Brought to you by Scott P. Rogers, Funkhouser Real Estate Group, 540-578-0102, scott@HarrisonburgHousingToday.com
Brought to you by Scott P. Rogers, Funkhouser Real Estate Group, 540-578-0102, scott@HarrisonburgHousingToday.com
Monday, March 9, 2026
Back in July 2025 the Harrisonburg Planning Commission reviewed a rezoning request for The Link, but the proposal must go through the process again due to an error in advertising the public hearing.
So... the Public Hearing is this Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 6:00 PM.
Back to the rezoning request... the developer has modified the proposal a bit and it is now proposed to include:
- Up to 250 Apartments (up to 555 bedrooms)
- 480 parking spaces
- 2,000 to 5,000 SF of commercial space
Amongst the 250 apartments, the applicant will include a minimum of 110 studio or one bedroom apartments and a maximum of 85 four-bedroom apartments.
Here's another rendering of the proposed development...
During the first public hearing it became evident that community members have a variety of perspectives on this proposed development.
Some people support The Link because they want more people to be living downtown, which will help downtown businesses, restaurants and events.
Some people oppose The Link because of concerns about the size and scale of the development, including the proposed six-story building at one of the entrances to downtown Harrisonburg, concerns that it could become primarily college student housing, and concerns about insufficient parking and increased traffic in the immediate area and surrounding neighborhoods.
Please Note: I am over simplifying the reasons why some people support the proposal and others oppose it. I attended the first public hearing, and if you are interested in this rezoning request and its outcome, I encourage you to attend the new public hearing. Listen to what our fellow community members are sharing about why they support or oppose this proposed development - and consider voicing your opinion!
Here's the proposed site plan...
To put the size of the proposed development in context...
- The Link would potentially include 250 apartments on 2.75 acres (91 apts/acre) compared to 196 apartments on 2.63 acres (75 apts/acre) at Urban Exchange.
- The Link would potentially include 555 bedrooms on 2.75 acres (202 beds/acre) compared to 407 bedrooms on 2.63 acres (155 beds/acre) at Urban Exchange.
- The commercial space (2000 - 5000 SF) might not fit too much more than a Coffee Hound (1600 SF) and Benny Sorrentino's (1400 SF) as a point of comparison.
- The six story building would be similar in height to Urban Exchange.
The Planning Commission will review the proposal and hear public comments before making a recommendation to City Council, which will ultimately decide whether the rezoning is approved or denied.
Read more about the proposed rezoning via...
Again... Wednesday, March 11 at 6:00 PM if you'd like to attend the Planning Commission public hearing on The Link.
