By Megan Cullins, contributor
The City Council this week unanimously agreed to increase the stormwater utility fee as part of a plan to help fund major drainage and stormwater projects.
Before last year, the stormwater had remained flat for many years. The council approved adding $2 to the annual fee for residents to $10 per year, and that increase will generate around $460,000 per year.
That funding will help cover part of the city’s drainage improvement program. The city plans to address stormwater issues, including with a $7.5 million drainage project along Waterman Drive in the western part of the city, as well as a more than $4 million project in the neighborhood between Charles and Madison streets in the northern part of the city.
A third project in the Northeast neighborhood along East Market Street from Mason to the area around Hill and East Gay streets is expected to cost $23 million, according to city documents.
Decision delayed on South Main mixed-use development
The city council voted 4-1 to table until July 28 whether to grant a special use permit zoning change for 1340 South Main St. The council delayed a decision, in part, to give the property owner, Marilyn S. Pendlebury, an opportunity to hold community engagement discussions with those who live in the neighborhood.
Pendlebury plans to build 5,000 sq. ft. of commercial space as well as up to 26 apartments, most of which would be one-bedroom apartments.
Community members from Purcell Park and Sunset Heights expressed concerns during Tuesday’s public comment period. Most concerns were about the increase in traffic that the development would bring.
“My wife and I, we like to walk around the neighborhood. Every day we see a lot of people out there…there’s no sidewalk on Weaver [Avenue], so it just creates a little bit of a dangerous situation,” said community member Erick Spong.
With a blind turn, blind hill, and lack of sidewalks near Carrera Lane and East Weaver Avenue, one resident said these safety concerns should be taken into consideration before more traffic is added.
The special use permits were first approved in 2017 and are now expiring, which is why this issue is in front of the city council again — this time with the amendments minimizing commercial space and adding four more units.
World Refugee Day designation
At the start of the meeting the city council made a proclamation recognizing June 20 as World Refugee Day.
“Local communities have a special responsibility to uphold the values of dignity, due process, neighborliness, and welcome. And reject fear, scapegoating, and dehumanization of people seeking safety,” said Mayor Deanna Reed. “Harrisonburg is welcoming communities that celebrates the growing diversity of its residents and recognizes their refugees, immigrants, and other newcomers.”
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