Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

October 3, 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: York Symphony Orchestra presents Star Wars and The Planets sounds really cool Worth noting: Pigtoberfest 2024 at Boneshire Brew Works; Tröegs YMCA Hop Dash 5K Things on my agenda this weekend: Youth baseball, DYK it’s now archery season?

For your weekend planning

Berry Bash – The ultimate adult prom/Halloween fantasy turned reality!
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

October’s 3rd in the Burg features a Spooky SoMa Pop-Up!
Harvest Hop in downtown Camp Hill | Oct. 18
Celebrate 50 Years of Stephen King at Harrisburg Book Festival!
You can now sponsor the Weekend Roundup! Ask me how!
Are you on my email list?
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Harrisburg Chamber names 2024 Catalyst Award winners, honored for promoting positive change

October 2, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda

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. “These awards amplify our mission to cultivate an inclusive, collaborative, and thriving community. We are proud to celebrate their contributions, help tell the stories of these ‘catalysts’ and look forward to their continued impact on our region’s future.”

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, click here.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Harrisburg University Unveils Transportation Program with Uber to Support Commuting Students

October 2, 2024 | by Admin

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) is excited to announce the Transportation Program with Uber, a new initiative designed to support transportation needs as students attend campus, work, internships, and community events. Thanks to a generous grant from Uber, Harrisburg University now offers vouchers to help cover the cost of Uber rides to essential destinations such as internships, doctors’ offices, and grocery stores.

This program assists students who face transportation challenges and financial constraints, ensuring access to opportunities and necessities. “These initiatives underscore our university’s commitment to enhancing students’ academic and personal growth by ensuring that reliable and affordable transportation options are readily available,” said A.J. Merlino, Associate Vice President of Student Professional Development and Experiential Learning at HU.

Transportation can represent around 20 percent of the total cost of attending university for students who commute to class. Learners without reliable transportation are more likely to fall behind in their studies and even drop out. From high temperatures that make walking difficult to the lack of reliable public transportation infrastructure in many American cities, university students routinely cite several reasons why simply getting around is a barrier to higher learning. Harrisburg University, in cooperation with Uber, is excited to know that our students have options to remove these common barriers to success.

A recent Harrisburg Area Transportation Study surveyed 10,000 residents and uncovered hundreds of outstanding issues corresponding to public transit, roadway conditions, and pedestrian impediments. Creating “accessible and timely public transportation that covers an extensive service area and crosses regions” was identified as a high priority for the Harrisburg area.

Bradlee Metzger is an Environmental Science major at Harrisburg University and one of the first students to take advantage of this new ride-hailing campus voucher program.

“I’m interning with Love the Hill, a 2-acre farm located in Allison Hill, a developing neighborhood within Harrisburg,” Bradlee said. “The Hill farm grows fresh food to sell to the people of Allison Hill. We also strive to teach the youth of Harrisburg about agriculture and allow them to volunteer there so they have a positive outlet. The Hill farm is part of a larger organization called Wildheart Ministries, which is committed to Allison Hill, addressing food security in the area, and bringing the community together through acts of service and improvement projects.”

Bradlee heard about the Transportation Program with Uber through his faculty advisor, Dr. Rachel Fogle. Bradlee continued, “We discussed transportation for my internship, and this was the best option she suggested. I believe the program is extremely useful. With the Uber program, I spend roughly $30 on Uber rides each week (compared to about $120 a week without the program). HU’s program with Uber has allowed me to worry less about getting to work, and I can now count on a quick and affordable ride option to my internship, allowing me to make a positive impact while letting me worry less about my transportation needs.”

Current or future HU students who would like more information about the Transportation Program with Uber should contact the office of Career Services today.

ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in the fields of science, technology, and mathematics. For additional information about the University’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717.901.5146 or email [email protected].

Sponsored Content

Harrisburg School District cuts the ribbon on reopened Steele Elementary School

October 1, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg School District officials, students and community members cut the ribbon on the reopened Steele Elementary School.

The Harrisburg School District celebrated its newly renovated and reopened “state-of-the-art” school on Tuesday.

At a ceremony, the district cut the ribbon on Steele Elementary School on the 2500-block of N. 5^th 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.

Steele Elementary School

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 school level, as the schools got fuller after fifth graders were moved from the middle schools to elementary schools. Officials were also interested in having a neighborhood school in the Uptown area.

The project began in May 2023.

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.

Steele Elementary media center

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.

Cafeteria

“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.

For more information, visit the Harrisburg School District’s website.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Nepali, Indian restaurant to open in Harrisburg’s Strawberry Square this fall

September 30, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

The future site of Mount Everest Nepali and Indian Cuisine in Strawberry Square

Harrisburg diners will soon have a new cultural cuisine option downtown.

Mount Everest Nepali and Indian Cuisine plans to open a new restaurant in Strawberry Square later this year, filling a gap in the downtown food scene, according to a Monday press release.

“I’m really happy to get this space,” said Shree Paija, who co-owns the business with Sarita Lama. “There is no Indian food available in downtown Harrisburg, and folks need an Indian/Nepalese food option.”

Mount Everest will be the owners’ second restaurant location. They currently operate Khana Indian Bistro in Hershey.

The new restaurant will be located in Strawberry Square at 19 N. 3rd St., with entrances along 3rd Street and inside Strawberry Square. The 2,200 square-foot space previously housed Fresa Bistro and later Real Elite Buffet.

Following minor interior updates to the space, Mount Everest is slated to open in November. A ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony will be announced.

“Strawberry Square and the Shops on 3^rd are a center of activity, and Mount Everest will bring back a popular Indian dining choice, adding to our already robust collection of food options,” said Brad Jones, CEO of Harristown Development Corporation, which owns Strawberry Square.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

The Week that Was: News and Features around Harrisburg

September 27, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Midwest Food Bank PA and local officials kicked off a new wellness program at the state Capitol.

You know it’s officially fall when our October issue of the magazine drops! Inside, we have tons of fun autumn activities and stories, so grab a copy and get to reading. First, get up to speed on this week’s news, below.

Anna Rose Bakery & Coffee Shop in downtown Harrisburg is under new ownership, our online story reported. Former employee and baker Riley Madar has taken the reins and plans updates.

Arts on the Square, hosted by Market Square Presbyterian Church, features international, national and local musical performers and visual artists throughout the year. In our magazine story, find out what’s to come for the season.

Bethesda Mission announced that its executive director, Scott Dunwoody, would retire at the end of January, our online story reported. Dunwoody served with Bethesda for 18 years, including eight years as director.

Harrisburg School District receiver Dr. Lori Suski approved the purchase of locked cell phone cases for high school students, at a board meeting, our online story reported. District officials shared that the phone ban has been implemented to help remove distractions from learning.

Harrisburg was awarded a $2 million federal grant for planting and maintaining city trees, our online story reported. The city will also use funds to offer environmental education to youth and adult residents.

Health equity is an important part of Capital Blue Cross’s work, which has included providing resources and services to lower-income patients. Read more in this sponsored post.

Market Square Concerts is kicking off its 2024-25 season with new experiences for audiences, our online story reported. The next show on the schedule will feature Philadelphia-based Tempesta di Mare on Nov. 9 at St. Michael Lutheran Church.

Midwest Food Bank PA kicked off its Giving Wellness initiative at a press conference in the state Capitol, our online story reported. The program offers businesses and community groups fitness and health resources in exchange for support for the organization.

Our publisher introduces the October issue of the magazine, here, and reflects on the many tourists that visit our area, especially in the fall.

Sara Bozich has fall happenings galore to fill your weekend with, here.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, sign up here!

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

Harrisburg couple takes over ownership of downtown’s Anna Rose Bakery

September 27, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

(From left) Employee Cindy Hay and owners Zach and Riley Madar

Riley Madar had dreamed of opening her own bakery someday, but it always seemed far in the future—until a few months ago.

Riley, who has been a baker at Anna Rose Bakery & Coffee Shop in downtown Harrisburg for the past four years, is now taking on the role of business owner, along with her husband Zach.

When the previous owners offered Riley the opportunity to take over Anna Rose, she was hesitant at first, but couldn’t pass it up.

“I did some thinking and said, ‘OK, maybe I am capable of doing this,’” she said.

Local restaurateur Ron Kamionka originally opened Anna Rose on Walnut Street in 2017 and moved the storefront to N. 2nd Street in 2020.

While the Harrisburg couple officially took over the reins at the beginning of the month, they will host a grand reopening celebration on Sept. 30, offering specials throughout the week.

For the past decade, Riley has honed her self-taught skills, baking and cake decorating cakes at various bakeries including, most recently, Anna Rose. She was grateful for the freedom to experiment and try new things that Anna Rose granted her—part of the reason she decided to stay.

However, being the owner has required a whole new learning process and lots of help from Zach, a numbers and self-proclaimed spreadsheet guy, along with family support. Several former Anna Rose employees are also sticking around, as the team has become a family.

Riley assured regular customers, of which there are many, that favorite treats like cookies, cupcakes and cheesecakes will stay. She does plan to offer a few new menu items like bagels, crème brulé and cake flights. Catering services will also expand, with a possibility of delivery options in the future.

The outside of the shop will keep its signature pink, but inside Riley is making some small updates—fresh paint, a new chandelier, lots of flowers—to better reflect her personality.

“I’m just excited to make it my own,” she said. “I want to make it a fun environment.”

As a true creative type, she has lots of ideas and is often multitasking, which has earned her the nickname “Hurricane Riley” among her co-workers.

“She fills the space,” said high school sweetheart Zach, who helps with lots of the backend work. “She’s so talented. I’m so proud of her.”

Employee Cindy Hay, who has worked at Anna Rose since 2018, was excited to see Riley take over. Because all of the staff are so close, the transition has been easy, even if Riley’s newly instated pink aprons are too girly for her taste, Hay joked.

“There is that family environment; I’m kind of the maternal one here,” she said. “It’s nice.”

To celebrate during the grand reopening week, Anna Rose will offer, on certain days, buy one-get-one-free muffins, free coffee with any order, half-off brownies and other deals.

“Our customers are awesome. People like us, and I want to keep that energy,” Riley said. “I want everyone to continue to enjoy coming.”

Anna Rose Bakery & Coffee Shop is located at 100 N. 2^nd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Roads for Residents: It’s time to exit Highway Harrisburg

September 27, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda

Illustration by Rich Hauck.

Peggy Driscoll is a convert.

Initially, the Harrisburg resident didn’t think that converting 2nd Street to two-way traffic was a good idea. But she’s come around, in a big way.

“It’s enormously better,” she said recently. “I actually didn’t think that redesigning the road would make much difference, but it’s totally transformed the neighborhood.”

This month marks two years since arguably the greatest change in Harrisburg transportation in over six decades—the remaking of 2nd Street from urban highway back to neighborhood street.

For some 66 years, starting in 1956, three lanes of one-way traffic flew up the street, often at speeds exceeding 50 or 60 mph. Today, the now-two-way road suits the residential neighborhood around it, with traffic slow and steady, usually not exceeding 25 mph.

Admittedly, not everyone is a fan.

As part of the redesign, the neighborhood lost some street parking, and some drivers complain about the roundabouts and speed bumps along the two-mile stretch.

However, I’m with Peggy. Taken as a whole, the 2nd Street redesign has been far more beneficial than detrimental and, in fact, has proven to be inadvertently visionary. Let me explain.

Back in the 1950s, the city and state teamed up to destroy Harrisburg’s urban fabric. Armed with a federal windfall, the commonwealth leaned on local officials to turn neighborhood streets, including 2nd Street, Front Street, Forster Street and State Street, into urban highways.

Maybe these long-ago Harrisburg officials didn’t understand what they were doing, that they were tearing apart their own city to benefit suburban commuters. That’s the generous explanation—but that’s also what happened.

The new highways allowed state workers to zip in and zip out every day, taking their paychecks with them, leaving behind little more than engine noise, car exhaust and, increasingly, blighted neighborhoods.

Now, I believe that there are many reasons to support the recent 2nd Street redesign: pedestrian safety, less noise, calmer streets and better aesthetics among them. But, for me, the number-one reason is that the street has been reintegrated with its city. The road has been taken away from commuters, who have little investment in and even less care for this city, and rightfully returned to Harrisburg residents.

And now, in an unexpected twist, the redesign seems prescient, as well.

Before COVID hit, Harrisburg’s urban highways were already overbuilt. They may have been crowded for two hours on weekdays, during rush hours, but, otherwise, weren’t terribly busy.

And now, post-pandemic, these same roads carry even less traffic—a fraction of prior volume—as state and other office workers have abandoned their Harrisburg offices for remote work. And—hey, secret’s out—they’re not coming back.

I live on one side of Forster Street and work on the other, so I walk across the six-lane street several times daily. Each day, I experience firsthand the vast reduction in traffic volume since the pandemic hit 4½ years ago.

Today, these overbuilt roads, Forster among them, stand as examples of urban planning gone horribly wrong—vast stretches of asphalt, curb to curb, with little traffic to justify multiple lanes slicing through city neighborhoods.

But not on 2nd Street. The redesigned portion suits well what Harrisburg is becoming—less a place to work in and more a place to live in. It still handles local traffic but has been rightsized for the needs of its neighborhood and its residents.

In the 1950s, the city and state conspired to change Harrisburg’s roads to benefit commuters, doing untold harm to the city. Those commuters are now largely gone, working most days from their home offices in the suburbs.

Without them, Harrisburg needs to do what’s best for its own people. It needs to set a long-term goal of reintegrating its major streets within its neighborhoods, in the process making those roads slimmer, slower and safer.

Lawrance Binda is publisher and editor of TheBurg.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Like Family: For nearly 50 years, Oyster Mill has set the stage for community theater

September 27, 2024 | by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger

Scenes from theatrical productions at Oyster Mill Playhouse

In 1976, a group of theater lovers joined together to combine talents, passion and drive to found the Metropolitan Repertory Company, Inc. The cadre of ambitious performers knew it would take a tremendous amount of work, but they and their supporters were up to the task.

The group performed anywhere they could find both space and an audience before renting the Fellowship Hall in the Faith United Church of Christ in New Cumberland. That, however, was not without its challenges.

“We could only rehearse on nights when the church didn’t have something going, and, when they rehearsed on Sundays, they had to strip the entire seating area to turn it back into a church setting,” said Stephen Jahn, former board member and season subscriber.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and the little cadre of actors, yearning for a space to call their own, launched a capital campaign.

“We tried raising money any way we could, including holding bake sales and organizing flea markets,” Jahn said. “We did it, and our ticketholders were very generous.”

By 1988, the wheels were set in motion to purchase the Oyster Mill in Camp Hill, which, at the time, was being used to store plumbing supplies. Originally a grist mill (Eyster Mill), the building had also served as a general store and dance hall. After renovations, the theater, which seats 91, opened to the public, and audiences were soon enjoying a production of “Barefoot in the Park.”

Unfortunately, work on what became a beloved community theater is never really done. Flooding wreaked havoc in 1996 and, more recently, the HVAC system was replaced.

“Once again, people responded, and we managed to come up with the $85,000 to replace it, thanks to some very generous donations,” said Matt Golden, board member.

Then came COVID, which shuttered the doors from March 2020 to November 2021. Once again, the theater bounced back.

“People really missed us,” Golden said. “So, we had a robust return and have sold out every show over the past year.”

Magical

Those not familiar with what goes on behind the scenes aren’t always aware of the amount of work it takes to keep a little theater going—from selecting six shows a year (with a cast of 10 or fewer due to limited space), to running social media, putting together a newsletter named “Encore,” designing the set, attracting performers, holding auditions and so much more. Considering that none of these tasks are paid, it’s a wonder that the theater runs as well as it does.

Anne Marino said that professionalism is what initially attracted her as a performer and has kept her coming back for about a decade now.

“There’s an expectation on the part of the actors that we will do our top-level best,” she said.

Golden said that he keeps returning because of the people.

“You get pulled in,” he said. “Three years ago, I came here once, and they tapped me to play a part. Two years later, I’m in 10 shows.”

Marino agreed.

“The relationships are magical,” she said.

Board president Michael Hosler performs on stage, and, as director, is also responsible for envisioning the set.

“It’s a great place to perform, and there’s a high level of dedication from all who participate,” he said.

The organization, he said, truly values its volunteers.

“They’re especially important when you’re building a set, which is a big undertaking,” he said.

According to Hosler, the most popular plays include comedies, musicals and dramas.

“We tend to lean heavily into comedy and mystery, which sells the best for us,” he said.

Jahn said that it’s easy to understand why people continue to come back and give so graciously of their time.

“In my opinion, Oyster Mill is a family,” he said. “When you grow up in a theater, you get new aunts, moms, secondary and even tertiary father figures. You make a lot of friends.”

With such dedicated volunteers, the theater is certain to last another 48 years, continuing to entertain the residents of the region.

“Our goal is to continue our hard work and level of professionalism to put on great productions for many years to come,” Hosler said.

Oyster Mill Playhouse is located at 1001 Oyster Mill Rd., Camp Hill. For more information and tickets, visit www.oystermillplayhouse.com.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

October News Digest

September 27, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Forster Street Project Begins

Construction to calm traffic along a major Harrisburg roadway began last month.

The city started its Capitol Gateway project along Forster Street from N. Front to N. 2nd streets, which includes installing traffic-calming features and signal updates.

The $1.7 million project first surfaced in 2020, when City Council approved the submission of a grant application for federal transportation funds. The city received the grant later that year through the Harrisburg Area Transportation Study (HATS).

According to officials, around the time when the project first was discussed, the area was the most crash-prone in the city. Traffic calming features will include adding curb bump-outs and enlarging the median to give pedestrians space to stand if they are unable to cross the street in time. There will also be traffic signal updates at Forster and N. 2nd streets.

The right turning, or “slip lane,” from Forster to N. Front Street will be eliminated.

JVI Group, the project contractor, will work through the end of October to make sidewalk and curb improvements then break for the winter. They will return in the spring to finish work, including street milling and paving.

“We are excited to finally begin work on the Capitol Gateway project,” said city Engineer Joel Seiders. “Between traffic coming into the city from the West Shore, leaving the city from the Capitol Complex, or using beautiful Riverfront Park, this section of Harrisburg is one of the most heavily traveled every day. Once this project is complete, it will be safer than ever before to walk, bike and drive in this area.”

Forster Street will remain open to through-traffic during construction but will be reduced by one lane in each direction. Pedestrian traffic will be detoured.

Apartment Project Gets Approval

A dormant downtown Harrisburg apartment project is springing back to life, as the developer has had the project re-approved.

Last month, the city Planning Commission, for a second time, approved a land development plan for the Veterans Building, located at 112 Market St.

Harristown Development Corp. is proposing converting the 125-year-old, eight-story, vacant office building into a 48-unit residential building.

In 2021, the commission approved the conversion of the 51,000-square-foot building to 35 one- and two-bedroom apartments, plus first-floor retail space. However, following the approval, construction costs rose quickly, so the project never began, according to Brad Jones, president and CEO of Harristown.

“One of the reasons we haven’t gotten this project finished yet, when we first started, pricing kind of went haywire—interest rates and construction prices kind of went haywire,” Jones said, at the meeting.

Harristown has now redesigned the $8 million project with 48 one- and two-bedroom apartments, ranging from about 600 to 1,000 square feet. The new plan excluded first-floor retail space, proposing to absorb that space into the residential component.

Last month, the commission unanimously reapproved the plan, but on the condition that Harristown retain some retail space on the first floor.

“I can easily see an opportunity for a coffee shop or a small something that activates that corner,” said commissioner Vern McKissick.

Harristown, Jones said, is amenable to retaining some first-floor retail. The company doesn’t yet have a timeline for the project, which also must be re-approved by City Council.

Schools Superintendent Hired

The Harrisburg School District has selected a new top official.

Dr. Benjamin Henry will soon step up as the new superintendent of schools, following a summer-long search, the district has announced.

Henry fills the post left vacant by previous superintendent Eric Turman, who resigned and took a job as the superintendent of the Central Dauphin School District. Following Turman’s resignation, receiver Dr. Lori Suski appointed Dr. Marcia Stokes, the district’s chief financial officer, as acting superintendent.

Henry’s four-year term begins on Nov. 1, with Stokes continuing in the role in the meantime. The district has set Henry’s salary at $199,500.

Henry brings over two decades of experience in public education, according to the district. He served as the regional assistant superintendent of Polk County Schools in Florida for the past four years, overseeing 29 schools. Before that, he held jobs as a special education teacher, a middle school math teacher and a principal. Henry was also appointed by the governor to serve on the state’s Education Ethics Committee.

Park Pavilion Proposed

Harrisburg may get a new entertainment pavilion in one of its main parks.

The city has submitted a grant application to the state for funds to construct a pavilion in Riverfront Park for use during city festivals and events.

City Council unanimously approved the ratification of a grant application submission to the Pa. Department of Community and Economic Development for $117,228 for the structure.

The proposed multipurpose pavilion would be built in the park near the Civic Club of Harrisburg’s building near North Street. According to city Grants Director Rebecca Vollmer, the concrete bandshell would be similar to the pavilion in Italian Lake Park.

The stage would be used for city events such as Kipona, Artsfest and July Fourth and could be rented out to the Civic Club and other organizations to bring revenue to the city, Vollmer said.

Vollmer said that the city currently pays around $17,000 to $21,000 for stages for festival entertainment each year.

If the grant is awarded, the city would be required to match 15% of the total project cost, about $18,000. Vollmer expects that the city, within a year, would make back that money by not having to rent a stage.

Area Home Sales, Prices Rise

Harrisburg-area home sales and prices both increased in August, per the latest report on previously owned houses.

For the three-county region, 651 homes sold versus 604 in August 2023, as the median sales price climbed to $297,000 from $284,298, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, sales totaled 309 homes in August, an increase of 10 houses, as the median sales price grew to $270,000 from $255,000 in the year-ago period, GHAR stated.

Cumberland County had 300 home sales, up from 279 the prior August, as the median sales price rose to $327,250 from $308,000, GHAR said.

In Perry County, 47 homes sold compared to 25 last August, as the median sales price shot up to $300,000 from $242,000, according to GHAR.

The pace of sales slowed a bit, as the “average days on market” totaled 23 days, versus 19 days a year ago, GHAR said.

So Noted

Andrew Bomberger last month was named the new executive director of the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission (TCRPC), which provides land use and transportation planning for Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties. Bomberger has served with TCRPC for 10 years and succeeds Steve Deck, who retired in August.

Broad Street Market has received a $350,000 grant from the Pa. Department of Community and Economic Development to make upgrades to the stone building and offset operational costs. Projects include repairing the roof, which frequently leaks, and possible HVAC upgrades to the building, according to market officials.

Jazzy’s Good Eats opened last month at 912 N. 3rd St. in Harrisburg, relocating from space in Kline Village. From the snug storefront, owner Jasmine “Jazzy” White serves fried fish, fried chicken, turkey wings, mac and cheese and greens, among other southern-style staples, for takeout-only.

Matt Maisel, Harrisburg’s communications director, resigned last month to take a position with Penn State Health. In recent months, the city has lost several other top officials, including former Business Administrator Dan Hartman, former Finance Director Marita Kelley and former Building and Housing Director Dennise Hill.

Men in the Kitchen, a York-based restaurant, plans to expand into Harrisburg, opening in the former Firehouse restaurant at 606 N. 2nd St. Co-owners Justin Coleman and Kyle Moore expect to open in November, serving Cajun cuisine, seafood and other signature dishes from inside the circa-1871 Hope Fire Station building.

Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects last month was selected to serve as the architect/engineering firm for the rebuilding of the Broad Street Market’s brick building. City Council unanimously confirmed the selection of the York-based company in a contract valued at $1.3 million. The historic building burned and closed in a July 2023 fire, and the reconstruction is expected to take at least two years.

Changing Hands

Allison St., 1506: Treasurehunt Home Investments LLC & New Harvest Solutions LLC to N. Portoreal & T. Amparo, $148,000

Apricot St., 1711: J. Shook & C. Walter to ADR Equities LLC, $57,000

Bailey St., 1224: S. Chase to A. Scott, $53,000

Bailey St., 1242: Real Estate Investment Associates of PA LLC to 1242 Bailey LLC, $59,000

Berryhill St., 1329: N. Sandoval & Amado Investment LLC to Mau Properties LLC, $105,000

Berryhill St., 2242: A. Giambanco & A. Lebron to C. Johnson, $115,000

Boas St., 1616: Secretary of Housing & Urban Development to E. Ramirez, $85,000

Brookwood St., 1938: S. Cobb & R. Gantt to 2020 Real Estate Ventures LLC, $57,000

Chestnut St., 1928: TPH Asset Management LLC to Mau Properties LLC, $80,000

Chestnut St., 2200: G. Forsyth to D. Fuller & K. Pinet, $259,000

Chestnut St., 2406: K. Quimby to Z. & R. Madar, $310,000

Christian St., 1230: C. Disla to R. Adon, $110,000

Crescent St., 425: Real Estate Investment Associates of PA LLC to TMH Family Trust, $59,000

Croyden Rd., 2926: A. Guerrero to B. Gidey, $150,000

Derry St., 2014: Two Three Two Investments LLC to S. Laroc, $134,000

Division St., 503: M. Grossman to H. Moyer, $159,900

Division St., 515: BCR 2 Properties LLC to V. Peralta, $165,000

Green St., 1412: Capozzi & Ehring Realty LLC to 1412 Green LLC, $225,000

Green St., 1732: A. Christian to J. Holderman, $225,000

Green St., 1943: D. & K. Wadlington to M. Smith, $272,500

Hoffman St., 3232: M&T Bank to P. Morocho, $84,000

Holly St., 1846: Adonis Real Estate LLC to A. Fernandez, $152,000

Hudson St., 1140: A. Ciucci to D. Hockenberry, $192,000

Hummel St., 342 and 1508 Hunter St.: E&K Homes LLC to M. Gabrielle, $178,332

Hunter St., 1607: S. Scott to O. Perez, $140,000

Kensington St., 2263: KDR Investments LLP to 248 S. Quince St. LLC, $92,000

Kensington St., 2430: REO 2021 NR4 LLC to 248 S Quince St LLC, $95,725

Kittatinny St., 1215: S&P Property Holdings LLC to 1215 Kitt Harrisburg LLC, $650,000

Lexington St., 2560: HBG Rents LLC to A. Hariri & Y. Alrosan, $145,000

Liberty St., 1412: J. Espaillat to Mau Properties LLC, $90,000

Maclay St., 243: BLTN Properties LLC to Numbee Realty LLC, $197,500

Manada St., 2029: M. Loja to G. Tavera, $130,000

Market St., 1736: D. Seldon to A. Peralta, $70,726

Market St., 1826: J. & R. Mallory to A. Linan, $80,000

Market St., 2024: S. Gonzalez to M. Curry Nixon, $187,000

Melrose St., 706: J. Grant to EA Capital LLC, $115,000

Mulberry St., 1907: G. & G. Kennedy to V. Rijo, $65,000

Muench St., 633: G. & O. Daley to 248 S. Quince St. LLC, $108,000

North St., 1907: M. & B. King to BS JR Realty LLC, $115,000

N. 2nd St., 925: B. Pupo to A. Dufton & P. Margrave, $270,000

N. 2nd St., 3118: D. Inghilterra to B. & J. Orsinger, $436,000

N. 3rd St., 222, 230; 229 Court St.; and 228, 230 Cranberry St.: Musalair Trust to Cranberry WP LLC, $1,800,000

N. 3rd St., 2126: D&L Development Group Inc. to PACC HBG 2 LLC, $177,000

N. 3rd St., 2244: G. Gonzales to R. & T. Bbalo, $169,000

N. 4th St., 2433: Good Connect LLC to R. Sanchez, $82,500

N. 5th St., 2501: J. Castro to Y. & D. Disla, $170,000

N. 5th St., 2733: C. Carey to Integrity First Home Buyers LLC, $86,000

N. 5th St., 3138: L. Confer to W. Renn, $189,900

N. 6th St., 2227: Peace Casa LLC to S. Laroc, $110,000

N. 6th St., 2601: J. Kates to DTJ Associates LLC, $50,000

N. 6th St., 3144: C. Koser to A. Pellegrini, $118,000

N. 6th St., 3157: R. Wickham to N. & J. Cline, $150,000

N. 6th St., 3601 (rear): C. & F. Acri to CF Acri & Son Inc., $630,000

N. 15th St., 227: First Choice Home Buyers LLC to Narrow Gate Investments LLC, $99,000

N. 15th St., 1337: C. & B. Grier to 1337 North 15th LLC, $50,000

N. 15th St., 1511: Ink Properties LLC to J. Folks, $90,000

N. Front St., 315: J. Boswell & J. Piccola to Front Street Lofts LLC, $633,000

Peffer St., 435: J. & D. Cummings to E. & I. Applyrs, $170,000

Penn St., 1200: K. Barder to J. & J. Blair, $205,000

Penn St., 1830: J. Lucas to L. Wood & T. Miller, $189,900

Race St., 550: A. Thompson & R. Farquhar to R. Thompson, $173,000

Race St., 612: D. Amaguayo to M. Burtner, $250,000

Randolph St., 1616: KDR Investments LLP to L. Chavez & M. Gonzalez, $70,000

Reel St., 2400: Franklin Real Estate USA Inc. to G. Munoz, $170,000

Regina St., 1825: F. & E. Metellus to J. Francois, $103,000

Ross St., 626: Casareal Developments LLC to E. Ramirez, $65,000

Rudy Rd., 2446: Capital Realty Guild LLC to EA Capital LLC, $100,000

Penn St., 2138: Oasis Property Investment LLC to N. Scott, $200,000

Seneca St., 253: L. Diehl to G&W Rentals LLC, $105,000

Seneca St., 638: A. Hurt to Noraziza LLC, $83,000

S. 12th St., 1519: 1&H LLC to N. de Cruz, $145,000

S. 15th St., 433 & 437: J. & C. Snook to Aharon Steinberg LLC, $114,000

S. 15th St., 435: J. & C. Snook to 435 S 15th LLC, $57,000

S. 15th St., 540: E&R Realty Legacy LLC to M. & S. Mejia, $122,000

S. 16th St., 439: J. Snook & C. Walter to 51 Hidden Glen LLC, $57,000

S. 19th St., 1338: B. Skaggs to B. Camacho, $159,900

S. 29th St., 512: 512 S 29th St LLC to 512 Singh LLC, $600,000

State St., 231, Unit 804: C. Houck to H. Martinson, $195,000

Swatara St., 1917: Two Three Two Investments LLC to A Ventura Construction LLC, $82,500

Swatara St., 2408: J. Suszko to JTA Consulting Group LLC, $140,000

Verbeke St., 1613: A. Powell to R. Sanchez, $82,500

Vernon St., 1421: C. Valencik to Mau Properties LLC, $129,000

Walnut St., 1724: A. Bouhach to F. Valenzuela, $103,000

Wiconisco St., 409: Central PA Buyers LLC to R. Rivera, $161,000

Zarker St., 1415: TPH Asset Management LLC to J. Vanderhorst, $81,000

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

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

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

What you’ll find ⤵️

For your weekend planning

A Look Ahead

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like