Board approves six‑unit Walnut Street infill with affordable‑housing aim

The Harrisburg Zoning Hearing Board approved a proposal to consolidate two vacant lots at 1257–1259 Walnut Street and construct a three‑story, six‑unit building that applicants say will reserve units for households up to 60% of the area median family income.

Planning Director Jeffrey Knight told the board the lots have been vacant for roughly 30 years, that the surrounding pattern of development limits on‑site parking, and that the application required special exceptions and variances for multi‑family use, off‑street parking relief and density/width standards. The planning commission recommended approval with conditions including lot consolidation, a land development plan, City Council and Architectural Review Board approvals and compliance with stormwater and land‑development review.

Arthur Jefferson and Duran Sawyers of South Central PA Restoration LLC testified that the project will include three one‑bedroom and three two‑bedroom units and incorporate a rooftop patio, green roof and solar panels. Jefferson said financing commitments include a PHFA grant and Federal Home Loan Bank support and that additional funds (HOME‑ARP) were being pursued.

Board members questioned the applicants about elevator and height constraints, stormwater routing and the proposed cooperative ownership model that applicants described as a long‑term strategy to build generational wealth. The applicants said the elevator cost would make additional floors infeasible and that the cooperative conversion would follow a 15‑year compliance period.

The board moved, seconded and approved the requested variances and special exceptions; staff said the written decision would be mailed to the applicants within 45 days. Required next steps include lot consolidation, ARB review, land‑development approval, and codes inspections prior to any certificate of occupancy.