The Harrisonburg Rockingham Metropolitan Planning Organization (HRMPO) is holding a public open house from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 6 at Stone Spring Elementary School for proposed safety and congestion improvement concepts for all modes of travel in the Port Republic Road – Peach Grove – Neff Avenue corridor. The area is one of the busiest corridors in the Harrisonburg-Rockingham region, and the intersection itself has the highest vehicular crash rate in the region.

Open house attendees will be able to review the proposed concepts, ask questions, and provide input on potential improvement strategies during the open house to staff from HRMPO, VDOT, and the City of Harrisonburg. Public input will be documented in a final corridor study, which will be complete in May 2025 and available to the public.

The study area includes the area bounded by Devon Lane to the north/west, Portland/Wine Drive to the south/east, Turner Ashby Lane/A Dream Come True Playground to the north/east, and Stone Spring Road to the south/west. The designs also incorporate ways to ensure safe biking, walking, and scooting use of the corridor, many of whom are students at James Madison University (JMU).

In addition to the open house, an online survey will be available before, during, and after the meeting to collect public feedback via the CSPDC Connects Social Platform at https://connect.cspdc.org/hrmpo-port-republic-road-2025-study which will be open from 8:00AM on March 3 through March 14, 2025 at 5:00PM. Written or oral questions and comments may be submitted to Garreth Bartholomew by emailing garreth@cspdc.org or calling 540-885-5174, before or after the open house.

The Staunton Augusta Waynesboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (SAWMPO) is updating its Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) which defines a vision and proposes transportation projects in our region for the next 25 years. Input from community members helps us align these projects with what’s important to you.

We’re currently in Phase Two, focusing on gathering input on a proposed list of transportation projects and areas for future study. Help us shape the future of transportation in our region. Get involved by:

• Exploring and Commenting: Use our interactive map to leave feedback on proposed regional transportation projects.
• Visioning the Future: Look at areas for future study and let us know your priorities.
• Attending an Open House: Stop by an open house to share your thoughts.
  • Saturday, March 29 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the Waynesboro YMCA
• Asking a Planner: Submit your questions for our weekly “Ask a Planner” live chat sessions on Fridays between 9:00 a.m. and Noon through the end of March.
• Watch a recap video of what we’ve learned so far.

The SAWMPO Policy Board is eager to receive public input on the proposed projects and studies in the 2050 LRTP. In Phase One, community feedback identified bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, enhanced vehicular safety, intersection improvements, and increased transit services in rural areas as priorities for the SAWMPO.

Stay connected for updates, events, and additional ways to engage by visiting our interactive project page on CSPDC Connect.

The CSPDC recently published a housing study for its five-county region. The Regional Housing Study is the culmination of a major collaborative effort among CSPDC staff, local governments, housing stakeholders and consultants, and includes analysis of local and regional trends as well as solutions to the unique housing supply and affordability issues that its member localities are facing.

Funded by a grant from Virginia Housing, the study was developed by industry experts at Virginia Tech’s Center for Housing Research and HousingForward Virginia. The Regional Housing Study is a detailed analysis tailored to the region and its distinct housing markets. The study team worked closely with local staff and regional stakeholders and engaged in extensive outreach to develop solutions to market challenges that align with local goals and build on existing plans and interests.

CSPDC Chairman and Lexington Mayor Frank Friedman highlighted the critical need for accessible housing in the region and the role the housing study could play in supporting localities, stating, “Ensuring a steady supply of housing, including workforce, affordable, and market rate housing inventory remains a top priority for localities across our region. The release of the CSPDC Housing Study offers County, City, and Town staff reliable insights into housing challenges, viable solutions, and actionable steps toward implementation. This study will undoubtedly become a vital resource in our region’s ongoing efforts to ensure housing stability and continued growth.”

“The release of CSPDC’s Housing Study marks an important milestone for the Commonwealth’s largest planning district, providing localities with a strong foundation to address the region’s diverse housing needs,” said Virginia Housing Director of Strategic Housing Chris Thompson.  “Virginia Housing is proud to support this important regional initiative.”

To read the study, visit CSPDC Housing Study | CSPDC Connects: Planning Together