New homes, apartment complexes and businesses have opened or are under construction in the Stone Spring area south of Harrisonburg city limits.

The increase in activity has prompted planners to begin consideration of a small area plan — a hyperlocal version of a comprehensive plan.

"Now you're looking down to the street level," said Rhonda Cooper, the Director of Community Development in Rockingham County.

This would involve creating a strategy for future development and "how you would anticipate further residential and commercial development fitting into that," according to Cooper.

Future projects already announced include a Taco Bell, car wash, Altitude at JMU, and a housing complex tailored toward non-college students. Other rumored franchises coming to the area could not be confirmed.

The effort to improve Massanetta Springs Rd. is ahead of schedule, Cooper said.

"This is an important project for the county because of the increase in safety it will provide and the ease of movement in the area," she said.