Palmyra approves ordinance update supported by controversial developer

This article was funded by LebTown donors as part of our Civic Impact Reporting Project.

Palmyra Borough Council approved an amendment to the zoning ordinance during the May 26 meeting, and the developer of a proposed controversial apartment complex, Jack DeCicco, spoke in favor of the action.

The ordinance, as recommended for approval by the planning commission, would authorize live/work residential development in the town’s residential zone.

During a public hearing held before the council’s vote, DeCicco with Ventura Real Estate said the change would give developers flexibility, address a critical housing shortage, and bring additional tax income to the municipality. He said existing vacant structures could be changed to housing, bringing taxpaying residents and possible business expansion into the area.

“From the very beginning, we approached this project as a partnership with the borough,” DeCicco said. “Everyone familiar with the facts knows that without the borough council and the borough staff’s support, this project would not have survived a year.”

Borough staff and council members stayed engaged through the “long process,” he said, and he’s grateful they took the time to ask hard questions.

“I personally look forward to rewarding that confidence by delivering a project that this community will be proud of for years to come,” DeCicco said.

He previously brought forward a plan for two apartment buildings housing 160 units on North Harrison and North Grant streets and requested several variances in front of the zoning hearing board.

Zoners denied two of those requests following a five-hour meeting where residents voiced their disagreement with the development — mainly focusing on building height and limited parking. The proposal included 224 parking spaces.

Assistant borough manager Brenda Pera said after the meeting that the project might be brought forward again.

“I am aware that Mr. DeCicco has an interest in pursuing the project, and the new zoning change will allow him to submit a zoning application for review,” she said.

In other business, council:

• Voted to authorize the borough solicitor to revise ordinances governing amusement arcades following an executive session. Pera said council “has a desire to review all the borough’s ordinances and make appropriate changes to encourage revitalization in this community.”
• Approved several road closure requests. The unnamed street south of the town square will be closed on June 20 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the Roma Fun Fest Day. East Arch Street from North Hamilton Alley to North Chestnut Street will be closed on June 18 and Aug. 13 from 4 to 8:30 p.m. for a church cookout and carnival, and again on Oct. 31 from 4 to 9 p.m. for Trunk or Treat.
• Appointed Kim Kaufman as borough manager.

This meeting was covered remotely by LebTown using a livestream of the meeting posted to the borough’s YouTube page.

Palmyra Borough Council will meet next at 325 S. Railroad St. on June 9 at 7 p.m. Meetings are streamed on the Palmyra Borough, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania YouTube page.