Downtown Streetscape Plan

With the rapid growth and unique challenges in our downtown area, the need for a comprehensive planning document for public infrastructure has arisen.  To meet this need, city staff, along with a committee of key stakeholders, have been working to update the Downtown Streetscape Plan. This plan will build upon the 2005 Downtown Streetscape Plan by expanding the study area and covering additional elements that are necessary to clarify the vision for downtown. 

A Public Meeting will be hosted by the City on June 6, 2013 in City Council Chambers at 409 South Main Street from 5:30pm-7:30pm.

This is an opportunity for members of the community to view the updated draft of the Downtown Streetscape Plan in its entirety and learn about key features.

Residents, business owners, visitors, and anyone with an interest in Downtown Harrisonburg are encouraged to participate in this forum. The forum will be in the format of an open house, with opportunities to discuss this plan one-on-one with city staff, Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance representatives, and other community members.

[36MB] DRAFT Harrisonburg Downtown Streetscape Plan (May 2013)

[621KB] Downloadable and Printable flyer for June 6 Public Forum

 Add the Forum event on Facebook.

Note: The Downtown Streetscape Plan is a comprehensive plan and vision, not to be confused with the Streetscape Project that will begin next summer. The City will undergo a second beautification project in the downtown corridor, called ‘Streetscape Project Phase II.’ This project will replace and upgrade sidewalks on the west side of Main Street, from Court Square to Wolfe Street.

Specific goals outlined in the Downtown Streetscape Plan:

1. Develop a comprehensive vision for the public right-of-way in the study area to define public and private expectation for project elements.
2. Provide a plan for safe and efficient multi-modal transportation, emphasizing pedestrian and bicycle accommodations.
3. Provide sufficient parking to support current and future downtown business, residential housing, and visitor needs.
4. Enhance public transportation facilities to accommodate citizens and visitors.
5. Develop a plan for public services in the downtown area that addresses the changing needs of businesses.
6. Plan for necessary improvements to public and private utility infrastructure.
7. Partner with property owners and community stakeholders to provide opportunities for development or redevelopment of public and private downtown properties.
8. Expand recreational and green space opportunities in the downtown core.
9. Enhance the visual character of the downtown streetscape.

What are the next steps for the Downtown Streetscape Plan?

1. City staff will discuss and address any concerns or suggestions that were made during the forum.
2. A public comment period will be open from June 6 until June 17 for the community to provide additional feedback to city staff on the proposed plan. This feedback can be sent to Brad Reed or Thanh Dang at the Department of Public Works (Brad.Reed@HarrisonburgVA.gov or Thanh.Dang@HarrisonburgVA.gov).
3. The revised plan will be presented to the Harrisonburg Planning Commission. A date for this presentation has not yet been set.
4. The Harrisonburg Planning Commission will determine a date for a public comment period. This public comment period will take place at a Planning Commission meeting.
5. City staff will take into consideration suggested revisions from the Harrisonburg Planning Commission and make those changes before the next phase of this proposal.
6. If recommended by the Harrisonburg Planning Commission, the plan will then be presented to Harrisonburg City Council, for which a date has not yet been determined.
7. Harrisonburg City Council will then hold a public comment period.

References:

[10MB] Harrisonburg Downtown Streetscape Plan, 2005

For more information about this plan, please contact Brad Reed at Brad.Reed@harrisonburgva.gov or 540-434-5928.