What a difference a year can make.
At this time last year, Harrisburg residents were rightfully outraged by the state of the Broad Street Market.
The gutted brick building sat as a charred shell, untouched since the July fire. Work on the temporary market crept along at a snail’s pace. The market board was in disarray, its manager flailing. There was a question over whether the stone building, untouched by the fire, could even stay open, as the market had no money to pay its bills. It was down to its last $14,000, with a huge and growing operating deficit of $160,000.
Fast-forward 365 days, and the turnaround is remarkable.
Last week, the reconstituted market board approved a budget that anticipates a surplus for 2025. The temporary market tent is fully operational, new vendors are opening in the stone building, and all delinquent bills have been paid.
How did this happen?
Two words: community and competence.
Last year, faced with ineptitude, apathy and finger-pointing, the Harrisburg people revolted.
Upset, motivated residents stepped up, pushing to get appointed to the market’s board. They then opened the books, exposing the ugly truth inside, which, a few months later, led to the arrest of the former executive director.
The new board then put in financial controls, made changes to operations, opened up their meetings, and ensured adequate insurance coverage. Several members even volunteered to serve as de facto market managers, just to save the market money.
It was a painful, difficult process, but exposed just how terribly the market had been run and overseen. It was a necessary first step in righting the ship.
At the same time, individuals and organizations donated money. Businesses and tradespeople gave freely of their time and services. A property owner donated land for the interim market. Several creditors forgave or deferred payment. The city’s legislative delegation secured a state grant to help the market get back on its feet.
As a result, the market is looking at much brighter days. For 2025, the budget includes funds for infrastructure improvements, the hiring of a full-time manager and the resumption of marketing, with no rent increase for vendors, who, a year ago, were facing down a possible doubling of rents.
The market now expects to end 2025 about $100,000 in the black.
Almost exactly year ago, reflecting on the Broad Street Market’s horrendous 2023, I wrote these words:
“If I had one New Year’s wish for Harrisburg, it would be that, in 2024, the negative market news reverses, with the good making the bad a distant memory.”
Looking ahead, the market still may face difficult times, as the rebuilding of the burned-out brick building has just begun. We have a good two years of ups and downs before the work will be done and those big, heavy doors can open again.
Having said that, sometimes, wishes do come true.
Lawrance Binda is publisher and editor of TheBurg.
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