Harrisburg community members comment on the city’s proposed use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds at a City Council town hall meeting.
Harrisburg officials have their own ideas for how to use millions of dollars in federal funding, but so do residents.
City Council on Wednesday held the first of several town hall meetings to hear from the community on the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money.
Harrisburg officials presented their proposal to use about $28.1 million of the city’s COVID relief dollars to support projects like an affordable housing program, a new water park at the site of the closed Hall Manor pool and housing rehabilitation for low-income residents, among other ideas.
In total, Harrisburg received $47 million in ARPA funds, but has already allocated about $15.6 million for an HVAC replacement in its Public Safety Building and for bonuses for fire and police bureau personnel.
At the Wednesday meeting, several local nonprofit officials and residents attended to comment on the proposal, many expressing support for aspects of the plan, but suggesting additions.
The city’s proposal includes allocating money for small businesses affected by COVID.
However, Joseph Robinson, director of the Harrisburg-based MLK Leadership Development Institute, said that he would like to see money go specifically to Black- and brown-owned businesses and nonprofits. These organizations, he said, were impacted disproportionately by the pandemic.
“We now have the means, all we need from you is the will,” he said, addressing council.
Others expressed interest in allocating money to seniors and people with disabilities.
Les Ford, director of the Heinz-Menaker Senior Center in Harrisburg, asked council to consider awarding funding to his organization, which provided meals to seniors and other community members during COVID.
Pam Auer, director of advocacy and community engagement for the Center for Independent Living of Central PA, applauded the city for including the creation of an ADA-accessible park in their ARPA proposal. But, she shared that she would like to see more funding go towards ADA accessibility, including money to repair city sidewalks to help those with mobility issues.
Also on the topic of mobility, bicycling advocates urged the city to consider building more bike infrastructure on Harrisburg roads.
“A lot of the projects that are being proposed are wonderful projects for the parks, but are less effective if kids can’t get to them,” said resident Brandon Basom. “I believe that making it easier for pedestrians, for micromobility to get around the city, as well as cars, is incredibly important.”
Harrisburg City Council will hold two more town hall meetings on April 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Camp Curtin YMCA, 2135 N. 6th St., and on April 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mount Olive Baptist Church, 1331 S. 14th St.
For more information, visit Harrisburg’s website.
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