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Board denies 2100 North 3rd Street application after heated debate over parking and density
Summary
The Zoning Hearing Board denied the special exception and variances for a proposed 13-unit affordable housing conversion at 2100 North 3rd Street, citing unresolved questions about off-street parking tied to 327 and 329 Maclay Street and whether claimed hardships justify variances.
The Harrisburg Zoning Hearing Board voted to deny application 2642, which sought to convert 2100 North 3rd Street to a 13-unit affordable housing building and to use two small nearby lots (327 and 329 Maclay Street) for required parking.
Planning Director Jeff Knight described prior observations and the on-street parking picture, saying the project would require "6 or 7" parking spaces under the zoning code and noting the planning commission recommended removing one unit for tenant services. Applicant representatives (including developer George Fernandez) said they had acquired the Maclay lots to provide long-term parking for residents and argued that without those lots the project's feasibility and fundraising would collapse.
Board members questioned whether buying lots expressly for parking created a self‑imposed "hardship" that could justify granting a use variance. Member James Hobbs warned approving relief on those facts could set an undesirable precedent. After deliberation the board approved a motion to deny the special-exception and variances related to the 2100 North 3rd Street project; a written decision will follow within 45 days.
