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Six single-family homes along with a pocket park for recreation.
That is what Williamsport City Council assured for a portion of Scott Street as plans by Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity move ahead into the construction phase.
Council waived a provision in the planning code and approved a six-lot subdivision.
Gary Knarr, zoning officer and interim codes administrator officer, brought the request from the Redevelopment Authority along with Habitat for Humanity.
The six-lot subdivision will place six properties on the lots on Scott Street in a residential unit district.
It is at the former Brodart warehouse site.
Councilman Eric Beiter said this housing project was presented to the Economic Revitalization Committee. August "Skip" Memmi, city executive director of the department of community and economic development, said Habitat planned to interview families in accordance with their needs.
Councilman Jon Mackey asked about parking because it is tight along Scott Street and was told by Knarr the driveways will front the properties off Scott Street.
Councilman Randy Allison noted how the larger lot was once the Brodart warehouse. The warehouse deteriorated and Habitat officials approached the council about housing.
The warehouse was torn down but Habitat could not do the scope of a project it is planning for now back then. Ideas were explored such as building market-rate apartments and townhouses.
It is good to see the initial move made by Habitat and single-family homes to be built as a result of the open land, Allison said.
Lot 1 will remain open and be turned into a pocket park for recreation for the neighborhood. The area will retain its residential characteristics.
Councilwoman Liz Miele said it was exciting to see the new residential possibilities after years of struggle to find the right fit in a neighborhood that is solid. The location is just a brief walk to all that Memorial Park offers.
To add that many owner-occupied properties is such a great thing, she said.