More student housing (and Port Republic traffic) is on the books! At last week's meeting (July 8), the Harrisonburg City Council gave the green light to a new student housing development on Port Republic Road called The Vista at Forest Hills.
In addition, the city’s Planning Commission is recommending another residential project near downtown that could serve both JMU students and local families. That proposed complex, tentatively named The Link, is still under review.
The Vista at Forest Hills | Port Republic Road
Planned for the site of the current Citgo gas station, The Vista will sit between The Harrison apartments and 865 East. The building will include retail on the ground floor, four stories of apartments, and three levels of parking—some of it underground. The project could include up to 119 apartments and house around 440 residents.
City Council approved the project with a 3–1 vote. Councilman Nasser Alsaadun voted no, and Mayor Deanna Reed was not present. Both Alsaadun and Councilwoman Monica Robinson raised concerns about the potential increase in traffic and parking issues along Port Republic Road.
The Link | Downtown Harrisonburg
The Link, which is still in the proposal phase, would be located next to City Hall on South Main Street, near Turner Pavilion. The development would replace the current Lindsey Funeral Home and a vacant office space.
The complex could include up to 265 apartment units and a total of 550 bedrooms, with a parking deck offering up to 425 spots—mostly reserved for residents. In terms of local impact, the development is expected to have a small effect on traffic and could bring around 88 new students to the city’s public school system.
SOURCE: WHSV3