Market Restoration Plan Begins
Harrisburg last month took a significant step forward in its strategy for the Broad Street Market, voting to proceed with a plan for a temporary home for displaced vendors.
City Council voted to authorize the city to move forward with lease agreements related to constructing a temporary structure for market vendors displaced by July’s devastating fire.
The fire, caused by a ceiling fan malfunction, heavily damaged much of the market’s brick building. However, city and state officials have pledged to rebuild.
In the meantime, Harrisburg is moving forward with a temporary structure to be constructed on a grassy lot across the street from the market, as approved by council. City officials have said that they plan to lease the land from the Millworks owner, Josh Kesler, at the corner of Verbeke and N. 3rd streets.
According to City Solicitor Neil Grover, under that lease, the city will likely only pay for property taxes for the lot while using it.
Council’s approval also gives the city the ability to enter into an agreement with the Broad Street Market Alliance, which runs the operations of the city-owned market buildings, to oversee and manage the temporary structure.
Grover said that he expects that rebuilding the market’s brick building will take around two years.
Additionally, council approved the use of $500,000 in the city’s initial insurance proceeds to assist with fire-related expenses, such as costs to secure the damaged building and for the lease of the temporary market structure.
Council Candidate to Remain on Ballot
A Harrisburg City Council candidate will remain on the November general election ballot, as an attempt to kick him off failed last month in court.
Lamont Jones will have his shot in November at earning a seat on council, as Dauphin County Judge Jeffrey Engle ruled in his favor.
A lawsuit was filed in July to try to remove Jones, a Democratic candidate, from the ballot, based on his past criminal convictions dating back over 20 years. However, Engle sustained the defendant’s preliminary objections to the lawsuit and stated that, “the defendant should remain on the November election ballot.”
“I feel encouraged,” Jones said, surrounded by supporters cheering outside the courthouse, following the hearing. “This is a huge day today. We can go into November and remain on the ballot.”
During the hearing, Marco Attisano, the attorney representing the plaintiffs in the case, argued that Jones had misrepresented his eligibility for office and said that his prior convictions should be considered “infamous crimes,” offenses that could disqualify someone from assuming office. If Jones were elected and later found to be ineligible for office, city council would choose a replacement, which would take away the voters’ power to select their representative, Attisano argued.
Jones’ attorney, John Bravacos, countered that the challenge to Jones’ nomination petition fell outside the statutory filing period of seven days after the petition-filing deadline. Bravacos also argued that state election code law does not allow the court to force a candidate to withdraw his name from the ballot.
Kelly Summerford, elections chair for the Dauphin County Democratic Committee, testified during the hearing, stating that Jones was upfront with the committee about his criminal convictions during the committee’s interview process.
“He has redeemed himself,” Summerford stated. “I can’t think of a better candidate. I was amazed and disturbed that this even happened.”
Bravacos also spoke to the fact that Jones has applied for a pardon from the commonwealth and received support from the Dauphin County district attorney and a former secretary of corrections.
Jones is seeking a pardon for his past criminal convictions, including a misdemeanor in 1997 for false reports to law enforcement, and two felonies, once in 2004 and 2005, for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.
As a result of the judge’s ruling, Jones’ name will appear as one of three Democratic candidates for city council in November, alongside incumbent council President Danielle Bowers and Crystal Davis, for three, four-year seats.
Apartment Project Gets Planning Approval
A major downtown Harrisburg apartment project has easily cleared its first significant hurdle, securing an approval of its building plan.
Last month, the city’s Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the land development plan for the conversion of the former Federal Building into a 162-unit apartment building.
“I think this is a great project,” said the commission chair, Joe Alsberry. “I do like projects that bring economic development to the city and bring taxpayers to the city. This project appears to be that type of project.”
The vote followed a 30-minute presentation by the New Jersey-based developer, Yasser Hellel, and the project’s Harrisburg-based architect, Vern McKissick, a long-time planning commission member who recused himself from the vote.
Hellel is proposing to construct 146 one-bedroom units, 14 two-bedroom units and two studio units from the 11-story, 196,000-square-foot office building located at N. 3rd and Walnut streets.
The plan also calls for first-floor commercial space and amenities such as a fitness center, penthouse lounge, shared office space, a rooftop deck, a shared lobby and a limited parking deck.
Until recently, the building housed the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and other federal offices. Court personnel moved in April to a new federal courthouse at N. 6th and Reily streets, leaving the building nearly empty.
In February, Hellel bought the 55-year-old structure for $13.3 million from Jeremy Etzin, who had purchased the building at auction a year before for $10 million from the U.S. General Services Administration.
In an interview with TheBurg, Hellel estimated the total project cost to be around $35 million, including acquisition costs.
During the Planning Commission meeting, Hellel and McKissick addressed two significant issues: parking and affordable housing.
Currently, the project includes only about 30 off-street parking spaces. Harrisburg’s Downtown Center zoning district does not require off-street parking to be included as part of the project.
However, Hellel said that they were seeking to address the issue by possibly leasing spaces in nearby parking garages, with a goal of securing one space per apartment.
He also said that he’s aware of the city’s desire that affordable housing be included in new apartment projects.
“We’re prepared to give some serious consideration as part of our application,” he said. “I think we’ll come up with something sensible to present to City Council.”
Next, the land development plan must be approved by City Council before construction can begin. Hellel said that he hopes to start work in January and believes that the project will take about 18 months to complete.
During the meeting, McKissick cited the potential effect of the project on the downtown economy, now that many workers who once spent their days in downtown offices work primarily from home. He estimated that the building would house 240 to 280 residents.
“It will be a significant impact and a positive one, we hope,” he said.
New Home for LGBT Center
After several years in a temporary location, the LGBT Center of Central PA has purchased a permanent home on a prominent Harrisburg street.
In late June, the organization bought a commercial-style building at 1323 N. Front St., near the corner of Verbeke Street, for $255,000 from DMI55 Enterprises LLC, according to Dauphin County sales data.
In a press release, the LGBT Center stated that staff will officially move into the 3,000-square-foot space this fall, following renovations. Improvements will include making the space fully ADA accessible, expanding the lobby and community room, and installing a full kitchen, according to the organization.
“This is especially meaningful for us because it is ‘A Home of Our Own,’ a building that we own, and a permanent space for the center,” said Executive Director Amanda Arbour.
The LGBT Center was located for nearly a decade in a building on the 1300-block of N. 3rd Street in Harrisburg, but moved out almost two years ago. It since has been operating out of the GLO-Harrisburg building on the 1700-block of N. 3rd Street.
The center serves over 2,000 people each year across Dauphin, Cumberland, York and Lancaster counties.
The LGBT Center stated that it was able to raise 61% of its $350,000 goal during its “quiet” fundraising phase, enabling it to purchase the building. The fundraiser is now in its “public” phase to raise the rest of the funds for the building.
“Our work at the LGBT Center of Central PA is as important as ever in the face of increasing anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and discrimination,” said Wallace McKelvey, board co-chair. “With the establishment of a home of our own, we extend heartfelt gratitude to all who support our efforts in fostering the health and wellbeing of our community.”
Home Sales Down, Prices Firm
Home sales dipped though prices inched up in July, according to the latest report on previously owned homes in the Harrisburg area.
For the three-county region, sales totaled 517 homes compared to 675 sales in July 2022, as the median price rose to $264,900 versus $255,000 last year, stated the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).
In Dauphin County, 245 homes sold against 344 the prior July, as the median price fell slightly, to $235,000 from $239,800, said GHAR.
Cumberland County reported 236 home sales, a drop from 303 last July, while the median price rose to $292,000 from $290,000, according to GHAR.
Perry County had 30 home sales, a decrease of eight units compared to July 2022, as the median price shot up to $267,500 versus $218,750 a year ago, GHAR said.
GHAR also reported that houses were selling a bit slower in July, as the “average days on market” rose to 19 days compared to 15 days in July 2022.
So Noted
Chase Bank opened a branch office last month in downtown Harrisburg at 10 S. 2nd St. The bank offers a full range of services from the location, including credit cards, mortgages, personal banking, auto financing and small business loans.
Daniel Snow was hired as Harrisburg’s new city engineer at an annual salary of $140,000. The post had been vacant for about 18 months, with Lower Paxton Township-based Dawood Engineering filling some functions during this time on a contractual basis.
Drew Iwaskow last month was appointed chief people officer for Goodwill Keystone Area, a newly created role in the organization. The position focuses on hiring, employee retention, employee development and other workforce issues. Iwaskow previously served as vice president of human resources for Dollar Tree Corp.
George Hartwick last month was named “County Commissioner of the Year” at the County Commissioners Association of PA (CCAP) conference in Erie. Hartwick, a Democrat, has been a Dauphin County commissioner since 2003.
Jeb Stuart last month was elected to serve as the president of Historic Harrisburg Association. Stuart, the organization’s 25th president, succeeds Thomas Darr, who served in the post for six years. Stuart has long been involved with HHA, including as board member, House Tour Committee chair, Preservation Advisor and member of the CHPF Council of Trustees.
Jess King has been named executive director of the Steinman Institute for Civic Engagement, a new institute concentrating on innovations in the areas of local news consumption and delivery, media literacy and civic life. The institute is a new venture for the public media organization, WITF, formed as part of the transaction that gifted LNP to WITF. King formerly served as chief of staff for the Lancaster mayor and has over 20 years of experience in public and nonprofit organizations, according to WITF.
Lou Baverso will step down this month as president of UPMC in Central Pa. following about a year in the post. Baverso, who spent 28 years with UPMC, is leaving to become chief operating officer at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System. David Gibbons, regional president, and senior vice president of the UPMC Health Services Division, will serve as interim president of UPMC in Central Pa. until a successor is named, said UPMC.
Robin Wiessmann last month was named “Housing Advocate of the Year” by Harrisburg-based Tri County Housing, an award presented at the organization’s annual golf outing fundraiser. Wiessmann is the executive director and CEO of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and the former state treasurer and secretary of banking.
Ryan Unger has been elected to the board of directors of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, an Alexandria, Va.-based organization that represents over 9,000 professionals who work at more than 1,600 chambers of commerce. Unger serves as president and CEO of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC.
Changing Hands
Allison St., 1500: L. & B. Hummel to N. Kebede, $93,000
Bellevue Rd., 2012: T. & J. Lawson to J. Maneri, $170,000
Berryhill St., 2112: C. Ankeny to Two Three Two Investments LLC, $78,000
Berryhill St., 2152: D. Hess to Gamma One LLC, $85,000
Boas St., 1921: P. Holubowski & Lehman Property Management to D. Ruford, $75,000
Caledonia St., 1937: C. Maluchnik & G. Kerper to C. Buckles & C. Wise, $216,500
Camp St., 625: C. Perez to Penn Properties Associates LLC, $42,000
Chestnut St., 1217: Lorfax 1 LLC & Map T LLC to J. Tolentino, $77,000
Chestnut St., 1816: J. & A. Padilla to Y. De La Rosa & V. Yordan, $94,000
Chestnut St., 1917: S. Jawhar to CJMB Holdings LLC, $110,000
Crescent St., 325: D. & J. Tuzzato to L. Kaighn, $70,000
Crescent St., 455: K. Weldon to Val de Vie Estate Investment LLC, $45,000
Derry St., 1410: M. Wijaya & S. Liang to J., H. & S. Sandoval, $100,000
Derry St., 2325: C. McCormick to S. & M. Mejia, $120,000
Emerald Ct., 2451: M. Spence to T. Dafton, $160,000
Evergreen St., 319: A. Rivera to R. Pena, $46,580
Fulton St., 2033: S. Simmons to JHK Properties LLC, $110,100
Geary St., 619: Q. Watson to G. Rodriguez, $44,500
Green St., 1719: The Berlin Group to T. Yeargain, $276,000
Green St., 2230: SPG Capital LLC to Y. & R. Corniell, $155,000
Green St., 2323: A. Mohamed to J. Cabbagestalk, $87,500
Green St., 3212: J. & S. Compton to J. Brevan & A. Lovo, $150,000
Holly St., 2020: W. Brown to First Choice Home Buyers LLC, $65,000
Howard St., 1313 & 1319: A. Morillo to RC Realty & Investment LLC, $40,000
Hudson St., 1132: B. Laney to E. Koup, $165,000
Kensington St., 2267: Blackfoot Viking LLC to PA Deals LLC, $67,000
Locust St., 119: Sierra Real Estate LLC to N. Spacavento, $240,000
Market St., 1851: M. Stewart & Metro Bank to L. & V. Weiler, $145,000|
Mercer St., 2423: M. Kauffman to E. Green, $76,500
Muench St., 314: D. Keech to Aljo Properties LLC, $97,500
Muench St., 316: D. Keech to Aljo Properties LLC, $97,500
Mulberry St., 1202: D. Smarsh to Aden General Contracting LLC, $62,000
Mulberry St., 1843: A. Jacques to H. Hall & M. Stinson, $73,000
North St., 1732: B. Baker to J. Oshinuga, $90,000
N. 2nd St., 815: J. Ehring to U. Bigham, $225,000
N. 2nd St., 3237: H. & J. Loughery to R. Murray, $251,500
N. 4th St., 1324: R&K Realty Group LP to C. O’Donnell, $171,000
N. 4th St., 2333: I. Molina to S. Joseph & R. Louis, $156,000
N. 4th St., 3018: C. Johnson to J. & E. Kohute, $230,900
N. 6th St., 1344: H. Bevan to S. Mercurio, $175,000
N. 14th St., 211 & 213: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to Dreams2Reality Services LLC, $116,500
N. 14th St., 1208: M. Ellis & Law Offices of Craig A. Diehl to JTA Consulting Group LLC, $67,100
N. 15th St., 223: Lancaster Real Estate Fund LLC to L. Rivera & J. Hernandez, $62,000
N. 15th St., 1609: Top Notch Rentals LLC to A. McKune & A. Peterson, $79,500
N. 16th St., 805: M. Temba to M. Guzman, $62,000
N. 16th St., 1010: A. & A. Penn to Saintelia Properties II LLC, $160,000
N. 16th St., 1218: G. & C. Dauberman to R. Bujosa, $125,000
N. 17th St., 614: C. Johnson, C. Logan & S. Kent to F. Flores, $100,000
N. 18th St., 73: R. Newberry to C. de Jesus, $105,000
N. 18th St., 920: Global Reach LLC to L. Marte, $105,000
N. Front St., 1525, Unit 308: A. Kanpol to M. & J. Horgan, $205,000
N. Summit St., 127 & 2656 Jefferson St.: R. & M. Archie to Beahive Affordable Housing Outreach Inc., $65,000
Park St., 1734: Keystone Properties Solutions LLC to Y. Tejada, $135,000
Penn St., 1103: W. Osborne & R. Campbell to Equitable Builds LLC, $65,000
Penn St., 1826: A. Virant to E. Webb, $206,000
Penn St., 2138: L. Ramirez to Oasis Property Investment LLC, $47,000
Regina St., 1526, 1530 & 1532: J. & A. Wells to J. Vasquez & Y. Jaramillo, $62,000
Seneca St., 250: A. Nix to J. King & J. Wise, $149,000
S. 13th St., 435: Alliance Estates LLC to C. Blackwell, $129,900
S. 13th St., 1426: Far Reo Sub 1 LLC to A. Paredes, $119,000
S. 16th St., 15: T. Diggs to J. Mendez, $90,000
S. 18th St., 1206: Capital Property Investments LP to J. Gardner, $229,000
S. 21st St., 24: E. Lonardi to S. Singh, $200,000
S. 26th St., 620: F. Cain to F. Salvato & C. Daube, $175,250
S. 26th St., 734: J. Glipatrick to P. Williams, $125,000
S. 29th St., 624: J. Pham to K. Pham, $115,000
S. Front St., 563: T. Youngbluth to M. Dagneau, $193,500
Verbeke St., 1727: S. & A. Dougherty to L. & B. Robinson, $128,000
Walnut St., 1612: A. Lovo to HBA Landscaping LLC, $80,000
Wilson Parkway, 2694: L. Davis to Gamma One LLC, $86,000
Woodbine St., 237: Montalvo Investments LLC to Penn Properties Associates LLC, $105,000
Woodbine St., 330: L. Blanton to J. & K. Travers and F. Hamid, $120,000
Woodbine St., 642: YMCA Harrisburg & Cornerstone Initiative LLC to M. Scott, $158,000
Woodbine St., 644: YMCA Harrisburg & Cornerstone Initiative LLC to L. Little, $150,000
Harrisburg property sales, July 2023, greater than $40,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.
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