William Penn task force meets, weighs alternative to demolition

October 20, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

The William Penn task force met on Thursday

A big group of people have come together to make a big decision about Harrisburg’s William Penn school building.

The Harrisburg School District on Thursday brought together residents and local officials for a meeting on the future of the long vacant, blighted building.

Receiver Dr. Lori Suski appointed the task force in September, in an effort to let the community explore alternatives to demolishing William Penn.

In June, Suski approved the demolition of the building, but then halted that plan in August, stating that she wanted to take a step back and allow the community to weigh in.

“If the administration had to go back and do things over again, we would have definitely done things differently,” said Superintendent Eric Turman at Thursday’s meeting. “But do understand that the administration at this time has taken several steps back to be able to process and listen.”

At the meeting, a majority of the members of a task force of about 26 people met to discuss possible options for the building.

According to district officials, all options are on the table, which could include demolishing the building and keeping the land, selling all or a portion of the property, or keeping the building for future use, among other alternatives.

Task force member and the city’s Chief Equity and Compliance Officer, Karl Singleton, shared that he would like to see the district keep the building and possibly renovate it in phases, rather than all at once.

According to John Reedy, district chief of operations, the district has received estimates that a complete renovation of William Penn could total $85 to $100 million.

The district currently has $25.9 million in its capital reserves. Based on a recent 10-year feasibility study, the district determined that, in that time period, its existing, operating buildings will need over $100 million in maintenance and upgrades, not including possible new renovation projects.

According to officials, the district is also paying $19 million yearly in bond debt obligations and wouldn’t be able to borrow money from the bank until 2035 at the earliest.

“If there is going to be any project at all with William Penn, on the district’s side, it is going to require some sort of creative financing,” Suski said.

At the meeting, district and task force officials discussed possible alternative funding sources.

Task force members also weighed the option of using the building for a possible new vo-tech school or space for adult education.

Thursday’s meeting was the second of six task force meetings. Additional meetings are open to the public and will take place on the following dates:

Nov. 2
Nov. 16
Dec. 7
Dec. 21

All meetings will be held in the district’s Lincoln Administration Building, 1601 State St., Harrisburg.

According to Suski, at the end of all the meetings, the task force will present a plan, which she will need to approve.

“Our hope is that the conversation will start to come together around a cohesive idea,” she said.

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Former CEO of local YWCA declares candidacy for state Assembly seat

October 20, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

Tina Nixon (file photo)

A longtime community activist and nonprofit executive has decided to run next year for a seat in the state House of Representatives.

Tina Nixon, a Harrisburg-area native, announced today she would seek the Democratic nomination for the 103^rd legislative district, which spans about half of Harrisburg and the west shore communities of Camp Hill, Lemoyne, Wormleysburg and East Pennsboro Township.

“I want to take my record of more than 30 years of dedicated public service and servant leadership to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to ensure that our communities get their fair share from the state government,” Nixon said, in a statement.

For the past decade, Rep. Patty Kim has represented the district, but she announced on Thursday that she would leave the seat and run next year for the state Senate’s 15^th district, which covers southern Dauphin County. According to Nixon, she has received Kim’s endorsement for the seat.

Nixon started her career in the state Capitol, working for former Speaker of the House K. Leroy Irvis. She has also served as CEO of the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg and, most recently, as a vice president with UPMC in Central Pa.

Nixon also briefly served as a member of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, a state-appointed body tasked with overseeing Harrisburg’s financial recovery. Throughout her career, she has served on many other nonprofit boards, including for Fort Hunter and the Joshua Center, according to her press statement.

“Throughout my career, I’ve learned that when we work together, we can achieve extraordinary results that make a difference in people’s lives,” Nixon stated. “My focus will be on bringing together people of different points of view, backgrounds, and experiences to solve problems in our communities.”

The Pennsylvania primary is currently slated for April 23, after a recent attempt to move the date up appears to have failed. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 5.

To learn more about Tina Nixon, read our profile from 2019.

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I-83 expansion through Harrisburg set to start next week, continue for years

October 19, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

Aerial view of I-83 through Harrisburg (photo: PA Department of Transportation)

For years, we knew it was coming, and now it’s about to begin.

On Thursday, the PA Department of Transportation announced that the long-awaited I-83 reconstruction project through Harrisburg, expected to take about five years, will begin next week.

On Monday, weather permitting, the contractor, New Enterprise, Pa.-based New Enterprise Stone and Lime Co., will begin to erect long-term signage on northbound I-83 from the South Bridge to the Eisenhower Interchange, according to PennDOT.

The following week, barriers will be installed along the northbound shoulder, followed by utility and other preparatory work near Cameron Street and then northbound.

“There may be significant impacts to traffic during the life of this project, including traffic shifts, lane restrictions and road closures/detours,” PennDOT stated in a press release. “Advance notice will be issued prior to any major traffic impacts.”

The Harrisburg portion of the project includes widening of the highway from six to 10 lanes, plus reconstruction of interchanges and bridges along the route. Over the past few years, the commonwealth has condemned, purchased and razed many properties along the planned expansion route.

This first contract for the Harrisburg portion of the I-83 Capital Beltway Project, valued at $154.6 million, will include widening and reconstructing portions of the I-83 roadway, construction of overhead bridges at 29th Street and 19th Street, construction of the new Cameron Street Interchange, removing the 13th Street interchange, and roadway improvements along the Cameron Street, 19th Street and 29th Street corridors.

This contract is expected to be complete in October 2027.

A second contract will overlap the first, slated to run from 2025 to 2028. It will include widening and reconstruction on I-83, construction of the 13th Street bridge and approaches, and construction of the 17th Street interchange and widening 17th Street.

The I-83 master plan, valued at about $1 billion all in, includes future work on the west shore of the Susquehanna River, plus replacement of the South Bridge. The first part of the project, reconstruction of I-83 just east of Harrisburg, is complete.

For more information about the East Shore Section 3 and the I-83 Capital Beltway Project, visit I83 Capital Beltway- Home (i-83beltway.com).

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Kim announces for state Senate in reconfigured 15th district

October 19, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

Rep. Patty Kim

A long-serving, Harrisburg-area state House representative has announced a bid for the state Senate.

In a brief video on the “X” social media platform (previously Twitter), Rep. Patty Kim (D-103) said that she would run for the newly reconfigured 15^th state Senate district, which encompasses the lower half of Dauphin County, including its major population centers.

“I have a long record of service, and I’m on record fighting for issues that I believe are important to your family,” Kim said, in her video.

Since 2017, the district has been represented by state Sen. John DiSanto, a Republican. However, due to redistricting, that seat, starting with the 2024 election, will lean more heavily Democratic.

Kim, a former TV news journalist, launched her political career with a seat on Harrisburg City Council. She then was elected to the state Assembly in 2012 and has served the 103^rd legislative district since.

Kim’s Senate bid will open up her current seat in the state House of Representatives, a district that includes the lower half of Harrisburg and several west shore communities in Cumberland County.

“I’ve been so humbled by your support in the past, and I hope I can earn your support as your next state senator,” Kim said, in her announcement.

The Pennsylvania primary is currently slated for April 23, after a recent attempt to move the date up appears to have failed. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 5.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

October 19, 2023 | 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: The Masque of the Red Death | a rock concert experience at Open Stage; Little Amps Coffee BBQ Beer Dinner at Little Amps Uptown Worth noting: The *last* SoMa Block Party of the year (tonight); 3rd in the Burg (Friday); Harrisburg Book Festival is underway Things on my agenda this weekend: Gus Dapperton tonight, 3rd in the Burg in SoMa on Friday, youth baseball and a haunted happy hour Saturday, and on Sunday we wear black and gold and hope for the best.

For your weekend(ish) planning

Harrisburg Book Festival is here!
The last SoMa Block Party of 2023 is TONIGHT
Add ‘3rd in the Burg’ to your weekend ‘to do’ list now — we’ve got a good one in SoMa
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

Win tickets to see HU Presents Paul Cauthen on Oct. 28
Find the perfect holiday-themed getaway — no planning required!
The Best Farmers Markets around Harrisburg
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

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PennDOT to host public meetings on South Bridge project environmental study

October 17, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

The South Bridge

Local residents will have a chance to provide input on a major roadway project.

PennDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced two upcoming public meetings to discuss the I-83 South Bridge Project.

The meeting will focus on the Environmental Assessment prepared for the project and give community members a chance to view and comment on it.

Hearings will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 1 at Hotel Indigo Harrisburg, 765 Eisenhower Blvd., and Nov. 2 at the Penn Harris Hotel, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass, Camp Hill.

According to PennDOT, the South Bridge, between Harrisburg and Lemoyne, is an aging structure that no longer meets current design standards.

“Due to bridge conditions and anticipated increases in traffic volumes, the bridge and its connections on the west shore and east shore need to be upgraded,” said a statement from PennDOT. “By investing in improvements today, we can ensure that the I-83 South Bridge can support the future needs of the Harrisburg region.”

In July, PennDOT announced that it would drop a previous proposal to toll the bridge and find alternative ways to financially support the project.

The agency hopes to begin the project in 2025.

The environmental assessment, prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, examines the potential impacts to natural, social, economic, and cultural resources from this project.

At the meetings, an open house display on the project will be available for viewing. Formal public testimony opportunities will take place at 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day, with a break in between sessions.

All of the project material from the open house, including a project overview, maps, and Environmental Assessment documents are available online, from now through Nov. 16.

People may comment on the project in person, in writing, through an online comment form or through email.

PennDOT asks that those providing testimony at the public hearings register in advance at www.penndot.pa.gov/i83SouthBridge or by calling 717-743-1005.

Emailed comments can be sent to [email protected] and written comments may be brought to the meeting or mailed to: PennDOT District 8, I-83 South Bridge Project, Attn: Marwa Said, 2140 Herr St., Harrisburg, PA 17103.

To learn more about the I-83 South Bridge Project, visit PennDOT’s website.

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

Harrisburg to hold trick-or-treat on Halloween, host spooky event for families

October 16, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg trick or treat night 2022

Pick out a costume because Halloween is headed to Harrisburg.

The city announced that it will hold trick-or-treat night on Halloween, Oct. 31, changing up a longtime routine of having it on the Thursday before the holiday.

Trick-or-treating will take place in Harrisburg on Halloween, a Tuesday, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

According to Matt Maisel, communications director for Harrisburg, the city decided to switch the date to space out trick or treating from its “Bash at the Brownstone” event on Wednesday, Oct. 25.

Harrisburg held the first “Bash at the Brownstone” Halloween at Reservoir Park last year, and it was a hit among residents, Maisel said.

“It was incredible; so many people showed up,” he said. “The success the first year really showed us that we needed to do this again and make it an annual event.”

“Bash at the Brownstone” will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Reservoir Park Brownstone building and include a costume contest, face painting, reptile petting zoo, magician, crafts, games and food for families.

For more information, visit Harrisburg’s website.

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

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

October 13, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams swore in new firefighters at a ceremony.

It’s fall in Harrisburg! As the leaves change and the weather cools, make sure you grab one of our Burg gear sweatshirts to cozy up in. Before you head over to our website to check them out, catch up on this week’s news, below.

The After Hours has been making a name for itself regionally over the past several years, our magazine story reported. The group’s first full-length album, “Late Night Social,” came out on Friday, Oct. 13 and will be celebrated with an album release party at H*MAC.

An apartment project proposed for the former Federal Building in downtown Harrisburg was approved by City Council this week, our online story reported. The project will convert the 11-story office structure into a 162-unit apartment building.

Bob’s Art Blog highlighted central PA galleries that are packed with spooky scenes this month. Click here to read his review of shows at HIVE artspace and Metropolis Collective.

The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Harrisburg University received $250,000 from M&T Bank to support its programming for startup businesses, our online story reported. The bank has committed to supporting the business incubator program for five years.

Communities in Schools exists to fill a gap and complete a framework of care for school students, our magazine story reported. The organization works with area schools to host art and history projects, teacher appreciation activities, open gym events, movies, anti-bullying Unity Day and many more events.

“The Exorcist” is currently showing at Open Stage, bringing the horror to Harrisburg. Click here to read a review of the show from our theater columnist.

Fall is in full swing and so are seasonal events in the Harrisburg area, our magazine story reported. It’s the perfect time to visit an orchard, navigate a corn maze and attend a fall festival.

Gamut Theatre’s show, “I Don’t Speak Spanish,” offers audiences a glimpse into local playwright David Ramón Zayas’ culture and ancestry. Our theater columnist shares her thoughts on the inspirational play, here.

Harrisburg swore in four new firefighters and honored many others for their lifesaving efforts at the fire bureau’s annual awards ceremony, our online story reported.

Home sales in the Harrisburg area fell this month, while prices rose slightly, our online story reported. For the three-county region, 542 homes sold, compared to 685 in the year-ago period, as the median sales prices rose to $260,575 from $254,900.

Joan Baez is the subject of a new documentary showing at Midtown Cinema this month. In our magazine story, read about the darkness that the film may reveal about the musician.

Sara Bozich has a full list of fall activities for your weekend in Harrisburg. Find her recommendations, here.

Tree planting will take place in Harrisburg from Oct. 27 through 29 and the city is looking for volunteers, our online story reported. Volunteers will help plant 74 street trees in South Allison Hill and Uptown.

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Harrisburg to plant dozens of new street trees, in need of volunteers

October 13, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Volunteers at a previous Harrisburg tree planting.

While many Harrisburg trees begin to shed their leaves for the season, the city will get busy planting new ones.

From Oct. 27 through 29, Harrisburg plans to plant 74 street trees in South Allison Hill and Uptown and needs the help of volunteers to do it.

The city conducts plantings each spring and fall, and according to city Forester Ellen Roane, autumn is a great time for new trees to go in the ground.

“In the fall, the weather is cooling off, but the ground is still warm, allowing roots to establish without worrying about the heat of summer coming on,” Roane said, in a statement. “The tree doesn’t have to push out leaves, so it can just focus on growing its roots.”

To help with the plantings, Harrisburg is calling on volunteers to join the city.

Volunteers will help plant 44 trees between the 2100- and 2400-blocks of Kensington Street in South Allison Hill, and 30 in parks at 4^th and Dauphin streets and 4^th and Emerald streets in Uptown.

Trees will be of 21 different varieties, such as the Amur Maackia, Japanese Tree Lilac, Redbud, Sargent Cherry, Accolade Cherry and Oak-Leaf Mountain Ash, among others. They will all be between 7 feet to 9 feet tall and are easy to handle, according to Roane.

Plantings will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day. Volunteers on Friday and Saturday will meet at the corner of Kensington and 22^nd streets, and Sunday volunteers will meet at 4^th & Dauphin Park, located at 1821 N. 4^th St. Volunteers should arrive between 8:30 to 8:45 a.m.

Planting will happen, rain or shine, and hand tools, work gloves, water and snacks will be provided. Volunteers are invited to bring their own tools, as well as a refillable water bottle.

The city purchased the street trees using a grant from the Arbor Day Foundation, with additional funds from the United Parcel Service (UPS), which will send volunteers to help with planting on Oct. 27.

“Trees make the city of Harrisburg more beautiful and add so much to the quality of life in our city,” said Mayor Wanda Williams. “We are grateful to UPS and the Arbor Day Foundation for funding this project and to the many volunteers who give of their time to help plant the trees.”

Each spring and fall, Harrisburg plants trees in different areas of the city at no cost to residents. Since 2019, more than 500 trees have been planted as part of the program.

“Trees offer vast benefits for any community,” Roane said. “Thriving urban forests bolster human health, filter the air by removing pollution, and they also reduce runoff of sediment, pollutants, and organic matter into streams, improving our water quality. Trees have also been shown to reduce crime, lower stress levels, and develop community pride.”

To sign up to volunteer at the tree plantings or for more information, click here.

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Burg View: An Experiment on Forster Street

October 12, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

Traffic was extremely light last week during a weekday, mid-morning, on Forster Street, despite one lane being closed for utility work.

Right now in Harrisburg, an important experiment is taking place.

This experiment isn’t by design, but by circumstance, the result of a major utility project in the city.

For the past month, much of westbound Forster Street, from the Capitol Complex down to the Taylor Bridge, has been reduced to two lanes. And you know what? It’s been fantastic.

I don’t mean fantastic for the poor residents living around Green and Forster streets, who’ve had to endure jackhammering, heavy machinery and beep-beep-beeping starting at sunrise.

But it’s fantastic for the city, because it’s offered a real-world test of a slimmed-down Forster Street, one in which the street is reduced, in each direction, from three to two lanes.

This view of Forster Street is from late September during “rush hour”: 5:30 p.m.

Now, I’ve long known that six through lanes on Forster were far too many (expanding to an unreal eight lanes at the corner of 3rd Street). I live on one side of that notorious, dangerous dividing line and work on the other, so have crossed the street hundreds, if not thousands, of times.

I consider myself something of an expert on that particular sea of asphalt.

Before covid, Forster got busy for short periods during rush hours. Since covid, it’s basically never busy, even at 8 in the morning or 5 in the afternoon. Reduced to two lanes in one direction, traffic still flows freely. At other times, it’s little more than a trickle.

Even with Capital Region Water’s major utility project on site, the traffic seems so much slower, the drivers more careful, and the narrower street so much safer.

So, PennDOT are you paying any attention?

State engineers—use your imaginations. Just think what you could so with that real estate. Instead of unnecessary, superfluous traffic lanes, you could have bike lanes, rain gardens, bumpouts, green space, etc. You could be heroes to residents, pedestrians, bicyclists, businesses and the environment.

Mid-morning on Forster Street, from Green to N. 2nd streets

But you don’t have to wait for a firm plan either. Start today.

You know those dividers that are currently blocking the right-hand lane? Leave them there. Until you come up with a permanent solution, the road will be narrower, the street safer—and it will no longer divide the city of Harrisburg in half. After 70 years apart, downtown and Midtown would be reunited.

I wouldn’t make this argument if six lanes were actually needed. But they’re not, and it’s not even a close call. Meanwhile, the wide road and excessive lanes encourage speeding and reckless driving, leading to crashes, injuries and even fatalities. And it divides and harms the city of Harrisburg.

It is time—today—to begin to fix Forster Street.

Lawrance Binda is publisher and editor of TheBurg.

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

What you’ll find:

For your weekend(ish) planning

A Look Ahead

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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