Burg Review: Strong singing, perfect pacing power “Pirates of Penzance”

November 4, 2024 | by Gina Napoli

Fully committed to presenting stories in new and different ways, Gamut Theatre sets sail once again with their rendition of “The Pirates of Penzance,” a madcap rom-com/good-guys-vs-bad-guys operetta adapted from the quill pens of Gilbert and Sullivan.

Because these two composers were never content to rhyme “June” and “moon,” the Gamut cast is challenged with a complex musical score overflowing with unusual polysyllabic words, tongue twisters, and sheet music with more black ink than white space—all of which they deliver with artistic athleticism while making it look like an effortless day at the beach.

Director/choreographer Benjamin Krumreig (Major General Stanley) veers just slightly off course from the original storyline, with a century-old premise set in 1925. Instead of traditional pirates who pillage, Gamut’s pirates are mascots and lifeguards of an Ivy League rowing crew. They are joined onstage by fair maidens, a school nurse, and of course, the very model of a modern major general, with the word “modern” interpreted more as a stretch goal than a reality.

As Major General Stanley, the funniest and quirkiest character of the whole lot, Krumreig has mastered major modern dance steps and isn’t afraid to break the fourth wall. He also delivers the most recognizable tune of the evening: “I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General.” I wasn’t sure if the mistakes were intentional, but they surely added to the show’s hilarity.

Anachronisms are part of the play’s charm, with wordplay being part of the art of the farce. So are the over-the-top characters, the slapstick, the plethora of weird things performed in unison, and the rest of the odd lot that comprises the stuff and nonsense that is British humor. Even the name of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Opera Company, D’Oyly Carte, is rife with silliness. If Bart Simpson prank-called Moe Szyslak on a hand-crank telephone mounted to a wall, “D’Oyly Carte” would have gotten a laugh.

The combination of props (Alex Winnick, also Tenor Chorus) and costumes (Charlene Gross) became the subject of some merriment. Uncomfortable-looking men pranced onstage wearing skimpy costumes with enormous oars dangling from their belts, wearing crew uniforms resembling bumblebees, and lifeguard uniforms that looked a little like wrestling singlets. (In many scenes, the singular discomfort of Bass Chorists Calian Byard, Marcus McGhee, Chris Ondeck, and Preston Schreffler became part of the fun.) Yet the women were modestly covered and comfortable in their spring fashion wear, probably ripped from the 1925 Sears catalog or from Montgomery Ward’s.

Winnick and Gross succeed in creating purposeful paradox between the men and the women. And in case you missed the subtlety, there is a song centering on paradoxes to hammer the point home: “When You Had Left Our Pirate Fold,” with its rollicking lyrics skillfully delivered by Ruth (Melissa Janicki), Frederic (Timothy Lupia), and Pirate King (Giovanni Traino).

The best part of “The Pirates of Penzance” is the music—familiar songs the audience will hum on the way home. The pit orchestra delivers melodies ranging from erudite chamber music to pitter-patter notes in the background when Tom chases Jerry through his mouse-shaped hole in the wall. Expertly setting the many moods are Music Director/Piano/Conductor Nicholas Werner and his merry band of music-makers: Morgan Hackett and Joseph McAnulty on violins, and cellists Sarah Topping and Ali Koch.

With 18 amazingly talented singers in every imaginable combination and 30 song titles longer than a rowing oar, I would rub my fingerprints off while typing the list of all the harmonically pleasing numbers that felt well blended and vocally balanced—although I would be remiss if I didn’t call out the impressive vocal acrobatics of Sarah Anne Hughes (Mabel), with multiple songs containing falsetto trills.

All the singers together as an ensemble communally blend some of the loveliest choral strains outside a church cathedral—likely aided by seasoned returning veterans from “H.M.S. Pinafore” Krumreig, Hughes, Schreffler, Tony Barber (Samuel), and Madison Eppley (Edith) to season the G&S pot.

I didn’t even suspect (until I cheated when I got home and read the program) that over half the cast members are making their Gamut debut with this operetta: Hannah Arnold (Alto Chorus), Byard, Weimy Montero Candelario (Alto Chorus), Victoria Debernardis (Soprano Chorus), Elizabeth Hood (Isabel/Mabel Cover), Lupia, Bryden McCurdy (Kate/Alto Chorus), McGhee, and Traino. Also new-ish to Gamut Theatre is Hope Mager (Alto Chorus), who is wearing many hats onstage and behind the scenes as their new public relations manager. Bravo to all debuting artists. You thoroughly fooled me.

If the concept of listening to opera makes you feel a little intimidated, let me offer you some reassurance. The lyrics are sung in English, unlike traditional opera, so you won’t need subtitles or a bouncy ball to follow what’s going on. If you miss a tongue-twister or two the first time around, it will likely be repeated right away. The players are quick to let the audience in on the many running gags. Although the pacing is ridiculously brisk, Gamut packs this cast full of strong voices and powerful lyricists.

Although some elements of “The Pirates of Penzance” might go over the heads of the wee ones in your crew, there is no objectionable material that would likely offend. If you stop to see the bartender (Jess Yahner) before the show or during intermission, be sure to ask for a jug of a specially themed signature drink. Unlike most items on the bar menu, the music and silliness are perfect for all ages and make for a night of dutifully ship-shape family fun.

“The Pirates of Penzance” runs through November 17 at Gamut Theatre, 15 N. 4^th St., Harrisburg. Find more information at https://www.gamuttheatre.org/pirates.

Harrisburg University announces resignation of long-time president, launches search for new leader

November 1, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda

Dr. Eric Darr (center, file photo)

Dr. Eric Darr, the long-time president of Harrisburg University, has resigned his post.

On Friday night, the university announced Darr’s resignation in a press release, without citing a cause for the departure.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to thank Dr. Darr for his work on behalf of our students,” said HU Board Chair Mark Singel, in a statement.

David Schankweiler, the former chair of the HU board of trustees, will serve as interim president as the university launches a nationwide search for a new president, according to the university.

“David’s passion for Harrisburg University and his longtime service made him the natural choice to serve as interim president,” Singel said.

Darr has been with HU since its founding in 2003, previously serving as a vice president and provost before becoming president in 2012.

In its release, HU stated that Darr helped grow the university from an initial class of 113 students in 2005 to its current enrollment of 6,500 undergraduate and graduate students, with over 600 employees.

Notably, Darr also spearheaded the construction of the 11-story UPMC Health Sciences Tower at Harrisburg University, which opened in 2023 at S. 3rd and Chestnut streets.

“We certainly have some challenges before us, but we’re already hard at work addressing them,” said Schankweiler, founder of the Central Penn Business Journal who also ran unsuccessfully for Harrisburg mayor in 2021.

In his statement, Schankweiler did not detail the nature of those challenges.

“Our next president is going to continue the tremendous progress we’ve made at HU since those initial exploratory meetings over a quarter century ago,” Schankweiler said.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

November 1, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Supporters waited in line for a Kamala Harris rally at the PA Farm Show complex.

The November issue of our magazine came out this week with a special focus on local shopping. While you enjoy that leftover Halloween candy, check out the new issue, as well as our reporting from the week, below.

Community Corner features special events taking place in and around Harrisburg this month, including flea markets, meditation and movies. Our Happenings section has even more November festivities for your calendar.

Funck’s Restaurant Group started as just one business in 1969 and has grown to include 12 restaurants over the years. In our magazine story, read about the locally owned, family-run business.

Halloween was this week, and our story shared all the details about Harrisburg’s trick-or-treat night, as well as several other spooky festivals and events.

Horn Farm Center has a rich history of environmental importance, our magazine story reported. This year, the center marks is 20^th year of providing education and growing space for gardeners.

The LGBT Center of Central PA’s new historical exhibit recognizes Gov. Milton Shapp as “America’s First Equality Governor.” In our magazine story, activist Mark Segal reflected on the significance of the exhibit and the LGBTQ community’s history.

November brings Election Day, which often breeds division, and Thanksgiving, which focuses on unity. Our publisher sets up this month’s issue of the magazine by sharing how TheBurg strives to align with Thanksgiving’s positive ideals.

Open Stage’s “Ride the Cyclone” debuted in October and concludes this weekend. In our story, read about the dark comedy that has taken social media by storm.

Our publisher talked to neighbors on his block to find out what people’s thoughts are around the upcoming election. Read about what he discovered, here.

Sara Bozich has found all of this weekend’s best events and compiled them, here.

Uptown Partners, the owner of the Residences at Governor’s Square in Harrisburg, will seek to change the type of bankruptcy it’s in and transfer responsibility of the property to a court-appointed receiver, our online story reported.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris visited Harrisburg this week for a rally as part of her campaign for president. Click here to hear from her supporters as they waited in line for the event.

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Officials cut the ribbon on new affordable housing development in Allison Hill

November 1, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

TLC owner Tarik Casteel, along with local officials and community members, cut the ribbon on “The TLC Cornerstone Renewal.”

On Friday, developer Tarik Casteel stood on a once-blighted Allison Hill block that’s in the midst of a radical transformation.

Casteel, owner of Harrisburg-based TLC Construction and Renovations, cut the ribbon on his new affordable housing development, a years-long project in the making.

“Today is a day for new beginnings, a day where we take a step forward in building something that goes beyond just bricks and mortar,” he said. “We are building hope, opportunity and a future for so many people.”

“The TLC Cornerstone Renewal” project, located near N. 15^th and Walnut streets, features 50 one-, two- and three-bedroom units for lower-income residents. Several of the units are fully ADA-accessible and eight units are reserved for formerly incarcerated renters to assist them in re-entering society.

Casteel’s project is one of several affordable housing developments that have recently finished or are close to completion in Harrisburg.

The TLC Cornerstone Renewal

Harrisburg City Council initially approved the project plan in 2020, however, the pandemic and construction costs delayed the groundbreaking until 2023.

Casteel also purchased the Allison Hill Community Center as part of his development in the neighborhood and plans to continue updates there.

“My aim is to transform this neighborhood one block at a time,” Casteel said.

He shared that he plans to complete additional phases of this project in the future.

“These homes are a wonderful addition to the city of Harrisburg as we understand and prioritize the fact that everyone deserves a comfortable, functional and safe place to live,” Mayor Wanda Williams said.

For more information on TLC Construction and Renovations, visit their website.

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Several Harrisburg projects chosen for state redevelopment grants

November 1, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda

Rendering of “Harrisburg Plaza” (credit: McKissick Associates Architects)

Three Harrisburg projects have been selected to receive redevelopment grants, in the latest round of funding by the commonwealth.

On Friday, state Rep. Patty Kim (D-103) announced recipients of Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program (RACP) grants, an annual funding program run by the state Office of the Budget and targeted to acquiring and redeveloping “significant” projects.

According to Kim, the 2024 recipients include:

The Bridge HBG, $3 million: This project proposes redeveloping the former Bishop McDevitt High School on Market Street into a mixed-use eco-village. The grant is for infrastructure work, including demolition, waterproofing and restoration. The project, first announced in 2019, also received a $4 million RACP grant in 2022. The fate of the project, though, is uncertain as the property owner, Harrisburg-based William Penn Holdings, earlier this year stated that it’s trying to sell the 115,000-square-foot building. The Bridge had been leasing the property from William Penn.

Harrisburg Plaza, $1 million: This project proposes to redevelop the former Federal Building in downtown Harrisburg into a 162-unit apartment building with commercial retail spaces. The New Jersey-based owner, Yasser Hellel, has said he hoped to begin the project last summer, though no visible work has taken place.

Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg, $500,000. This project includes new construction of the “gymnatorium” at the Alexander Grass Campus for Jewish Life on N. Front Street. The two-story expansion of an existing building will include a pool, locker rooms, basketball court and kosher kitchen.

Kim also announced a $1 million grant for the Northeast Fire & Rescue Co.’s new fire station in Summerdale. The project is currently underway.

“These transformative projects will greatly enhance the quality of services available in our community,” said Kim, in a statement. “I’m proud to have assisted the recipients in securing this competitive funding and eagerly anticipate seeing these initiatives come to fruition.”

State RACP grants are reimbursement grants, meaning that recipients must first perform the work before being reimbursed for it, assuming the work meets the grant requirements.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

October 31, 2024 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: Taste of the Season Fall Food Tasting at one good woman on Saturday; Swine & Dine 4-Course Beer Dinner at Wolf Brewing Worth noting: Walk to End Alzheimers. I’m walking in honor of my dad. If you’re so inclined, you can access my fundraiser here. Saturday is LGBT CENTER GALA AND KARMA AFTERPARTY <– KARMA is all-new!! Things on my agenda this weekend: more bday celebrations; Soups, Stews n’ Brews! Charitable Soup Cook-Off! on Sunday (Bo and I are judging!)

For your weekend planning

Calling my local business friends! My Holiday Gift Guide comes out next week! Contact me if you’d like to be included.
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

You can now sponsor the Weekend Roundup! Ask me how!
Are you on my email list?
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

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As Harris comes to Harrisburg for rally, local supporters line up, share feelings, opinions

October 30, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Rally attendees lined up outside the PA Farm Show Complex on Wednesday.

The sun was shining Wednesday as people lined up outside the PA Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg for a rally to support U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’s bid for president.

Around noon, shortly before doors officially opened to the venue, supporters lined up outside, many sporting “Harris Walz” T-shirts and gear, waiting to hear Harris speak.

TheBurg spoke with Pennsylvania voters of varying ages, races and genders as they waited in line. Most expressed nervousness over the tight race, stressing the importance they know the commonwealth will have in selecting their next president in less than a week.

Lori Saulisbury, event volunteer

Adrian Robinson, 61, of Harrisburg, said that he has been spreading the word about the importance of voting. Specifically, he feels that Harris is best suited to assist the middle class.

“I’ve been calling people, calling my friends, my family; everybody in my house is voting,” he said. “It’s the most important state. This is the one she has to have.”

College students Erin Fitzpatrick, 19, and Soames Rummler, 20, said that this would be their first time voting in a presidential election.

“Voter turnout looks to be like the most important factor in this election. Otherwise, it’s split, almost scarily split,” Rummler said.

Rummler said that there wasn’t necessarily one issue that drew him to Harris, but rather a “vibe.”

“Trump is like old and I’m pretty young, and I’d rather be represented by someone younger and more like quick on their feet,” he said. “It’s more about how people show themselves to other nations. I want to be proud to be an American, and Harris definitely makes me feel like that.”

Fitzpatrick shared that women’s rights issues were of top priority to her.

Justin Warren, 55, of Harrisburg stood out in his “Republicans for Harris” shirt and said that he wasn’t ashamed to speak out against his party’s candidate.

Justin Warren, attendee

“I’ve seen the destruction and the division that’s happened with Trump and it’s just got to end,” he said. “We’ve got to get civility. We’ve got to get back to working together, and it can’t be us versus them, and I won’t support it any longer. Silently, there are a lot of Republicans that feel the same way. There are people that are afraid to speak out because they don’t want to deal with the consequences.”

Father and daughter duo, Carlos and Mya Bruno, came from York, excited about the significance of potentially seeing the first woman become president.

“It gives me a chance to be like, you know what, my daughter could actually believe that she could be president,” Carlos said. “Right now, you can’t really say that. I could look at my son and say he could be president because there has been a Black man that was president. […] But there’s never been a woman. They say America is a place where you can be whatever you want, and I want this to prove it.”

Mya is too young to vote yet, but is already thinking about her future.

“I’m worried about my future, and I’m only 16 and I just really want to see how much she’ll impact my future,” she said.

Greg Stewart and grandson, attendees

Laurie Smith, 68, of Carlisle is also worried. She’s nervous to see where the votes will go on Tuesday.

“This whole election is so crazy,” she said. “Personally, to me, anyone who’s undecided, how could you possibly be undecided? It’s so night and day, black and white.”

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November Publisher’s Note

October 30, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda

November is a tale of two months.

Early on, there’s Election Day, which is supposed to unite us as a country, but often has the opposite effect, as crass politicians try to win power by setting us against each other.

Later in the month, there’s Thanksgiving, when we come together both as individual families and as an American family. I can’t think of another occasion when most Americans are doing, essentially, the same thing, on the same day.

On Nov. 28, in almost any neighborhood, you could go from house to house and witness an uncannily similar scene: a family gathering, a huge turkey dinner, football. When you think about it, it’s both kind of weird and incredibly wonderful.

You might think that TheBurg, as a news organization, would prefer the Election Day vibe—the drama, the dispute, the division. But, nope, that’s not our jam. We’re not in the conflict-for-clicks game and never will be.

We prefer the Thanksgiving sensibility of people uniting and cooperating for a common cause, whether that cause is politics or poultry. Sure, disputes arise, but we believe those can be, and should be, settled in a civilized, cooperative and honest way, without burning down the family house or the national house.

Do we often feel like we’re screaming into the void? Yup, but so be it. These principles guide us personally, so they also guide our approach to our business and to the news.

In that spirit, our November issue continues our long tradition of choosing community over conflict. In it, you’ll find a variety of news, features and events, with an expanded section devoted to local business. As you begin your holiday gift-buying, we hope you’ll choose to “Shop Local,” as locally owned, independent businesses are a vital part of the fabric of our community in south-central Pa.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Lawrance Binda

Publisher/Editor

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November News Digest

October 30, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Housing Project Gets Key Approval

A proposed veterans housing project in south Harrisburg has been given a key approval, though a disagreement over the future route of the Capital Area Greenbelt remains unresolved.

By unanimous vote, the Harrisburg Planning Commission last month approved the land development plan by New York-based Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which proposes building a 64-unit building, along with 20 small, detached “comfort homes,” for homeless veterans and first responders along the Susquehanna River near the PennDOT building.

However, against the wishes of the foundation, the commission retained a city Planning Bureau condition that the project accommodate a “relocated footprint” for the Greenbelt along the southern boundary of the property.

“I am not hearing a solution or a resolution to address that condition otherwise,” said commissioner Anne Marek. “I’m also not hearing a solution to move forward with that condition. I understand there have been conversations, which is great, but I do not hear what we are requesting out of this evening.”

In September, the foundation presented its land development plan to the commission. That meeting was continued to October so that the foundation could conduct “stakeholders” meetings both with residents of the nearby Shipoke neighborhood and members of Capital Area Greenbelt Association (CAGA).

Both were held and, at the October commission meeting, CAGA’s board President Doug Hill told members that his group would abandon its effort to retain a path through the future Tunnel to Towers site. Instead, they would try to find an alternative route.

“We appear to be at a place where we cannot reach an accommodation on working the trail through the Tunnel to Towers property,” he said. “In a different place and time, we may have been able to work that out. Maybe sometime in the future that may be something that is workable, once they’re in and established and it becomes a neighborhood again instead of a construction site. But that does not seem to be something for the immediate future.”

Hill added that CAGA has retained an engineering firm to explore options for re-routing the trail. Currently, the trail is routed around the site, but that alternative includes several heavily traveled city streets, so is not considered a viable long-term solution.

Hill told commission members that CAGA had “commitments” from Tunnel to Towers and the city for assistance in its relocation effort.

“Very candidly, some of the alternatives we’re looking at will be considerably more expensive than if we were able to use some of the existing trail system historically in south Harrisburg, but those are simply hurdles we will have to overcome in the short term,” said Hill, who added that CAGA is supportive of the Tunnel to Towers project.

City Solicitor Neil Grover affirmed that the city would help CAGA seek another route, but emphasized that it would not be done quickly, as alternatives traverse numerous different properties and owners, including land owned both by the commonwealth and Dauphin County.

“I would suggest there’s not just one path,” he said. “There are alternatives available. It’ll just take time.”

This response, though, did not satisfy commission members, who hoped to resolve the issue as part of the project approval process. Marek asked if a formal cooperation agreement had been signed, and Grover responded that there was no written agreement.

“If something is not put in writing, you’re forcing us to make a solution based on what’s being told,” Marek said.

In the end, the commission approved the land development plan but retained the condition that the Greenbelt be re-routed through the Tunnel to Towers site. The project, with that condition in place, now goes to Harrisburg City Council for another hearing and a final vote before it can break ground.

At the meeting, the planning commission considered two other projects.

The commission unanimously approved a zoning variance and special exception for Eden Village, a proposed, 32-unit tiny home village and community center designed to provide permanent housing and support services for homeless individuals. It would be located directly next to the proposed Tunnel to Towers project, just beyond the existing PennDOT building in south Harrisburg.

That project will need to return to the planning commission for consideration of the project’s land development plan.

In addition, the commission unanimously approved the land development plan for a mixed-used building consisting of nine affordable residential units and ground-floor commercial space at 1260-1270 Market St.

Harrisburg-based Wildheart Ministries is proposing to build The Gateway, two- and three-bedroom units on empty land now owned by the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority. Most recently, that land housed a community garden but currently is vacant and overgrown. The project now goes before City Council for final approval.

Ribbon Cut on Steele School

The Harrisburg School District celebrated a newly renovated and reopened “state-of-the-art” school last month.

At a ceremony, the district cut the ribbon on Steele Elementary School on the 2500-block of N. 5th St., which opened to students this fall.

“Today, we are gathered together to celebrate revitalization, not only the revitalization of the school building itself, but also revitalization of the educational opportunity and pride of this community,” said Dr. Marcia Stokes, acting superintendent.

The school was originally built in the 1930s and closed in 2011, remaining vacant until the district decided, two years ago, to renovate and reopen the building. At the time, officials said that reopening the building would help solve a capacity issue at the elementary level, as those schools got fuller after fifth graders were moved from the middle schools to elementary schools. Officials also were interested in having a neighborhood school in the Uptown area.

The district used Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), federal COVID relief funds, to support the $21.6 million renovation and expansion project.

The new building houses kindergarten through fifth grade and includes modern instructional classrooms, as well as art, music and special education classrooms. There is also a new kitchen and cafeteria, media center and playgrounds.

At the start of construction, the building was largely gutted, new windows and doors were installed, and an addition was constructed on the back of the building to house the cafeteria and classrooms.

Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates was the architect for the renovation, and Fidevia Construction Management & Consulting served as the contractor.

“They were absolutely starstruck,” said Steele Principal Frances Echevarria of the students on the first day of school. “My vision was always to have a school that was conducive to learning, and this fulfills my dream.”

Echevarria said that everything from the bright blue, green and orange wall colors to the furniture choices of comfortable stools and chairs helps students focus better and take pride in their environment.

“When they walk in here, this really feels like their home,” she said.

Catalyst Award Winners Announced

Seven people and organizations will receive one of the Harrisburg area’s most prestigious annual awards, as the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC announced its 2024 Catalyst Award winners.

Joe Massaro, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association, won the Catalyst Award for his contributions to the area’s business and hospitality community. Massaro previously served as the long-time general manager of the Hilton Harrisburg.

The other award recipients are:

Athena Award: Barb Bowker, PSECU (retired)
Diversity Influencer of the Year: Dr. Kimeka Campbell, Young Professionals of Color of Greater Harrisburg
Entrepreneur of the Year: George Fernandez, Color & Culture/Latino Connection
Government Leader of the Year: Rep. Thomas Kutz (R-87) and Rep. Justin Fleming (D-105)
Small Business of The Year: Nothing Bundt Cakes
Volunteer of The Year: Josh Eisner, Penn State Health

Each year, the Catalyst Awards recognize recipients for their commitment to leading positive change in the region, creating more opportunities for business and building a brighter future in the region.

TheBurg received the Catalyst Award in 2018.

“We are thrilled to honor this remarkable group of leaders and businesses who have been at the forefront in driving positive change within our region,” said Ryan Unger, president & CEO of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC.

The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC will host the Catalyst Awards ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at the Hilton Harrisburg. For more information and to register, visit their website.

Home Sales, Prices Rise

Home sales and prices both rose in the Harrisburg area in September, according to the latest report on previously owned houses.

For the three-county region, 573 homes sold compared to 542 homes in September 2023, as the median sales price rose to $275,000 from $260,275, said the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, 293 houses sold versus 258 in the year-ago period, as the median sales price increased to $261,950 from $229,900, GHAR stated.

Cumberland County had 243 home sales, a drop from 257 sales a year ago, while the median price was unchanged at $310,000, said GHAR.

In Perry County, 28 homes sold in September versus 22 in the year-ago period, with the median sales price nearly unchanged at $257,500.

For September, the pace of sales slowed somewhat as “average days on market” rose to 25 days versus 21 days in September 2023.

So Noted

Carol Steinour Young has been appointed president of the board of directors for Dauphin County Court Appointed Special Advocate Program (CASA), replacing retiring CASA founder and president Lori Serratelli. Young had served for eight months as president-elect and recently retired after 34 years of civil litigation practice at McNees Wallace & Nurick.

Harrisburg has been awarded a $2 million federal grant for its “Harrisburg Tree Vestment Project,” which includes pruning, removing hazardous trees and planting new trees. Funds will provide trees for the city’s existing Shade Tree Program and help fund a street tree inventory, according to city Forester Cody Legge.

Harrisburg University has been ranked No. 16 among the 2025 Most Innovative Schools in the Regional Universities North category by US News & World Report. US News publishes the “Best Colleges” rankings each year to provide prospective students and their families with the comparative merits of the undergraduate programs at America’s colleges and universities.

Mount Everest Nepali and Indian Cuisine is expected to open later this month in Strawberry Square in storefront space at 19 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. Besides Mount Everest, owners Shree Paija and Sarita Lama operate Khana Indian Bistro in Hershey.

Riley and Zach Madar have taken ownership of Anna Rose Bakery & Coffee Shop in downtown Harrisburg, purchasing the business from local businessman Ron Kamionka. For four years, Riley has been a baker at Anna Rose, which opened in 2017 and moved to its current location at 100 N. 2nd St. in 2020.

Scott Dunwoody, executive director of Bethesda Mission, has announced that he will retire on Jan. 31, following many years with the organization. Dunwoody served with Bethesda Mission for 18 years, including eight years as director. He previously worked as the chief fundraiser for operating and capital projects.

Changing Hands

Bailey St., 1207: T. Tejada to Sign Investment LLC, $65,000

Bellevue Rd., 1833: R. & A. Rosario to First Choice Home Buyers LLC, $60,000

Boas St., 237: N. & V. Cooper to R. McCann, $230,000

Boas St., 1819: Premier Abundance LLC to A. Molina, $117,000

Briggs St., 1922: Ahad Rentals Inc. to Amazings Rentals LLC, $80,000

Brookwood St., 1938: 2020 Real Estate Ventures LLC to Sunrise River Investments Inc., $75,000

Brookwood St., 2113 & 2115: E. Fajardo, T. Leach & M. Mesec to C. Inelus, $160,000

Calder St., 317: Equitable Builds LLC to C. Sutch & W. Mullen, $199,900

Camp St., 538: Camp St Investments LLC to GSS & PK LLC, $105,000

Chestnut St., 2010: B. & L. Ndiaye to S. & M. Mejia, $159,500

Chestnut St., 2021: C. Blanco to Normans Realty Services Inc., $70,000

Crescent St., 442: M. Rodriguez to F. Cruz $115,000

Crescent St., 453: J. & D. Negron to D. Ward, $50,000

Derry St., 1614: B. & J. Martin to Mau Properties LLC, $115,000

Derry St., 2301 & 2307: J. & J. Medvidovich to 2301 Derry Street LLC c/o Joshua J. Thompson, $325,000

Forster St., 213: T. & J. Harbilas to U. Bigham, $115,000

Fulton St., 1419: D. Brown to E. Brown, $180,000

Green St., 1400: S. Weiland to J. Manning & D. Kump, $201,000

Holly St., 1855: G. Domon to J. Jimenez, $115,000

Holly St., 1912: S. Paulino to M. & A. Castillo, O. Recalde, $182,320

Holly St., 1932: T. Pham to A. Daniels, $175,000

Howard St., 1309: S. McNair to L. Renteria & G. Penaranda, $60,000

Hunter St., 1610: K. Williams to Mau Properties LLC, $57,000

Jefferson St., 2351: H. Ruiz to K. Allen, $156,000

Jefferson St., 2463 & 655 Schuykill St.: D&F Realty Holdings LP to 2463 Jefferson St LLC, $480,000

Jefferson St., 2637: M. Watts to MAT Holdings LLC, $95,400

Jefferson St., 2656: Beahive Affordable Housing Outreach Inc. to F. Vasquez, $123,000

Kelker St., 245: A. Peragine to L. Fretz, $212,000

Kelker St., 319: C. Hurwitz to T. Nash, $155,000

Kensington St., 2267: PA Deals LLC to J. Decena, $137,000

Logan St., 2009: GWT Real Estate & G. Tyler to FLP 4 13 LLC, $136,000

Maclay St., 301: T. Peiffer to PAK 786 LLC & M. Yousaf, $495,000

Manada St., 1932: Oasis Property Investment LLC to S. Williams, $162,000

Manada St., 2009: P. & C. Stouffer to Integrity First Home Buyers LLC, $57,265

Market St., 1615: N&R Group LLC to Naders Property Solutions LLC, $235,000

Market St., 2407: K. Parker to E. Marte & H. Alejandro, $245,000

Naudain St., 1421: G. Ajakaye to A. & E. Rhon, $75,000

Naudain St., 1436: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to Nine West Solutions LLC, $93,500

Nectarine St., 310: R. & A. Medina to D. Miller, $70,000

N. 2nd St., 1805: Penn Investment National Group LLC to S. Adeyemi, $224,000

N. 2nd St., 1927: Reddinger Estates LLC to Cummings Real Estate LP, $395,000

N. 2nd St., 3002: E. Stailey to F. Robinson & M. Payton, $260,000

N. 3rd St., 2214: PD Estate Properties LLC to A. Givens, $145,000

N. 4th St., 2436: G. Valentine to Normans Realty Services Inc., $71,750

N. 5th St., 2630: D&F Realty Holdings LP to G. Guzman & A. de la Rosa, $70,000

N. 6th St., 2218: K. Blackwell to Fino Legacy LP, $80,000

N. 7th St., 1825, 1827, 1831 & 1830 Hickory Alley: Unity Lodge #71 IBPOE of W to D&F Realty Holdings LP, $97,500

N. 15th St., 235: Bridger Investments LLC to Howze Carpentry LLC, $65,000

N. 15th St., 1120: Neidlinger Enterprises LLC to L. Soza, $135,000

N. 15th St., 1425: B. Debeljak to J. Couch, $141,000

N. 19th St., 1010: A. Vasquez to P. & L. Simon, $130,000

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 205: K. Eppinger to M. Fast, $212,000

Park St., 1930: E. Taylor to Mau Properties LLC, $100,000

Penn St., 1706: C. Harris to Z. Toland, $220,000

Penn St., 1818: A. Mione to H. Hopkins & R. Acker, $160,000

Penn St., 2121: KDM Capital LLC to MAT Holdings LLC, $110,000

Penn St., 2211: Wright at Home LLC to Easton RE LLC, $125,000

Penn St., 2213: Wright at Home LLC to Easton RE LLC, $139,000

Penn St., 2305: J. Trostle to I. Rapp, $140,000

Pennwood Rd., 3204: A. Daniels to T. Malhotra & J. Anand, $130,250

Radnor St., 516: SPG Capital LLC to B. & M. Weller, $162,000

Radnor St., 520: J. Williams to T. Lowe, $150,000

Randolph St., 1511: R. Cespedes to K. Medina, $195,000

Rudy Rd., 2455: R. Williams to K. Weldeghebrial, $110,000

Rumson Dr., 2582: J. & I. Barry to Beta One LLC, $107,000

South St., 225: C. & C. Clemans to New Springs LLC, $115,000

S. 17th St., 227 & 1715 Mulberry St.: C. Eshenaur to 227 S 17th Street LLC, $540,000

S. 17th St., 426: J. Brenich to Mau Properties LLC, $85,000

S. Front St., 557: K. Tatum to J. & G. Cathy, $228,500

S. River St., 317: W. Danowski & A. Mead to B. Snyder & Truist Bank, $186,850

State St., 227: Sierra Real Estate LLC to Val de Vie Estate Investment LLC, $375,000

Sycamore St., 1709: L. Johnson to A&K Investment Partnership LLC, $96,000

Walnut St., 1429: Bedrock Capital Management Inc. to A New Tomorrow, $52,000

Zarker St., 1937: M. Dang to J. Belai, $115,000

Harrisburg property sales, September 2024, greater than $50,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

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New Digs: Developers finish up long-awaited, much-needed affordable housing in Harrisburg

October 30, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Jessica Meyers & Ryan Sanders

Tarik Casteel has a vision for his city.

His vision includes quality, but accessible housing, and neighborhoods that are vibrant with clean and safe streets for families. He wants all of this to be affordable for Harrisburg families.

“I’m born and raised in Harrisburg,” he said. “At the end of the day, I believe you should fix your home before you go elsewhere. I think Harrisburg is one of the most needed areas in this region, and it was neglected for a long time.”

In September, Casteel’s company, TLC Construction & Renovations, finished an apartment project near N. 15th and Walnut streets in Allison Hill. “The Cornerstone” now provides housing in the form of 50 affordable one-, two- and three-bedroom units for lower-income families.

This is one of several affordable housing projects in the city that recently have been completed or are close to a ribbon cutting. In the years right before and during the pandemic, several developers proposed plans for apartments to help fill a need for lower-income families.

At the federal level, “affordable housing” is usually defined as housing that costs no more than 30% of a household’s gross income. In addition, about 28% of Harrisburg households fall below the poverty line, according to the most recent U.S. census data.

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams has made affordable housing one of her primary policy goals, as have several City Council members. At public meetings, council President Danielle Bowers has often questioned developers about the inclusion of affordable housing in their proposed apartment projects, sometimes even voting against projects that didn’t incorporate units for lower-income tenants.

Bowers told TheBurg that she’s happy to see several projects coming online that she believes will be more affordable for her constituents.

“They’re all affordable for our residents—that’s always my number one priority,” she said. “It’s really exciting.”

Deserve It

Casteel’s project is just one of many affordable projects finishing up in Harrisburg.

“Sycamore Homes,” a 23-unit apartment building in south Harrisburg, is slated to finish construction by the end of the year. “Bethel Village” will provide 49 units for lower-income seniors on N. 6th Street in Midtown, also with an estimated completion in December. On the same street, “JMB Gardens,” a project by Harrisburg native and former NFL player LeSean McCoy’s company, Vice Capital, will offer 41 affordable units in Uptown, expected to finish in January.

Most of these projects faced pandemic-related delays, including supply shortages, which prolonged their timelines. However, they all are finally getting close to move-in dates, while The Cornerstone has already welcomed tenants.

“I’m just hoping that, once we get these tenants in, we can get phase two going right away because I’ve seen the list of people that are not going to be able to move in. So, it’s like, we need to keep on going,” Casteel said. “It was eye-opening once I saw how many people were waiting.”

Casteel said that, in the months leading up to project completion, his company had a waiting list of hundreds of people, displaying the city’s dire housing need.

During the lengthy design and construction process, Casteel, who grew up living in affordable housing himself, said that he didn’t “cut corners,” as he wanted to break the stigma that lower-income housing is lower-quality.

“A lot of times, they got the reputation or people think that they don’t want to work, and it’s not the case,” he said. “A lot of people work, but they just don’t make enough. They want good housing, and they deserve it. I gave them what they should be having—the best of the best.”

Casteel pointed out that, as neighbors have seen the revitalization, many have even made improvements to their own properties.

“The residents over there were welcoming because they loved to see that it was local people, but they also loved to see that their neighborhood wasn’t being neglected,” he said. “People thought we were gentrifying and didn’t know it was a Black developer and that they’re affordable [units] because they don’t look affordable.”

Challenging Stereotypes

George Fernandez has quickly found out how challenging development can be, especially when it comes to affordable housing and the requirements that come with utilizing low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC), awarded by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA).

Fernandez, founder of Latino Connection and CEO of Color & Culture and Fernandez Realty Group, said that his first affordable development project, Sycamore Homes, likely will be completed in December.

“There really have been a lot of lessons learned for me as a young, minority developer,” he said. “No wonder a lot of other minority developers aren’t doing this type of work because of how hard the work is, to be honest with you.”

Fernandez explained how much personal investment has gone into this project as well, as he also grew up in a lower-income family and is striving to make sure Sycamore Homes provides quality living. He was proud to share that the units feature oversized fridges, washers and dryers and nice countertops and cabinetry.

“We really want to give people a sense of belonging and a sense of pride and dignity,” Fernandez said.

He hopes that minority developers, in particular, are given more opportunities to receive financial support, along with technical assistance and training, so that the pathway to becoming a developer can become more accessible.

“It is now time that those people that want to be doing this type of work be given the right seat at the table—so that the people that are building the homes look like the people that are going to be served in those homes,” Fernandez said.

Building On

Ryan Sanders of RB Development, the group behind Bethel Village on the 1000-block of N. 6th Street, is also a local and has spoken on the importance of diverse representation in the real estate field.

The plan for Bethel Village was first proposed in 2021 to help revitalize a block with significant local African American history. The new development now sits on the former site of the historic Bethel AME Church, which burned down in 1995.

Initially, the project faced pushback from neighbors who were concerned that there wouldn’t be enough parking in an already congested neighborhood. However, Sanders and his team worked to find additional off-street parking and pushed forward with plans, knowing that this housing was needed.

Sanders said that affordable housing projects often can’t offer the same financial return as market rate projects. In addition, it takes a lot of planning and technical knowledge to participate in the LIHTC program, he said.

“You’ve got to be crazy, and you’ve got to really want to do something for the community,” he said.

Sanders is working with general contractor JEM Group on the project. CEO Jessica Meyers said that Camp Hill-based JEM first dipped its toe into affordable housing construction about seven years ago and has come to understand its importance

“It really opened our eyes to what this market is and continues to be, and it’s an opportunity to give people a nice place to live,” she said. “No matter what your income level is, everybody deserves a safe, nice place to live.”

With many Harrisburg residents in search of affordable housing, these projects won’t solve the total need. But local officials and developers are encouraged by the investments. Several of these developers even have additional affordable and market-rate projects on the horizon.

Sanders has plans to build next door to Bethel at the site of the former Jackson Hotel, which collapsed in 2021. McCoy broke ground on another partially affordable apartment building on 6th Street in 2023. Fernandez has proposed affordable housing for seniors at the site of the former Woodward School, and Casteel has additional development phases planned for Allison Hill.

“That’s going to help out a lot of people,” Casteel said. “If everyone can go in and do another round or two then break out and do market rate, I think the city would be coming back real strong at that rate.”

For more information about TLC Construction and Renovations, visit www.tlchbg.com.

To find out more about Fernandez Realty Group, visit www.fernandezrealtygroup.com.

To learn more about RB Development, visit www.rbdevllc.com.

For more information about Vice Capital, visit www.vicecapitalgrp.com.

To find out more about JEM Group, visit www.jemgroup.net.

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