Board approves Phase 2 scattered‑site affordable housing with conditions to improve sidewalks and replace trees

Harrisburg’s Zoning Hearing Board approved a large, multi‑lot affordable housing project known as Phase 2 — a scattered‑site redevelopment that will create 34 affordable units across 17 buildings on consolidated lots. Developers Cooper Companies and TLC Workbased Training presented the application and said Phase 1 is fully leased.

Planning Director Jeffrey Knight and engineers from Eustace Engineering outlined the requested zoning relief: reduced lot area per unit under the affordable housing certification program, relief from prevailing building‑width rules, full encroachment into some front/side yard setbacks, authorization for rear‑yard parking encroachments, and limited tree removals for site work. The planning bureau recommended approval, provided applicants submit lot consolidation and land‑development plans, reconstruct sidewalks to full width between curb and property lines, install curb bumpouts where requested, coordinate tree replacement with the city arborist and consider fencing or other measures to deter illegal parking and dumping.

Developer Jared Miller (Cooper Companies) said the project is intended to match Phase 1 aesthetics and that financing relies on state tax‑credit structures and PHFA funding; he said the scattered‑site layout was necessary to reach an economically viable unit count under tax‑credit financing. Eustace Engineering described building types (two‑ and three‑story buildings, mix of one‑ to three‑bedroom units), stormwater basins and the planned provision of 10 off‑street parking spaces where code would otherwise require 17.

Board members and staff discussed fencing, lighting, security cameras, tree removals and the applicants’ commitment to reconstruct sidewalks and provide street trees. The board approved the requested variances and special exceptions subject to the planning bureau’s recommended conditions with agreement that final design details will be refined during land‑development review.

The board ordered written decisions to be issued to applicants; land‑development and permit approvals will be required before any construction begins.