Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Comprehensive plan OK’d by Harrisburg Planning Commission, heads to City Council

This area of N. 4th Street may become part of a “Market Mews” neighborhood under Harrisburg’s draft comprehensive plan.

After years of work, the Harrisburg Planning Commission has unanimously approved a new comprehensive plan for the city.

During a virtual meeting late last week, the commission voted to pass the plan, called “HBG2020,” which is intended to set guidelines and goals for the city for the next 10 to 20 years.

“I’m pleased with the current draft as it was passed and the fact that we finally have a guiding document, as there is so much development already happening in the city,” planning commissioner Anne Marek said today.

Harrisburg’s current comprehensive plan dates back to 1974 and is largely regarded as outdated. The effort to draft a new plan began in 2013, but has been hobbled by delays, as well as a dispute between the city and the architect hired to draft it.

Now that the commission has approved the 246-page document, the plan moves to City Council. Once introduced, it will undergo a 45-day public comment period, as well as a public hearing, before a final vote.

“We have several steps to go to reach the finish line, but we’re hopeful this will get approved,” Marek said.

The draft plan contains many ideas, concepts and goals for Harrisburg over the next decade or two.

For instance, it suggests the development of “Market Mews” near the Broad Street Market, which would promote development of a “pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use core” of residential and commercial uses. Other ideas include refreshment kiosks in Riverfront Park, a “City Square” mixed-use development along Market Street east of the train station, a downtown gateway and a new “Meander Park” on Allison Hill.

The draft, though, emphasizes that these are proposals, not mandates, and should serve mostly as guidance for future planning and zoning efforts.

“I’m excited for the document to be a catalyst for future funding and development ideas to continue our progress in Harrisburg,” Marek said.

Click here to view Harrisburg’s draft comprehensive plan.

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