Planning commission denies special-exception request for supportive housing at North Front Street

The Harrisburg Planning Commission denied a special-exception application to establish a supportive housing facility at 2931 North Front Street, voting to reject the request after staff and neighbors said the submission lacked key information and outreach.

The planning bureau recommended denial, saying "the applicants have provided no justification or support for the proposal beyond the limited information provided in the application and business synopsis," that the operator and number of residents were not identified, and that the applicants "have not demonstrated how the proposed use will be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood." The property is a 0.38-acre lot with a 5,243-square-foot, two-and-a-half-story Tudor-style building constructed in 1926.

The applicant’s local representative, Tara Davis, told the commission she had been involved as the listing agent and that the direct applicant, Mr. Heimberger, lives out of state. She said the operator has existing properties in the Tri-County area and that "He's housed over 266 clients, from within the Tri County space just this year alone." Davis said she could provide additional documentation after the meeting but that she had not realized the planning bureau wanted the operator details with the original submission: "I didn't know until this moment that that was a request or a need."

Neighbors who spoke opposed the proposal. Eric Beittell, who said he lives "around the corner at 125 Manor Street," said he received no notice and was uncertain whether the facility would serve people with mental-health needs, substance-use disorders, or both. Dave Shankwall, who lives at 2921 North Front Street two doors from the site, said two similar facilities already operate nearby and described problems he attributed to those sites, including persistent outdoor activity and smoking. "I just don't think it's compatible," Shankwall said.

Commissioners said the application did not follow the instructions and lacked sufficient documentation and community engagement. One commissioner moved to deny the application "primarily on the basis that the information that was submitted is not following the instructions that were provided with the application process." The motion was seconded, put to a voice vote and the chair announced, "Motion carried."

The planning bureau advised applicants to submit operator credentials, a description of the number of residents, certifications or licenses, and documentation of outreach to surrounding neighbors before seeking the commission’s recommendation to the zoning hearing board. Staff directed that any additional materials be sent to Jeff (planning bureau staff) for review prior to a future hearing.

The denial is a recommendation by the Planning Commission; further action on the special-exception application will be taken by the zoning hearing board if the applicants refile or appeal.

Less-critical details: the staff report noted the building retains most of its original Tudor features, including stone treatment on the first level, half-timbering with stucco on upper levels, a steep gabled roof with dormers and a prominent brick chimney.