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Planning Commission backs rezoning of 2410 Reservoir St. for five-unit affordable project
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a conditional rezoning that would allow Valley Housing Trust to buy city-owned 2410 Reservoir St. for $74,600 and build five one-bedroom or efficiency units under a 30-year affordability covenant. The vote was unanimous and goes to City Council in November.
The Harrisonburg Planning Commission voted unanimously Oct. 8 to recommend rezoning 2410 Reservoir Street to enable a five-unit affordable housing project proposed by the Valley Housing Trust.
Neera Masafo, planner with the Department of Community Development, told commissioners the vacant parcel and surrounding blocks are zoned R-3 (medium-density residential) and that the comprehensive plan supports adding a broader range of housing types there. Staff said the city assessed surplus parcels and established a process to sell them for residential development; Valley Housing Trust offered $74,600 for the parcel, below the assessed value of $108,700, in exchange for creating five dwelling units bound by a 30-year affordability commitment at under 80% of area median income.
Frank Gordon, trustee of the Valley Housing Trust and the applicant/purchaser, described a significant sewer easement that limits buildable area and explained why the project needs five units to qualify for state assistance. "The Department of Housing Community Development's programs require a minimum of five units in multifamily projects," Gordon said. He told the commission Valley Housing Trust has funds on hand to complete the project if other sources are not secured but intends to pursue state funding opportunities to assemble a capital stack.
Commissioners asked about traffic and site-access safety; staff said engineered site-plan review thresholds mean detailed review often happens at the building-permit phase and that signage and other measures are tools the city can use to limit unsafe maneuvers. Commissioners praised the project's small-scale affordable units and the proffers that limit unit type and reduce off-street parking from 1.5 spaces per unit to 1 per unit in exchange for affordability commitments.
Commissioner Sykes moved to recommend approval; Commissioner Kettler seconded. Roll call was unanimous (6-0). The Planning Commission's favorable recommendation will go to City Council for final consideration at its November meeting.
