Harrisburg City Council
Harrisburg City Council on Tuesday weighed in on a housing project that would construct several dozen new units in Midtown.
At a meeting, council discussed a proposed land development plan from Midtown Redevelopment LLC to construct townhomes, apartment buildings and commercial space in the area bounded by Reily, Fulton, Sayford and James streets.
In total, the development would build 62 units, across over a dozen townhomes and three 12-unit apartment buildings, near the Broad Street Market. The plan would also include 5,500 square feet of commercial space to be used as a “food hall.”
City Planning Director Geoffrey Knight recommended council support the project, noting that the future residents would help support surrounding businesses and the market.
According to developer Chris Bryce of Midtown Redevelopment, if approved by council, they expect to break ground on a first phase of the project in November.
“It will be nice to not see empty lots anymore,” said council member Jocelyn Rawls.
The project is part of a larger, expansive plan by Midtown Redevelopment to build housing on empty lots formerly owned by the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority. In November 2024, council approved a land development plan to construct 60 units in the Capital Heights neighborhood within Logan, N. 5th, Hamilton and Harris streets.
Also on Tuesday, council discussed a resolution to allow the commonwealth to close a block of Geiger Street, from N. Front to N. 2nd Street, due to safety upgrades following the recent arson at the Governor’s Residence.
If approved by council, the state’s Department of General Services will have access control to the portion of the road, which is directly next to the mansion. According to City Solicitor Neil Grover, the state requested control of the street after the arson attack at the property in April. The street closure is part of their plan to improve the security of the residence.
The road is already closed off as the state is working to construct new fencing around the mansion. According to Joel Seiders, city engineer, the section of Geiger is a “relatively unused alleyway,” and the closure shouldn’t cause traffic issues.
“This seems like a no-brainer to me,” said council President Danielle Hill.
Council will vote on the resolution at the next legislative session.
In other news, council discussed Commonwealth Charter Academy’s proposal to demolish the majority of a vacant school building at 555 S. 25th St. and reconstruct a building to be used by staff and administration.
“I have a business in that neighborhood, so it’s good to see something going on with that school,” council member Ralph Rodriguez said.
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