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Neighbors press developer on affordability as council tables 100 N. 13th redevelopment
Summary
A developer seeking to convert the vacant former Central Publishing House into 12 apartments told council rents would likely be $1,300–$1,500; councilmembers and residents pressed for affordable units, MBE/WBE contracting commitments, clearer voucher acceptance plans and safety measures for a nearby bus stop. The project was tabled for follow‑up materials and community outreach.
Council members and residents pressed the developer of a proposed adaptive‑reuse project at 100 North 13th Street on affordability, local hiring, and safety on June 16, prompting the council to table consideration until the July 7 work session.
The applicant seeks to convert a long‑vacant industrial building into 12 apartments and add a 15‑space parking lot on nearby Lynen Street parcels. Zayn Gist, project manager with Integrated Consulting, and Jared Neil, representing the owner, said the project preserves the historic facade, provides on‑site parking, and aims to work with minority‑ and women‑owned subcontractors. Gist said architects are about 70–80% complete and that construction could proceed quickly once land‑development approvals are in place.
Asked about likely rents, the applicant said rents would target roughly $1,300 per month for smaller units and higher for larger units, producing council concern about local affordability. Councilwoman Ross and Councilwoman Davis both told the applicants that $1,300–$1,500 would be unaffordable to many nearby residents; Davis said she operates an apartment building in the neighborhood and said rents at that level are not realistic for many existing neighbors.
Developers said they had explored affordable housing incentives and outreach to county and city housing authorities about voucher programs but had not yet committed to the city’s affordable‑housing compliance options or to a firm MBE/WBE subcontractor list. Several council members asked for specificity: whether the owner will accept Section 8 vouchers, whether two units could be made affordable under city policy, and whether the construction bid process would meaningfully include Harrisburg‑based subcontractors.
Safety and neighborhood engagement were recurring themes. Councilman Rodriguez asked the team to coordinate with the school district and transportation officials to reduce risks at a nearby bus stop during construction; Vice President Jones and others urged security, lighting and camera plans and suggested partnering youth crews on cosmetic work. Multiple members recommended an on‑site information table, QR‑code updates, and at least one neighborhood town hall so residents can review plans and timelines.
Councilman Lawson requested a packet of follow‑up materials — contractor certifications (MBE/WBE status), evidence of outreach to the housing authority and voucher administrators, and a schedule/timeline — and asked the team to provide those details to administration before the July 7 workshop. Several members said more concrete commitments would improve community support.
What happens next: the applicant agreed to gather partner and contractor details, voucher‑program contacts and projected rents, and to pursue additional neighborhood outreach. Council moved to table action and revisit the plan on July 7 after administration distributes the requested materials.
