Author Archives: Maddie Conley

Alexander Grass Campus opens new playgrounds for students, community in Harrisburg

October 29, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

The new playground at Alexander Grass Campus. Photo courtesy of Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg.

Harrisburg kids now have another place to play.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg announced that they constructed two new playgrounds for schoolchildren and the community at their Alexander Grass Campus for Jewish Life in Uptown.

The playgrounds were built on the Etter Family Green, a large green space on the Grass Campus.

They are already being used by Jewish Community Center participants and students at the Brenner Family ELC and The Silver Academy, housed on the Grass Campus.

Additionally, the playgrounds are open to the entire community outside of school hours, after 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and until dusk on Saturdays and Sundays.

“With immense pride and happiness, we celebrate the opening of our new playgrounds—a vibrant space where laughter, imagination, and community come alive,” said Christine Cutuli, chief operating officer of the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg. “Deepest thanks to every generous contributor who made this dream a reality; your support and kindness will echo in the joy of every child who plays and learns here.”

The playgrounds, designed by BCI Burke, include slides, enrichment features, seating spaces, and a xylophone. The Jewish Federation also upgraded the Etter Family Green with a fence and safety infrastructure.

Funds for the project came through numerous grants, including a Neighborhood Assistance Program grant from Capital Blue Cross, a Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency Non-Profit Security grant and a Dauphin County Local Shares Municipal grant, among others.

The campus will hold a playground launch party on Sunday, Nov. 2, from 12 to 2 p.m. and a ribbon-cutting/dedication ceremony in spring 2026.

The Alexander Grass Campus for Jewish Life is located at 2986 N. 2^nd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website.

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City Council approves office-to-apartment conversion in downtown Harrisburg

October 28, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

315 N. 2nd St. in Harrisburg

An adaptive reuse project in downtown Harrisburg can move forward, having received the stamp of approval from City Council.

Developer Breneman Properties plans to transform three attached office buildings at 315 N. 2^nd St. into a 10-unit apartment building.

Council passed the apartment conversion by a vote of 4-2, with council member Jocelyn Rawls and council president Danielle Hill voting against the project. Hill prefaced her vote by saying she would vote “no” because the development did not include affordable housing, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Council member Ausha Green was not in attendance.

The vacant 8,300-square-foot office building formerly housed the Pennsylvania Healthcare Association. The renovation will include constructing one- and two-bedroom units ranging from 500 to 1,200 square feet. Eight off-street parking spots already exist on site.

Units are expected to rent from $1,000 to $1,400 a month, the developer said.

Additionally, council approved allowing the city to negotiate and enter into a professional services agreement with Ellen Freedman Schultz and Associates, LLC to develop an urban forestry and watershed education curriculum in partnership with the Harrisburg School District. The city will pay $25,000 for the program, money that will be reimbursed by a federal grant that Harrisburg received in 2023.

In other council action, Yvonne Marie Jackson was appointed to the Harrisburg Housing Authority board.

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Police hopeful that new tech will help solve, deter crime in Harrisburg

October 27, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

LiveView Technology camera on N. 2nd Street

Police are hopeful that recent technology upgrades will aid in solving and preventing crimes.

Harrisburg Police Bureau officials told TheBurg at a press briefing on Monday that new tech has recently been introduced in the city, including cameras and license plate readers, thanks to state grants.

In 2022, the bureau was awarded over $3.3 million from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), with $2.2 million of that coming from the state’s Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program and the other $1.26 million from its Gun Violence Investigation & Prosecution Grant Program.

Nearly three years later, the city has recently put much of that money to use, purchasing mobile LiveView Technology (LVT) cameras and installing license plate readers throughout Harrisburg, along with other new electronics.

The new tech is all part of the bureau’s long-term plan to “blanket” the city in safety improvements, according to Deputy Chief Kenny Young.

Residents and city visitors may have noticed several large cameras flashing blue and fitted with solar panels for energy. One currently sits downtown on N. 2^nd Street, near Cranberry Street. Another is at 18^th and Regina streets. Harrisburg has three of these cameras that the city used on a trial basis over the summer and then purchased in September. The city plans to purchase two more, with one for the bureau and on for the public works department.

Young said that these cameras are meant to be seen and will hopefully deter crime in higher-crime areas. They can also be moved around to different hotspots in the city.

He shared that the police have already seen positive effects and noted that residents were upset when an LVT camera was slated to be moved from Hummel and Kittatinny streets because of how quiet the neighborhood had been.

Young said that downtown has seemed to stabilize a bit too, with no major incidents recently.

Additionally, 58 license plate readers have just recently gone live at 16 intersections around Harrisburg. The devices scan every license plate that goes through the areas, including the make and model of cars. The cameras inside the police officers’ cars will have LPR technology as well.

“They can be a tremendous tool,” said Lt. Kyle Gautsch, a bureau detective. “It definitely helps for investigations.”

The plate readers have already come in handy for the bureau, being used on recent investigations. Gautsch said that the bureau has also utilized neighboring municipalities’ plate readers in the past, which have proven crucial in solving cases.

They’re especially helpful when detectives lack eyewitnesses in a case, which is a common issue, Gautsch said.

“We have to rely on different technological advancements,” he said.

About 12 of the LPRs also have “overwatch” cameras attached, which offer video footage of cars traveling through intersections, rather than just the still image that regular LPRs provide.

The state grants also provided funds for safety tech that has gone directly to residents, such as doorbell cameras and porch lights. The bureau distributed free doorbell cameras to 133 homes in higher crime areas, which were all installed by August. These were accepted by residents voluntarily, without any requirement that residents provide footage to the bureau, officials said. The 400 porch lights are currently being distributed.

Both of the PCCD grants were extended through 2026 and also include funds for officer wellness, overtime payments for saturation details, Cellebrite technology—a digital forensic tool–and a 3-D crime scene mapping program.

Young said that the tech upgrades took time to install because the bureau had to find personnel to oversee the projects and because the bureau had to make some modifications to the grant projects.

Originally, the city planned to use some of the state funds to purchase gunshot detection technology. However, after deliberation, they decided that license plate readers and cameras were a more important first step. Gunshot detection helps quickly show police where a shooting originated, but without information on where suspects may have traveled, as gathered through LPRs, the gunshot detection is less helpful.

Young sees all of the bureau’s recent upgrades as phase one of his five-year vision for tech upgrades in Harrisburg. Next, he hopes to find grant money to fund the purchase of gunshot detection and surveillance cameras.

Young pointed to police bureaus in York and Allentown as examples of how cameras can help reduce crime.

Lehigh Valley News reported earlier this month that the number of homicides for the year is at a historic low in Allentown and that new camera technology was crucial in quick arrests following homicides.

In Harrisburg, officials are hopeful that their technology will do the same.

“We’re going to get a lot of use from them,” Gautsch said.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

October 24, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg and local officials ceremonially broke ground on the “Coronet Park” project downtown.

We want to take a second to thank our readers for your support. Whether you’ve been reading TheBurg since the beginning or just discovered us, we are thankful for you! Keep on reading below for our news coverage from this week.

Harristown Development Co. shared its plans for “Coronet Park,” our online story reported. The company will build a park for events and concerts in an empty lot just off Market Square on S. 2nd Street.

Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra is launching its 2025-26 season with a full schedule of concerts, our magazine story reported. There is something for all musical tastes in the Masterworks Series of shows, our writer says.

Lewis Butts Jr. announced his write-in campaign for mayor of Harrisburg, our story reported. Butts ran for the Democratic nomination in the primary, but was unsuccessful.

Midstate Shows announced its first show for the 2026 Dauphin County Live Concert Series, our online story reported. Alt-indie band Rainbow Kitten Surprise will take the stage in Riverfront Park on Sept. 15.

Midtown Cinema is showing “It Was Just an Accident,” by Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi this month. Find out more about the movie, in our column.

PennDOT announced that it had reopened the 29^th Street Bridge and would soon close the 19^th Street Bridge for reconstruction, our online story reported. The work on both Harrisburg bridges is part of the I-83 Capital Beltway project.

QuisQueya Grill & Delights recently opened in Harrisburg, with a store and neighboring food truck, our magazine story reported. The husband-and-wife team cook up Dominican and New York-style eats.

Rosemary’s one-pot roast chicken is the perfect fall dish. In her column, find the recipe for the easy, yet delicious meal.

Sara Bozich has compiled a list of all of this weekend’s top events, in her Weekend Roundup.

Voters in Harrisburg are still undecided on which mayoral candidate to vote for, our reporting found. Many told TheBurg that they didn’t plan to vote or didn’t know who the candidates were, while a few knew who they supported.

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Many Harrisburg voters are still undecided, disengaged in mayoral race

October 24, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Campaign signs on Verbeke Street.

With just over a week until election day in Harrisburg, many voters are still undecided over who they believe will make the best mayor.

At lunchtime on Thursday and Friday at the Broad Street Market, dozens of residents told TheBurg that they were either not voting or still needed to research the mayoral candidates before casting their ballot, while several others had their minds made up.

The municipal general election is on Nov. 4, when residents will decide on the city’s next chief executive. Incumbent Wanda Williams is the Democratic nominee and City Treasurer Dan Miller, a registered Democrat, is the Republican nominee. Resident Lewis Butts Jr. this week said that he would run a write-in campaign.

While a few people said that they would definitely vote for Williams or were set on Miller, many people didn’t even know who was running.

New York City-transplant Jobi said that she was engaged in politics in New York, and wants to vote in the upcoming election, but doesn’t know enough about either candidate.

Midtown resident Cody Goss, an independent, said he wished he were more up to date on the mayoral race, but admitted that he’s become skeptical of politicians.

“There’s a lot of political tiredness with young people,” he said. “I believe in voting, but do I believe it makes as much of a difference as I used to? Probably not.”

A few people said that they were leaning toward one candidate or another, even if they weren’t huge supporters.

“You’re never totally satisfied, but she’s done some good things,” Jackson Towers resident Madison Bond said of Williams.

One man, who asked to remain anonymous, said that he was leaning toward Miller, saying, “I think he’ll run the city well. I think he’s more transparent.”

Another woman, Brenda, said she’s a “Republican all the way” and planned to vote that way. However, she wasn’t aware that Miller was a registered Democrat. When told that information, she was initially unsure how to vote, but seemed to settle on Miller after expressing her dissatisfaction with Williams.

Williams faced off against Miller in the Democratic primary, along with several other candidates, but Miller lost to Williams by fewer than 100 votes. Miller did, however, gain enough Republican write-in votes to make him that party’s nominee, which he accepted. Miller has characterized the general election as a “runoff” between Williams and him.

At the Zeroday Outpost, one man said that he voted for city councilman Lamont Jones in the primary and would “probably go with Wanda” on election day. Sitting next to him, Charles Oakley, said, “I don’t mind Dan Miller.”

Resident Nolan Chambers said that he would vote for Miller, even as a former Williams supporter.

“I voted for her in previous elections, but I think the nepotism thing is too far,” he said, referring to a current court case in which a former public works director accused Williams of firing him for allegedly refusing to promote her son, a city employee.

Chambers also cited the rebuild of the Broad Street Market’s fire-damaged brick building as an important issue to him.

“It’s time for new leadership,” he said.

Another resident, Becky Wallace Cook, disagreed, saying Williams “knows more about our city. She knows everybody in the city.”

Still, voters like Wallace Cook and Chambers, who have decided on a candidate, were in the minority of people interviewed. Many said they were not interested in voting or were undecided.

One man, who chose to remain anonymous, has lived in Harrisburg for 32 years, but said that he hasn’t voted in a municipal election in recent years. He wants to see issues like crime, unemployment and economic development addressed, but hasn’t found a candidate who he feels would make a difference.

“When is there going to be somebody that cares about the community?” he asked.

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Alt-indie band announced as first concert of next year’s Riverfront Park shows

October 23, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

A Dauphin County Live Concert Series show this past September

If the chilly air already has you ready for next summer, a September concert will give you something to look forward to.

Midstate Shows on Thursday announced its first show for the 2026 Dauphin County Live Concert Series in Riverfront Park as alt-indie band Rainbow Kitten Surprise.

The band will stop in Harrisburg to perform on Tuesday, Sept. 15 as part of its “bones” North American tour.

Rainbow Kitten Surprise released its first album, “SEVEN+MARY,” in 2013. Their most recent album, “bones,” debuted on Sept. 26.

Tickets for the show go on sale to the public on Friday, Oct. 31 at 10 a.m.

Midstate Shows organized the riverfront concert series for the first time this past summer, bringing artists and bands like Russell Dickerson, The Head and The Heart, and Damian “Jr. Gong” and Stephen Marley. Previously, Harrisburg University Presents hosted the concert series.

For more information on Midstate Shows and to purchase tickets, visit their website.

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As part of I-83 project, PennDOT opens reconstructed bridge, closes another for rebuild

October 22, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

29th Street Bridge (photo courtesy of PennDOT)

One Harrisburg bridge will reopen as another is set to close, as part of work on I-83.

PennDOT announced on Wednesday that the 29^th Street Bridge has reopened following a complete reconstruction, days before the 19^th Street Bridge is due to close for an estimated year-long rebuild.

Both bridges are part of the I-83 Capital Beltway Project, East Shore Section 3, which includes adding lanes to the highway, replacing bridges, and other work.

The 29^th Street Bridge closed last July and was then demolished and replaced. PennDOT will now undertake a similar process at the 19^th Street Bridge, which will close on the night of Oct. 26. The closure will extend from Paxton Street to Greenwood Street, and includes the ramp from northbound I-83 to 19^th Street. The ramp from 19^th Street to northbound I-83 closed in August and will remain closed until work is complete.

PennDOT will have long-term detours in place, which can be found on their website.

The 19^th Street Bridge is slated to reopen in October 2026, with the ramps expected to reopen in spring 2027.

The updated 29^th Street Bridge is a three-span structure that includes two 11-foot travel lanes, sidewalks and a shared use lane for bikes and pedestrians protected by a concrete barrier.

For more information on the I-83 Capital Beltway Project, visit their website.

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Lewis Butts launches write-in campaign for Harrisburg mayor after unsuccessful primary bid

October 21, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Lewis Butts. Screenshot from the ABC27 mayoral debate in April.

A Democrat who lost in Harrisburg’s primary race for mayor has launched a write-in campaign.

City native Lewis Butts Jr. announced his candidacy on Tuesday, asking for residents to write in his name on the November ballot.

“I’ll measure leadership by what your family can feel—safer walks, faster permits, cleaner streets—and I’ll post the proof every Friday,” Butts said in a press release.

Butts was one of several Democrats vying for the mayoral nomination in May, but ultimately lost by a landslide, winning just 90 votes compared to 1,725 votes for incumbent Wanda Williams.

Williams’ name will appear on the ballot along with Republican candidate and City Treasurer Dan Miller, a Democrat who ran for his party’s nomination in the primary. Miller lost to Williams by a slim margin, but won the Republican nomination through write-in votes.

Butts is offering his candidacy as a third option, saying calling himself the “true alternative from common complacency.”

Butts said that he was open to debating Williams and Miller. Miller has previously said that he has asked Williams to debate him and she has not obliged.

Butts’ platform includes building a “Harrisburg International Aquarium,” using energy from the Susquehanna River to generate revenue, cleaning up blight and establishing city-wide WiFi.

In his release, Butts characterized himself as a “perennial candidate.” He has run for mayor unsuccessfully several times before. He also noted that he is a U.S. Navy veteran and a “faith-guided community activist.”

For more information, visit Lewis Butts’ campaign website.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

October 17, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

TheBurg staff. TheBurg was awarded Small Business of the Year.

It’s definitely feeling like fall here in Harrisburg, so enjoy the foliage and beautiful scenery here in our city. If you missed out on any of our news coverage from this week, find it right here.

Arsonist Cody Balmer, who set fire to the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg, pleaded guilty to all charges this week, our online story reported. Balmer was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison.

Bellfonte makes the perfect fall trip, our writer shares. The charming town offers history, beautiful nature and nightlife, with plenty to explore.

Bob’s Art Blog highlights art events and showcases happening locally this fall. Find his blog, here.

TheBurg has been named Small Business of the Year by the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, our online story reported. The honor is part of the Catalyst Awards, which recognize organizations and individuals making a positive impact in the area.

Harrisburg High School-John Harris Campus Principal Christopher Sattele is set to resign at the end of the year, our online story reported. Sattele is the latest of several recent principals at the school to leave after a relatively short time.

Kiwanis Club of Greater West Shore celebrated its 75th anniversary this year, our magazine story reported. The organization works to make a difference in the lives of youth—supporting local high school Key Clubs.

Northeast PA offers so many ways to enjoy autumn. In her story, our writer shares ideas for those looking for fall foliage, spooky thrills and more.

PennDOT awarded another large contract for its I-83 expansion project, our online story reported. This will launch the second phase of the East Shore Section 3 portion, which includes adding traffic lanes, reconstructing bridges and more.

Pumpkins are ready for the picking in the region, with local farms providing fall activities to elevate the experience. In her story, our writer highlights local patches, and shares fun things to do with your pumpkins when the season ends.

Sara Bozich has your weekend covered with a host of happenings in the Harrisburg area. Find her list, here.

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Harrisburg High School principal to resign at end of year

October 14, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg High School-John Harris Campus. File photo.

Harrisburg will again be on the search for a new principal for its main high school.

Harrisburg High School-John Harris Campus Principal Christopher Sattele is set to resign on Dec. 8, according to the district’s board meeting agenda on Tuesday.

Sattele became the interim principal in October 2024, following the resignation of Laquan Magruder. Before that, Sattele was the assistant principal, starting in July 2023.

Sattele is leaving Harrisburg for another district, Superintendent Dr. Benjamin Henry told TheBurg.

“Over the past three years, Dr. Sattele has been deeply committed to the Harrisburg School District and the John Harris Campus,” Henry said. “He has been a true champion for our students—his leadership, compassion, and dedication to student success will be greatly missed.”

Henry said that he would be meeting with human resources to review a list of potential replacements. Since the district recently conducted a search for a principal, Henry said he was confident that they’d find a candidate.

At past board meetings, several members of the public have expressed concern over the amount of turnover in the principal position at John Harris.

Before Sattele, Magruder served in the role for a little over a year before he was arrested for violating a protection-from-abuse order and later resigned. Before Magruder, Michelle Felton held the post for about two years.

“John Harris, like many high schools across the country, faces both incredible opportunities and significant challenges,” Henry said. “As the national teacher shortage continues, we’re also seeing a growing shortage of experienced school leaders. This makes retaining and recruiting strong principals increasingly difficult across districts.”

For more information, visit Harrisburg School District’s website.

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