Category Archives: News

March is Transit Operator Appreciation Month

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March is Transit Operator Appreciation Month, with an official day of celebration on March 18. Transit Operator Appreciation Day commemorates the first known bus line that began operating in Paris in 1662. These celebrations are a way to recognize the hard work and vital role that transit operators play in our communities. Public transportation is an invaluable fixture to any community and drivers are a key element to such structures.

Tyrone Alston and Yvonne Smith

This year, Virginia Regional Transit wanted to highlight and thank two drivers, Yvonne Smith and Tyrone Alston, for their dedication and outstanding service to public transit. Virginia Regional Transit staff noted that these drivers have shown flexibility and stepped in on short notice to maintain route connectivity, and that they have shown constant professionalism and work ethic. The Central Shenandoah Planning District and Virginia Regional Transit will be showing extra gratitude this month for their drivers.

CSPDC Supports Two Outdoor Recreation Grant Applications

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In February, the CSPDC supported the submission of two technical assistance grant applications through the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RCTA) program. The RCTA program supports locally led conservation and outdoor recreation projects by assisting communities and public land managers in developing or restoring parks, conservation areas, rivers, and wildlife habitats, as well as creating outdoor recreation opportunities and programs that engage future generations in the outdoors.

The CSPDC assisted Rockbridge Outdoors apply for a RCTA grant to develop a 5-year strategic plan to guide their efforts as it pursues projects that prioritize community wellness, environmental stewardship and the local economy. Rockbridge Outdoors is a community initiative striving to enhance outdoor recreation in the Rockbridge area.

The CSPDC also assisted the Town of Goshen apply for a RCTA grant to create a phased development plan for the Town’s first park. This is the first step toward transforming the 42-acre site into a community amenity that will provide significant recreational and environmental benefits to Goshen residents and neighboring communities.

HRMPO Holding Open House for Public Feedback on Proposed Port Republic Road – Peach Grove – Neff Avenue Study Improvements

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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.

Share Your Feedback on Proposed Regional Transportation Projects

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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.

CSPDC Staff Attend SERDI Leadership Conference

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The Southeast Regional Directors Institute (SERDI) is a voluntary professional development association for regional council executive directors in the southeastern United States. SERDI provides technical assistance and training designed and tailored specifically for regional planning agencies.

CSPDC staff attended the SERDI’s 2nd Leadership Development Training Conference held on February 19-21, 2025 in Greenville, South Carolina. The Training was designed for council’s deputy directors, and department heads and it focused on six areas important to leadership in regional councils: (1) Basic Understanding of Leadership (2) Key Things that are Needed to Understand the Finances of a Regional Council (3) Basic Human Resources (4) Board of Directors and Your Local Government Logistics and Working Relationships (5) The Various Programs of Regional Councils Across the SERDI Footprint, and (6) Technology/AI.

CSPDC Localities Awarded $1.4 Million in CDBG Funding

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On February 6, Governor Youngkin announced more than $23.6 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) for 33 projects across the Commonwealth. Three of these projects were located in the CSPDC.


Goshen Community Service Facility – CDBG Community Improvement Grant

Total: $1,250,000

The Town of Goshen was awarded a $1.25 million CDBG Community Improvement Grant to build a multi-purpose community service facility. The facility will improve quality of life for town residents and the surrounding area by creatively providing an array of essential services under one roof. The proposed facility would provide health care, a food pantry, senior services, and many needed community services under one roof in an area that currently lack easy access to these basic amenities.

Briery Branch Community Center – CDBG Planning Grant

Total: $100,000

Rockingham County received a $100,000 Planning Grant to support the renovation of the Briery Branch Community Center and address the growing demand for accessible childcare services in the area. The center, which has served local communities since 1958, faces critical building and equipment needs. The planned renovation will ensure the center continues to serve the Briery Branch area for years to come while expanding access to childcare providers.

Fountainhead Subdivision Bridgewater – CDBG Planning Grant

Total: $60,000

The Town of Bridgewater was awarded a $60,000 Planning Grant to address infrastructure issues in the Fountainhead Subdivision, where aging water, sewer, and stormwater systems have caused frequent service problems. The grant would fund the development of preliminary engineering and design plans to upgrade the subdivision’s infrastructure, which will then be used to bid and implement necessary improvements.

Over $19 Million Awarded for Affordable and Special Needs Housing in Waynesboro and Harrisonburg

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On February 26, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced $139 million in Affordable and Special Needs Housing (ASNH) loans for 41 projects across the state, including five within the CSPDC’s region. Of this total, more than $19 million has been allocated to affordable housing projects in Waynesboro and Harrisonburg.

The funding aims to create and preserve housing units for low-income and extremely low-income households. The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) administers the ASNH program, with funding drawn from multiple sources, including the federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF), Housing Innovations in Energy Efficiency (HIEE), and the Virginia Housing Trust Fund (VHTF).

Among the local recipients:

  • The Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority secured over $9 million for two developments as part of the Bluestone Town Center.
  • The Beverly J. Searles Foundation received a $5 million loan for its Harrisonburg Family I project.
  • Enterprise Community Development received $4 million for its 1030 Alston Court project in Waynesboro.
  •  Woda Cooper Development was awarded $1 million for the Rosenwald Pointe project in Waynesboro.

Highland Inn Receives Virginia 250 Grant

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Governor Youngkin announced last week that the Virginia Department of Historic Resources awarded the Blue Grass Resource Center a $1.75 Million Virginia 250 Preservation Fund grant to support the renovation and reopening of the historic Highland Inn. The inn was one of 35 preservation projects in Virginia awarded in preparation for the 2026 anniversary of the America Revolution and the Declaration of Independence.

Located on Main Street in Monterey, the Highland Inn is listed on the Virginia and national historic register. In 2021, Phase 1 of the revitalization effort successfully stabilized and restored the Inn’s exterior. Phase II will restore the Inn’s interior, completing the final step necessary to reopen the hotel and restaurant.

Regional Housing Webinar Set for February 26

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Join the CSPDC on February 26, 2025, at 11 AM for an insightful webinar on the newly released Regional Housing Study. Featuring expert speakers from Virginia Housing, the Virginia Center for Housing Research, and HousingForward Virginia, this session will explore key findings and proposed solutions to address housing challenges in our localities.

REGISTER HERE

 

CSPDC Releases Regional Housing Study

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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