Developer seeks variances to build six condominiums on site of burned Invictus Ministries church

An applicant representing Elastic Acquisitions told the Committee of the Whole on Feb. 4 that it plans to redevelop the site of the fire‑damaged Invictus Ministries Church into a six‑unit condominium building and is seeking multiple variances from the borough's zoning ordinance.

Attorney Mike Murray described the proposal as "multifamily" in condominium form with three‑story units, garages and two off‑street spaces per unit. He said the design team is attempting to "incorporate the front facade wall of the church" and may include the church bell as a feature. Murray acknowledged the site will require "a variety of zoning relief" because the church's prior footprint created nonconforming conditions that are now reset after the fire.

Councilors and residents raised several concerns: neighborhood measurements and the zoning officer's review letter required clarification of setback calculations; several councilors pressed whether variances are necessary or whether existing nonconformities remain; and a resident cited unresolved issues from a prior nearby development (Hanover Square) and said the borough should weigh developers' past performance when assessing applications. Murray said some variances remain necessary and that the applicant will proceed to the Zoning Hearing Board once the variance list is finalized and the property is scheduled.

Solicitor staff asked questions about scheduling and confirmed the application likely will be listed as new business for the Feb. 9 council meeting. No final council vote or formal recommendation was taken at the Committee of the Whole meeting; the item will appear before the Zoning Hearing Board and then land‑development review if zoning relief is granted.