Temporary Market Structure Opens
The Broad Street Market’s temporary tent opened last month, more than 10 months after the market’s brick building was devastated by fire.
On opening day, Leon Glick, owner of Two Brothers BBQ, said that, by 8:45 a.m., he had more customers visit his stand than he did at his old spot in the brick building.
Glick, like many other vendors, waited for months to reopen in the structure that Harrisburg created for displaced brick building vendors, enduring numerous construction delays.
“We’re really excited,” he said. “I think it’s a very good opportunity. Our customer base is great.”
In total, eight vendors are open in the market tent. This includes former brick building vendors Doggie Delights, Lil’s Pretzels, Peach Ridge Produce, Two Brothers BBQ and Fisher’s Delights, as well as new vendors, Cherished Treasures, Diaspora and Taylor Chip.
City and market officials have estimated that a rebuild of the market’s brick building may take two years or more.
Harrisburg communications director Matt Maisel said that he was happy to see customers supporting the vendors who “have been so resilient.” However, he noted the “shadow” cast by the stalled reconstruction of the brick building. Last month, City Council rejected the administration’s choice for construction manager, which could delay the start of the project for months.
And while the fire-damaged building continues to sit untouched, vendors and customers said that they, at least, feel grateful that the temporary structure has finally opened.
Schools Chief to Leave Harrisburg District
The Harrisburg School District will begin the search for a new top official.
Last month, the district shared that Superintendent Eric Turman was appointed as the superintendent of Central Dauphin School District and will leave Harrisburg.
In a release, district receiver Dr. Lori Suski congratulated Turman and said that the district would begin looking for a new superintendent.
“I am committed to a very thorough and transparent search process for a new superintendent that will include a considerable amount of employee, parent and community stakeholder input and involvement,” Suski said.
Suski also noted that she will consider appointing an interim superintendent while the search process takes place.
Turman’s leaving may also impact the district’s reconfiguration, which is slated to begin this coming school year and involves closing some school buildings, opening others and shifting some grades to new buildings, Suski said.
“Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time of transition,” she said. “We are firmly committed to supporting our students and staff and look forward to a positive end to the school year.”
Top City Official to Depart
A top Harrisburg official plans to leave his post this month.
City Business Administrator Dan Hartman told TheBurg that he has informed city leaders of his intention to leave the job.
Hartman began in his role when Mayor Wanda Williams took her post in January 2022. He also served as part of Williams’ transition team in the months prior. His hiring was officially approved by City Council that February.
In Harrisburg, the business administrator is a top position, responsible, along with the mayor, for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the city. His last day will be on June 7.
According to Hartman, he is leaving the city to go back to working for the state government, from which he received a “fantastic offer.”
The city has already begun looking for a new business administrator, said Matt Maisel, the city’s communications director. Hartman is aiding in the selection process, as well.
“Dan is making sure whoever fills his large shoes is someone who is capable,” Maisel said.
School District Buys Administration Building
The Harrisburg School District soon will have a new home base for operations.
Last month, the district purchased the former Penn State Harrisburg Eastgate Center for $3.1 million.
Previously, receiver Dr. Lori Suski had approved the purchase of the 48,704-square-foot building at 1010 N. 7th St. for use as the district’s new administration building.
In February, the district decided to reconfigure several of its school buildings, moving some grades to different buildings and closing others. As part of the plan, the current Lincoln Administration Building on State Street will become an elementary school.
Separately, Suski has approved an agreement with local nonprofit Ngozi, Inc. to serve as the fiduciary for a new program aimed at helping to improve student behavior.
In March, Suski approved a proposal to create a new Safe Passages Program that will be operated by local nonprofit Concerned About the Children of Harrisburg (C.A.T.C.H.) at the Harrisburg High School-John Harris Campus. As part of the program, nine adults will be present in the school during lunch and school dismissal to help diffuse student behavioral issues.
Participants will be paid, through Ngozi, Inc., an hourly rate of $15 for up to three hours per day.
Stallions Nightclub to Become “Karma”
A longtime Harrisburg nightclub will get a fresh remix as new owners plan to make substantial updates.
Stallions nightclub downtown will become “Karma” as a Harrisburg couple is purchasing the club, which has for decades served as a hub for nightlife in the LGBTQ+ community.
“We want to bring to Harrisburg more of a diverse and dynamic nightlife experience,” said Nelson Mena, who will be the managing partner of Karma and co-owner with his partner, George Fernandez, CEO of Harrisburg-based Color & Culture and Latino Connection.
Mena, who is a Dominican Republic native, is hoping to bring new life to the club, which has operated on N. 3rd Street since 1985, while also preserving it as a community establishment.
“We are aware that it has become a fixture in Harrisburg,” he said. “They’re iconic, and we don’t want to erase the legacy. But we want people to receive a breath of fresh air.”
Stallions will remain open as the club transitions leadership and names, with a planned opening as Karma in July, Mena said. The club will at no time be closed.
Mena said that Karma will offer an “elevated” experience with dancing, live music, DJs, cocktails and entertainment.
The couple plans to freshen up the building with light renovations to modernize the style. They will begin by keeping the first floor and basement space open, while doing work on the second and third floors and in-house chef’s kitchen.
“People are going to walk in and see amazing updates,” Mena said.
More Pizza for Midtown
Two long-time Harrisburg restaurateurs are joining forces on a new pizza and sub shop in Midtown.
Judd Goodman of Federal Taphouse and Ozzie Cabrera of Niko’s Pizza and Tonino’s Pizza plan to open Slice of Midtown at 1100 N. 3rd St., according to the pair.
The shop, slated to debut this month, will offer pizza, cheesesteaks, hoagies, grinders, wings and some Italian dinner entrees, Goodman said.
“The void of pizza, cheesesteaks and salads at an affordable price to that area was the deciding factor (in opening),” he said. “We are also catering to the late night crowd on Friday and Saturday to satisfy the live music and late night enthusiasts.”
Another positive is the restaurant’s proximity to major employment centers in Harrisburg, such as the state Capitol Complex and the federal courthouse, Goodman added.
The building is located at the corner of N. 3rd and Herr streets, which last housed Sushi Yatta, a short-lived business that closed in 2022. Before that, a convenience store and various shops occupied the first-floor retail space.
Slice of Midtown will build on Cabrera’s recipes, with all breads, rolls, pizza dough, sauces and dressings made from scratch, according to the owners.
The eatery will be takeout-only, as the snug space doesn’t permit seating, Goodman said. There also will be delivery and pick-up options via an app.
Home Sales, Prices Higher
Harrisburg-area home sales and prices both moved higher in April, according to the latest report on previously owned houses.
In the three-county region, 496 homes sold in April, compared to 448 in April 2023, as the median sales price rose to $255,000 from $245,000 over the period, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).
In Dauphin County, 227 houses sold, a drop of six from the year-ago period, though the median price increased to $230,000 from $213,900, GHAR stated.
Cumberland County had 227 home sales versus 193 a year ago, while the median price rose slightly to $287,600 from $285,000, GHAR said.
In Perry County, 35 houses changed hands compared to 19 in April 2023, as the median sales price inched up to $220,000 from $219,000, according to GHAR.
The pace of sales picked up in April, as “average days on market” dropped to 26 days versus 34 days the prior April, GHAR said.
So Noted
Angie Singer Keating has been appointed board president of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern PA. According to the State College-based organization, Keating has over two decades of experience in information systems, project management and engineering.
Goodwill Keystone Area, Reworld and the PA Department of Environmental Protection last month announced a new, free e-waste recycling program at the Goodwill Keystone Area Store and Donation Center, 1200 Market St., Lemoyne. This initiative is set to increase electronic waste recycling capacities across 22 counties in central and southeastern Pennsylvania, ensuring no-cost disposal options for residents.
Knead Pizza is reopening, nearly two years after shuttering amidst a controversy over an employee unionization effort. The small pizza shop, located at N. 3rd and Boas streets in Harrisburg, plans to open only on Thursdays and Fridays, operated only by Knead’s owners.
Ryan McCrory last month was named the new executive director of the Dauphin County Library System. McCrory holds an MLIS degree from Clarion University and has over 25 years of library experience, according to DCLS. He replaces Karen Cullings, who retired last year.
The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) last month received the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, a nonprofit dedicated to improving philanthropy transparency and effectiveness. The award helps assure donors and community members that their contributions are managed with integrity and are used to drive substantial, measurable impact in our region, according to TFEC.
Tri County Housing recently received the Pyramid Award for “Best Affordable Housing—Multi-Family Project” from the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg. The Harrisburg-based housing nonprofit received the award for its Hummel Street revitalization project, which includes 10 new affordable townhouses over the past two years.
Changing Hands
Balm St., 144: D&L Development Group Inc. to E. Sanchez, $149,900
Bellevue Rd., 1920: KMZ LLC to JG Family Trust, $100,000
Bellevue Rd., 1942: KMZ LLC to G. Valera, $89,900
Benton St., 627: D. Myers to D. Darden & C. Sepulveda, $195,000
Benton St., 704: First Choice Home Buyers LLC to V. Okuneye, $125,000
Briggs St., 1824: S. Zunun to I. Yushawu, $145,000
Burchfield St., 315 & 317: Greenbrook Enterprises LLC to Zook Rentals LLC, $240,000
Chestnut St., 1607: H. Hoffman & D. Yorty to Meridian Realty Holdings LLC, $110,000
Crescent St., 455: Val de Vie Estate Investments LLC to C. Scott, $112,000
Croyden Rd., 2927: L. Harris to J. Bosley & M. Wesolowski, $142,000
Cumberland St., 214: C. Anderson to Z. Hoopes, $210,000
Derry St., 1333: Paramount Sol LLC to S. Flores, $1,470,000 ?????
Derry St., 2711: R. Tonkin to Vertical Capital LLC, $110,000
Division St., 609: M. Della Porta to 6th Street Liquor LLC, $2,700,000
Emerald St., 219: M. Goldthwait & L. Witmer to B. Pardoe, $230,000
Emerald St., 226: HBG Rents LLC to L. Miller, $265,000
Evergreen St., 121: 101 S. 17th Street LLC to Bloom Estate Investment LLC, $275,000
Forster St., 2025: Laurel Associates LLC to MAT Holdings LLC, $80,500
Fulton St., 1704: E. Hummel & B. Higgins to L. Young, $224,500
Fulton St., 1723: S. DeLong to J. Polanco, $210,000
Green St., 1318: G. & E. Gibeau to O. Pierce, $142,000
Harris St., 220: R. Perez to LA Squared Rental LLC, $274,900
Harris St., 443: Green Book Enterprises LLC to Keystone Properties Solutions LLC, $206,000
Herr St., 1727: M&N Prestige LLC to C. Burgos & R. Gutierrez, $101,000
Hoerner St., 129: C. Early to C. Smith, $102,000
Howard St., 1321: M. Nichole to Mau Properties LLC, $50,000
Kensington St., 2237: C. Tran & H. Lan to K. Dieu, $95,000
Kensington St., 2239: R. Cash to C. Koehn, $130,000
Lexington St., 2614: S. Washington to G&W Rentals LLC, $62,500
Liberty St., 1404: R. & D. Requa to Balaci Properties LLC, $95,000
Logan St., 1627: Toolbox of Life Inc. to Culcay Remodeling Guagua Remodeling LLC, $62,000
Mercer St., 2423: E. Green to S. German, $146,000
Mercer St., 2428: W. Fisher to K. Guerrero, $132,000
Mercer St., 2465: M. Mast to S. Esayas, $78,000
North St., 1912½: E. Hevner to Berger 1912 LLC, $92,000
N. 2nd St., 2321: R. & P. Higdon to Central PA Investment Group LLC, $54,500
N. 2nd St., 3105: J. Long & A. Carr to E. Knerr, $215,000
N. 3rd St., 1906: C. Chapman to C. Spoonhour, $170,000
N. 3rd St., 2336: L&C Holdings LLC to Sri Balaji LLC, $675,000
N. 4th St., 2319: Berrospi Properties LLC to Prime Realty Solutions 4U LLC, $115,000
N. 5th St., 1600: C. Henson to First Choice Home Buyers LLC, $58,500
N. 5th St., 3014 & 3016: L. Busko to A. Jackson & A. Nornhold, $202,000
N. 6th St., 2101; 2120, 2124, 2128, 2130 Jefferson St.; 606, 608, 610, 612 & 620 Maclay St.; 2119 Elizabeth Alley: Mighty Group Holdings LLC to Pennsylvania Social Equity Land Trust Inc., $14,500,000
N. 6th St., 2667: SPG Capital LLC to NFN LLC, $175,000
N. 12th St., 60: A. Bouhach to T. Kea, $110,000
N. 14th St., 63: P. Sisemore to E&R Realty Legacy LLC, $144,000
N. 16th St., 912: C. Van Den Hazenkamp to J. Lopez, $180,000
N. 17th St., 803: Rosaruth Properties LLC to R. Pollard, $185,000
N. 18th St., 902: Old Cellar Creek Ventures LLC to D. Ward, $75,000
N. 18th St., 917: R. & D. Requa to MAT Holdings LLC, $80,000
N. Front St., 1121: R. & A. Kinch to Cummings Real Estate LP, $475,000
N. Front St., 1335 & 1309 Bartine St.: PA Chiropractic Association to LE Trust, $350,000
Park St., 1929: First Choice Home Buyers LLC to Mau Properties LLC, $80,000
Paxton St., 1801: MMLM Realty LLC to Nilkanth Real Estate LLC, $170,000
Penn St., 1405: C. Halpert to Gallick Redevelopment Group LLC, $62,000
Penn St., 1922: A. Hibbard to A. Geise 2005 Trust, $285,000
Penn St., 2329: R. Memmi to Twelfth Roof LLC, $109,000
Pennwood Rd., 3125: J. Ritchey to New Ventures Investments LLC, $145,000
Reel St., 2456: D&F Realty Holdings LP to A. Abubakari, $155,000
Reel St., 2713: M. Rodriquez to Y. Luna, $140,000
Regina St., 1845: M. Lehman to Mau Properties LLC, $80,000
Reily St., 213: E. Brantner to L. Bennett & M. Reutinger, $192,000
Reily St., 215: Big Leaf Properties LLC to Calders Street Development LLC, $265,000
Rudy Rd., 2155: C. Lopus to J. Keating, $210,000
Rumson Dr., 2856: S. Aiken to K. Deininger, $135,000
S. 15th St., 11: J. Shaulis to S. Cyprys, $135,000
S. 15th St., 25: 1822 Park LLC to Anneliese Enterprise LLC, $85,000
S. 17th St., 427: B. Debeljak to D. Villanona, $145,500
S. 18th St., 1235: Glanzair Properties LLC to R. & E. Nartey, $220,000
S. 29th St., 726: T. Schiffhauer to M. Madrid, $127,800
S. Front St., 547: B. Ward to 2nd Level Management LLC, $90,000
Spencer St., 1837: E. Ayala, L. Hernandez & N. Vogt to J. & C. Peterson, $85,000
State St., 1340: R. & D. Requa to Kermon Home Solutions LLC, $100,000
State St., 1404: M. Henson to C. & M. White, $110,000
Swatara St., 1519: Tri County HDC Ltd. to Y. Feliz, $99,900
Swatara St., 2123: L. Brown to R. Washington, $110,000
Verbeke St., 212: L. Fee to A&W Homes LLC, $147,000
Verbeke St., 232: M. Meyer to A. O’Brien, $229,000
Walnut St., 1420: D. Pittman to 1420 Walnut LLC, $157,500
Whitehall St., 1851: Best By LLC to YT Harrisburg LLC, $265,000
Woodbine St., 526: S. Ratliff & J. Grier to C. Asong & R. Folefac, $69,000
Yale St., 217: J. & G. Proctor to Q. Demiri, $50,000
Zarker St., 1910: Z. Wiest & PA Deals LLC to Crummel Insurance Agency LLC, $124,900
Harrisburg property sales, April 2024, greater than $50,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.
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