A row of apartments in Harrisburg
Harrisburg has halted evictions in the city for the duration of the current disaster declaration.
The city today announced that it would suspend residential evictions in light of the COVID-19 health emergency and resulting economic crisis.
“The City of Harrisburg understands that individuals may have trouble paying their rent promptly in the midst of this health crisis,” said Mayor Eric Papenfuse. “We will not make matters worse by allowing landlords to evict during this disaster emergency.”
On March 16, Papenfuse declared an emergency in Harrisburg. Likewise, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ordered a statewide judicial emergency, which has allowed courts to temporarily shut their doors through April 14.
Papenfuse said that the city codes department is in touch in landlords to notify them of the eviction suspension.
The city also has suspended metered and residential parking enforcement until March 29. The city and parking operator SP+ have also suspended enforcement of street sweeping parking enforcement.
In a letter today, Councilman Dave Madsen said that he’s asked the city administration to extend these enforcement suspensions until Gov. Tom Wolf rescinds his order closing all “non life-sustaining” businesses.
In other city action, Papenfuse said today that the city has placed portable sinks in both Riverfront Park and Reservoir Park to encourage hand-washing by park users.
“Our top priority is the health and safety of our residents, especially the elderly and most vulnerable,” Papenfuse said, adding that funding for the sinks was provided by Belco Community Credit Union.
