Developer revises 79 N. Handover plan; council presses for site cleanup before support

The developer seeking zoning relief for 79 North Handover Street presented a revised plan to Borough Council on April 8 that reduces the project from an earlier, variance-heavy townhome proposal to six twin units and four variances. Councilors welcomed the improved design but repeatedly pressed the applicant on site cleanup and certainty of funding.

Applicant presentation: Mike, the applicant’s attorney, described changes that convert the earlier larger townhouse plan into three two-unit “twin” pods and cut the number of variances to four (front yard on Chestnut, rear yard relief, a 12-foot access drive and an interpretation about driveway location under conservation-district rules). He emphasized brick-front facades, curb repairs to bring sidewalks to ADA compliance and coordination with the borough and HARB on materials.

Council reaction: Several members said they preferred the new design but demanded accountability for the fire-damaged site’s condition. One councilor urged the applicant to commit to cleaning the property within a set timeframe before council would offer support; the applicant said cleanup financing is contingent on a recorded land-development plan and construction loan, not available immediately. “That site has sat like that since February. That’s disgraceful,” one council member said, urging fines or faster remediation. Public commenters supported redevelopment but also urged enforcement mechanisms to penalize dereliction.

Why it matters: The site has been visibly blighted since a November fire, neighbors and councilors said, and redevelopment would remove a dangerous, derelict structure and add housing. Opponents of unconditional support argued council letters should not be distributed without binding commitments because a letter can be perceived as political cover without enforceable commitments.

Next steps: The zoning hearing for the application is scheduled for April 22. Staff suggested council may provide a conditional letter of support tied to site cleanup or remain neutral; several council members said they would oppose unconditional support. The applicant indicated the lender requires a six-unit project to underwrite cleanup and construction funding.

No zoning decision was taken at the council table; council will decide publicly on April 22 whether to take a position or set conditions for any support letter.