Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves Penmark redevelopment at 2601 N. 3rd; tabled and sent back the 333 Market senior proposal pending more details
Summary
Harrisburg City Council approved Penmark Harrisburg Holdings’ land‑development plan for 2601 North 3rd Street (Resolution 73) and later tabled a separate proposal to convert floors 11–19 at 333 Market Street into senior housing (Resolution 74) after a 3–3 tie and a motion to reconsider.
Harrisburg City Council on Nov. 10 approved Resolution 73, clearing a preliminary/final land‑development plan submitted by Penmark Harrisburg Holdings to convert the northern building at 2601 North 3rd Street into multifamily housing totaling 96 units. Several neighbors and supporters spoke in favor of the project; Nicole Reyes (a nearby resident) said the applicant "has been very transparent" and recommended moving the item forward. After council questions, the resolution passed by a recorded 6–0 vote.
Resolution 74, a separate land‑development application submitted by Bradley Jones of Harris Town Development Corporation to convert vacant office floors 11–19 at 333 Market Street into 81 residential units (proposed for senior housing and a potential master‑lease model), drew extended council scrutiny. Councilmembers repeatedly pressed for affordability details, the identity of a senior‑housing operator and accommodation plans (including elevator configuration). Bradley Jones explained the developer seeks entitlements to make the property marketable to a senior‑housing operator and said the team has not yet selected a tenant/operator.
The first recorded vote on Resolution 74 resulted in a 3–3 tie. Council then successfully moved to reconsider and—after additional discussion—voted 6–0 to table Resolution 74 so councilmembers can meet with the developer in a smaller setting and gather missing information. President Hill and others noted the application met statutory standards but that council could pursue an ordinance if it wants to require affordable units in future conversions. Resolution 75 (1605–1613 Market Street) was read and referred to the community and economic development committee for further consideration; its deemed‑approved deadline was noted as Dec. 30, 2025.
Why it matters: The Penmark approval will add nearly 100 units to North 3rd Street and advances downtown housing conversions the council has prioritized. The 333 Market decision shows council tension between enabling redevelopment and ensuring affordability and clarity about senior‑housing operations.
Next steps: Councilmembers asked staff and the developer to meet and return with specifics on operator selection, rents and senior accommodations; Resolution 74 will remain tabled until council receives that information.
