Council committee backs plan for four affordable homeownership row homes on Market Street

The community and economic development committee reviewed Resolution 75 (2025), the land development plan for 1605–1613 Market Street submitted by Chris Franklin of Handel’s Helping Hand Foundation and represented by On Hill Development and Integrated Consulting. Planning Director Jeffrey Knight said the proposal consolidates five largely vacant parcels into four new parcels, each to receive a single attached row home intended as certified long-term affordable units targeted at first-time homebuyers.

Knight told council the planning commission recommended approval with conditions: the applicant must secure affordable housing certification pursuant to Chapter 12.101 of Title 12 before recording the plan with the Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds; consider accessible entrance design and porch detailing; and consider rear-yard fencing or side gates to improve privacy and security. The project received zoning-relief approvals at the zoning hearing board, including relief from off-street parking requirements; applicants said they have a draft parking lease with a church on the 1500 block of Market Street as a backup.

Developer Chris Franklin described a multi-year effort to bring vacant lots back into productive use and said partners include PHFA, county commissioners (municipal gaming dollars), M&T Bank and MidPen; the team estimated per-unit sales likely in the $120,000–$125,000 range and said construction is targeted to start in spring 2026. Council members asked about MBE/WBE participation and community outreach; the project team said the application included MBE participation assurances and previously circulated a neighborhood support letter with roughly 15 signatures. The committee voted to move Resolution 75 to the full council legislative agenda for formal consideration.