During a recent Harrisonburg Planning Commission meeting, discussions centered on the pressing issue of affordable housing in the community. A commissioner expressed concern over the lack of affordable housing options, emphasizing that without government or private subsidies, market-rate projects often fail to meet the needs of residents.

The commissioner highlighted the responsibility of James Madison University (JMU) in addressing this issue, noting that the university has focused on expanding parking facilities rather than increasing on-campus housing. With plans for approximately 27,000 new parking spaces, the commissioner criticized JMU for not following the lead of other institutions like Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia, which have made strides in providing more housing options for students and the community.

This conversation reflects a growing concern among residents about the balance between development and community needs. The call for JMU to take a more active role in providing affordable housing underscores the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and local governments to ensure that housing remains accessible for all.

As the Planning Commission continues to address these challenges, the community will be watching closely to see how these discussions translate into actionable solutions that benefit Harrisonburg residents.