Harrisburg Registers Fewer “Stuck Trucks”
Harrisburg may have found a way to curb its stuck truck problem.
Last month, city officials explained that, since they installed new signage along N. Front Street last summer, the number of trucks ending up wedged under the railroad bridge has significantly decreased.
In August 2022, city Communications Director Matt Maisel reported that trucks getting stuck under the bridge had become a near daily occurrence. To address the issue, the city and PennDOT hung two new signs at N. Front and Chestnut streets warning vehicles over 12-feet, 6-inches tall that traveling any further is prohibited.
According to Harrisburg Project Manager Percy Bullock, the signs seem to have succeeded in reducing the problem.
“I’ve gotten a whole lot less calls,” he said.
Over the fall and winter, calls to the police about stuck trucks decreased. For the month after the signs were posted, from the end of July 26 to Aug. 25, 23 calls about trucks were received. The following month, that number dropped to 19, and the next month it dropped to 10. The next two months, the number would rise slightly, jumping to 17 in December. But January only counted six and both February and March, only five each.
The signs themselves may have contributed to that decline, but the added ability to fine drivers who ignore them may have played a role as well, explained Chris Flad, PennDOT District 8 traffic engineer.
In the transportation world, different signs mean different things, and, according to Flad, the new signs give the city greater legal standing to fine drivers. And for the past several months, Harrisburg police have regularly handed out those fines to drivers who decide to take their chances with the bridge. Under state law, drivers can be fined up to $500.
Ultimately, it’s going to take time to see if the signs have made a lasting difference or if the dip in sticky situations is just an anomaly, Flad said.
“You’ve got to give it time to see if it’s truly working or not,” he said.
Both Bullock and Flad agreed that the issue has created a huge headache for the city and drivers over the years. Each call can require a handful of police officers, along with traffic personnel, to respond, Bullock said. The situations also often force the city to shut down at least two lanes of traffic.
If the signs don’t do enough to decrease the issue long term, PennDOT has “a couple of other tricks up our sleeves,” Flad said.
PennDOT is currently considering placing a sign at the end of the Market Street Bridge, warning drivers not to turn right, towards the railroad bridge, Flad said. That sign would be installed in the coming months.
School District Outlines Budget Plan
The Harrisburg School District has started crafting its spending plan for the upcoming year.
At a school board meeting last month, district officials presented a preliminary 2023-24 balanced budget of $216.5 million.
The proposal does not include a property tax increase.
The proposed spending plan would be a decrease from the current year’s budget of $227.4 million, as federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding used in last year’s budget comes to an end, according to Dr. Marcia Stokes, chief financial officer for the district.
The budget would include funding for new pre-K classrooms, which the district plans to start, dependent on receiving Pennsylvania Department of Education Pre-K Counts grant funding.
Stokes also noted the potential elimination of certain vacant job positions within the budget and the addition of positions, such as increasing the number of ESL teachers, school psychologists, special education staff and career counselors.
In total, the budget proposes spending $58 million, the largest allocation, on salaries, and another $41 million on staff benefits. About $29 million would fund purchased property services, which includes money for the renovation project at Steele Elementary School, which is slated to reopen in August 2024. Another $38.6 million would support other purchased services, which includes funds the district pays to area charter schools.
Stokes explained that the budget is still in its early stages and may change, as collective bargaining agreements with unions are finalized and state funding is announced.
District Receiver Dr. Lori Suski is expected to act on the proposed budget on May 23 and on the final budget on June 27.
Harrisburg Ponders Short-Term Rentals
It’s been over six years since Airbnb rentals started popping up in Harrisburg, but city officials are still pondering what to do about them.
At a recent special session, City Council weighed possible options for regulating, registering and taxing short-term rentals, such as Airbnb.
According to Michael Hughes, Harrisburg’s tax and enforcement administrator, this type of rental currently falls in a “gray, unregulated area” within city code. Because of that, not all rentals pay hotel taxes, sales and mercantile taxes or are officially registered within the city, all standard practices for traditional B&Bs.
The city also hopes to address concerns from residents about certain short-term rentals causing noise, parking and traffic issues, as well as building code violations.
In 2017, Harrisburg held its first meeting on the topic, attracting a full house of local residents who voiced support for and against Airbnbs. However, no new legislation came forth. Now, officials are again considering how to move forward.
“The most important thing to start with is for the council and the mayor to have a clear objective of what they’re trying to accomplish,” said Neil Grover, city solicitor. “Because there are lots of ways to do this.”
As the city weighs a decision, short-term rentals in Harrisburg have only continued to increase.
Currently, there are about 256 short-term rental units operating in the city. That number grew by 33% from last year’s number and is expected to continue to tick up at the same rate, according to research done by Granicus, a software company serving as a consultant to the city.
During the meeting, officials brainstormed options like limiting Airbnbs to certain city zones or geographic locations or requiring that they be owner-occupied. Other options, such as requiring registration with the city, charging permitting fees or mandating yearly inspections, also were discussed.
Council President Danielle Bowers said that the next step will be to establish a task force to develop a plan moving forward.
HACC Approves Budget, Tuition Hike
HACC officials last month approved a spending plan for the coming academic year.
The college adopted a $116 million budget for the 2023-24 school year, which includes a tuition increase, but no layoffs or furloughs.
“This budget reflects careful consideration of a projected decline of 8% in HACC’s enrollment, the growing national dialogue questioning the value of a college education, and the impact inflation will have on college operations,” said HACC President and CEO John Sygielski, in a statement.
For the next academic year, HACC will hike tuition by 5% for non-sponsored, sponsored and “College in the High School” students. Out-of-state tuition will increase to $325 per student per credit and dual enrollment tuition will increase to $175 per credit. There will be no increase in other college fees.
As a majority of HACC students are non-sponsored, part-time students, tuition will increase by about $11.75 per credit for the average student, according to HACC.
Also as part of the budget, the college will employ several cost-saving measures to offset a projected $400,000 deficit. For instance, HACC will offer retirement incentives to full-time employees who meet the requirements. Currently, over 200 staff members would be eligible, which could possibly save the college up to $5 million.
HACC also plans to freeze or eliminate 23 open positions, reduce overtime and consolidate courses with low enrollment, according to the college.
Homes Sales Down, Prices Up
Home sales fell but prices inched higher in the latest report on previously owned houses in the Harrisburg area.
For the three-county region, March sales totaled 454 houses compared to 576 in March 2022, while the median sales price rose to $246,500 from 238,900, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).
In Dauphin County, 227 homes sold, a decline from 309 in the year-ago period, as the median price increased to $222,500 from $205,750, GHAR said.
Cumberland County had 192 home sales versus 245 the prior March, and the median sales price rose slightly to $287,450 from $280,000 last year, according to GHAR.
In Perry County, 35 homes sold, an increase of 12 compared to last year, as the median price increased to $230,000 versus $216,000 in March 2022, stated GHAR.
The pace of sales slowed, as GHAR reported that “average days on market” totaled 33 days, compared to 23 days in the year-ago period.
So Noted
Dr. Bennett Chotiner has been awarded Harrisburg University’s 2023 Impact Award, which was presented last month at HU’s annual gala. The Impact Award honors people who have made invaluable contributions to the building and establishment of the university.
Hamilton Health Center has broken ground on a planned facility in Steelton, its fourth satellite location in the area. The 20,000-square-foot healthcare facility is part of a 102,000-square-foot, mixed-use development called The Steel Works Revitalization, developed by Wormleysburg-based Integrated Development Partners.
Harrisburg University and UPMC last month announced a 10-year partnership that includes naming HU’s new academic building, the “UPMC Health Sciences Tower at Harrisburg University.” The 12-story building, slated to open this fall at S. 3rd and Chestnut streets, will house the UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing, in addition to several HU programs and services.
Jessica Knapp will assume the role of state president and CEO of Communities in Schools of Pennsylvania on July 1, succeeding Jenna Lewis, who served the organization for six years. CISPA serves 24 schools across 11 school districts, supporting students and empowering them to stay in school.
Susquecycle has returned for the season, offering rental bikes at six locations in downtown, Midtown and City Island in Harrisburg. The organizer, Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, hopes to expand the program, now in its second year, to more locations in Harrisburg and into the suburbs.
Sylvia H. Rambo U.S. Courthouse officially opened last month, capping a decades-long effort to relocate the courthouse from downtown Harrisburg’s federal building. The 243,000-square-foot building serves as the new location of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania 3rd Circuit Court, U.S. Courts, U.S. Marshal Service, U.S. Attorneys, U.S. Trustees, Homeland Security and Federal Public Defender.
The LAN Center opened last month in downtown Harrisburg, offering a place for state-of-the-art e-sports gaming. The 2,000-square-foot space, located at 19 S. 3rd St., is home to the Soniqs, a professional e-sports team, and is also available for clubs and groups.
Zeroday Brewing Co. last month debuted its new restaurant at its flagship taproom at 925 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. It took over from La Catrina, which had operated the food portion of the house since the space opened two years ago. Zeroday also changed the cuisine from a Mexican-themed menu to one focused on American fare, such as salads, sandwiches and “mac & cheese options.”
Changing Hands
Bailey St., 1216: D. Boyle to D. Peroza, $40,000
Bailey St., 1220: C. Johnson to Builders Property Management & Marketing Group LLC, $60,000
Balm St., 23: Northeast Investors Alliance LLC to D. Fernandez & H. Valverde, $68,000
Bartine St., 1323: J. Herr to R. Harris, $114,900
Berryhill St., 1307: Anpat LLC to TKO Rental LLC, $63,000
Berryhill St., 1507: Top Shelf Solutions LLC to M. Vazquez, $59,900
Camp St., 533: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to MHG PA1 LLC, $159,995
Derry St., 1216: S. Ledgister to J. & B. Ortiz, $125,000
Derry St., 1927 & 1929: S. Fang to T. Webb, $174,000
Derry St., 2341: M&D Express LLC to S. Johnson, $159,000
Emerald St., 313: M&T Bank to G&W Rentals LLC, $64,900
Forster St., 1835: C. Woods to C. Banks & E. Ingrassia, $106,000
Girard St., 740: O. Caban to M. Woodard, $160,000
Green St., 1619: G. Hoffner to Saint Adam Property Management LLC, $235,000
Green St., 1710: B. & B. Hinnenkamp to P. & S. Wright, $255,000
Green St., 1836: WCI Partners LP to Little Amps Coffee LLC, $275,000
Green St., 2017, 2019; 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 Penn St.; 1922, 1924, 1926 N. 3rd St.; 1923 Susquehanna St.: WCI Partners LP to Harrisburg Redevelopment Group LLC, $777,000
Green St., 2122: KMM Development LLC to S. Laroc, $130,000
Green St., 2136: Great Row LLC to J. Yingling, $77,500
Green St., 2810: Christian Insight Ministry to T. & Alvise Banks, $110,000
Green St., 3101: T. & L. Reese to M. Biboso, $272,100
Hamilton St., 428: M. & S. Imler to M. Dagan, $73,500
Harris St., 202: L. Craig to I. Sloan, $178,000
Herr St., 1849: Ultra Renovations & Investments Inc. to F. Payano & F. Almonte, $55,000
Jefferson St., 2261: A. Williams to SNB Real Estate Solutions LLC, $59,995
Lexington St., 2625: Bridger Investments LLC to E. Rivera, $133,000
Logan St., 2242: RRMMM Real Estate LLC to D. Boyle, $52,000
Muench St., 412: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to R. Cange, $145,000
Naudain St., 1604: Paxton Properties LLC to C. Perez, $55,000
N. 2nd St., 928: D. Galluci to R. & S. Katsifis, $60,000
N. 2nd St., 2007: P. & L. Klemunes to A&W Homes LLC, $150,000
N. 2nd St., 3012: J. McLaughlin to D. Yount & N. Holt, $215,000
N. 3rd St., 1606: J. Merrill & D. Wilburne to A. Matarazzi & C. McClelland, $282,500
N. 3rd St., 1912: N. Peterson to E. Monteros & T. Peszynski, $93,000
N. 3rd St., 2028: Youth Advocate Program Inc. to SJL Rentals LLC, $175,000
N. 3rd St., 2451: F. Clark to Safe Hands Real Estate Ltd., $205,000
N. 4th St., 2609: D. Markel to S. Rector, $120,000
N. 4th St., 3010: Eruv Development 1 LLC to J. Jah, $200,000
N. 4th St., 3013: D&A Homes LLC to J. Filpo & Y. Bartolo, $140,000
N. 5th St., 1618: J. Blackburn to A&W Homes LLC, $125,000
N. 5th St., 2411: Stoute Housing Inc. to J. Cabrera, $150,000
N. 6th St., 2231: Elevation Properties LLC to TKO Property Holdings LLC, $91,000
N. 6th St., 3103: J. & S. Santana to K. Malinoski, $152,000
N. 15th St., 1435: S. Sary to N. Gutkovskaya, $116,000
N. 15th St., 1607: N. Lewis & I. Davenport to E. Davenport, $50,000
N. 18th St., 33: D. Boyle to M. Paulino, $45,000
N. 18th St., 67: Eden Bridge Foundation Inc. to D. Boyle, $62,500
N. 18th St., 806: J. Johnson to E. & E. Ramirez, $65,000
Paxton St., 1717: B. Do to B. & V. Doan, $80,000
Penn St., 1606: J. Simpson to D. Hoffman, $110,000
Penn St., 1615: B. Waltz to L. & M. Collett, $197,000
Penn St., 2151: R. Estrella to Equitable Rentals LLC, $67,000
Penn St., 2153: R. Rammouni to Equitable Rentals LLC, $66,000
Radnor St., 102: DelGiorno Investments LLC to Angdupe2011 LLC, $155,000
Reel St., 2746: R. & L. Goldberg to EJB Rentals LLC, $47,500
Regina St., 1414: JP Investment Holding LLC to 717 Apartments LLC, $302,000
Regina St., 1827: D. Boyle to M. Perez, $55,000
Reservoir St., 72: Gilligan Realty LLC to Horizon Trust FBO Kathy L. Watson 401K, $63,000
Rolleston St., 1249: Paul Winka Trust to F. Ashennafi $105,000
Rudy Rd., 2454: J. Howard to L. & K. Grant, $100,000
Rumson Dr., 330: G. Di Bosco to K. Weldeghebrial, $127,500
Showers St., 622: M. Garland to J. Ellis & Waterstone Mortgage Corp., $133,900
S. 12th St., 1443: L. & A. Prather to F. Hills & S. Colon, $110,000
S. 17th St., 37, 39 & 41: R2 Property Group LLC to T. Howard, $88,000
S. 20th St., 624: M. Ortiz to S. Gardner, $111,500
S. 25th St., 707: R. Richardson to L. & J. Soto, $142,000
S. 26th St., 708: P. Negron to T. Mercedes, $145,000
S. Front t., 625: J. Chumley to K. Romero, $170,000
State St., 200: 200 State Street LLC to Capitol View LLC, $300,000
State St., 227: Vinculum Inc. to Sierra Real Estate LLC, $330,000
State St., 231, Unit 301: D. Scott to J. Fernandez, $203,000
State St., 231, Unit 603: Kreit Group LLC to Lefkas Odyssey Corp., $175,000
State St., 1520: G. Zehr to A. Antonio, $80,000
Vernon St., 1348: G. Vargas to D. Boyle, $55,000
Vernon St., 1354: SU Hogar LLC to Urban Lighthouse Ministries, $95,000
Waldo St., 2610: D. Boyle to L. Bonilla, $58,000
Zarker St., 1833: M. Galvez to M. Pabana, $53,000
Zarker St., 1949: M. & D. Goldberg to B. Oliver, $69,500
Harrisburg property sales, March 2023, greater than $40,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.
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