By Lizzie Stone, city council reporter
The Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority plans to buy the Glen’s Fair Price Store property at 227 N. Main St. and turn the upper part of the building into 16 housing units above office space. The city council approved the purchase in 4-1 vote, with council member Monica Robinson the lone vote against it.
Robinson said her concerns were about complaints about the HRHA’s nearby property that it operates, the Lineweaver Apartments. Other council members also emphasized the issue, saying they are aware of complaints about people coming into the building and disrupting residents.
Michael Wong, HRHA executive director, said the agency has a strict process for resolving issues. It can take a few months to warn and evict a resident disobeying complex rules.
Council member Dany Fleming said he hoped residents would be empowered when they “see the investment that is made in their building.”
“Residents that are there now deserve to have the upgrade,” Mayor Deanna Reed said. While there are issues with “bad actors” coming in, there are also people living there, Reed said. “That is their home and we have the opportunity to give them a place they can be proud of.”
Wong said the units are often “the last step before homelessness, and the first step coming out.” HRHA provides resources and support services to residents, and he said they hope to expand services with the new office space as well.
The family-owned Glen’s Fair Price Store, which opened in 1941, has been winding down its business since announcing in August 2024 that it would close. While it started as more of a general store, it morphed into more of a combination camera shop and costume/novelty store.
Changes to zoning for inpatient treatment facilities, other medical facilities
City zoning laws will restrict and and separately define “Inpatient Substance Use Disorder Treatment Facility” as a new term. Firms applying to operate new facilities will now have to seek a special use permit for their business, which requires city council approval.
Inpatient facilities provide living, sleeping and sanitation for participants, and services are delivered “on a 24-hour per day basis” according to the zoning amendment, unlike an outpatient facility or more temporary services.
Adam Fletcher, director of community development, said city staff “recognize the benefits of having such a facility for the community,” but also recognize the “impact” one can have on its surroundings.
City council member Laura Dent said such facilities “are not all created equal.” She said the city council should look at each one closely.
One inpatient treatment facility applied for a license to operate in September. That facility would continue to operate, but any new applicants will need to secure the special use permit moving forward.
The council also made other minor related changes to update the city zoning code. Hospitals received their own definition and would be shifted from R-3 residential to B-2 business districts “by right,” or without special approval. Definitions were added for other types of care facilities including assisted living and institutional care.
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