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Council committee weighs rezoning of three Midtown parcels to enable mixed‑use development
Summary
Bill 4 of 2025 would change three parcels from the institutional (INS) zone to the commercial neighborhood (CN) zone; applicants say the change would enable a 44‑unit mixed‑use project and the Planning Commission recommended approval. The committee referred the bill to the next legislative session.
The Community and Economic Development Committee held a public hearing on Bill 4 of 2025, which seeks to amend the official zoning map to change three Midtown parcels—320 Riley (Riley/Riley spelling in record varies), 1511 North Third Street and 329 Harris Street (formerly consolidated as part of a larger 1530 North Fourth Street parcel)—from the institutional (INS) zoning district to the commercial neighborhood (CN) district.
Jeffrey Knight, the city’s planning director, explained the INS designation dates to zoning decisions tied to a long‑planned Midtown campus for HACC (Harrisburg Area Community College) that did not fully materialize after the 2008 recession and subsequent campus planning choices. Knight said the parcels have remained underused and that CN zoning on the neighboring corridors makes a switch consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan and the mixed‑use character of the area. The Planning Commission recommended approval without conditions.
Attorney David Shruti and developer Doug Niedek, representing the applicant, described a proposed development the applicant would pursue if the rezoning is approved: a fully amenitized, mixed‑use apartment building of 44 units with about 2,600 square feet of commercial space on the first floor and 57 accessory parking spaces, with building amenities such as fitness and business centers. Niedek said the parcels historically provided temporary surface parking associated with an earlier HACC plan and that the new proposal would implement the long‑intended Midtown connections.
Council members asked clarifying questions about parcel consolidation and parking. Shruti explained that what had been recorded as 1530 North Fourth Street had been subdivided or readdressed by county map updates to create the parcel now identified as 329 Harris Street. Councilwoman Ross emphasized parking as a concern and asked the applicants to consider design solutions to make parking “easier, especially in Midtown.”
Several residents spoke in favor of the rezoning during public comment. Ed Jerrock (1521 North Second Street) described the corridor as commercial in character and urged approval. Benjamin Hall (1700 block of Penn Street) and Shane Fox (1522 Green Street) said mixed‑use housing and nearby retail would boost walkable neighborhood businesses, create jobs and produce tax revenue. Shane Fox said the developer’s plan would allow families to live within walking distance of local schools and services.
Tiersa Cameron, deputy solicitor, entered required exhibits and the Planning Commission report into the record. With no substantive opposition at the hearing, the committee voted to add Bill 4 of 2025 to the next legislative session agenda for a formal vote.
No final ordinance was adopted during the hearing; the item will return to council for a recorded legislative vote.
