When the original designs for "Impact Warren" were drawn, Warren City Council member David See realized the plans would have to remain "fluid and flexible" if the project was to succeed.

That point was proved again on Wednesday.
See presented revised plans for riverfront townhouses to the Warren Planning Commission and the planners were unanimous in supporting the changes and approving the subdivision.

The original plans for the townhouses were met with some public criticism that the three buildings would intrude on Breeze Point Landing, an adjacent public park, and that use of the riverfront park may also intrude on occupants of the townhouses.

Concerns were also expressed to city council that the townhouses would limit access to the public riverfront park.

The developer, Susquehanna Development, and architect Thomas Harley went "back to the drawing board."

The three townhouse buildings were merged into two and the buildings were moved back 60 feet from the original site.

The revised plan will improve access to Breeze Point Landing, create a new one-way public street which will loop around the development, and create additional parking for the general public and owners of the townhouses.

"Great solution," planning commission member Don Nelson said after See outlined the plans.

Commission chairman Pat Scutella agreed, "It's a great compromise."

Commission members did question how maintenance of the new public street and parking spaces will be paid for.

See said city council will discuss the possibility of leasing the new parking spaces to townhouse occupants to cover the additional costs of snow removal and maintenance.

The subdivision still needs the approval of the city's Zoning Hearing Board and council.

Assuming the zoning board and council approve the subdivision, See said construction of the townhouses will begin soon.

"You'll see groundbreaking after the bridge folks have cleared the area," said See.

The area where the townhouses will be built is currently being used as a staging area during construction of the Hickory Street Bridge. The bridge is expected to be completed by late July, but the staging area could be cleared before then.