People Over Parking: Harrisburg’s parking obsession stands in the way of its progress

March 28, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda

Illustration by Rich Hauck

In Harrisburg, car space often is more valued than people space.

I’ve said this for years, my awkward way of pointing out that people often seem more concerned with parking than with adding badly needed housing to the city.

Every housing proposal seems to run up against “the ‘P’ word” (as I call it), as even projects that satisfy the city’s minimum parking requirements inevitably get slammed for not providing enough parking. And my sympathies to projects that don’t conform.

In late February, this parking obsession reached a new low when the city’s Zoning Hearing Board rejected limited parking relief for a proposed 144-unit apartment building, potentially endangering the project.

To be clear—the developer wasn’t asking for much. For a project of this size, the city mandates a large number of off-street spaces, 191, and the developer had 160 on two adjacent surface lots. So, it needed a special exception for the remaining 31 spaces. The zoning board’s answer: “no.”

At this point, I should offer some context.

The project’s location, at 320 Reily St., is currently a vast, sparsely used surface parking lot. It abuts other vast, sparsely used surface parking lots to the north and to the east. So, currently, there are acres of empty, abandoned asphalt, creating a massive dead zone for about five city blocks.

Currently, a stroll up Reily Street is about as welcoming as a stroll through an abandoned ghost town. Once, there were houses and other buildings on these blocks, but they’ve been gone for decades. In its place: blocks and blocks of blacktop.

Further context—back in 2021, the city zoning board gave this same project a much larger parking exception. However, the builder never proceeded with it, so needed to get the project reapproved after reviving the proposal.

So, what changed over the past three years? What made the zoning board refuse a special exception for 31 spaces when it granted an exception for 120 spaces just a few years ago?

Well, first, the personnel on the board changed, so different people with different viewpoints are making the decisions. And, secondly, I fear that, in this city, parochial parking concerns increasingly are overwhelming other, more important priorities.

We saw this two years ago when the city stopped work on badly needed safety and design improvements to State Street, specifically to preserve the parking status quo there. And now we see it on Reily Street, where blocks of empty lots cry out for housing and residents.

Harrisburg, which once had nearly twice the population it has today, has thousands of empty lots. So, there’s plenty of room to build. These buildings would not only add badly needed housing, but would help the city’s struggling businesses, strengthen the tax base and allow the city government to fund more and better services.

According to a 2023 study from the Housing Affordability Institute, parking minimums do the opposite. They reduce housing affordability and availability, as developers need to devote large sums of money and space to parking. Providing parking can dramatically increase a project’s cost, which leads to fewer and higher-priced units, if they’re built at all.

And an empty lot, especially when it’s not even being utilized for general public parking, as in this case, offers essentially no value to the city, its people, its businesses or its future.

At this point, I should lay my cards on the table. To me, a city is people, not cars, so I’m no fan of parking minimums. The world’s greatest cities share a common trait: they have human density, not parking density. To me, vast parking lots are blights on the landscape, making cities less livable, walkable and economically viable.

In fact, my biggest knock on the Reily Street project is not that it has too little parking, but too much. It preserves two enormous surface lots in order to approach the city’s parking requirement. I understand the need for this right now, but at some point, those lots should be developed, too.

At the zoning board meeting, one Harrisburg resident who lives near the site spoke in favor of the project and the requested parking relief.

“I think it’s better that we move in the direction where we can contribute to a dense, livable urban core and walkable neighborhoods that are safe for people who wish to walk places, to bike places, or for any other potential means of transportation,” he told members of the zoning board. “So, I think having a higher density of people compared to cars in the urban environment we have is going to be better for livability.”

I agree. And, according to an NPR story from January, some cities are reaching the same conclusion. Increasingly, they’re abandoning parking minimums in favor of density, walkability, convenience, affordability and access to amenities.
Harrisburg should consider following this lead.

Lawrance Binda is publisher/editor of TheBurg.

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Peak Performance: Music is back on tap at the Abbey Bar

March 28, 2024 | by Skye Leppo

Photo courtesy of Moon Peak Productions.

It seems like a lifetime ago, but the Abbey Bar was once one of the hottest places in Harrisburg for live music.

The large space, above Appalachian Brewing Co. on N. Cameron Street, hosted numerous bands a week—local, regional and even national.

Thanks to one emerging production company, those good times are back on the bill.

Moon Peak Productions, spearheaded by the husband-and-wife duo of Pat and Sarah Combs, struck up a partnership with ABC last year after the regional brewery started exploring ways to bring music back. The first set of collaborative concerts began in February with a show by one of Harrisburg’s favorite funk bands, The Dirty Sweet.

“We started reaching out to different people in different music production companies in the Harrisburg area who would want to work with us, and what that would look like,” said Samantha Brenner, director of communications at ABC. “We met [Sarah and Pat] through our head brewer [Bruce Tanner], who works with them on the side.”

The venue, long considered a stronghold for bluegrass and jam bands, will continue to serve as a destination for the music community in those genres while adding a greater variety of acts, said Danny McCoy, Moon Peak’s talent buyer and creative director.

Those new types of shows might include “electronic and DJ shows… psychedelic rock and jazz fusion,” McCoy said. Brenner described the planned band schedule as “eclectic.”

“We’re trying to stay true to people who know the Abbey Bar for what it is, and was before, but we also want to get to the current vibe in Harrisburg,” Brenner said.

McCoy also emphasized the organization’s commitment to giving back to the community.

Moon Peak Productions is dedicated to putting together shows and experiences that are produced as sustainably as possible and with charitable components whenever possible, he said. For instance, the company has committed to donating $1 per ticket sold to an area nonprofit, according to McCoy.

“Having a positive impact every way that we can is a huge part of our mission,” said Sarah Combs. “[We’ll] continually switch it up and circle back. So many groups out there could use a little boost.”

For now, the organization has been choosing different nonprofits to partner with nearly every quarter, with more than $400 raised for Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland and Perry Counties in 2023. In 2024, the organization plans to make donations to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Valley Youth House, Special Olympics Pennsylvania and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Coming Back

Physically, attendees will find that the space looks a bit different, as the team has removed all of the pool tables and the venue is standing room only, now capable of holding as many as 400 people.

Lighting and sound have been improved to state-of-the-art designs, and the stage has been modified to make it an easier, better experience for performers, Brenner said.

But don’t worry about the most important aspect. This reporter confirmed that the space’s beloved giant disco ball still hovers over the middle of the room.

The Combses, who also are the team behind Mountain Laurel Catering, are taking control of the rental operations of the venue, as well, to keep logistics organized between performances and private parties. The staff working behind the bar during shows will still be ABC employees, though.

“Coming back to this room has significant meaning to me,” Sarah Combs said, adding that it’s held a special place in her heart for 20 years. “We’re very, very excited to be a part of this reopening.”

Brenner said that the Abbey Bar’s comeback has brought new excitement to ABC itself, which, in 1997, opened as Harrisburg’s first brewpub.

The whole restaurant is buzzing, the staff are excited, and we’ve had so many people reach out about how wonderful it is,” Brenner said. “We really feel grateful that the community is rallying behind us with this.”

The Abbey Bar is located on the second floor of Appalachian Brewing Co., 50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg. For a show schedule and more information, visit www.moonpeakproductions.com.

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Little Tree Life: Jim Doyle has spent a lifetime dedicated to the art of Bonsai

March 28, 2024 | by Dan Miller

Scenes from Nature’s Way Nursery

Spend a few hours with Jim Doyle, owner of Nature’s Way Nursery in Linglestown, and you may find yourself looking at trees in a whole new way.

Not just as something that provides shade, cooling and refreshing you on the hottest summer day. Not just breaking up the monotony of buildings and blacktop, or absorbing water falling from the sky or rushing across the ground.

Beyond all this functionality, every tree has a design. Most of us may not even notice it, or if we do, we are content to let nature shape the design, what the sculpture will become. We are onlookers.

For 51 years and counting, Doyle has been an active participant in the sculpting of trees—the ancient art form known as Bonsai.

Bonsai done right means that the intervention of man—or woman—is not apparent in the sculpting of the tree.

Now 72, Doyle was a dancer for 30 years. That experience shapes what Doyle sees when he considers a tree—in its simplest terms, the trunk as the torso of a body, the branchings as the arms and legs.

Most works of art—a painting, for example—have a start and finish. At some point, the artist puts down his or her brush and says, “That’s it.”

Jim Doyle with his son, Max Doyle

Not so with Bonsai.

“Bonsai is never done. It’s a living art; it is continually growing,” Doyle said. “It’s the only living art that I know of that is continually growing.”

Bonsai does not end, even when a tree dies. The lessons learned are passed on.

“I’ve killed a lot of trees,” Doyle said. “I’ve always said that, through death, there is knowledge. Each time a tree dies, I hope to learn something so I keep the next tree alive.”

Bonsai started as a hobby for Doyle. It then became a passion, one from which he has made his living.

He tells his wife Libby he is going to work, when actually he’s going to play. Bonsai keeps him active, mentally, physically and creatively.

“When something is bothering me, I escape in a tree,” he said.

He’s also very good at it. Doyle is sought after to give presentations on Bonsai throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and elsewhere.

The soft-spoken Doyle isn’t one to sing his own praises. He’s needed a little coaxing at times, such as when Libby—a lecturer in her own right as a distinguished professor at Penn State—invited him to accompany her while she was teaching at universities in Ireland and in New Zealand.

“Before I knew it, I had a little tour in Ireland and a little tour in New Zealand,” he said. “It was a great experience, and they threatened to have me back, so I guess I did something OK.”

Jim’s daughter, Nell Leaman

Never Stops

Before Doyle could teach Bonsai, he had to learn it.

First exposed to the art at Longwood Gardens in 1973, Doyle sought out Chase Rosade, who had a Bonsai nursery in New Hope and became his mentor.

Rosade let Doyle shadow him as he worked on trees. One was a 50-year-old Japanese maple—2½ feet tall.

Later that day, a college classmate taught Doyle tree climbing. Seventy feet above ground in another 50-year-old maple, Doyle had an epiphany: the proportionality, movement and branching of the two trees were the same. The only difference was their size.

By then, Doyle and a partner had started Nature’s Way. The name comes from the 1970 song by the rock band, Spirit.

Horticulture degree in hand, Doyle spent his first year in business living in a tent with his dog, Life, clearing land to plant trees and shrubs for his nursery.

His passion took him to China, where the art started about 2,000 years ago, then to Japan, where Bonsai migrated from Korea about 800 years ago.

Doyle has had an enduring fascination with Japan, visiting the country about 15 times since 1984 to attend the world-renowned Kokufu-ten Bonsai exhibition, held annually in Tokyo.

His most recent pilgrimage to Japan was in February, accompanied by his son, Max, who lives in Alaska.

Doyle and another Bonsai enthusiast started Susquehanna Bonsai Club in 1980. The club grew to 200 members before spawning other clubs throughout the midstate.

Interest in Bonsai grew “tremendously” following the 1984 movie, “Karate Kid,” Doyle said.

Bonsai also became more popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. People trapped inside needed a new hobby. With Zoom, they could learn Bonsai from Doyle and other experts without leaving home.

These days, Doyle is back doing in-person instruction at Nature’s Way and elsewhere. If you see a class you like, Doyle suggests you sign up early as classes fill up fast, testimony to Bonsai’s popularity in the Harrisburg area.

Doyle is also excited about the region hosting the Mid-Atlantic Bonsai Society Show April 19 to 21 at the Holiday Inn Harrisburg-Hershey in Grantville.

Doyle isn’t among featured presenters, but he will be there soaking up knowledge. At 72 years young, the learning never stops.

Nature’s Way Nursery is located at 1451 Pleasant Hill Rd., Harrisburg (Linglestown). For more information and to sign up for Bonsai classes, visit www.natureswaybonsai.com.

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April News Digest

March 28, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Affordable Housing Project Breaks Ground

Developers have begun work on a new affordable housing project in Harrisburg.

Former NFL player LeSean McCoy and his development company, Vice Capital, ceremonially broke ground last month on JMB Gardens, which will provide low-income housing on N. 6th Street.

“It’s a celebration for our community,” said McCoy, a Harrisburg native. “We are here to be the difference and make a change.”

JMB Gardens will consist of four rowhome-style buildings built on several currently vacant plots of land on the 2200- and 2300-blocks of N. 6th Street. In total, the project will provide 41 affordable units, consisting of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, as well as a community center.

The entire project cost is around $16.7 million, including funding from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA).

Construction on JMB Gardens is expected to take 12 to 14 months, according to Ryan Sanders, vice president of development for Vice Capital.

McCoy and Vice Capital are also currently working on another housing development on N. 6th Street, on the 1500 block. The “Savoy 48” will include 48 apartment units, 10 of which will be affordable by federal standards.

While that project broke ground in June 2023, Sanders said that construction has been delayed, but will likely begin in the coming months.

Harrisburg District Approves School Reconfiguration

The Harrisburg School District’s building configuration will look different in the coming academic year.

At a recent board meeting, Receiver Dr. Lori Suski approved the opening of some school buildings, the closing of others, and the moving of several grades to different buildings for the 2024-25 school year.

At a meeting in November 2023, Superintendent Eric Turman presented several options for reconfiguration, which he said would help balance student populations at each building, create neighborhood schools on the elementary level, and allow the district to prioritize facility improvements.

Suski approved the plan, which includes removing students from Scott Elementary School and repurposing the building. Additionally, the Lincoln Administration Building will be used as an elementary school. The plan also includes phasing out Rowland Intermediate School over three years and moving those students to Camp Curtin Middle School.

In addition, the plan includes enrolling only sixth- through eighth-grade students at Marshall Math Science Academy, which currently includes the fifth grade. Cougar Academy, now housed in the Lincoln building, will move to the Hamilton building on N. 6th Street, replacing the Specialized Services Education, Inc. program, which will move to Scott temporarily.

Also wrapped up in the reconfiguration is the re-opening of Steele Elementary School, a long-vacant building that the district has been renovating. Steele will contribute to creating more neighborhood-based schools on the elementary level, Turman explained.

Historic Status for Zembo Shrine

A notable Harrisburg building has received national recognition for its history.

Zembo Shrine, on N. 3rd and Division streets, recently announced that it is now on the National Register of Historic Places. The Shriners hope that the new designation will offer opportunities for growth.

“It’s something we are very proud of,” said Mike Smith, former Zembo potentate. “It shows the community what we are about.”

Several years ago, the fraternal organization had put Zembo, which was built in 1929, on the sales market, stating that maintaining the building had become too costly. However, in February 2022, the Zembo Shriners pulled the building off the market, opting to retain and restore it as an event space.

“Just talking to people who aren’t even Shriners, I’ve seen what Zembo has meant to them,” Smith said. “People love Zembo and want it to stay in our hands.”

Once they decided to keep the building, the Shriners moved forward with the process of registering it as a National Historic Place, citing its unique Moorish Revival-style architecture. Zembo partnered with the Historic Harrisburg Association (HHA), which helped the organization raise donations for registration process costs.

“We are delighted that HHA was able to provide technical and administrative assistance to Zembo in the challenging process of seeking and successfully securing a National Register listing,” said HHA President Jeb Stuart.

With the designation, Smith said that Zembo can now apply for certain grants that are only made available to properties on the register. The organization has also been working to make upgrades in the building, recently replacing the HVAC system and completing roof work.

And while membership has been on the decline over the years, Zembo still has about 1,350 Shriners who meet in the building.

To celebrate Zembo and its addition to the National Register of Historic Places, HHA will host “A Toast to Zembo Shrine!” at the Shrine on Friday, May 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. The event will also honor recipients of HHA’s 2024 Preservation Award.

East Shore Y Weighs Remodel, Expansion

Big changes may be coming to the East Shore YMCA as the organization is taking a step forward in the planning process. 

Last month, the Y issued a Request for Expressions of Interest in hopes of finding a developer partner to play a role in the proposed renovation of its N. Front Street facility. 

A year ago, Y officials told TheBurg that they were in the preliminary stages of a plan to upgrade and possibly expand on the aging, historic building. According to Harrisburg Area YMCA President and CEO David Ozmore, the East Shore Y has faced significant financial challenges due to the pandemic and the age of the building, which was built in the 1930s.

“It’s a costly infrastructure,” Ozmore said. “Our facility needs to be modern.” 

While most of the exterior of the building can’t be changed, due to guidelines for historic properties, the Y is interested in possibly remodeling inside its building, the wellness center and its adjacent administrative office building.  

In total, the Y owns 2.16 acres of land that could be utilized for the project.  

Through the request for interest, the Y hopes to find developers that are interested in partnering with them to help design, fund and execute the project, Ozmore said. A developer could also potentially help connect the Y with other organizations interested in operating in the renovated facility. 

“We’d love to collaborate and work with other nonprofits under one roof and share costs and share expenses,” he said. “That would be a much more efficient way to operate.”

That could include clinics, mental health providers, nonprofits, social service providers and retailers sharing space inside the new Y building. 

However, if the Y doesn’t receive interest from developers, the organization would move forward with taking on the project by itself, which Ozmore said would likely be more costly, up to an estimated $30 million, for the Y. 

The Y will solicit interest from developers for the next several months, with a goal to conduct interviews with developers and deliberate at the end of the summer. Ozmore said that he hopes to have a site plan ready by next year. 

The total project construction is expected to take around five years to complete. 

Home Sales, Prices Higher

Home sales inched up as prices recorded strong gains in the Harrisburg area in February, according to the latest report on previously owned houses.

For the three-county area, sales totaled 373 homes, compared to 368 in February 2023, as the median sales price rose to $264,000 from $234,950, said the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, 171 homes sold, eight fewer than a year ago, but the median sales price increased to $220,000 from $205,000, GHAR stated.

Cumberland County had 185 home sales, versus 157 in the year-ago period, as the median sales price rose to $299,900 from $270,000, GHAR said.

In Perry County, 21 homes sold, a decrease of two sales, as the median sales price went up to $260,000 from $215,000 in February 2023, according to GHAR.

The pace of sales was nearly unchanged from a year ago, with 31 “average days on market” compared to 30 days in the year-ago period, GHAR said.

So Noted

Allison Kierce was promoted last month to president and chief operating officer of Junior Achievement of South Central PA. Tom Russell will continue in his role as CEO, according to the organization.

Ellen Min has been named senior vice president and chief equity officer of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, according to the organization. Min previously served as a manager for Reach Cyber Charter School, an adjunct professor at Elizabethtown College and head of school at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School.

John Clare last month was named artistic director for Gretna Music, known for its summer series at Mt. Gretna Playhouse. Clare has been programming classical music for radio audiences for 29 years, including at WITF, and most recently hosted Sirius XM’s Symphony Hall, where he will continue as the morning host.

Kedar Revankar has been named the chief operating officer for Mechanicsburg-based West Shore Home, according to the company. In this role, he will oversee operations, warehouse and inventory, bringing 20 years of supply chain management to the company.

Penn State Health last month cut the ribbon on a new outpatient practice, the Penn State Health Medical Group—Millersville. The medical clinic offers primary care, sports medicine and on-site lab services to patients in the community from the location at 15 Shenks Lane, Millersville.

Changing Hands

Bailey St., 1188: R2 Investors LLC to 371 Chelsea Street LLC, $100,000

Bigelow Dr., 14: R. Love to VAB Investments LLC, $98,000

Chestnut St., 1918: A. Smith to D., A., C. & S. Pittman, $65,000

Chestnut St., 1961: Normans Realty Service Inc. to F. Olivo, $98,500

Derry St., 1429: P. Sisemore & K. Hugo to D. Keech, $96,684

Derry St., 1952: Malesic Group Inc. to SNB Real Estate Solutions LLC, $130,000

Emerald Ct., 2456: J. Seelbinder to D. Tamang & R. Bhandari, $159,000

Evergreen St., 23: A. Giambanco to Destiny Harrisburg LLC, $144,000

Forster St., 1831: Progressive Retirement Solutions to W. Quezada, $62,000

Forster St., 1839: GZL Corp. to D. Henderson, $63,500

Forster St., 2002: R. Speece to D. Illanes, $86,000

Geary St., 613: P. Briseno to 613 Geart St LLC, $70,000

Green St., 1011: J. Umble to JM Thrift & Vintage LLC, $115,000

Green St., 1303: D. Reinhart to J. Johnson, $175,000

Green St., 1310: K. & K. Daczka & A. Johnson to K. White, $205,000

Greenwood St., 2113: Parcview 135 Corp. to Wisechoice USA LLC, $52,000

Hoerner St., 113: L. Palmer to Balaci Properties LLC, $95,000

Hoerner St., 115: L. Palmer to Balaci Properties LLC, $95,000

Hoerner St., 125: L. Palmer to Balaci Properties LLC, $95,000

Hoffman St., 3214: D. & C. Harmon to Honest Home Solutions LLC, $117,700

Holly St., 2020: First Choice Home Buyers LLC to F. Berrun, $127,000

Kelker St., 235: D. Robinson & J. Vu to S. Swanson, $217,500

Kelker St., 315: C. Nicassio to Roar 315 Kelker LLC, $138,995

Kensington St., 2259: Lansanah Home Services Group to J. Fernandez, $131,000

Luce St., 2350: J. Yohn to E. Vega, $145,900

Maclay St., 331: J. & S. Compton to D. Joseph, $184,900

Manada St., 1928: B. Do to B. & V. Doan, $60,000

Market St., 1220: Upscale Properties LLC to E. & N. Footman, $240,000

Market St., 1808: W. Chavez & K. Flores to M. Perez, $135,000

Mulberry St., 1844: Custodian FBO Ray Dunkle IRA Trust to J. & B. Vergis, $107,000

N. 2nd St., 1337: I. & R. Bloser to Calcor Holdings LLC, $135,000

N. 3rd St., 2206: Grentals LLC to Golden Property Holdings LLC, $250,000

N. 4th St., 2312A: G. Smith to R. Elliott, $157,500

N. 4th St., 2430: Nationstar Mortgage LLC to M. Wassef, $68,900

N. 4th St., 3301: Invariant Real Estate II LLC to Z. Porter & N. Everston, $163,000

N. 6th St., 2533: D. & R. Wieand to 371 Chelsea Street LLC, $121,000

N. 6th St., 2724: J. & A. Fabre to 248 S Quince St LLC, $85,000

N. 7th St., 2642: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to J. Lapp, $72,000

N. 13th St., 131: F. Contreras to PACC HBG 2 LLC, $120,000

N. 14th St., 231: Bedrock Capital Management Inc. to D. Boyle, $59,000

N. 15th St., 220: J. Medina & F. Morocho to L. Figueroa, $135,000

N. 15th St., 917: M. Sadi to JTA Consulting Group LLC, $60,000

N. 16th St., 900: T. Casteel to I. Ahmed, $252,000

N. Cameron St., 101 & 109 and 111 Hancock St.: R. & S. Otto to RS3 Ventures LLC, $227,000

N. Front St., 1117 & 1119: R. Laguna & L. Maloney to R. Laguna, $100,000

Paxton St., 1631: M. Doeur to EA Capital LLC, $80,000

Penn St., 1824: BCR-1 Properties LLC to R. Arambiges, $250,000

Penn St., 2126: J. & S. Compton to Lift Legacy Partners LLC, $110,000

Radnor St., 411: R. Gillis & K. Baran to 2020 Real Estate Ventures LLC, $75,000

Randolph St., 1511: Culcay Remodeling & Gaugua Remodeling LLC to R. Cespedes, $180,000

Reel St., 2417: JRHeller.com LLC to 2417 Reel Street LLC, $59,000

Reel St., 2423: D&L Development Group Inc. to EA Capital LLC, $84,900

Reily St., 109: K. Bardon & E. Cameron to S. & E. Harris, $230,000

S. 17th St., 415: A&K Investment Partnership LLC to A. Caceres, $145,000

S. 17th St., 542: G. & M. Garcia to Figueroa Enterprises LLC, $75,000

S. 18th St., 159: M. Ayyad & A. Abdel to Val de Vie Estate Investment LLC, $64,000

S. 18th St., 1224: L. & C. Guzman to A. & E. Castillo, $195,000

S. 20th St., 19: W. & M. Kharalah to CJ Good LLC, $90,000

S. Front St., 611: F. Barton to Vaugh Real Estate & Investment and Colon Investments LLC, $200,000

S. Front St., 705½: S. Jackson & C. Colon to A. Harris, $206,000

State St., 211: State Capital Property Holdings LLC to Z. Herbert, $485,000

State St., 1522: L. Marquez to J. Pownall, $178,000

State St., 1907: DTJ Associates LLC to K. & S. Collins, $181,050

State St., 1918: Faraone Properties LLC to M. & A. Cottrell, $217,000

Susquehanna St., 1627: H. Dana to J. Case, $110,000

Thornwood Rd., 204: J. Schimmel to New Holland Enterprise Management LLC, $190,001

Whitehall St., 2031: C. & N. Bickel to Dem Estate Investment LLC, $63,500

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

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April Publisher’s Note

March 28, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda

When I started TheBurg, I never imagined that we’d be contributing to our area’s
horticulture. But, weirdly, that’s turned out to be the case.

You see, every month, we get a massive quantity of new issues delivered to our
office. These copies are piled high, on strong pallets, before our incredible
distribution team fans out across seven counties to bring them to the coffee shop,
diner, library, store, etc., near you.

This is when TheBurg goes from being a news product to an agricultural product.
After our delivery team loads up their vehicles, they leave behind a bunch of stuff,
most of which is then claimed and repurposed.

So, our wooden pallets have been used to build gardening beds, chicken houses and
other infrastructure. Gardeners love our large, heavy blocks of cardboard (which we
use to separate rows of bundled copies) for weed control. One avid gardener even
calls them “Binda boards,” though I can take no credit for them other than
temporary possession.

People have told me they’ve shredded old copies of TheBurg for animal bedding,
which brings to mind the old “birdcage lining” joke, but is actually fine with me. And
our local grocery store, Radish & Rye, often uses our heavy paper to protect its
glassware. This is another great use of old copies, though I find it surreal unpacking
my milk or juice only to discover my own words wrapped around a bottle.

As community advocates, we’re delighted to know that these products have a
second life and that we contribute in a small way, and, admittedly, by accident, to
the local food chain.

I bring this topic up because April is our annual “Home and Garden” issue. This year,
we’re a bit heavier on “garden” than usual, but that seems appropriate with so many
people today growing their own vegetables, fruit, flowers and plants.

So, enjoy all of our content—agricultural and otherwise—and, once you’re done
reading, maybe you can find a novel and environmentally friendly way to repurpose
and reuse your own copy of TheBurg.

Lawrance Binda
Publisher/Editor

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Embrace the Modern: Kitchen and bath trends emphasize clean, functional design

March 28, 2024 | by Jim Mirando

Kitchen by Excel Remodeling

In the heart of every home, kitchens and bathrooms stand as sanctuaries of comfort, functionality and style.

As we step into the realm of modern design trends, it’s evident that these spaces are undergoing transformative shifts to meet the evolving needs and preferences of homeowners. Let’s take a warm and inviting journey through the latest innovations shaping the design of kitchens and baths.

Beginning with kitchens, the transitional style takes center stage, blending the timeless allure of traditional design with the clean lines and simplicity of contemporary aesthetics. Think white cabinets with flat panel doors and matte finishes, exuding a sense of timeless elegance while offering a versatile backdrop for personal expression.

One notable trend in kitchen design is the rise of taller cabinets. By removing soffits and extending cabinets closer to the ceiling, homeowners not only maximize storage space but create an illusion of heightened ceilings, adding a touch of grandeur to the space.

The focal point of many modern kitchens is the large, rectangular island, spanning seven feet or longer. Serving as a multifunctional hub for food preparation, dining and socializing, these islands are equipped with an array of convenience features, such as drawers, roll trays and pullout trash cabinets, ensuring seamless organization and efficiency.

Apron front sinks, reminiscent of rustic farmhouse charm, add a touch of character to the kitchen space, while tile backsplashes serve as the perfect canvas for personal expression. Whether opting for subtle neutrals or bold patterns, incorporating a new backsplash is a hallmark of both major and minor kitchen renovations.

The integration of technology has revolutionized the modern kitchen, with smart appliances, lighting and shades enhancing convenience and efficiency. Outlets with USB ports cater to our digitally connected lifestyles, providing a convenient charging solution for electronic devices.

As homeowners embrace the concept of open living, walls are being removed to create fluid transitions between the kitchen and adjacent living spaces. This shift towards open floor plans fosters a sense of connectivity and spaciousness, inviting gatherings and fostering a sense of togetherness.

In line with this trend, there’s a movement towards fewer wall cabinets, replaced by floating shelves that not only maximize storage but lend an air of contemporary sophistication to the space. Meanwhile, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring emerges as a popular choice for its durability, water resistance and aesthetic versatility.

No modern kitchen is complete without the luxurious touch of quartz countertops, paired with undermount sinks and touchless faucets that marry form with functionality in perfect harmony.

Turning our attention to bathrooms, spacious showers take center stage, adorned with sleek fixtures and luxurious finishes. Freestanding or walk-in tubs replace traditional tiled tub decks, offering a spa-like retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Incorporating safety features for aging in place has become a prevalent concern, with grab bars, comfort height toilets and bidet toilet seats ensuring comfort and accessibility for all ages. LED lighted mirrors add a touch of modern elegance while enhancing visibility and ambiance in the bathroom space.

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of home design, kitchens and bathrooms remain steadfast as the heart and soul of the home. By embracing the latest trends while prioritizing comfort, functionality, and style, we can create spaces that truly reflect the essence of modern living—a warm and inviting sanctuary where memories are made and cherished for years to come.

Jim Mirando is president and design team member of Excel Remodeling, 570 S. 3rd St., Lemoyne. For more information, visit www.excelremodeling.com or call 717-774-4490.

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Eclectic Life: Deborah Hershey tells her story through her art

March 28, 2024 | by Alex J. Hayes

Artwork by Deborah Hershey

Seventeen years ago, Deborah and Scott Hershey found themselves at a crossroads in life.

Scott owned an advertising agency, and Deborah was a commercial artist. The internet quickly changed the advertising world, so they needed to find new paths.

One day, while eating lunch at The Gingerbread Man in Mechanicsburg, they noticed an unsightly storefront across the street. What others saw as a hopeless mess, the Hersheys viewed as a spot to pursue their passions and forge a new path—violins for Scott, art for Deborah.

The transformation of 11 W. Main St. was an extension of Deborah’s desire to beautify anything. Shiny brown violins of all styles and sizes cover the walls as you enter Hershey Violins, but closer to the back, color explodes. This is where Deborah’s art is displayed. Like the store, each piece tells a story.

Deborah laughs when asked which medium she works in and says, “All of them.”

Collage is her most recent pursuit. Some pieces include hand-drawn art, colorful quotes, newspaper clippings and portions of sheet music.

“It’s a very intricate process,” she said.

Like art, Deborah has loved inspirational quotes for many years. When she was a teenager, she carried a notebook and wrote down words she heard so she didn’t forget them. Her cards touch on many aspects of the human condition, including, “She does not have her ducks in a row,” “She is a torch in the darkness,” and “Some days there won’t be a song in your heart, sing anyway.”

“Every piece tells a story in several different ways,” she said.

Deborah loves watching customers browse through the selection and name friends or family members who come to mind. She seeks inspiration everywhere.

“One day, our daughter said to Scott, ‘Why are you so crunchy?’ That led to ‘Crunchy on the outside, squishy on the inside,’” she said, referring to Scott’s kindness.

Cards and matted prints are inexpensive pieces that make Deborah’s work accessible to large audiences. Her gallery also features higher-end creations composed of cut glass, oil-based paints and pastels. She coats her work with resin, which gives hard edges a smooth, touchable feel.

Much like she gives new life to old words, Deborah scours antique shops and Facebook Marketplace for used frames to enhance her work. She also likes framing her work with old, restored windows and mirrors.

An 82-year-old mirror circles a piece titled “The Edge of the World.” Deborah used stained glass, paper, paints, found objects (including beads from her mother’s jewelry), and resin to show a woman admiring seagulls flying above the ocean waves. Even though the work is flat with some slightly raised areas, the combination of materials makes the woman’s feet seem much closer to the viewer than the distant waves.

“It has depth, reflectivity and sparkle that you cannot get from a normal painting,” she said.

Merging materials to make art is not easy, but Deborah says that is not the most challenging part of the process. She often struggles with knowing when a work is finished. She turns to her trusted sounding board, Scott, to find peace. If he says a work is done, it usually is.

“I cannot rest until it gets to a certain place,” she said. “It takes a while sometimes.”

If creating art is personal, sharing it is a very public experience. Approaching galleries to accept her work fills Deborah with emotions much more turbulent than the calm waves in “The Edge of the World.” But once she clears the hurdle, she finds reward in knowing a new audience will appreciate her passion. In addition to Hershey Violins, her work is currently available at Village Artisans in Boiling Springs, History on High in Carlisle and Sea Dragon Gallery in Duck, N.C.

Deborah spends a lot of time on her art and often wakes up in the middle of the night with an idea in her mind. But she considers herself mostly jobless.

“When you love what you do, you aren’t really working,” she said.

To learn more about Deborah Hershey, visit Hershey Violins, 11 W. Main St., Mechanicsburg, or www.dlhersheydesigns.com.

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Musical Milestone: This month, the Harrisburg Singers turn 40, so, of course, they’ll be celebrating with song

March 28, 2024 | by Mark O’Keefe

The Harrisburg Singers. Photo courtesy of The Harrisburg Singers.

Back in 1984, Steve Jobs launched the first Macintosh personal computer in the United States. “Dallas” and “Dynasty” were the most popular shows on TV. 

“Terms of Endearment” won the Oscar for best movie, and Prince’s “Purple Rain” spent 24 consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard charts. The Oakland Raiders won the Super Bowl, and the Detroit Tigers took the World Series.

It was also the year that one of the region’s top choral groups, The Harrisburg Singers, was formed. To mark their 40th anniversary, the Singers will perform a weekend of concerts later this month, with locations on both the east and west shores.

“I’m just so grateful that we’re still out there after all these years,” said Artistic Director Susan Solomon Beckley.

Beckley remembers the early days fondly.

Dr. Ronald Sider, a music professor at Messiah University, founded the group, bringing top soloists in the Harrisburg area together. Beckley came to one of the first rehearsals and has been with them since. Several other singers also have been with the group since it started.

“I can’t believe where the time went,” Beckley said. “We must be doing something right.”

The Harrisburg Singers take special pride in their ability to perform works from many different traditions, with the highest level of musicianship. Over the years, they have performed with the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, ventured down to the White House and sung at historic Christ Church in Alexandria, Va., among many other special honors.

Beckley said that the group tries to keep things light while working hard to put out great music.

“There’s always a balance between working hard and having fun,” she said. “But it’s important for the group that the music is enjoyable and fun to sing.”

Special Group

As artistic director, Beckley said that she picks the music for the group’s performances, calling it a “labor of love.”

“I listen to a lot of music,” she said. “I like Broadway and pop songs, and I enjoy putting a program together that is challenging for our group but also one that our audiences will enjoy.”

Despite the number of long-timers in the 40-member group, Beckley said that there’s always some turnover, so the group holds annual auditions to fill vacancies.

Bernie Labuskes, a board member who has been with the group for 2½ years, described the auditions as “rigorous.” Then, once you make it in, rehearsals take up about two hours a week.

“We don’t get paid, so it has to be enjoyable for people to come back,” Lubuskes said. “The people in the group make it so much fun. That’s why people keep coming back.”

Members of the group come from all walks of life, including teachers and attorneys, electricians and judges. They also come in all ages, from people in their 20s to those in their 70s.

Managing Director Breanna Echelmeier handles ticketing and publications for the group, along with “anything else that needs to be done.”

She said that she joined the group shortly after moving to Harrisburg with her husband.

“We didn’t know anyone, but the people in the group were very welcoming,” she said. “I often wondered how lucky I was to find such a wonderful group of singers and people.”

Much like Lubuskes, Echelmeier said that the closeness of the group is very special.

“There’s a real loyalty within the group,” she said. “It’s like a family. We look out for each other. There’s a real camaraderie that makes it a special group.”

For more information on the Harrisburg Singers, visit www.theharrisburgsingers.org.

High Notes

To mark their 40th anniversary, the Harrisburg Singers have a weekend of dates this month for the show, “40 Years of Broadway Favorites.”

April 26, 7:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 212 Cocoa Ave., Hershey
April 27, 7:30 p.m., St. Joseph Catholic Church, 410 E. Simpson St., Mechanicsburg
April 28, 3 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut St., Camp Hill

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A Different Kind of “Cinderella”: A new adaptation from Gamut Theatre’s Young Acting Company holds surprises

March 28, 2024 | by Carolina Nicholson

Photo by John Bivins

When you hear “Cinderella,” chances are that you picture an evil stepmother, two bumbling stepsisters, some talking mice, and, of course, a glass slipper.

That’s the image Disney painted for us with the animated film in 1950 and resonates with young and old alike today.

But did you know that the classic tale by Charles Perrault dates back to 1697 in France?

Gamut Theatre’s Young Acting Company (YAC) is bringing Perrault’s tale to life with their upcoming production of “Cinderella,” adapted by Sean Adams. Even though you can expect the “evil stepsisters” in the show, Adams sought to give the characters more depth and humanity than the classic portrayal. You may even walk away with a new favorite character.

“Sean took a lot of care creating a script of strong women and not just painting characters as ‘good’ or ‘evil,’” said Melissa Nicholson, director of the YAC at Gamut. “The characters are multi-layered and fun to play, and that makes it fun to watch!”

Nicholson also admitted that she hasn’t seen the Disney movie, but this stage version will be just as entertaining—if not more.

Nicholson has been directing the YAC annual performance since 2010 and has learned a lot about working with students during that time.

“There are always challenges working with a wide age range,” she said. “It takes a lot more time to explain and run things with the very young ones, but it’s all worth it to have so many different ages involved. The older students really look out for the younger ones and mentor them along the way. To me, that is one of the most rewarding aspects.”

Even with its ups and downs, the process always holds more joy than frustration.

“I love watching returning students grow as young performers from year to year and also the ‘new to me’ students growing during the process,” Nicholson said. “From the very beginning, we try to instill a sense of ensemble while pushing them individually to be seen, be heard and be understood on the stage. When it clicks for them and they really start to own the stage, that’s when I get really jazzed.”

She said that she also enjoys watching students help each other out and volunteer to assist with things above and beyond just performing on stage.

“YAC students handle all of their own scene changes,” she said. “So, everything you see on stage is student-driven.”

For this production, in particular, the YAC team decided to go with a theme many parents and grandparents will be excited about—the 1980s. The audience is sure to recognize much of the soundtrack to the show.

According to Nicholson, audiences can also expect to see a classic Punch & Judy routine, some fun dances, a little swordplay, and, as always, a happy ending.

“Cinderella” runs April 12 to 14 at Gamut Theatre, 15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.gamuttheatre.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

At Gamut Theatre
www.gamuttheatre.org
717-238-4111

Improvapalooza
April 6 at 7:30 p.m.

“Cinderella”
April 12 to 14
Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday at 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

“Romeo and Juliet”
April 19 to 21
Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
The Gamut Gala
April 28 at 4 p.m.

At Open Stage
www.openstagehbg.com
717-232-6736

The 14th Annual Capital 10-Miler
A run for the arts
Saturday, April 6 at 9 a.m. 
City Island 

OSHKids Performance Company 
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”
April 11 to 14

EFF (Erotic Fan Fiction) LIVE! 
Friday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m.

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

Musical Notes: April Sings Forward

March 28, 2024 | by Skye Leppo

Local music lovers, open your windows and listen to the breeze. OK, maybe that’s just your neighbor dusting off their guitar with another inspired cover of “Wonderwall.” Close the window and, instead, download tickets to one of these local gigs happening throughout the month in the 717.

Smooth Grooves

Couch, 4/6, H*MAC

A few chords into “Easy to Love,” and I was smitten with Couch. There’s a rich nostalgic sound from the band and a honey-like quality to vocalist Tema Seigel’s voice that fans of Lake Street Dive or Postmodern Jukebox will appreciate. The band’s only released a few EPs, but don’t sleep on this. It’s only a matter of time before this funky group is going to be on every late night show.

Hip-Hop for a Throwback

The Pharcyde, 4/20, H*MAC

I had to do a double take when I saw that The Pharcyde is coming to H*MAC. The late ’80s/prominent ’90s Los Angeles-based hip-hop group behind hits like “Passin’ Me By,” “Drop” and “Runnin’” added H*MAC to its world tour this spring. Attendees can expect to see three of the original foursome—Imani, Slimkid3 and Fatlip (Bootie Brown is no longer touring with the group). From what I read in an October review of the group’s current tour, The Pharcyde’s still packing the action for the crowd to rock along from minute to minute.

New Wave Moment

Harrisburg University Presents Neon Trees, 4/23, XL Live

Neon Trees, hailing from the very insider-y music mecca of Provo, Utah, has been a fun band to watch over the last two decades, with frontperson Tyler Glenn delivering powerhouse performances every time I’ve caught the synthy pop/rock act when I lived in Philly. You may recognize hits such as the unfathomably catchy “Everybody Talks” and early favorite, “Animal,” but I’d also highly recommend checking out the band’s 2020 effort, “I Can Feel You Forgetting Me.” This is a show you’ll definitely want to add to your radar this month.

Retro Rockers

Harrisburg University Presents The Heavy Heavy, 4/27, XL Live

After hearing The Heavy Heavy on the radio a few times over the last year, I cannot and will not be missing this show. From having “Miles and Miles” stuck in my head on end (a perfect song for those runners/joggers/power walkers among us, even if a bit on the nose), or singing along to “Go Down River,” I’ve found myself daydreaming many a time while listening to their lyrics and dancing along. Their jangly melodies and sunny psych rock vibe really feels quite timeless, just as fresh now as it would have been if the band existed in the 1970s.

Honorable Mentions

4/11—Moon Hooch, H*MAC

4/12—Cumberland Honey, Tanjo & Crow, Shine Delphi, The Abbey Bar

4/12—Badfish, XL Live

4/18—Spafford w/Flux Capacitor, XL Live

4/21—Caña Dulce y Caña Brava, West Shore Theatre

4/24—The Hip Abduction w/Vana Liva, XL Live

4/26—Harrisburg University Presents Beach Fossils, XL Live

4/27—Dizgo w/Solar Circuit, The Abbey Bar

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