George Fernandez of Fernandez Realty Group listens to comments from residents about his proposed Woodward Lofts project.
At a community forum on Thursday, a developer presented his plan for an affordable housing project in Harrisburg, though many neighborhood residents who attended expressed concerns about the proposal.
Harrisburg-based Fernandez Realty Group shared its plan to construct an affordable apartment building for seniors at 1001 N. 18th St., and heard comments from neighborhood residents, many of whom strongly opposed the project.
In February, the Harrisburg School District approved the sale of the vacant lot that previously housed Woodward Elementary School, to Fernandez Realty Group. However, the sale is still pending as the district must receive approval from the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas for the sale.
The developer, George Fernandez, said that, if approved, he plans to construct “Woodward Lofts,” a four-story building with 48 affordable apartment units for senior citizens. The building would also house a community room, daycare, food and clothing banks, possibly a pharmacy or clinic and 37 off-street parking spots.
“There’s a need in our community, and we are doing something to make a difference about it,” Fernandez said.
However, local residents filled the pews at Harris AME Zion Church for the community meeting, many to express concern over the project.
Common themes among those who spoke were concerns about increased traffic, less parking availability, a possible increase in crime and the project lowering property values for homeowners.
“I have to look at being a homeowner, and it’s not helping us in no way, shape or form,” said Yvette Williams, who lives in the neighborhood. “He needs to come walk a mile in our shoes to see what we go through each and every day.”
Several residents stated that they would rather see a project to build single-family houses for first-time homeowners or a park or garden.
“Homeownership is how you build up and revitalize a community,” said Stephanie, another neighbor.
While several community members shared that they understood the need for affordable housing, they said that building it at the proposed site would have too many adverse effects on the neighborhood.
“This is a beautiful project, but not for our neighborhood,” another resident said.
Mayor Wanda Williams and City Council President Danielle Bowers were also in attendance at the meeting.
According to Fernandez, he plans to continue moving forward with his proposed $17 million apartment development project.
“Woodward Lofts is based on research and data of what the needs are for the city,” he said. “There’s a subset of people who do need these units.”
Fernandez broke ground on his first affordable housing project, Sycamore Homes, on the 1400-block of Sycamore Street in October 2022.
“We understand that housing is a crisis here in the city of Harrisburg as it is across the United States of America right now,” he said.
For more information about Fernandez Realty Group, visit their website.
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