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Decade-old housing project moving ahead

A housing project on Wisteria Lane that started over a decade ago, lagged in its development process over the years, is being re-examined with vigor by city officials and a private developer.

More than 10 years ago, there was a land development approved for a couple of phases for owner-occupied houses called the Pennsy Heights project, according to Gary Knarr, city zoning administrator.

The housing development was discussed at the last economic revitalization committee meeting, bringing in voices such as the developer, T. Ross Brothers, Mayor Derek Slaughter and Jason Fink, president and CEO of the Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.

The first phase, aptly called Phase I, contained 20-some lots.

At present, there are two owner-occupied houses built at the top of Wisteria Lane.

So, T. Ross Brothers purchased the property and is in the process of moving forward with the project expansion.

“The developer has applied for building permits for two more owner occupied townhomes,” Knarr said.

Upon completion of Phase I, the developer is working to see more tracts of land built on, Knarr said.

All the infrastructure is completed and in place for Phase I.

T. Ross Brothers will now need to come back before the city planning commission and City Council to develop the other parcels of land to include storm water, Knarr said.

Meanwhile, Knarr is continuing to meet with the developers from this point forward to see the completion of the housing development.

Wisteria Lane is part of the city, so any development that goes on will become a new housing sector and be able to add to the city tax rolls.

The land development plan must be redone to meet current storm water requirements, Knarr said.

In addition to the city officials giving approval the housing plan also must be forwarded to council planning, with any comments added, before the city planning commission gets to see it, Knarr said.

The housing plan documents are currently being reviewed by the city solicitor, too, as these must fall under the Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Code.

T.R. Brothers also asked for consideration by the city for use of certain eligible American Rescue Plan funds as they might relate to water and sewer systems for the housing project.

The remaining tract of land, or about 72 acres, is proposed as Phase II.

It would be an owner-occupied middle-to-upper middle income subdivision.

The idea is to complete what was started there several years ago, the developer told the panel.

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