Rep. Patty Kim (D-103), along with other local and market officials, announces state grant for Broad Street Market at a press conference.
The Broad Street Market has announced that it was awarded a significant grant from the commonwealth.
At a Friday press conference, state Rep. Patty Kim (D-103) and Rep. Dave Madsen (D-104) shared that the market will receive $350,000 from the state Department of Community and Economic Development.
“During the budget negotiations, we worked hard to make sure this was included and was a priority,” Kim said.
The funds will support the market in making necessary upgrades to the stone building as well as helping with operational expenses. Specifically, the market will repair the roof, which frequently leaks, and consider HVAC upgrades in the building, according to the market’s board Chair Eric Hagarty. A needs assessment will also be completed to determine additional needed upgrades and repairs.
The news of the grant funding comes just over a week after the market shared that its former executive director, Tanis Monroy, has been charged with a felony for allegedly stealing from the market.
According to Hagarty, there will be audit and compliance requirements attached to the market’s spending of the grant money. Additionally, from now on, the market will require dual signatory requirements for expenses and is posting every bank account transaction publicly, he said.
“We have instituted a number of strong financial controls to make sure that something like this never happens again,” Hagarty said of the theft allegations.
While several months ago, the market was struggling with an operational deficit following the July 2023 fire, Hagarty said that the market has begun breaking even, allowing them to use the grant funding for needs beyond keeping the doors open.
“It’s going to be a game changer for us to be able to now improve the facility, make it a better experience for customers, and make it a better experience for the small businesses whose livelihoods depend on the market,” he said.
Harrisburg-based Midtown Property Management is providing services to the market, with staff member Ashlynn Buie serving as the acting market manager.
According to company owner Justin Heinly, the stone building upgrades will allow the market to match the new amenities that will be included in the brick building rebuild project.
The city is currently demolishing the interior of the brick building, which was heavily damaged by a July 2023 fire. Officials have shared that they expect the rebuild to be finished by winter 2026 or spring 2027.
For more information about the Broad Street Market, visit their website.
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