA said would preserve affordable housing in the area.
