2nd Street Project Complete
After nearly seven decades, a main Harrisburg roadway has been returned to a two-way city street.
Last month, the first car made its way southbound down N. 2nd Street in Harrisburg, a historic drive as the road had been a three-lane, one-way urban highway since the mid-1950s.
With the opening to traffic, N. 2nd Street is now officially a two-way street between Division and Forster streets.
“I’m excited to see this take place,” said Percy Bullock, project manager for the city. “2nd Street is finally open.”
The project came to a close after years of planning and over a year of construction, with several delays to the timeline. The goal was to make the roadway safer and more walkable for pedestrians as part of the city’s Vision Zero initiative to eliminate pedestrian fatalities.
Bullock said that he expects the two-way street to redirect traffic from the corridor, which cuts through residential neighborhoods, to other roadways in the city, such as N. 7th Street.
The road now has three roundabouts where traffic lights once were at Verbeke, Reily and Kelker streets. There are also raised pedestrian crosswalks and speed bumps at intersections, and the speed limit has been lowered from 35 to 25 mph, Bullock explained
Within the hour after N. 2nd Street made the switch to two ways, cars headed down the road, maneuvering the new roundabouts, speed bumps and raised crosswalks. One large truck made a tight turn at an intersection, partially running over the roundabout and medians, but that’s why the roundabouts were built low to the ground, Bullock explained.
One long-time N. 2nd Street resident, Joel Burcat, stood at the N. 2nd and Division streets intersection waiting to see the first cars make their way southbound on the road.
“I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time,” he said. “I think it will make a positive impact in our neighborhood. It’s a big improvement for the city.”
Bike Returns to Harrisburg
Bikes are back in the Burg.
Last month, the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission (TCRPC) unveiled its new bike share program, SusqueCycle, which is now open for bike rentals in Harrisburg.
“It’s exciting to have it ready to go,” said Lauren Weaver, a planner at TCRPC, at the unveiling. “This will make it easier to get around.”
The bike share is operated by Michigan-based Tandem Mobility, which will maintain the bikes.
The city had a bike share from 2017 to 2020, organized by Communities in Schools of Pennsylvania and operated by Boston-based Zagster. That ended when Zagster ceased operations in 2020 due to the pandemic.
TCRPC decided to take on the project, announcing in April that the bike share would return. There are now six locations around the city to rent a bike, with 36 bikes available between them.
The SusqueCycle pickup/drop-off locations are as follows:
- State and N. 2nd streets, downtown
- City Island, near the Walnut Street Bridge
- Market Square Transfer Center, downtown
- Harrisburg Transportation Center (Amtrak station), downtown
- Strawberry Square, downtown
- Broad Street Market, Midtown
To rent a bike, cyclists must download the Movatic app and create an account. They can then scan a QR code on a bike to unlock it from the docking station. Once they are done riding, they must return the bike to any location, lock it and select “end rental” on the app. Yearly memberships for SusqueCycle are available for $25, or bikes can be rented at $1.50 for half an hour.
“Whenever an area is more inviting for biking and walking, it’s a better place to live, work and play,” said Dick Norford with Bike Harrisburg. “This is a great way for people to ride bikes without needing to have one.”
Norford hopes that, with the increase of bikes in the city, local and state officials will make updates to bicycle infrastructure, such as building more bike lanes.
According to Weaver, TCRPC plans to expand SusqueCycle, starting with the addition of 13 more locations in the city in the spring. In the future, they may expand outside of the city, as well, she said.
Steele School Slated for Reopening
The Harrisburg School District soon will move forward with a plan to renovate and reopen a shuttered school building.
At a recent board meeting, Receiver Dr. Lori Suski approved the revitalization of the long-vacant Steele Elementary School as an elementary school, serving pre-K through fifth grades.
“I’m so excited to have this started,” school board director Danielle Robinson said at a prior meeting. “I have wanted this for so long. I’m happy this is the start of opening this school.”
The $21.6 million proposed project includes restoring the three-story building, which is located on the 2500-block of N. 5th Street. The school closed more than a decade ago.
According to the district, funds for the project would come through Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) dollars that the district received during the pandemic.
A preliminary design by Mechanicsburg-based architects Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates proposes demolishing much of the interior of Steele School, as it has become dilapidated over the years. Engineers have also proposed building an addition onto the back of the school to house a new cafeteria and extra classroom space. They would also renovate all classrooms, the gym and administration and nurse offices.
The current plan would place pre-K and kindergarten classrooms on the first floor, first and second grade on the second floor and third through fifth grade on the third floor.
As part of the project, outdoor play areas would be updated, as well. Engineers plan to preserve the historic nature of the building’s exterior.
Catalyst Award Winners Named
M&T Bank and the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Harrisburg University have been named 2022 Catalyst Award winners, leading a list of people and organizations regarded as positive forces in our area.
The recipients are among eight awardees for one of the area’s most prestigious annual honors, selected by the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC.
“We are incredibly proud to honor this group of visionary and dynamic individuals and businesses for their commitment to our region,” said chamber president and CEO Ryan Unger. “This diverse group has demonstrated the characteristics and values of being true catalysts for change and opportunity in our region.”
In addition to the Catalyst Award itself, the chamber and CREDC announced the winners of additional awards under the Catalyst framework to honor others in the Harrisburg area. They are:
- Athena Award: Kathleen McKenzie, Highmark Blue Shield
- Corporate Diversity Champion of the Year: The GIANT Company
- Diversity Influencer of the Year: John “Ski” Sygielski, HACC
- Entrepreneur of the Year: Derek Dilks, Dilks Properties
- Government Leader of the Year: Nathan Silcox, Hampden Township Commissioner
- Small Business of The Year: Cornerstone Coffeehouse
- Volunteer of The Year: Davis Holliday, Searcher Films
Each year, a panel of local business and community representatives selects the recipients, according to the chamber. In 2018, TheBurg received the Catalyst Award.
The Catalyst Awards ceremony will take place on Dec. 7 at the Hilton Harrisburg. For more information and tickets, visit www.HarrisburgRegionalChamber.org.
Homes Sales Down, Prices Up
Home prices in the greater Harrisburg area ticked up in September as sales dipped, according to the most recent report on previously owned houses.
In the three-county region, 685 houses sold, compared to 757 houses in September of last year, as the median sales price rose to $254,900 from $231,000, according to data from the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).
For Dauphin County, GHAR reported 317 home sales, a decline from 356 during the year-ago period, while the median price increased to $230,500 from $205,000.
In Cumberland County, sales totaled 324 units, a decrease from 347 last September, as the median price rose to $275,000 versus $255,000 last year, according to GHAR.
Perry County had 40 houses exchange hands, an increase of six from September 2021, as the median price was unchanged at $217,450, GHAR said.
Houses continued to sell relatively quickly in the area, as the “average days on the market” was 21 days, as opposed to 20 days the prior September, according to GHAR.
So Noted
Alexis Zeno Torres, a HACC student, last month received the $1,000 “How We Found Our PRIDE” scholarship from the Harrisburg-based American Literacy Council. This scholarship is an outgrowth of the 2021 ALC release of “How We Found Our PRIDE: Letters to a Young Queer.”
Chockablock Clock last month was disassembled and moved to a new home in the student union building at Shippensburg University. Harristown Enterprises arranged for the move after deciding to use the space, occupied by the clock since 1988, for a larger stage and a cantilevered meeting room in Strawberry Square.
Chris Dawson Architect has been recognized with four American Institute of Architects “Design Excellence” awards. At a ceremony at the King Mansion, the Harrisburg-based architectural firm was honored for projects including the West Shore Theatre renovation in New Cumberland, the Zeroday Brewing Co. taproom in Harrisburg, the 260 Boas Apartments in Harrisburg and the Hershey Medical Center’s Care Center.
Midtown Tavern last month closed after more than four decades in business on the 1100-block of N. 2nd Street in Harrisburg. Restaurateur Adam Sturges, who owns both the Sturges Speakeasy and McGrath’s Irish Pub in Harrisburg, bought the business with plans to re-open under the name Mad Moose Tavern.
Tanis Monroy last month was named the new executive director of the Broad Street Market, responsible for the historic market’s day-to-day operations. Monroy is a long-time Carlisle resident and community activist, having served as chair of the Amani Festival, a multicultural festival, and co-founder of the Bridge community space in Carlisle.
Urban Churn announced plans last month to open a scoop shop at 248 Westminster Dr. in Carlisle, the small-batch creamery’s third retail location. In addition, owner Adam Brackbill said shoppers now can find Urban Churn ice cream in Giant Food Stores in Linglestown and Mechanicsburg, with plans to expand to Wegmans.
In Memoriam
M. Camille Erice, a long-time community activist in Harrisburg, passed away on Sept. 20. A renowned flamenco dancer, she helped found and served as the executive director of the Danzante Latino Community Arts Center in Harrisburg. In addition, she held leadership positions with numerous community-based organizations, including Planned Parenthood, the Harrisburg Spanish Center and Hamilton Health Center. She also served the city of Harrisburg, focusing on civil rights issues. She was an active volunteer and was a representative on numerous nonprofit boards. The family requests that donations in Camille’s name be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund and the Latino Hispanic American Community Center.
Changing Hands
Bellevue Rd., 1954: E. Alcantara to 417 Shamokin LLC, $105,000
Berryhill St., 1954: R. Perrin & D. Rallo to W. Jimenez, $129,900
Berryhill St., 2314: D. Smith to M. Monium, $102,000
Berryhill St., 2340: T. Nguyen & T. Dao to R. Heilman, $124,900
Boyd St., 648 & 650: City of Harrisburg to U.S. General Services Administration, $41,000
Brookwood St., 1929: Inoma Properties East Shore LLC to R&K Realty Group LP, $72,500
Brookwood St., 2611: S. Byrd to M. Dinatale, $169,000
Camp St., 533: G. & L. Neff to Integrity First Home Buyers LLC, $49,500
Capital St., 903: E. Orazi to S. Bronner, $187,000
Catherine St., 1510: D. & D. Gooding to N. Tull, $57,000
Chestnut St., 1624: M. Hagmusa to R. Lantigua, $93,000
Chestnut St., 1930: G. Williams to F. Ortiz & J. Bartolon, $86,000
Crescent St., 420, 422, 426, 434, 436, 439, 441, 447, 451: MLP LLC to Saintelia Properties LLC, $319,000
Dauphin St., 638: Cleaves Property Group LLC to D. & D. Tack, $65,000
Derry St., 1603½: J. Gomez & N. Yulisa to M. & W. Gomez, $40,000
Derry St., 1625: D. Boyle to A. Almonte, $49,000
Derry St., 2208: R. Krehling to Derry Car Wash LLC, $1,250,000
Green St., 1006: C. Wehrman to T. Sanderson & J. Dubelle, $166,000
Harris St., 437: L. Teck to Hoffman Properties LLC, $185,000
Harris Terr., 2449: Inoma Properties East Shore LLC to T Wy Enterpris LLC, $72,500
Herr St., 1712: S. Longia to E. Arriola, $99,999
Hoffman St., 3301: R. Camarco to Skulsky Properties LLC, $565,000
Hummel St., 316: D&L Development to J. Torres, $105,000
Jefferson St., 2719: G. Vazquez to H. Ortiz, $90,000
Kelker St., 205: J. Schiller to D. Mouzon, $162,000
Lexington St., 2740: Adonis Real Estate LLC to M. Ortiz, $140,000
Locust St., 119: G. Rhoads & M. Beamer to Sierra Real Estate LLC, $120,000
Locust St., 126: JKZ Properties LLC to M. Heckmann, $185,000
Logan St., 2141: Neidlinger Enterprises to PLP Investment Trust, $135,000
Logan St., 2212: SPG Capital LLC to A. Stevens & M. Pippins, $50,000
Maclay St., 324: J. Elias Holdings LLC to Aljo Properties LLC, $85,000
Manada St., 1901A: J. & D. Dundoff to E. Fajardo & N. Cobos, $102,000
Market St., 317: N. & G. Cotsarelis to EA&G Real Estate LLC, $97,500
Mercer St., 2464: T. & J. Knaub to E. Suero & C. Feliz, $104,250
Muench St., 211: M. & H. Hess to T. Flanchraych, $236,277
N. 2nd St., 308: Peleton Investments LLC to Fernandez Realty Group LLC, $331,000
N. 2nd St., 403, Unit 2 & 4: Vinculum Inc. to F. Clark, $550,000
N. 2nd St., 2415: S. McCurdy to C. Stratton, $238,000
N. 2nd St., 2725: G. & C. Patterson to A. Syal, A. Barrett & D. Stolnik, $300,000
N. 3rd St., 914: Paxton Street Investors Ltd. to WCI Partners LP, $210,000
N. 3rd St., 2331: S. Morton & R. Bushner to Eco Builders PA LLC, $139,500
N. 4th St., 2336: Neidlinger Enterprises to E. Samuels, $154,900
N. 4th St., 2442: Graevel Holdings LLC to NA Capital Group LLC, $80,000
N. 4th St., 3015: F. Gresson to T. & W. Myers, $165,000
N. 5th St., 2324: First Choice Home Buyers LLC to 2020 Real Estate Ventures LLC, $65,000
N. 6th St., 910: J. Tuzzato to S. Tolomeo, $250,000
N. 6th St., 1000: Vice Capital LLC to Third Street Realty Co., $415,000
N. 6th St., 1332: R. Williamson & K. Nischalke to A. Bednar, $141,125
N. 6th St., 2253: SCM Properties LLC & S. McCourt to Leventry Real Estate LLC & Wolf Pac LLC, $45,000
N. 6th St., 2532: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to G&W Rentals LLC, $62,000
N. 6th St., 2604: M. Baltozer to Zion Management LLC, $92,000
N. 6th St., 3212: G. Ajakaye to A. Nova, $165,000
N. 6th St., 3133: K. Williams to J. Rogers, $77,000
N. 12th St., 38: J. Wright to H. Vorbe, $126,000
N. 14th St., 229: L. & V. Jones to S. Banks, $100,000
N. 16th St., 1103: J. & J. Izurieta to A. Sandino, $116,500
N. Front St., 1525, Unit 313: BXF Real Estate LLC to Nye & Golub Rentals LLC, $115,000
Paxton St., 140: 1524 Cedar Cliff Dr LP to Above Da Rim LLC, $150,000
Paxton St., 1728: Crazy Nail LLC to SPG Capital LLC, $55,000
Penn St., 2113: Gold Key Properties LLC to B. Ketz, $115,000
Pennwood Rd., 3133: BP Real Estate Investment Group LP to D. Winch, $192,500
Radnor St., 413 & 415: Elevation Properties LLC to Moxie Properties LLC, $95,000
Revere St., 1615: S. Wolfe to D. Thea & Y. Gilot, $139,850
River St., 406: 1524 Cedar Cliff Dr LP to Above Da Rim LLC, $150,000
Seneca St., 542: D. Hazard to Integrity First Home Buyers LLC, $42,000
Showers St., 603: C. & M. Cenkner to Doyen Management Group Inc., $177,620
S. 17th St., 33: T. Nguyen to S. Reyes, $79,995
S. 18th St., 1000: M. Goldberg to JCMJ Holdings LLC, $340,000
S. 18th St., 1319: J. Nguyen & T. Phan to H. & H. Guzman, $160,000
S. 26th St., 706: M. Cedeno to F. Guzman, $42,000
S. Cameron St., 147, 157, 205: H. & M. Henry to D&S Cameron Bridge LP, $750,000
Spencer St., 1857: R. Alejandro to B. Gonzalez, $52,000
State St., 231, Unit 703: S. & Y. Yates to J. DiGangi & J. Hu, $209,900
State St., 1418: TKO Rental Properties LLC to J. Morvens, $160,000
State St., 1516: M. Jiminez to H. Gonzalez, $100,000
State St., 1628: Evangelical Memorial Lutheran to B. Smith & Premier Community Services, $500,000
State St., 1941: L. & E. Keefer to Straight A Realty Holdings LLC, $155,900
Swatara St., 2049: J. & L. Krum to J. Tejada, $119,000
Vernon St., 1545: T. Nguyen to Inaya Real Estate LLC, $52,000
Walnut St., 1207: T. Johnson to Williams & Williams Properties LLC, $68,000
Walnut St., 1732: R. Garcia to A. Lovo, $53,000
Whitehall St., 2017: C. Henderson to D. Boyle, $65,000
Woodbine St., 235: J. & S. Compton to S. Halterman, $187,000
Woodbine St., 323: Y. Perez to I. Martinez & D. Reyes, $75,000
Zarker St., 1425: P. Williams & Habitat for Humanity of Greater HBG Area to M. Posey, $45,000
Harrisburg property sales, September 2022, greater than $40,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.
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