City examines prospect of baseball stadium

A proposal for a development that would include a minor-league baseball stadium, civic center, retail complex and hotel currently is under review by the city of Harrisonburg.

Harrisonburg Downtown Visions, LLC, a development group, submitted a $100 million project proposal to the city to be the primary developer of the property at the intersection of Neff Avenue and Port Republic Road.

"This is just a proposal at this point," said Miriam Dickler, public information officer of the city of Harrisonburg. "Negotiations are still taking place and no contracts have been made."

Feasibility studies conducted by both the city and development group show that Harrisonburg is a good site for the new complex. Harrisonburg is continually growing and efforts are being made to enhance the retail and entertainment aspects of the city for its residents and summer tourists, Dickler said.

According to Dickler, the population of student residents is very important to the city and thus, the city is actively talking to JMU for its feedback and contributions to the project.

The university owns 41 acres of the land at the proposed site, which totals 108 acres. The other 67 acres are privately owned. As of now, JMU has not agreed to any funding, but if they agree to take part in the funding of the stadium, it will in turn lease the stadium for the university’s team. Baseball coach Spanky McFarland said there are several ways a stadium would benefit JMU’s baseball team.

"Lights would mean night games which would equal less class missed, more fans would be able to attend and we could get some bigger-name opponents," McFarland said.

The parking also would be a bonus, he added, because there is little parking at the current field. In addition, a stadium would give JMU baseball the opportunity to host CAA, NCAA or other tournaments.

Students agree that the addition of these facilities would be good for the city. "I think it would help the community financially," junior Kelly Cummings said. "Also, it will help draw more attention to Harrisonburg."