South Downtown redevelopment plan boosts residents and retail near JMU campus

The Harrisonburg Planning Commission meeting on July 9, 2025, highlighted a significant redevelopment project aimed at revitalizing South Downtown, a region identified as an economic and public activity dead zone in the city's 2040 plan. The proposed project is expected to attract a large number of residents, including potential retail workers and customers, who will be able to easily walk to downtown shops and restaurants, reducing the need for driving and parking.

One of the key benefits of this redevelopment is its proximity to James Madison University (JMU), making it an ideal location for students. The project aims to reverse the trend of student housing moving further away from campus, which has led to unsafe and impractical commuting options along congested roadways. By providing a walkable and bikeable environment, the project will enhance accessibility for students and contribute to a more vibrant downtown area.

Financially, the redevelopment is projected to be highly beneficial for the city. The anticipated demographics of the new residents suggest a minimal impact on public school enrollment, with a comparable project generating only three public school students from 194 apartments. The rezoning of the Lindsay site for the new project could yield over $15 million per acre in assessed value, providing substantial tax revenue to support city services without imposing significant public expenses.

This initiative aligns with the strong town's model, which emphasizes utilizing existing infrastructure to create valuable assets that can fund other city priorities. The proposed rezoning is also seen as a catalyst for further development in the surrounding area, which currently underperforms compared to its potential.

As the city moves forward with this project, it represents a strategic step towards enhancing the community's economic landscape and improving the quality of life for residents and students alike.