Harrisburg City Council session on Tuesday
Harrisburg City Council recently voted down a proposed apartment building, but that project now may get a second chance for approval.
On Tuesday, council voted to reconsider a land development plan for the 2700-block of N. Front St., a proposal that they voted against, 5-2, at last week’s meeting, after expressing concern that it would not include affordable units, as federally defined.
“We decided to reconsider because the legal ramifications would likely be great,” council President Danielle Bowers told TheBurg. “We hope to come to a level of compromise.”
Representatives for EI Realty, the developer of the proposed 21-unit apartment building, explained at previous council meetings that they were not interested in offering affordable housing as part of the project, saying that it wouldn’t be “financially viable.”
At last week’s meeting, council member Shamaine Daniels, who voted with council member Westburn Majors in favor of the proposal, shared her concern with members who rejected the project, saying that as long as developers “follow the rules, you have to approve the plans.”
The city’s affordable housing program is voluntary, meaning that developers are encouraged, but not required, to include lower-cost units in their projects.
While council voted against the project last week, they have now decided to meet with the developer to discuss possible solutions to their concerns and eventually re-vote.
According to City Solicitor Neil Grover, the vote to reconsider means that council’s previous vote is eliminated, and they must re-vote on the land development plan within 30 days, by June 30.
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