Residents push back on parking plans for proposed shoe‑factory redevelopment in Palmyra

A proposed redevelopment of the historic shoe factory at 101 North Harrison Street drew public concern about parking at Palmyra Borough Council’s meeting Tuesday.

The zoning hearing board set hearings for Monday, Jan. 12, where Ventura Real Estate Development LLC will seek three special exceptions and five variances for the project, council announced. The application revisits earlier approvals and adds a new request related to building height.

In public comment, Tom Gillespie of 35 North Fresno Street urged council to require at least two parking spaces per residential unit, arguing that the proposed ratio (1.4 spaces per unit mentioned in the application discussion) will push vehicles onto Harrison, Bart, Broad and surrounding streets. "You're gonna be putting in parking lots... they're gonna park on Harrison Street," Gillespie said. He said the 94‑unit plan, as discussed, would exacerbate existing parking shortages on Franklin and nearby blocks.

Councilors and the mayor acknowledged parking frustrations and said they would follow up on submitted plans. One council member noted that some requested items were already previously approved and that some changes concern building height and internal parking provisions within the complex. Officials said they had not received all consultant materials allegedly submitted by a resident’s resource (referred to as Randy) and agreed to check for any previously submitted plans.

Why it matters: Large residential redevelopments in downtown areas can shift parking demand onto nearby residential streets if on‑site parking is limited; the zoning hearing process is the venue for parties to present evidence and for the board to weigh variances against parking and design standards.

What’s next: Zoning hearings on Jan. 12 will consider the requested exceptions and variances. Residents and applicants may present testimony; council support or objection may be offered at those hearings.