The Harrisburg Planning Bureau has recently received two zoning variance applications to establish restaurants at 200 and 231 State Street in Harrisburg.

WCI Partners submitted an application on June 6, 2013 for the construction of a one-and-one-half-story building to house "Fraise", a new farm-to-table restaurant. The proposed 2,000 sq/ft. brick building is slated to be located on the vacant lot of 200 State Street. The following application is up for consideration before the Harrisburg Planning Commission on July 10, 2013.

At the other end of the block, Lux I, LP. is planning to house a restaurant with the possibility of commercial retail inside of the Barto building in front of the Capitol on 231 State Street. Their application is also up for consideration by the Harrisburg Planning Commission on July 10, 2013.

This variance is seeking an exemption from section 7-311.6 of the Planning and Zoning Code which prohibits restaurants and commercial retail from existing within areas designated as Special Planned Development Zones.

The Harrisburg Planning Bureau has recommended approval of Lux I's variance application with the following conditions:

1. The Applicant shall submit for a health inspection and receive approval from the Health Inspector for any proposed restaurant use.

2. The Applicant shall abide by the hours of operation applicable to businesses in the Residential Mixed Vertical (RMV) zone, specifically Monday through Saturday, from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, or as amended by the Zoning Hearing Board.

The Planning Bureau staff recommends the request be approved for the following reasons:

1. The variance would not alter the essential character of the neighborhood.

2. The applicant has indicated that there is support for the proposed business and has furnished letters of support from local business, neighbors, and neighborhood groups.

3. The proposed use(s), particularly commercial retail, will increase the shopping options for current residents of downtown Harrisburg and future residents of the upper seven floors of the Barto Building.

Photo by Natalie Cake.