Harrisburg legislators say Broad Street Market may miss state funding if council doesn’t select construction manager

May 21, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Broad Street Market brick building

Local state legislators are asking Harrisburg City Council to reconsider a recent decision regarding the Broad Street Market, as the city may risk losing state money.

In a letter from Rep. Patty Kim (D-103) and Rep. Dave Madsen (D-104) addressed to council, the Harrisburg-area officials stated that council’s recent decision to reject the city’s selected construction manager for the brick market building rebuild may cost the city potential state funding.

At a meeting last week, five of the seven council members voted against the proposed contract with Alexander, most stating that they felt the city administration’s selection process was inequitable. Council President Danielle Bowers also stated that she was concerned that the selection committee wasn’t diverse.

According Madsen, he and Kim have been part of a Governor’s Working Group to address the market rebuild following a devastating July fire and have been meeting with city and market officials for months. The group has been in negotiations to help get financial aid for the market included in the state’s budget. State support would help fill in the gap between the total project cost and insurance money that Harrisburg has received, he said.

With council’s vote against hiring Alexander Building Construction Co. to oversee the project, the city will need to re-start the RFP process, which could take another four to six months, officials have stated.

The state legislators, in their statement, expressed concern that the delay could push any potential state funding into a following budget cycle, as this budget is expected to pass in June.

When reached by phone, Madsen said that, for legal reasons, the state can’t directly allocate money to the city or the market and has been waiting for a construction manager to join the project to help determine where to allot potential funds.

“From this point of view, we are concerned that the delay in selecting a construction manager now could delay support from the state,” according to Madsen and Kim’s letter. “We implore you to find a way to reconsider the vote or, based on its significance, find a way to expedite a new selection process.”

Since council’s decision, several organizations have also issued statements regarding the vote.

Immediately following the meeting, Mayor Wanda Williams issued a statement calling council’s decision “careless,” Broad Street Market Board Chair Eric Hagarty said that the board was “deeply disappointed,” and the Historic Harrisburg Association (HHA) released a statement expressing concern that the effects of the fire on the historic building “will only worsen over time.”

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Harrisburg’s Artsfest to return this Memorial Day weekend, featuring visual, musical, culinary arts

May 21, 2024 | by Jolie Lloyd

Artsfest 2023

Art, music and food enthusiasts can come together this weekend to enjoy a fun summer kick-off event.

Harrisburg’s annual Artsfest will return to Riverfront Park on Memorial Day weekend, showcasing a variety of art and entertainment.

“Artsfest is the city of Harrisburg’s crown jewel,” Mayor Wanda Williams said at a press conference on Tuesday. “This is our Super Bowl. We have artisans come from all over the country and families from throughout the state and neighboring states to take part in an unbelievable, fun event.”

Artsfest events will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 25 and 26, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 27.

This year’s festival will feature vendors offering a wide variety of art forms such as ceramics, digital art, drawing, fiber, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, sculpture, painting, photography, printmaking and woodworking.

“As a working artist and instructor, this event is really important to the success of my business,” said local artist Michelle Babitts of MAB Handmade Ceramics, at the press conference. “It’s a rare opportunity for me to showcase my artwork in front of thousands of people.”

This year, attendees can contribute to a community art project on City Island. Participants over 10 years old are invited to paint a handmade fish sculpture to be added to a colorful school of 450 fish sculptures. There will be 150 pieces available to paint each of the three days on a first-come, first-served basis.

For younger participants, a variety of activities will be offered at Kidsfest, between Walnut and Market streets, including arts and crafts, musical instruments and a display of art by local students.

Additionally, the Art Association of Harrisburg will join in the festivities throughout the weekend by opening its doors to show four exhibitions.

Artsfest organizers acknowledged that art extends beyond visual medium and will showcase musical and culinary arts as well.

Musical performances include Jazzfest, which will feature jazz music performances throughout the event at a stage near Walnut Street, and The Wednesday Club will hold a concert series at the Art Association of Harrisburg.

Over 25 food trucks will offer their culinary creations to attendees throughout the event, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

“There’s no better way to kick off summer than at Artsfest,” Williams said.

Discounted parking will be offered on City Island and at the Market Square Garage from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., priced at $5 and $10, respectively. City street parking is free on Sunday, May 26 and Monday, May 27. Downtown parking is free after 5 p.m. on weekdays. Attendees can park downtown for free for four hours on Saturday by using the code LUVHBG on the ParkMobile app. Handicapped parking spaces will be available on State Street near Front Street.

To learn more about Artsfest, visit Harrisburg’s website.

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Harrisburg School District superintendent to step down, takes top position at Central Dauphin

May 21, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Superintendent Eric Turman. File photo.

Harrisburg School District will begin the search for a new top official.

On Tuesday, the district shared that Superintendent Eric Turman was officially appointed as the superintendent of Central Dauphin School District and will leave Harrisburg.

In a release, Harrisburg School District receiver Dr. Lori Suski congratulated Turman and said that the district would begin looking for a new superintendent.

“I am committed to a very thorough and transparent search process for a new superintendent that will include a considerable amount of employee, parent and community stakeholder input and involvement,” Suski said.

She also noted that she will consider appointing an interim superintendent while the search process takes place.

At the next school board meeting on May 28, Suski expects to have an update on leadership transition plans and the timing of Turman’s transition to Central Dauphin, she said.

Turman’s leaving may also impact the district’s reconfiguration, which is slated to begin this coming school year and involves closing some school buildings, opening others and shifting some grades to new buildings, Suski said. She also plans to have more information about that next week.

“Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time of transition,” she said. “We are firmly committed to supporting our students and staff and look forward to a positive end to the school year.”

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

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Harrisburg author Steven Williams to celebrate third book release with discussion about creativity, advocacy

May 20, 2024 | by Jolie Lloyd

Steven Williams

A local author will give readers insight into his creative process and heart for advocacy at an upcoming event.

Harrisburg resident Steven Williams recently published a new book, “Skadi and the Geats,” and will celebrate its release at the Midtown Scholar Bookstore on May 24.

State Rep. Patty Kim (D-103) will join Williams to discuss the themes of advocacy incorporated throughout his books and how his own lived experiences shape his writing process.

“Skadi and the Geats” is Williams’ third published fantasy novel in the Prose Edda series, which is Williams’ creative take on classic Norse mythology. In the book, a Viking warrior named Skadi gains sudden fame and learns to depend on others in the face of newfound adversity.

Much of the plot of Williams’ first book, “Skadi,” was inspired by his experience on the Harrisburg School District board of directors, which led him to ask questions of how someone can best engage with their community in a way that focuses on benefiting others. This led Williams to create a character who learns the importance of being an advocate for her community.

“I had to grow as an advocate,” Williams said. “I discovered how you have to incorporate the needs of your entire community into your advocacy.”

Williams is also passionate about celebrating and empowering writers and creators of color.

“I am a Black author and it’s very important for me that people recognize that, but it’s also very important for me that we recognize that what Black folks write about can be a whole host of things,” Williams said.

Williams explained that Black authors are often confined by others’ expectations, and he hopes to help aspiring writers of color to break out of these confines.

“I think people should feel open and willing to engage in whatever creative outlet and then whatever endeavor they choose to and not feel pigeonholed into a particular subject,” Williams said.

The discussion will commence at 7 p.m. after a pre-event gathering at 6 p.m., featuring food and wine. Williams will be available for book signings after the discussion, until 9 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public.

To learn more about Williams and his books, visit his website.

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Paxton Creek rehabilitation project receives federal funding to help reduce flooding

May 20, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey speaks at a press conference next to the Paxton Creek in Harrisburg.

A major Harrisburg waterway restoration project that has been years in the making will take its first step forward.

At a press conference on Monday, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey announced that the federal government awarded the city and Capital Region Water $1.25 million to help mitigate flooding at Paxton Creek.

“This, of course, will save lives and protect the livelihoods of so many citizens here in Dauphin County,” Casey said. “The need to restore the creek was so great that it earned not just one, but two congressionally directed spending grants.”

A “Paxton Creek Master Plan” was first developed by PennDOT in 2018 and laid out changes that would take 133 acres out of the 100-year flood plan and partially remove a couple hundred more acres, also making the area more attractive for redevelopment. The Paxton Creek runs for 6.2 miles from Wildwood Park to the Susquehanna River watershed.

The federal funding announced on Monday includes two grants–$500,000 in funding for CRW and $750,000 for the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority.

The project includes two major pieces. One project is the de-channelization, widening the creek to allow it to hold a greater water volume and restoring it to its natural course. Additionally, the Paxton Creek interceptor, which runs parallel to the creek and conveys combined sewage from over half of the city and surrounding townships, needs to be replaced as it is over 120 years old and severely compromised.

Paxton Creek

The de-channelization project is estimated to cost over $100 million and the interceptor replacement will likely cost $25 million, according to Charlotte Katzenmoyer, CEO of CRW.

The $1.25 million represents only a drop in the bucket of the total project cost, Mayor Wanda Williams noted, but it represents a start.

With the federal funding, CRW and the city can begin preliminary engineering and design work for the Paxton Creek project.

“All told, this is going to be 1% of what could be a $100 million project when its all said and done, but that 1% may be the most important because it gets us off the ground,” Williams said. “I would like everyone to picture a Cameron Street corridor that is open to more affordable housing, business development and residential revitalization.”

And while this funding may help get the project started, Casey said that there’s a possibility for more federal assistance down the road.

“We’re not done advocating for more funding,” he said. “We want to use every possible federal resource that we can turn to.”

Katzenmoyer explained that CRW is required to replace the Paxton Creek interceptor by 2026, as part of a partial consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

The Paxton Creek project is part of CRW’s City Beautiful H2O Program Plan, the organization’s long-term plan to fulfill requirements of the consent decree and to control its combined sewer overflow into the Susquehanna River and Paxton Creek.

Overall, CRW’s City Beautiful plan is estimated to cost $450 million and includes creating a retention treatment basin, using green infrastructure and separating stormwater and domestic sewage conveyance, among other initiatives.

For more information about the Paxton Creek project, visit Capital Region Water’s website.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

May 17, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Ghost bikes were displayed at the Capitol to honor those killed while cycling.

Our reporting this week covered everything from Broad Street Market news to theater reviews to summer fun and community initiatives. Make sure you didn’t miss any of it, by catching up, below.

Bob’s Art Blog discussed 3rd in the Burg and the initiatives to bring new life to the monthly event. He spotlighted several galleries and exhibits that will be open on Friday.

The Broad Street Market rebuild may be delayed by several months, as Harrisburg City Council this week rejected the city’s selected construction manager for the project, our reporting found. Council members shared that they felt the selection process was inequitable.

Cyclists killed while riding in Pa. were honored this week with a special Ride of Silence in Harrisburg and a bike display at the state Capitol, our online story reported.

Dauphin County honored several law enforcement officials and community leaders at a ceremony this week, our online story reported. Awardees were recognized for acts of bravery and service.

Harrisburg School District Superintendent Eric Turman announced that he may leave his position, our online story reported. Turman shared that he is the finalist to be the superintendent of the Central Dauphin School District.

Homeowners in Harrisburg can apply for city assistance with essential home repairs, our online story reported. The city will use $5 million of its federal COVID-relief funds to help lower-income and elderly residents.

Moviate Film Festival will return to Harrisburg’s Midtown Cinema this weekend, our online story reported. The fest will highlight avant-garde and documentary films.

Open Stage’s “What the Constitution Means to Me,” will inspire, challenge you and leave you with much to talk about after the show. Click here to read our review.

Our publisher called on Harrisburg City Council to reconsider its decision to reject the city’s selected construction manager for the Broad Street Market, in an editorial. The decision, he said, will delay the market restoration process, hurting the community and vendors.

The Pride of the Susquehanna will remain docked for the next several weeks, delaying the start of its 2024 sailing season, our online story reported. The riverboat is in need of an essential repair to comply with safety regulations.

Sara Bozich has found all the best Harrisburg area events to spice up your weekend and listed them, here.

SoMa block parties will return to downtown Harrisburg for the summer, starting in May, our online story reported. Additionally, SoMa Fest will take place in June, featuring wine, beer and spirits.

Volunteers worked on Monday to clean up a portion of the Camp Curtin neighborhood, our online story reported. The community members hoped that their efforts would deter crime and blight in the area, which has seen an uptick in both.

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Welcome Home: LGBT Center cuts the ribbon on new Harrisburg location

May 17, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Staff, volunteers and community members cut the ribbon on the new LGBT Center.

After years in the making, LGBT Center officials said that they finally have a place to call home.

On Friday, center staff, board members and friends cut the ribbon on the center’s new space at 1323 N. Front St. in Harrisburg, which will serve as a hub for the local LGBTQ community.

“Tons of people have worked very hard for a number of years to make this a reality and we’re finally standing in something that was at one point a concept,” said Amanda Carter, interim executive director of the center. “We are here now, the space is beautiful and I just hope that we can continue to carry out our mission. This is just the beginning.”

The center, which was established in 2006, offers programming for LGBTQ adults and youth, with specific groups for people of color and seniors, among other communities.

Previously housed on the 1300-block of N. 3rd Street, the center moved out in 2021 and, for several years, operated remotely out of the former GLO-Harrisburg location on the 1700-block of N. 3rd Street.

LGBT Center Interim Director Amanda Carter spoke at the ribbon cutting.

However, after raising $350,000, the team was able to purchase its new building in July 2023 and renovate the 3,000-square-foot space, finally giving the center a home of its own.

“People were remarkably generous. They came through and stepped up,” said Ted Martin, board chair of the capital campaign committee and an LGBT Center founder.

The new center is ADA-accessible and includes offices, several meeting and multi-purpose rooms and a kitchen.

The LGBT Center leadership conducted community focus groups to find out what people wanted in the space, prompting them to include a quiet room for relaxation and a washer and dryer for those who need a free, safe place to do laundry.

Multi-purpose room in the LBGT Center

Ultimately, officials said that they hope the center is a safe space for everyone to feel welcome, included and accepted.

“This center belongs to every single LGBTQ person seeking community, connection and support in central Pennsylvania,” said Amanda Arbour, the previous executive director of the center.

The center will be open to the public at 5 p.m. on Friday for an open house and reception, coinciding with 3rd in the Burg.

For more information, visit the LGBT Center’s website.

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Pride of the Susquehanna launch delayed, repair needed

May 17, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Pride of the Susquehanna

Harrisburg’s riverboat will remain docked for several more weeks.

The Pride of the Susquehanna’s summer launch will be pushed back until July 4 due to unexpected repairs, announced the Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society (HARS) on Friday.

“We understand this news may be disappointing, especially for those with reservations in June,” said Lori Ribbans, chair of HARS. “The society is dedicated to the safe operation of the Pride of the Susquehanna and prioritizes responsible stewardship of our riverboat.”

According to the society, the U.S. Coast Guard identified a repair that needs to be made to the boat to ensure it meets safety regulations.

Typically, the Pride of the Susquehanna launches for its summer season in May.

HARS is currently contacting all guests with reservations for cruises in May and June, including the Memorial Day Veterans Cruise, which is rescheduled to July 14.

“The society apologizes for any inconvenience and will offer guests with existing bookings a full refund or the opportunity to reschedule their cruise for a later date in the season,” the society stated.

For more information, visit the Pride of the Susquehanna’s website.

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Harrisburg School District superintendent may leave, become top official at nearby district

May 17, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Superintendent Eric Turman at a March press conference

The Harrisburg School District may soon lose one of its top officials.

Superintendent Eric Turman announced on the district website on Friday that he may be leaving his post, as he is the finalist to become the superintendent of Central Dauphin School District.

“It has truly been my great honor to work in the Harrisburg School District over the last three years,” Turman said in a statement. “While I am excited about new professional opportunities, it’s very difficult to consider leaving a school community like Harrisburg that cares so deeply for its students.”

Turman was appointed to his role in June 2021 by the previous district receiver Janet Samuels. Turman had formerly served as the principal of Reading High School for 10 years.

The Central Dauphin school board is slated to vote on its appointment for superintendent at a meeting on Monday, May 20.

If Turman is appointed at Central Dauphin, Harrisburg Receiver Dr. Lori Suski will share a leadership transition plan in the coming weeks, including a timeline, Turman said.

During Turman’s three years in Harrisburg, the district navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and virtual learning, moved forward with a school reconfiguration plan, decided to reopen Steele Elementary School and held meetings to determine the future of the William Penn building, which the district ultimately decided to save instead of demolish.

Additionally, the district was set to exit its three-year state receivership in 2022, but the state control was ultimately extended through 2025 by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

“I have been touched by the commitment and passion of our faculty, staff, and community to providing the best possible education and support for our young people,” Turman said. “I know the entire administrative team is deeply driven to do all we can to support them. Our administrative team is strong and shares many responsibilities for the daily work of our school district. I am very confident that we will continue to work together to support our schools and students.”

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

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The Nation’s Leader In On-Demand Lawn Mowing Has Just Launched Its Service In Harrisburg

May 16, 2024 | by Admin

GreenPal, which has been described as “Uber for lawn care,” is already being used in 48 states by more than 1 million homeowners.

With more and more homeowners looking to hire someone for their lawn care services, GreenPal lends itself to being the only way to get your lawn mowed this season. Here’s why:
GreenPal’s technology allows local, pre-screened vendors to competitively bid on lawns ensuring homeowners receive the best price for all of their lawn care needs.
Homeowners can order “contactless” lawn care for same or next-day service while beating the heat. Over 30% of GreenPal customers are over the age of 60. This demographic is particularly vulnerable to health risks and greatly benefits from the added safety and convenience provided by our platform.
Homeowners can list their lawn care needs with their desired service date and lawn care companies then bid on the property based on the Google street and aerial images and any other details the homeowner provides.

Then, homeowners select who they want to work with based on the vendor’s ratings, reviews, and price.

Once the service provider has completed the job, they send a time-stamped photo of the completed work. Homeowners pay using the app and can set up more appointments.

The app has already launched in about 250 major markets around the U.S., including Nashville, Chicago, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Tampa among others.

To visit GreenPal, visit https://www.yourgreenpal.com/

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