HARRISONBURG VA (Rocktown Now) — This morning the Harrisonburg City Council held a meeting with James Madison University’s newest President, Dr. James Schmidt.

In the beginning, each Council member (excluding Mayor Deanna Reed) went around the room and explained their positions to President Schmidt and how it intertwines with James Madison.

Dr. Schmidt says he also has past experience serving as the President at his hometown City Council, resonates with them, and says that he appreciates all that the members do for the community.

City Manager, Ande Banks discussed he and his team’s involvement in the community and with the University as well.

There was discussion of projects along Port Republic from Tom Hartmann, Director of Public Works, where he emphasized that safety is a priority for the community of Harrisonburg and students at James Madison University. More specifically, Hartmann discussed how the train tracks in the center of campus are a safety concern, and how Hartmann and his team are developing a project and prepping for grant planning.

There was also discussion of a University Boulevard project.

The conversation then shifted over to Fire Chief Matthew Tobia with the City of Harrisonburg (VA) Fire Department. Chief Tobia expanded on the importance of sprinklers, especially around on-campus living buildings. He also discussed the issue of fire alarm pulling from students, how that can be a wasteful use of resources to the fellow firefighters, and how that can contribute to a distraction from a real emergency.

President Dr. Schmidt agreed with Chief Topia’s concerns and replied with, “What’s good for Harrisonburg is good for the University,” especially when it comes to student and community safety, and how they ultimately work together.

One of the key ideas President Schmidt highlighted, was the on-campus housing for students. He talked about how he has seen research that students do considerably better in school and have a good timeframe in their graduation process if they choose to live on-campus after their first year.

Council Member, Laura Dent says she is excited to hear about the new housing interest that President Dr. Schmidt emphasized.

To continue, President Schmidt added that there is a Campus Master Development plan that is being developed and that they do intend on presenting the plan in the Fall which could make changes to Bridgeforth Stadium and other amenities.