Scribe: Welby Lehman Convener: Eddie Bumbaugh
Blue Nile 12:15-1:30
Attendees: Trina Nussbaum, Sarah MacDonald, Laura Dent, Welby Lehman, Kim Sandum, Jan Trettner, Justin Pruett, Troy Lucas, Eldon Kurtz, Kendra and Cameron, Alan Finks
It was noted and commended that this sesson was being held in a building that was slated for demolition not long ago.
Harrisonburg and Rockingham Co. have good community events, i.e. Valley Fest, First Night. Could we do more events to draw more people here, integrating the population that lives here and from further out? Some smaller events (appropriate for the economic situation) are planned. The goal is not simply bringing in tourists but vibrant downtown will exist when people are living and working in it rather than just coming for events.
What development is happening on the north end of downtown? A mixed-use development (60 affordable units, 6 market-rate units) is going in the old Burger House lot. The developer was happy to follow proposals from the “vision” for downtown that called for preserving the street by moving parking to the core. The city planning office has been working at changing zoning to be more friendly to mixed-use developments.
Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance has been focused on bringing living units and jobs to dowtown before retail. We are near the point when there are enough people (living/working) to support retail development. HDR has also supported facade enhacements and infrastructure like the new brick sidewalk as a way to encourage downtown growth.
It was commented that it’s too bad the “friendly city” signs went down when the new way finding signs went up, especially in the minds of the Friendly City Food Co-op (understandably). One reason for this is the city was advised to minimize sign “clutter”.
Has there been discussion, or should there be, about the identity of downtown Harrisonburg? Should there be an identity? What does that mean? What types of people are we targeting? Harrisonburg has an eclectic supply of buildings in it’s downtown (also new contruction is going to happen). We shouldn’t try to be something we are not. We are not entirely “historical” and we’re not solely geared towards tourism (which is good). Finding a catch-phrase for downtown is hard. We have a unique relationship with JMU. City/county residents, students, workers and tourists should be targeted in that order.
Mixed-use development is great for business says a business owner. The downtown has definitely seen an increase in visitors (just ask the visitor’s center).
The downtown wish list includes:
1) Grocery store; Friendly City Food Co-op is committed to downtown. Everyone sign-up!
2) Pharmacy; this has been explored and we may see one in a year or so
3) Hotel/Conference Center; anyone with $50 million come on down!
4) Community Gardens; actually some already exist. Could be on a green roof
5) Open/restore Blacks Run
How do we want heavy truck and rail traffic to be addressed in the downtown? Don’t put a bypass in the county. Plans for routing through truck traffic around downtown are being studied. If frieght-rail was rerouted, the existing rail line would make a great bike/predestrian thoroughfare (this is decades away). Passenger rail in the downtown is desirable. Should we be considering a transportation cneter downtown for easier public access from I-81, 33 east, or other regional sites?
What’s happening with vacant buildings around court square? Many things have been planned and propsed. Some things are out of public hands.
HDR is doing a great job. Many things that were brought up are coming soon, were addressed or at least considered. The future looks bright.
