By Lizzie Stone, city council reporter
One item on Tuesday’s city council agenda has already caused a stir with Harrisonburg residents, as the desire for affordable housing within walking distance of downtown collides with those who don’t want a large apartment complex in that particular spot.
The developers of the proposed Link Apartments are asking the city to rezone 10 plots near City Hall that sit between South Main and South Liberty streets, including the site of the Lindsey Funeral Home, which plans to relocate from its 473 S. Main Street address. The planned apartments with some retail space can be built only if the city council approves a change to a higher density, mixed-use zone.
A new B-1C zoning would allow a six story building, while the current R-3 zoning only allows up to three stories. It would also relax parking requirements for the development — which is a walkable distance from downtown businesses and the JMU campus — so that the apartments wouldn’t have to offer as many parking spots per unit as the city normally requires.
The proposed $109 million project is being put forth by development company Timberwolf Capital Partners, which has constructed eight other apartment complexes in other East Coast college towns. The Link Apartments, if approved, would be one of the densest residential buildings downtown. City documents attached to the rezoning application explain this project would be about 96 units per acre, while another large complex, the Urban Exchange building, has about 73 per acre.
The plans have sparked diverse opinions about the project, both for and against the rezoning. Some residents think the project will have a positive impact and support the city’s goal of allowing for more affordable housing that is walkable distance from downtown, while others think the large building will be out of place and disrupt traffic and parking flow downtown.
Michael Parks, Harrisonburg’s director of communications and public engagement, said council members haven’t made any decisions, and the public comment period will allow for people to express their opinions at Tuesday’s meeting.
He said there has been a “wealth of community input” on the issue before the meeting, and many residents have already shared their thoughts, but that public hearings are “the best opportunity to get in front of your elected officials and share your input for them to consider.”
Many residents plan to speak at the hearing to share their thoughts with city council members and the rest of the city.
Sheila Dart, who lives across from the development site, said she will stay optimistic that the rezoning isn’t a “done deal.” She plans to voice her concerns about the large building, which she believes will directly overshadow her house.
One group of residents, called Livable Harrisonburg, supports the project. The group, which has been advocating for more affordable housing, explained that “there is no path to abundant housing without saying YES to more housing,” according to a social media post calling for the rezoning to pass. The group said the Link Apartment complex will increase residential density in a walkable distance and encourage walking and biking for its residents.
Another group called “No to B-1C” is arguing against the rezoning. Their flyers and social media posts said the development will overshadow downtown spaces and change the character of the historic area.
The city council members could vote on the rezoning Tuesday after a public hearing on the issue where city residents are invited to speak.
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