City Council Fills Open Seat
Robert Lawson is the newest member of Harrisburg City Council, as he was appointed in late January to fill a vacant seat on the seven-member legislative body.
Lawson’s appointment capped a four-hour meeting that started with a large field of 16 hopefuls and involved multiple interviews throughout the night.
“City Council has been a goal of mine because it’s one of the most visible ways that I can serve my fellow citizens,” said Lawson, who was raised in Harrisburg, following the vote. “I’m nearly speechless.”
During his interview with council, Lawson stressed that he’s especially interested in helping to grow and strengthen the city’s small business environment, find solutions to affordable housing and encourage young people to stay in the city.
“My heart is with making this a city that thrives and making this a city where people can come here and improve their life situations,” said Lawson, a salesperson for Keystone Custom Homes and president of Lawson Group Insurance Agency.
The council seat was open following the resignation of former council member Dave Madsen, who was elected to the state House of Representatives. Lawson, 50, will serve the remainder of Madsen’s term, which expires in January 2024.
Historic Harrisburg Outlines “Preservation Priorities”
A Harrisburg-based historic preservation group has released its annual list of endangered and threatened area landmarks, and, this year, a century-old bridge tops the list.
For 2023, Historic Harrisburg Association’s top “preservation priority” is the Market Street Bridge, a 95-year-old stone arch structure that spans the Susquehanna River.
Last year, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation unveiled a multi-year plan to restore the bridge, which includes constructing a separate utility bridge along the bridge’s southern façade.
Sara Sweeney, chair of HHA’s preservation committee, said that the organization has been in discussions with PennDOT regarding this proposal.
“We continue to applaud PennDOT for its plan to restore the bridge and hope that, in the process, the original design and features are maintained,” said Sweeney.” “We will continue to monitor progress as the design progresses.”
This is the first year that the Market Street Bridge has been a top priority for HHA. In 2022, Balsley House, one of the oldest structures in Harrisburg, topped the list. This year, it ranks second.
The remaining three “preservation priorities” also made last year’s top-five list. They are:
- The former William Penn High School at Italian Lake
- The former Harrisburg State Hospital complex
- Prospect Hill Cemetery Gatehouse near the city line
In the presentation, Sweeney also noted several recent preservation “successes” and two preservation “losses.”
The successes include:
- The former Lemoyne Middle School, which has been renovated and converted into an apartment building
- The former Gerber’s Department Store, also known as the “Carpets and Draperies building,” which was renovated into a mixed-used structure in Midtown Harrisburg
- The former Milestone Inn, which now serves as headquarters for Dilks Properties in Uptown Harrisburg
- The Harrisburg History Project, a series of historical markers in Harrisburg that needed replacement and updating
Sweeney also noted two recent “preservation losses”:
- Beidleman House, an Allison Hill structure on Market Street that was razed last year
- The Jackson Hotel on N. 6th Street in Harrisburg, which collapsed in early 2021
Moreover, HHA put about 30 structures in and around Harrisburg on its “watch list,” meaning that they’re historic properties of concern. These range widely, but include such landmark buildings as the Broad Street Market, the former Coca-Cola bottling works on Allison Hill, the Riverside firehouse and even HHA’s own Historic Harrisburg Resource Center.
Riverfront Apartment Building Proposed
A new apartment building may be coming to Uptown Harrisburg, as a New Jersey-based developer is proposing a 21-unit structure along the riverfront.
Last month, the city’s Planning Commission heard the proposal by EI Realty of Cedar Knolls, N.J., which wants to raze two mid-century office buildings and build “Dauphin House Apartments,” a modern-style, glass-and-masonry apartment building in their place.
“We believe we’re really going to improve the lot and really it’ll be an asset to the neighborhood,” said Christine Hunter, project manager for the site designers, Harrisburg-based H. Edward Black and Associates.
The building plan consists of six, two-bedroom and 15, one-bedroom units located at 2709 and 2717 N. Front St., according to Adam Kerr, vice president of the Harrisburg-based architect EI Associates, an entity affiliated with the developer. The units would rent at market rate.
The project also features 44 parking spaces. These include sheltered parking beneath the three-story building, which would be elevated due to the flooding risk.
The site currently features two small, mid-century office buildings.
According to the city’s Planning Bureau, the existing, “nondescript” buildings were constructed in 1956 and 1965 and do not contribute to the city’s historic or architectural character.
The apartment project still would need to go through the city’s land development process before it could break ground.
Affordable Housing Projects Planned
Two new development proposals aim to bring additional affordable housing to Uptown Harrisburg.
At a Planning Commission meeting last month, developers with Harrisburg-based Vice Capital shared their plans to construct lower-income housing on the 2200- and 2300-blocks of N. 6th Street.
“The Uptown Harrisburg area hasn’t had their fair share of new construction and affordable housing,” said Ryan Sanders, vice president of development for Vice Capital. “We believe the residents deserve to live in homes that are clean and safe.”
The project, named JMB Gardens, would include the construction of five rowhome-style buildings on several currently vacant lots along the corridor. In total, they would feature 41 affordable units, a community center and 21 off-street parking spaces. According to the proposal, units would include a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.
Vice Capital expects the project to cost about $15.7 million, and they hope to break ground in September, according to Sanders.
Vice Capital, which is owned by former NFL player LeSean McCoy, plans to purchase the properties from the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority and the Harrisburg Housing Authority.
The Planning Commission voted to approve a zoning variance and special exception for the project, which still needs to go through the city’s land development process.
Additionally, last month, the commission approved a zoning variance and special exception and land development plan for a proposed affordable housing project on an overgrown lot on the 2100-block of N. 4th Street.
Harrisburg-based nonprofit Tri-County HDC shared their proposal to construct five, single-family townhomes. According to Executive Director Gary Lenker, the homes would be sold to lower-income families for around $100,000 each. Each 1,500-square-foot home would include three bedrooms and one-and-a-half baths.
Tri-County plans to purchase the land from the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority.
Lenker expects the $1.3 million project to break ground in 2024, assuming it receives final approval from City Council.
Commonwealth Purchases River Islands
Last summer, two unique pieces of real estate splashed onto the sales market in Harrisburg—they now have a new owner.
In January, the commonwealth purchased Independence and Bailey’s islands, both located in the middle of the Susquehanna River near the Harvey Taylor Bridge, with the intention of conserving the land.
The islands were listed in August by owners Robert and John Ensminger, whose family had owned them for generations. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the larger of the two, Independence Island, operated as a bathing and entertainment resort for visitors. Today, the islands have no permanent structures and are mostly visited by boaters.
Now, the state, led by its Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), has purchased the pair of islands for $160,000. According to Seth Cassell, the Bureau of Forestry’s director of planning and administration, DCNR bought the islands to conserve the land and keep it public.
“We saw it as an opportunity to bring state forest land closer to our Capitol and to conserve the islands for future generations,” Cassell said.
As the state takes ownership, Cassell doesn’t predict that much will change with the use of the islands. They’ll likely remain a place for boaters and kayakers to stop for a picnic or a rest, he said.
DCNR owns many river islands across the state and several in the Susquehanna region already.
“They’re great ecological resources and scenic places to preserve,” Cassell said.
Home Sales Down, Prices Up
Sales declined but prices jumped for previously owned houses in the Harrisburg area, according to the January sales report.
In the three-county region, 389 homes sold in January, compared to 499 in January 2022, but the median sales price rose to $245,000 from $211,900 the prior year, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).
In Dauphin County, home sales totaled 186 units versus 240 the prior January, as the median price increased to $204,000 from $200,000, GHAR said.
Cumberland County also experienced a sales decline, to 174 houses versus 215 a year ago, but the median sales price leapt to $290,000 from $235,000 in January 2022, according to GHAR.
In Perry County, 27 homes sold, a decline of two, as the median price rose to $191,000 versus $184,500 the previous January, stated GHAR.
The “average days on market” went up to 34 days, versus 20 days in the year-ago period, GHAR said.
So Noted
Corrie Lingenfelter has been named the new executive director of Downtown Daily Bread, a Harrisburg-based shelter. Previously, Lingenfelter served as food service operations director at the facility on South Street before being promoted to interim executive director last year.
Garden plots of varying sizes are available this spring for free at the Atlas Street Garden, located in the 2200-block of Atlas Street in Harrisburg. Free parking and water are available on site. Interested gardeners should contact Dan Miller at danmillerhbg@gmail.com.
Genevieve Fitzgibbon has been named the new president and CEO of Keystone Human Services International. Fitzgibbon has been with the Harrisburg-based multinational human services organization since 2006, most recently serving as deputy director.
George Hartwick last month announced that he would seek another term as Dauphin County commissioner. Hartwick, an incumbent Democrat, will compete for his party’s nomination during the May 16 primary election. Republican incumbents Mike Pries and Chad Saylor previously announced their intention to run for re-election to the three-member board.
Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC in Central Pa. recently became the first in Pennsylvania to use the new Edwards PASCAL Precision transcatheter valve repair system to treat mitral valve regurgitation. This is a common condition in which a valve connecting two chambers of the heart does not fully close, allowing blood to leak backward in the valve and impairing blood flow.
Kimberly A. Selemba will serve as 2023 board president of the Dauphin County Bar Association. Selemba, an attorney with Saxton & Stump, replaces the 2022 board president, Scott Cooper, according to the association.
Major Jordan Ames has been hired as the executive director of Veteran’s Outreach of Pennsylvania, a group planning to build a “tiny homes” village for veterans in south Harrisburg. Ames is a retired, 21-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and a native of the Harrisburg area.
One+ Strategies last month announced its launch as a new government and public affairs firm. According to the Harrisburg-based company, the firm brings together seasoned legal, political and government relations professionals under one roof. For more information, visit www.onestrategies.com.
Renee Custer Yamani has joined Team Pennsylvania as vice president of strategic and external affairs. She previously served as chief operating officer for the Custer Group and as executive director of Harrisburg Young Professionals.
Sen. John Fetterman has leased a regional office in Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg. His staff is occupying space on the fourth floor of Lerner Tower, previously rented by retired Sen. Pat Toomey.
Unleashed Grooming Company opened last month at 3 N. 3rd St. in Harrisburg, part of the Shops at Strawberry Square. From the storefront location, owner Alexandra Lauch offers dog and cat grooming services, along with related pet care items for sale.
Wendell Hoover will serve as 2023 president of the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors, according to the organization. Other officers include vice president Tracy Klinger, secretary/treasurer Jimmy Koury and past president Sylvia Hess.
Changing Hands
Catherine St., 1632: SR Homes LLC to Dalilas Home Makeover LLC, $58,000
Derry St., 2001: M. Martinez & M. Marte to H. Alarcon, $159,900
Derry St., 2200: J. Chirdon & M. Gordon to R. Campbell, $210,000
Derry St., 2701: D. Nagle to S. Knowles, $115,000
Grand St., 918: Bridger Investments LLC to B. Scelta, $150,000
Grand St., 920: E. Fisher to T. Burrell, $148,000
Green St., 2329: G. & L. Calloway to W. & K. Rider, $110,000
Harris St., 220: H. Merkt to R. Perez, $240,000
Harris St., 236: K. Kinyua to D. Edwards, $190,000
Hummel St., 354: San Pef Inc. to J. Bencome, $45,000
Independence Island & Bailey’s Island: R. & J. Ensminger to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania & Department of Conservation & Natural Resources: $160,000
Jefferson St., 2123: Secretary of Housing & Urban Development and ISN Corporation West Operation to S. Baba, $42,050
Jefferson St., 2618: R. Cruz to Elgamwo LLC, $56,500
Kelker St., 634: PA Deals LLC to D. Kirk, $100,000
Kensington St., 2026: S. Rivera to H. Marca, $40,000
Kensington St.., 2034: J. Prol & A. Seroskie to AP Properties Services LLC, $55,000
Kensington St., 2304: D. Boyle to C. Diaz, $55,000
Lenox St., 2001: Global Reach LLC to PKN Real Estate LLC, $165,000
Lexington St., 2606: R. & V. Schweitzer to Balaci Properties LLC, $75,000
Luce St., 2312½: R. Valentine to Bermuda Land LLC, $85,000
Market St., 221: White Cross Stores Inc., CVS Pharmacy Inc. to Market & Court LLC, $850,000
Market St., 1919: T. & W. Torchia to Scarlettmoon Capital LLC, $215,000
Muench St., 413: Munoz4HProperties LLC to Castro Investment Group LLC, $65,000
North St., 1938: Paul Winka Trust to A. McKee & I. Diaz, $183,000
N. 2nd St., 236: D. Farrell & Kenil Associates LLC to Second & Pine Ventures LLC, $750,000
N. 2nd St., 1815: M. Temba to I. Ritzman, $190,000
N. 2nd St., 3119 & 3123: D. & N. Leppo to B. Gilkerson & M. Heinaman, $245,000
N. 2nd St., 3228: Toch Investments LLC to T. Underkoffler, $249,900
N. 2nd St., 3232: Alkaline Properties LLC to S. Kent & J. Swoyer, $369,900
N. 3rd St., 512: RLJG Inc. to Duong Properties LLC, $275,000
N. 3rd St., 910: Balfour Street Investments LLC to Ramsey Rhoads Group LLC, $145,000
N. 3rd St., 2011: S. & K. Weinstock to MC Real Estate Holdings LLC, $500,000
N. 3rd St., 2223: D. Toro & S. Ortega to G. Galaxy & B. Scelta, $195,000
N. 3rd St., 2317: DAG EKG Properties LLC to V. Heard & C. Moton, $125,000
N. 4th St., 1620: Acharya Rentals LLC to Venus Properties LLC, $65,000
N. 4th St., 2318: M. Roark to Dreams 2 Reality Services LLC, $45,000
N. 4th St., 2404: A&K Investments Partnership LLC to Y. & G. Hernandez, $140,000
N. 5th St., 2719: C. Gardner to M. Gallick, $77,500
N. 6th St., 2947: D. Wenger to A. Collado, A. Cruz & A. Reyes, $172,900
N. 14th St., 211: C. Kicas to Integrity First Home Buyers LLC, $45,000
N. 14th St., 213: C. Kicas to Integrity First Home Buyers LLC, $45,000
N. 14th St., 1118: JTA Consulting Group LLC to Brito Mezon Property Investment LLC, $48,000
N. 15th St., 1403: F. & L. Stevens to Triple S Real Estate LLC, $71,000
N. 17th St., 707: G. Lyman to P. Reyes, $110,000
N. 18th St., 710: PI Capitol LLC to I. Rhodes, $102,000
N. 19th St., 34: F. Kephart to K. Ferrera, $40,000
N. 20th St., 20 & 22: W. Griffin to ILL Holdings LLC, $132,000
N. Cameron St., 1825; 1817 & 1833 George St. and 1118, 1120, 1122 & 1124 Kelker St.: Santanna Banana Company Inc. to Anrel Holdings LLC, $825,000
Oxford St., 615: SR Homes LLC to K. Cooke, $62,000
Park St., 1635: Eden Bridge Foundation to F. Ruiz & C. Zapata, $48,000
Peffer St., 435: R. Clymer to J. & D. Cummings, $150,000
Penn St., 2111: Leonard Dobson Family Limited Partnership to Equitable Rentals LLC, $69,000
Penn St., 2140: S. & J. Compton to PA Deals LLC, $54,250
Penn St., 2145: J. Lucas to T Wy Enterprise LLC, $62,000
Pennwood Rd., 3205: T. & A. Wolfe to M. Fenster, $177,500
Radnor St., 100: S. Santos to Kait Brocious Group LLC, $110,000
Radnor St., 102: J. Alibrio to Renovations RE LLC, $70,000
Reel St., 2416 & 2418: J. Johnson to Balaci Properties LLC, $190,000
Reel St., 2468: M. Graybill c/o City Limits Realty to D. Boyle, $60,000
Royal Terr., 157: Seneca Leandro View LLC to W. & S. Wyche, $99,900
Rudy Rd., 2415: R. Heaney to A. Hernandez, $185,000
Rumson Dr., 381: S. & A. Sloane to PA Deals LLC, $66,000
Rumson Dr., 2639: T. & J. Morra to Z. Guzman & Y. Mamolar, $147,000
Sassafras St., 257: LJC Properties LLC to J. Reapsome, $115,000
Seneca St., 262: C. Drayton to L. Maynard & K. Fox, $156,600
Shanois St., 901: Cash Flow Management LLC to Bethel Inc., $450,000
S. 23rd St., 543: J. Suhr to J. Avila & J. Barrios, $40,000
S. Front St., 803: E. & J. Vey to T. Edwards, $105,000
S. Summit St., 37: Sunnyvale Properties LLC to 1214 Bailey Street LLC, $97,000
Spencer St., 1841: Ausy Properties LLC to J. Diaz, $60,000
State St., 205: Sierra Real Estate LLC to Fernandez Investments LLC, $250,000
State St., 231, Unit 606: P. Ovide to R. Leadbetter, $165,000
State St., 1715: O. & L. David to L. Allki, $150,000
Susquehanna St., 2022: P. Sisemore & K. Hugo to P. Honesty, $132,500
Swatara St., 1221: Y. Perez to S. Infante, $95,000
Swatara St., 1434: M. Perez to DCPL 1434 Swatara St. LLC, $140,000
Swatara St., 1922: J. Soriano to Hamar Constructions Inc., $90,000
Verbeke St., 126: K. Kassmel to Wright Restoration Properties LLC, $76,000
Waldo St., 2610: Tassia Corporation to D. Boyle, $58,000
Woodlawn St., 2714: V. & N. Tran to Cambridge Rental Properties LLC, $425,000
Wyeth St., 1410: R. Harvey to E. Williams, $165,500
Zarker St., 1921: S. Atiyeh to R. Albayero, $77,000
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