We love hearing from readers.
Each month, readers comment at length on our stories, whether they appear as part of our daily news reporting or part of our monthly magazine.
Last month, you were especially vocal on a column I wrote, “Taking Care of Businesses,” which addressed the tough time Harrisburg’s small businesses are having, now that the commonwealth no longer requires most workers to be in the office on a daily basis.
I received emails, messages, texts and, of course, the usual stream of social media comments. A few people even chatted me up in person after running into me on the street or in a store or restaurant.
Clearly, folks care a lot about Harrisburg’s businesses, and everyone seemed to be in agreement that they need to be supported and saved, even if people sometimes disagreed on how we got here.
My overall belief is—it doesn’t really matter. Sure, you can blame the commonwealth or the city or the parking situation or whatever. But let’s cast that aside and simply renew our effort to robustly patronize the city’s small businesses.
Thinking about hopping into your car and driving out to some suburban chain or market? Pause for a moment and think about a possible city substitute, maybe even in your own neighborhood. There’s a good chance that there is one, and that it’s superior in quality than the chain—and owned and operated independently.
On a related matter, several downtown businesses have asked me to pass along word about parking. Evidently, a recent social media post gave the impression that downtown street parking is no longer free after 5 p.m. It still is! You can still park for free after 5 o’clock between Chestnut and State streets, but please obey all signs. Apparently, the rumor began because some cars were in a no-parking area, so received tickets.
Well, look here—it’s April, which means many fine, long days ahead. Our current issue reflects this welcome turn to warmer weather, greater sunlight, flowering trees and lots of stuff growing out of the ground. Happy spring, everyone!
Lawrance Binda is publisher and editor of TheBurg.
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