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Zoning board clears mixed‑use project at 1301 Berryhill with conditions on uses and parking
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Summary
The board approved a proposed two‑story mixed‑use building at 1301 Berryhill Street — ground-floor commercial (coffee shop/personal services) and three residential units — with conditions requiring a land-development plan, restricted commercial uses without further approvals, screening around parking and retention of a large tree unless removed by the city arborist.
The Harrisburg Zoning Hearing Board on April 20 approved a petition to build a mixed‑use building at 1301 Berryhill Street, allowing three residential units above ground‑floor commercial space while granting relief from off‑street parking requirements subject to planning commission conditions.
Planning Director Jeff Knight presented the project as a 0.16‑acre gateway redevelopment that had been vacant since demolition of the prior building in 2007. Knight said the site is suitable for a mixed‑use scheme combining daytime commercial uses (coffee shop, personal services) and three residential units above, and that the project minimizes zoning relief by proposing limited commercial uses and a modest residential count.
Applicant Juan Tolentino, represented through translator Chris Matorez, said the commercial space would operate roughly 9 a.m. to 8–9 p.m. and that residential units would be rented at fair‑market rates; the site plan indicates one one‑bedroom, one two‑bedroom and one three‑bedroom unit. Knight said the planning commission recommends approval with conditions including submittal of a land‑development plan and limits on permitted commercial uses so the property cannot change to a more intensive use without board approval.
Other conditions call for landscape screening around the proposed parking area, retention of a large on‑site tree unless the city arborist determines it is a hazard, and a requirement that the applicant secure planning commission and city council approvals for the land‑development plan. Planning staff noted the site is served by three bus routes and nearby on‑street parking, and that the proposed 4 on‑site spaces (one ADA) represent the maximum feasible on the lot.
A motion to approve the special exceptions and dimensional variance with the planning commission’s conditions was adopted by voice vote. The board will provide a written decision within 45 days.
The approval permits the applicant to proceed toward land‑development review and required city approvals subject to the stated conditions.
