A long-vacant industrial property at Sixth and Chestnut streets has moved a step closer to redevelopment.
The Reading Planning Commission at its meeting Tuesday unanimously approved the preliminary land development plan of House Development Corporation MidAtlantic and Landis Quality Living, both of Lancaster County, for the redevelopment of a former industrial complex into 46 apartments for residents 62 and older.
House Development is a 53-year-old nonprofit affordable housing developer, property manager and resident services coordinator founded in 1971. It serves 5,000 residents in 72 communities in Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland.
Landis is a nonprofit real estate developer founded in 1964. The company specializes in senior housing and serves about 950 residents across five properties in Pennsylvania.
The developers plan to consolidate 10 parcels — 201 through 225 S. Sixth St. and 216 through 226 Plum St. — for the senior housing project, known as Cornerstone on Sixth.
The developers plan to consolidate 10 parcels — 201 through 225 S. Sixth St. and 216 through 226 Plum St. — for the senior housing project, known as Cornerstone on Sixth. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
The project also includes 52 off-street parking spaces and a series of streetscape and pedestrian improvements.
City planning consultant Jerome Skrincosky said most reviews by outside agencies have been completed and that remaining issues can be addressed as the final plan is processed.
The outstanding items, he said, include final refinements to lighting, traffic control measures, site accessibility and utility approvals.
Developers of the Cornerstone at Sixth housing say they hope to have the project ready to begin construction by the end of the year. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
As part of its approval, the commission agreed to waive the required traffic impact study after the developer offered to mill and repave Plum Street from Chestnut Street to the southern end of the property.
Commission members praised the redevelopment effort and the project’s design, particularly noting the planned preservation of exterior architectural features, including ornamental brickwork.
Representatives for the developer said demolition at the site is underway and they hope to have the project ready to begin construction by the end of the year.
Developers of the Cornerstone at Sixth housing say they hope to have the project ready to begin construction by the end of the year. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
Other action
The commission’s approval was among several development-related actions taken during the meeting.
Commissioners approved an annexation plan for Reading Tech LLC at 415-433 Pearl St., allowing the workforce training organization to consolidate multiple parcels near its existing campus. Representatives said a warehouse building on the site will initially be used for forklift training and could eventually house welding instruction programs.
City Councilman Jaime Baez Jr., liaison to the commission, praised the project, citing Reading Tech’s workforce development programs and expansion into skilled trades training.
The commission also granted final approval for an adaptive reuse project at 317 Franklin St. Developers plan to convert the building into a day care center on the first floor with four apartments on the upper floors.
The commission recommended that City Council accept the dedication of streets within the Castlewood subdivision and remove a portion of the rear yard of 730 N. Third St. from the Centre Park Historic District so it can be incorporated into a planned parking lot serving a nearby bar and restaurant.
Council is expected to vote on both measures at its next regular meeting.