HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Harrisonburg Planning Commission voted to recommend that City Council approve a rezoning request to allow the six-story The Link apartment complex to be built on South Main Street.

At Wednesday night’s meeting, the development team presented slight changes to the plan, including an altered façade, an increased number of parking spaces, and variations in the type and number of units that will be included.

Some Commissioners questioned why the developers proposed a $93,000 cash proffer – a contribution towards the City’s efforts to supply affordable housing — when affordable units could be included in the complex itself.

Todd Rhea of Clark and Bradshaw responded that the building was not designed to effectively produce such housing.

The Planning Commission ultimately approved the recommendation in a 6 to 1 vote, with Vice Chair Shannon Porter voting in opposition.