Harrisburg Passes 2024 Budget
Harrisburg has solidified a spending plan for 2024, one that anticipates impacts from inflation and the lingering effects of the pandemic.
In late December, City Council approved a $109.4 million general fund budget, which includes investments in infrastructure and public safety. The budget does not include a property tax increase.
In total, the balanced budget equals $150.7 million, including the general fund and the $21.1 million neighborhood services fund budget, among others.
The budget specifically prioritizes projects such as street paving, upgrades to city parks and the hiring of several new police officers. The plan also factors in the spending of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money on projects like renovating the Hall Manor pool and funding affordable housing development, one-time funds that boosted this year’s budget number.
Council passed the budget after making a few minor amendments to the original proposal, mostly reducing raises for city employees that they felt were not deserved or adequately explained by the administration. Council voted 5-1 to approve the budget, with council member Shamaine Daniels voting against it.
Additionally, in 2024, the city has raised residents’ monthly trash bills by $3.23, making the cost $35.57 per month. According to city Business Administrator Dan Hartman, the fee hike is needed to offset inflation and continuously increasing expenses such as tipping fees, wage increases, vehicle costs and fuel prices.
Area Officials Sworn In
Kicking off the new year, many recently elected officials took office in January.
Harrisburg City Council and Dauphin County officials were sworn in at separate ceremonies, including newcomers to council and to the county’s board of commissioners.
During a ceremony at city hall, Dauphin County Magisterial District Judge Hanif Johnson swore in council president Danielle Bowers for a second term, alongside Crystal Davis, a new council member. The third member, Lamont Jones, also a newcomer, attended the ceremony, but was officially sworn into office at the county courthouse earlier.
Soon after the ceremony, council held its reorganizational meeting, unanimously electing Bowers to serve as council president for another term. In a vote of 4-3, council chose Ausha Green to serve as vice president for a second term, as well.
On the same day, Dauphin County swore in several public officials.
Incumbent county commissioners George Hartwick, a Democrat who has served for 20 years, and Mike Pries, a Republican who took office in 2010, again took the oath of office.
In November, Democratic challenger Justin Douglas was elected as the third commissioner, replacing Chad Saylor, and flipping the board to Democratic control for the first time in over a century.
Douglas attended the county’s ceremony but was sworn in at a separate ceremony earlier that morning in Conewago Township, where he lives.
Catherine Hershey Schools Taking Applications
A major, cost-free childcare and early education center in Harrisburg is now accepting applications for enrollment.
Last month, the Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning opened the application process for its Harrisburg location, which is being developed at N. 6th and Muench streets.
The center is an arm of the Milton Hershey School and will offer free care and education to 150 low-income and at-risk children, from 6 weeks to 5 years old. It will focus on providing kindergarten readiness programming and family support.
The 45,000-square-foot complex has been under construction for over a year and is expected to be completed later in 2024, at which time it will open to students.
It will be open weekdays, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., employing a play-based curriculum to enhance a child’s overall development and early education.
The Harrisburg location will be the second Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning in central PA. The first opened in Hershey last year, and another in Middletown is slated for 2025. Three additional schools—in Lancaster, New Danville and Elizabethtown—are expected to open in 2026.
Harrisburg Police Mark New Hires, Promotions
Five Harrisburg police officers were promoted and two others were brought on board during a ceremony last month at Whitaker Center.
During the hour-long event, Mayor Wanda Williams administered the oath of office to the new officers, Zachary Donmoyer and Solomon Myers.
“One of my great honors, as mayor, is that twice a year I get to stand in front of all of you and give this solemn oath to our new officers,” Williams said. “I know that, with each young man or woman who raises their hand to protect the city of Harrisburg, our city is just a little bit safer.”
Donmoyer and Myers will now enter HACC Municipal Police Academy to begin their training.
Deputy Chief Dennis Sorensen, who retired from the bureau last month after a lengthy career, announced the officer promotions. They are:
- Sgt. Antwyn Chatman
- Cpl. Andrew Cortelazzi
- Cpl. Anthony Cummings
- Cpl. Farida Kingsboro
- Cpl. Chad McGowan
During his remarks, police Commissioner Thomas Carter also noted the recent decline in homicides in Harrisburg. In 2023, the city had 13 homicides, the lowest number in a dozen years and 10 fewer than in 2022.
The ceremony also took note of several long-tenured officers who recently retired. They are:
- Deputy Chief Sorensen, serving 32 years
- Capt. Milo Hooper, serving 27 years
- Lt. James Galkowski, serving 27 years
- Sgt. Robert Minnier, serving 23 years
- Sgt. Teresa Covey, serving 23 years
William Penn Demolition Canceled
Harrisburg’s William Penn building is no longer slated for demolition.
At a January Harrisburg School Board meeting, Receiver Dr. Lori Suski officially reversed her previous decision to raze the vacant, blighted school building.
In June, she approved a contract with the Gordian Group to tear down the building, at a cost of $6.8 million. However, since then, community members voiced opposition to the decision, causing Suski to halt the demo and form a task force to discuss alternative options.
At a previous meeting, task force members voted on a motion to recommend to Suski that the building be saved.
Last month’s board meeting solidified that plan, with Suski instead approving the Gordian Group to clean out debris and remove asbestos from the building. The agreement also includes constructing a fence along the front façade to protect the public from falling debris.
A fire, determined by the city’s fire bureau to be caused by arson, damaged William Penn in December. As part of the proposal, the Gordian Group will also clean out and secure the fire-damaged area.
With Suski saving the building from demolition, the district will continue to weigh options for future use of the property.
Area Homes Sales Slip, Prices Steady
Harrisburg-area home sales slipped while the median sales price inched higher in December, according to the latest monthly report on previously owned houses.
For the three-county region, 492 homes sold in December compared to 528 in the year-ago period, as the median sales price rose to $259,275 from $250,000, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).
In Dauphin County, 245 houses sold, a decrease from 274, as the median sales price climbed to $243,500 from $225,000 the prior December, GHAR said.
Cumberland County had 210 home sales, a drop from 229, as the median price decreased to $284,950 versus $288,900 in December 2022, according to GHAR.
In Perry County, sales totaled 30 homes, an increase from 21 compared to the prior December, as the median sales price rose to $220,000 from $206,500, GHAR said.
The pace of sales was steady, as “average days on market” rose in December to 23 days versus 22 days a year ago, according to GHAR.
So Noted
Amanda Carter last month was appointed the interim executive director of the LGBT Center of Central PA, replacing long-time director Amanda Arbour. The center also announced the appointments of Michael Tschop as the center’s new director of finance and grants and TL Waid as the new GLO site director, replacing Carter in that post.
Don McKenna last month was named the president of Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Since last July, he has served in the role on an interim basis and, before that, as president of Hampden and Holy Spirit medical centers.
Got Jerk Island Grill and Juice Bar has opened at 1313 N. 2nd St. in Harrisburg, the former location of Ted’s Bar and Grill. From the restaurant, chef Kenny Henny serves authentic Jamaican cuisine while colleague Jomo Bunsie concocts a variety of creative, fresh-made juice drinks.
Justin T. Webb was appointed last month as the new chief financial officer for Mid Penn Bancorp. Webb has been with the bank since 2012, previously serving as executive vice president and chief operating officer.
Nesta Hemp Shop debuted last month at 9 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, in the retail strip known as the “Shops at 3rd,” adjacent to Strawberry Square. Owner Carmelia Rameau offers a large selection of CBD products, supplements and body care items, as well as dispensary-grade THC products that do not require a medical card.
The Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children, a membership-based advocacy organization of early care and education professionals, has relocated their Pennsylvania headquarters to a 2,800-square-foot, fourth-floor office in the Lerner Tower in Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg. They previously were located in the Harrisburg Transportation Center.
Changing Hands
Benton St., 542: K. Moore to J. Garcia & D. Rodriguez, $183,000
Benton St., 704: J. Marrero to First Choice Home Buyers LLC, $75,000
Boas St., 420: K. & D. Borelli to S. Rubenstein & H. Choi, $139,000
Briggs St., 1500: G. Stevenson to Kemetic State LLC, $581,000
Camp St., 651: J. Medina to Bencosme Realty LLC, $80,000
Chestnut St., 1605: P. & G. Devita to V. Ledesma, $82,000
Derry St., 1323: Best By LLC to Vernon St Apartments LLC, $175,000
Derry St., 1628: Rivas Property Investments LLC to A. Moscoso, $142,000
Derry St., 2008: BCR-2 Properties LLC to K. & J. Simonetti, $145,000
Derry St., 2431: A. Williamson to G. Singh, $95,000
Division St., 423: D&F Realty Holdings LP to Archie Group LLC, $88,000
Ellerslie St., 2332: J. & M. Weaver to Builders Property Management & Marketing Group LLC, $55,000
Emerald St., 248: M. Nolan to M. Luciano, $146,000
Forster St., 1839: Tender Loving Care Healthcare Services to GZL Corp., $56,000
Fulton St., 1419: A. Skerpon to D. Brown, $182,500
Fulton St., 1719: M. Biscoe to R. Hall, $199,900
Grand St., 915: A. & A. Zlogar to T. Wadlinger, $134,000
Green St., 1218, 1222: J. & S. Bircher to Harrisburg Dream Homes LLC, $215,000
Green St., 1325: S. & E. Rairigh to R. Wesch, $177,900
Green St., 2023: Z. & S. Smith to S. Latanishen & N. Krak, $259,000
Hale Ave., 400: H. Vo & H. Ngo to V. Miller, $139,900
Herr St., 1712: E. Arriola to Y. Monegro & R. Sanchez, $140,000
Hummel St., 236: D. Boyle to Atabalero Investment LLC, $60,000
Hunter St., 1715: A. Donaldson to Side by Side 365 LLC, $50,000
Jefferson St., 2243: Krista Moulds Trust to K. Harris & D. Haskins, $125,000
Kensington St., 2015: Gary Neff Inc. & City Limits Realty to A. Rahman, $66,000
Kensington St., 2316: B. Kelley to T. Dieu, $95,000
Kittatinny St., 1249: J. Ebersole to 1249 Kittatinny LLC, $69,000
Market St., 1226: Upscale Properties LLC to O. & S. Williams, $245,000
Market St., 1837: M. & S. Richards to D. Dumelice, $136,500
Market St., 1901: G. & C. Lutz to N. & T. Celestin, $210,000
Melrose St., 732: A. Eckert to P. & A. Sjardijn, $245,000
Mercer St., 2455: N. Dung to K. Weldeghebrial, $122,500
N. 2nd St., 1112: Fancy Homes Harrisburg LLC to D. Miller & R. Finley, $172,000
N. 2nd St., 2539: E. & A. Stockstill to K. On, $265,000
N. 2nd St., 2701: K. Sheets & K. Hancock to Z. & S. Smith, $525,000
N. 4th St., 3231: J. Grant to Family Tree Holding LLC, $127,100
N. 5th St., 3017: C. Skotedis to T. Fisher, $269,500
N. 6th St., 1410: S. Finkenbender to Chaitradhi Group LLC, $183,000
N. 6th St., 2211: 608 N Third LLC to Ministry Int IPDA Inc., $204,500
N. 6th St., 2240, 2284, 2290, 2292, 2301, 2302, 2303, 2304, 2305, 2306, 2307, 2309, 2311, 2313, 2315, 2317, 2319, 2321, 2323, 2325, 2327, 2329 & 595, 597, 599 Emerald St.: Redevelopment Authority of Harrisburg to JMB Gardens LLC, $55,000
N. 6th St., 3153: Normans Realty Service Inc. to S. Rosas, $132,000
N. 12th St., 29: Soloman Investment LLC to ILL Holdings LLC, $53,000
N. 12th St., 53: N. Padilla to Dreams2Reality Services LLC, $69,000
N. 13th St., 506: Blue Lion Real Estate LLC to E. Baret, $160,000
N. 15th St., 236: D. Boyle to P. Nunez, $55,000
N. 15th St., 1623: M. & B. Jackson and D. Smith to R. & A. Smith, $215,000
N. 17th St., 120: First Choice Home Buyers LLC to F. Rodriguez, $75,000
N. 17th St., 803: Sky Resort Rentals LLC to Rosaruth Properties LLC, $67,500
N. 19th St., 27: A. Paredes to N. Diaz, $135,000
N. 19th St., 29: A. Paredes to A. Leon, $85,000
N. Cameron St., 101 Rear: R. & S. Otto to R&J Cameron LLC, $400,000
Park St., 1912: Lancaster Real Estate Fund LLC to Balaci Properties LLC, $84,900
Penn St., 1103: Equitable Builds LLC to A. Kittel & S. Lamaster, $225,000
Penn St., 2212: A. & T. Bobb to HBG Apts LLC, $91,000
Reel St., 2725: C. & D. Huffer to C. & E. Clemons, $125,000
Reily St., 333: ADS Investments LLC to P. Haile, $121,500
Royal Terr., 129 & 131: D&F Realty Holdings LP to R. Gertz, $129,500
S. 15th St., 220: J. Doller & H. Ford to First Choice Home Buters LLC, $52,000
S. 16th St., 30: D. & R. Wieand to T. Kea, $105,000
S. 16th St., 545: PBBO Real Estate LLC to Awesome Tenants LLC, $50,000
S. 17th St., 540: M. & G. Garcia to D. Montes, $71,400
S. 25th St., 729: Y. Suero & T. Nikuary to Waters Properties LLC, $320,000
S. 28th St., 728: M. Marcus to C. & D. Aversa, $147,000
S. Front St., 589: 30X30 Investments LLC to E. & P. Pettis, $250,000
Pine St., 215: Musalair Trust to 215 Pine St LLC & Pine St Properties LLC, $375,000
State St., 1514: Inder Group Estate LLC to M. Singh, $115,000
State St., 1626: Best By LLC to Vernon St Apartments LLC, $195,000
Walnut St., 104: N&R Properties LLC to Charming on Walnut LLC, $102,600
Walnut St., 106: N&R Group LLC to Charming on Walnut LLC, $167,400
Walnut St., 1212: T. Roberts to Wright Restoration Properties LLC, $100,000
Wiconisco St., 631: M. Ayyad to C. Smith, $82,500
Wiconisco St., 632: R. Perdomo to W. Scales, $128,500
Zarker St., 1932 & 2021 Holly St.: D. & R. Requa to Z&E Holdings LLC, $139,000
Zarker St., 2035: V. Dickey to J. Tippitt, $115,000
Harrisburg property sales, December 2023, greater than $50,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.
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