Bankruptcy filing by owner of Governor’s Square weighed in federal court, solution sought

August 15, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Governor’s Square sign. File photo by Dani Fresh.

The future of a large affordable housing development in Harrisburg remains uncertain as bankruptcy proceedings play out in court.

On Tuesday, a federal judge weighed the bankruptcy filing by Uptown Partners, LP, owner of the Residences at Governor’s Square, which includes properties that have received hundreds of code violations and condemnations.

Baltimore-based Uptown Partners filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in May. Today, Chief Judge Henry Van Eck of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania heard the case, but ultimately decided to continue it for another week.

According to the attorney for Uptown Partners, Robert Chernicoff, the property owner, was running out of money to operate the complex, which includes 222 units in the Camp Curtin neighborhood.

For years, residents have raised concerns about the livability of the properties, citing issues like mold, leaky roofs and rodents, among other problems. According to Chernicoff, about half the units are currently unoccupied as they have been deemed uninhabitable.

The bankruptcy trustee for the case, Kara Gendron, filed for a dismissal of the case in June, explaining on Tuesday that she believed it was in the best interest of creditors and the residents.

Typically, Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings proceed relatively quickly and include liquidating or auctioning off assets. However, Uptown Partners has continued operations at Governor’s Square, and Gendron said that the company is continuously losing money, which doesn’t allow her to sell assets and pay back creditors easily.

“The cash flow isn’t ideal and, in fact, it loses money each month,” Gendron said. “Everyone wants this property to be fixed, and they don’t want people on the street. I feel like I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place.”

In contrast to a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, a Chapter 11 bankruptcy would give owners much longer to formulate a plan to return the business to a financially healthy position. However, Chernicoff said that the owner was concerned that, had they filed for Chapter 11, they would have continued to rack up code citations from the city. Also “the owner just wants to move on,” Chernicoff said.

The owner of Uptown Partners was not present at the hearing. According to Chernicoff, he was having trouble reaching his client, who was traveling in Europe, he said.

Harrisburg objected to Gendron’s motion to dismiss the case. Attorney Clayton Davidson, who is representing the city, said that the city was in favor of the company entering bankruptcy and is “more optimistic that a buyer can be found.”

Van Eck said that he was not likely to sustain Gendron’s motion to dismiss, based on her reasoning. He said that he didn’t believe it was in the best interest of all parties. So, he continued the case, asking that the trustee and debtor come up with a different plan. However, he noted the need for a timely decision on the case, citing the “human impact” it has on residents.

“I think it’s great we are doing something to minimize the impact,” Van Eck said. “But if we are kicking the can down the road until it’s 10 [degrees] below outside, what are we going to do then? One thing we can’t do is what we’ve been doing, which seems to be almost nothing.”

According to Chernicoff, if the bankruptcy case is dismissed, more units will need to be vacated, which would mean additional evictions. The owner doesn’t have enough funds to keep operating as they are, he said.

According to Gendron, the best outcome ultimate would be finding a buyer for Governor’s Square. However, according to Gendron, there are currently no formal offers on the table.

“If I sell it, that would be fantastic,” she said. “I’ve had multiple entities come to me about buying it. The problem is nobody has the funding right now. It is going to require a lot of repairs.”

Gendron believes that Governor’s Square needs to be sold for at least $12 million or more in order to pay off lien-holders. The city has shared that, based on a building assessment report ordered by the Harrisburg Housing Authority in 2021, $22.5 million was needed to renovate Governor’s Square.

If Governor’s Square is sold, it would likely remain affordable housing until at least 2034, as required by restrictive covenants that came with an about $9 million federal loan from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and state tax credits awarded to the owner, when they obtained and renovated the properties. Renovations and construction were completed in 2012.

Gendron said that she is unclear on whether or not the HUD loan is assignable or if it needs to be paid at the time of sale.

“Selling would be very good for the tenants,” Gendron said. “But it’s hard to sell this property because of the mortgages and entities involved, trying to get them paid, and having a plan to fix it up.”

Over a year ago, prospective buyer Stephen Schuback came forth, expressing his interest in purchasing Governor’s Square, and took to fixing up units for residents, through a contract with the owner.

However, because of the HUD grant given to the owners years ago, Uptown Partners and a potential buyer must get approval for the sale from HUD. The Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority (HRA), which functions as a conduit for the loan between HUD and Governor’s Square, did not believe that Schuback had enough money to renovate the properties. Schuback had proposed a $12 million renovation.

Schuback attended Tuesday’s hearing, claiming that he still believes he had the finances for the project.

“Wouldn’t the people be in better shape right now if I had taken over?” he said. “The tenants are going to be the ones who suffer.”

Governor’s Square resident Monique Bryant also attended the hearing and said that she has had issues with mold and a leaky roof, among other problems.

“The people don’t have a voice,” she said. “The people don’t have help. Don’t just leave them without anything.”

The next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 22 at 10:30 a.m.

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Bob’s Art Blog: Send in the Artists

August 15, 2023 | by Bob MacGinnes

Over the years I have made it my mission to cover the wide range of artists housed within Millworks’ three levels. With school starting back in a matter of weeks, I felt mid-August was the perfect time to cover a special group of creatives. Falling in line for roll call finds 10 eclectic elocutionists who speak the language of art with precise articulation and verve. Art class is now in session.

I had the good fortune of catching up with two fresh faces at Millworks during the most recent 3^rd in The Burg event. If one were to combine the finely delicate art of Georgia O’Keefe “Flowers” series, done with a modern-day flourish, you may be admiring Marjorie Taylor’s studies of the same subject matter in Studio 214. Nature serves as a major source of inspiration as she quotes Einstein, “Look deep into Nature and you will understand everything better.” Acrylics and oils on linen panels provide the impetus for her poetic paintings. Breathtaking, “Madagascar Comet Moth,” is enhanced by the addition of gold-leaf while her “Pansy” study speaks to O’Keefe’s most famous works.

Madagascar Comet Moth by Marjorie Taylor

Stained glass by Carrie Shusta

Carrie Shusta of Millworks 322 likes to pick up the pieces as in the stained glass she creates working her magic like a kaleidoscope rotated to perfection, where creativity meets assemblage. Borrowing from “old school inspiration like the Arts and Craft Movement of the ‘60s (like the 1860s).” Carrie bends the rules and pushes the natural boundaries of stained glass to its edge employing the Tiffany Method of “copper foiling.” Shusta is fascinated by the possibilities of what can be within the medium.

Art of the Earth in Studio 102 finds Kate Gambini, a potter with a predilection for surface decoration, adapting her style to build hand slabs or work at the wheel. It is in the combination of textural technique and illustration that make her works stand apart. Rachelle Lowe, a ceramic sculptor, shares the studio in tandem with Kate, finding a common ground in ceramics. She is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. Her resume draws on atypical crafting works of art, bridging her love as an entomologist with the fine art of sculpting. Her creations embody an abiding love of nature, specifically her fascination with insects. This passion started as a child, developing into an artistically successful pursuit. Fine Art by Angela Lapioli is for all lovers of nature. Her paintings breathe and live in a portal between this world and the next. Her work has been featured in the atrium of WITF. Angela is a graduate of Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia and has already left her mark as an illustrator, graphic designer and art director. If you appreciate dreamy renderings of the natural world, her paintings may gently awaken you in Studio 214.

April Henbest’s outpost, number 216, is reminiscent of a modern-day “Little House on the Prairie” general store, in that it showcases T-shirts, linens for the home, fanciful cards, all displayed on eye-catching hooks and stands as part of her Tiny Homestead Studio. Breezy and light, its charm lies in its simplicity. Pat Frese of Studio 216 is an enamellist of the highest order, sharing space with fellow compatriot, Averill Shepps. Inspired by the world around her, Pat marries finely ground glass to metal in a kiln at high temperatures. Her work has been featured at the Enamellist Society Exhibition in 2022.

Jessica Cavey of Circe, Studio 213, creates one-of-a-kind pieces as a fiber artist and herbalist. Her “brand” name stems from Greek mythology, referring to a woman of knowledge and power who is rarely recognized for those attributes. Ms. Cavey is ready to change that thinking. Her work is artistically refined in clothing and accessories. Jennifer Skerpon is a unique jeweler who offers permanent adornments in high carat gold, sterling silver and gold-filled, all with links that are welded closed in lieu of a clasp. Found in Studio 212, Jennifer is ecologically conscious, working with only recycled precious metals. In addition, the lapidary elements employed are “in the rough” from ethical sources, then cut, shaped, and polished by the artist. A rare artisan, Jennifer creates jewelry that speaks to the soul, attracting clients of similar tastes.

Charcoal study by Richard Lopez-Hernandez

Perhaps the newest addition to the fray is Richard L. Hernandez (RLO), planting his flag firmly in Studio 215. Specializing in charcoal studies as his medium gives him the latitude to operate in two worlds simultaneously, moving between “shadow and substance,” finding the gray areas not defined by light or dark, comfortable in twilight’s tantalizing thrills. Subjects swirl in surreal seductions, only to segue toward artistic abstraction. RLO deftly demonstrates divergent dreams as the curtain comes down on the drama that unfolds before our eyes.

Over the years, Millworks has turned out a stalwart class of “graduates” that include Amie Bantz, Meg Caruso, Lauren Castillo, Kelly McGee Curran, Mary Gelenser, Jason Lyons and Joan McGuire, just to name a few, as well as Stash Collective. These artists cut their teeth at Millworks before moving on to solo and group enterprises. Half of the early adaptors who believed in the power of art at Millworks have remained steadfast, continuing to thrive under its art director, Tara Chickey. Tara rotates the artists through an annual calendar, with each one contributing to a major show twice a year featured in the downstairs lobby. She shared “that the process brings out the very best in all of them.” I would be remiss not to tip my hat to the original 16 (of 33) led by Tara with her husband, Caleb Byron Smith. They are an art power couple. Apparently, art and marriage go hand in hand, judging by the creative duos of Richard and Marsha Souders, Joelle and Justin Arawjo of Fennec Design, and Robert McCloskey and Linda Benton McCloskey. Independents from the very start include Ann Benton Yeager, John Davis, Yachiyo Beck, Paul Vasiliades, Judy Kelly, Tina Berrier, Julie Iaria and Tami Bitner.

Millworks studio boards (photo: Tara Chickey)

All the above are noted, as well as other current Millwork’s artists I have covered over the past five years that are still roosting in Millworks loft. Beyond the art itself, there is an underlying sense of community connected by more than paintings, photographs and pottery. The thread of continuity speaks to camaraderie where artists share and support, critique and commiserate, all done with a bond of unbreakable bonhomie. Even the “graduates” share a wistfulness about their days at 340 Verbeke.

I could write about the group of artists I’ve covered over the years at Millworks in nine chapters up until today. Pamela Black, Elaine Elledge, Rebecca Adey of Mod Sew, Paul and Alexander Zemaitis of Moonrise Candle, P.D. Murray, Paul Gallo, Phil Wells, Reina R76 Wooden, Kristen Fava of Rexmake, Zack Rudy and Garrick Dorsett of The Hucklebuckle Boys, all have made for great copy as well as those “originals,” the sweet 16. For the moment, time and space does not allow that luxury, and it appears I am now up to date for the fall semester. The artists’ “in/out boards” near the entrance provide up-to-date info as to who is in each studio. With all due respect and reverence for the legacy of modern-day composer, the late Stephen Sondheim, I borrowed a few words from his classic, “Send in the Clowns.” Me paraphrasing Sondheim’s words, (no need to) “send in the artists…they’re already here.”

August Special Events

3^rd in the Burg: LGBT Center of Central PA presents “A Home of Our Own” (soft launch) at their new headquarters, 1323 N. Front St., 5 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 19, Sprocket Mural Works & Parliament Arts Organization present York Mural Fest, Royal Square Arts District, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

August 11, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg City Council candidate Lamont Jones spoke to supporters outside the Dauphin County Courthouse following his hearing on Tuesday.

Another week of news in Harrisburg has come to a close, and we have covered it all. In case you missed any of our reporting, look no further. All of our stories are listed and linked, below.

“Battle of the Bands” will bring bands from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to Harrisburg High School-John Harris Campus, our online story reported. The event organizer, HBCU Band Program Committee, hopes to inspire students to consider attending an HBCU.

The Broad Street Market received a $10,000 donation from PSECU to support rebuilding efforts, following a fire in July, our online story reported. The funds will also go towards supplies for vendors who plan to move to the city’s temporary market structure, which will likely open in September.

Eniola African Food Store in Harrisburg gave out 100 bags of groceries to local families in need this week, our online story reported. Shop owner Eniola Iruaregbon said that she hoped to assist African families who often have trouble finding foods from their cultures.

Harrisburg City Council voted on Tuesday to proceed with a plan to provide a temporary home for displaced Broad Street Market vendors, our online story reported. Harrisburg can now move forward with renting a temporary structure to be constructed on a lot across the street from the market.

The Harrisburg School District weighed the hiring of several new principals at the high school and elementary school levels during a school board meeting, our online story reported. Among the potential new hires is Laquan Magruder, who would serve as the new principal of Harrisburg High School-John Harris Campus.

Home sales in the Harrisburg area decreased, while prices increased slightly, our online story reported. For the three-county region, sales totaled 517 homes compared to 675 sales in July 2022, as the median price rose to $264,900 versus $255,000 last year.

Lamont Jones, a Harrisburg City Council candidate, will stay on the November general election ballot, after a lawsuit attempting to remove him failed, our reporting found. A Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas judge ruled in Jones’ favor and against the plaintiffs who argued that because of Jones’ past criminal convictions, he should be kicked off the ballot.

Rosemary has a great recipe for you to try this month. In her column, find out how to make sausage stuffed zucchini.

Sara Bozich has a list of weekend activities, including fun for everyone in the family, here.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania has a new executive director, our magazine story reported. Angelica Docog was appointed in March and has plans to transform the museum into a more inclusive and engaging institution.

Trees are vital to Harrisburg and provide numerous benefits to the city, including combating global warming. In our magazine story, learn from local officials about how they are working to increase canopy coverage and how residents can get involved.

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Harrisburg to pave over a dozen city streets by end of fall, with more to come

August 11, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Street milling began on Friday on S. 21st Street in Harrisburg

Driving around Harrisburg will soon be a smoother ride, as the city plans to pave a number of roads.

On Friday, Harrisburg kicked off a series of 17 paving projects around the city, prioritizing some of the most troublesome streets, officials announced at a press conference.

“Paving equals progress,” Mayor Wanda Williams said. “What we are seeing today is the start of a new Harrisburg, one with freshly paved streets, where our cars and bikes can safely travel and our neighborhoods can take pride in.”

Paving will happen in Uptown, Allison Hill, South Harrisburg and east Harrisburg.

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams and Public Works officials announced street paving projects at a press conference on Friday.

Street paving projects will take place one at a time, with crews first milling the roads on Fridays before freshly paving them on Mondays and Tuesdays. Residents on impacted blocks will be given 72 hours notice before work is started.

All of the projects are slated to be finished by Oct. 31.

According to Williams, the work will be done by Harrisburg employees.

The city plans to pave the following streets:

17th Street, between State and Liberty
15th Street, between 22 S. 15th and Market
14th Street, between Derry and Mayflower
Chestnut Street, between 15th and 17th
20th Street, between Bellevue and Cathedral
21st Street, between Brookwood and Berryhill
Hale Street, between Magnolia and Rudy
Wayne Street, between 16th and 17th
Ione Street, between Wayne and Sycamore
4th Street, between Division and Reels
Atlas Street, between Schyulkill and Seneca
Hamilton Street, between 3rd and 5th
Reily Street, eastbound lane between 7th and 6th
6th Street, southbound lane between Boyd and Reily
Intersection of 20th & Zarker
Intersection of 20th & Chestnut
Intersection of 21st & Chestnut

The city plans to restart street paving in the spring of 2024.

“All of the seven districts will have their streets paved,” Williams said. “We will be focusing on the whole city of Harrisburg. The residents have asked for this, and we now have the opportunity and the funding.”

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HBCU “Battle of the Bands” to come to Harrisburg High School to perform, recruit

August 11, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

HBCU Band Program Committee President Vinie Davis and local officials announced “Battle of the Bands” on Friday at Harrisburg High School-John Harris Campus.

A musical event will march into town this month.

The Harrisburg-based HBCU Band Program Committee will bring bands from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to Harrisburg High School-John Harris Campus for a day of music, fun and inspiration.

“Marching bands from historically black colleges and universities will be right here to perform on Aug. 26 and they will do what they do best,” said the band program committee President Vinie Davis, at a press conference on Friday. “This will be a treat for the entire family.”

The “Battle of the Bands,” which will take place on Harrisburg’s Severance Field, will feature performances by three HBCUs, vendors, food and entertainment for the family. This is the committee’s third year of hosting the event in Harrisburg.

Event organizers also seek to inspire high school students who are interested in participating in a band at the college level. College recruiters will be on-site during the day, as well.

“This event is going to help send our kids to historically black colleges and universities,” Mayor Wanda Williams said.

Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from the event will help the band program committee provide scholarships for students to attend HBCUs. The committee, a local nonprofit, helps connect high school students with college opportunities.

Tickets can be purchased online for $10 online or for $15 at the gate. The gate for the event will open at 12 p.m. and the “Battle of the Bands” will take place until around 4 p.m.

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Harrisburg-area home sales drop, prices hold steady in latest monthly report

August 11, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

A house for sale in Harrisburg

Home sales dipped though prices inched up in July, according to the latest report on previously owned homes in the Harrisburg area.

For the three-county region, sales totaled 517 homes compared to 675 sales in July 2022, as the median price rose to $264,900 versus $255,000 last year, stated the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, 245 homes sold last month against 344 the prior July, as the median price fell slightly, to $235,000 from $239,800, said GHAR.

Cumberland County reported 236 home sales, a drop from 303 last July, while the median price rose to $292,000 from $290,000, according to GHAR.

Perry County had 30 home sales, a decrease of eight units compared to July 2022, as the median price shot up to $267,500 versus $218,750 a year ago, GHAR said.

GHAR also reported that houses were selling a bit slower in July, as the “average days on market” rose to 19 days compared to 15 days in July 2022.

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Broad Street Market receives significant donation to support vendors, rebuild

August 10, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

PSECU officials present Harrisburg and Broad Street Market officials with a check to support the market. (From left) Megan Giles, market assistant, Tanis Monroy, market executive director, Barb Bowker, PSECU chief of member experience, Mayor Wanda Williams and Kristin Paradise, central region director for the Pennsylvania Governor’s office.

Harrisburg’s Broad Street Market has received some financial assistance to help it bounce back after tragedy.

On Thursday, PSECU presented market and city officials with a $10,000 check to help with rebuilding efforts after the market’s brick building was heavily damaged by fire in July.

“This is really important to PSECU to give back to the community,” said Barb Bowker, chief of member experience for PSECU. “Our roots are really deep here in the Harrisburg community.”

The funds will go towards not only rebuilding, but also towards equipment for vendors who will set up in a temporary structure the city plans to construct.

“I’m sure the market vendors are really excited that we have $10,000 more dollars coming into the coffers,” Mayor Wanda Williams said.

City officials have shared their plans to build a tent-like structure, with flooring, plumbing and electricity, in the grassy lot across from the market at N. 3^rd and Verbeke streets. This week, City Council approved those plans.

According to Matt Maisel, communications director for Harrisburg, the city hopes to have the temporary location set up and ready to go by Labor Day weekend. When the space will officially open, depends on when vendors are ready, he said.

Maisel said that the city has selected a company to rent the structure from and that construction will likely take around two to three weeks.

So far, a majority of the vendors displaced from the brick building have said they plan to set up in the temporary structure, Maisel said.

For more information about the Broad Street Market, visit their website.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

August 10, 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: Dinosaurs invade Harrisburg Worth noting: Steelton Fest, The Weekender Block Party, loads of live music, last few chances for outdoor movie nights Things on my agenda this weekend: Heading to New Hope, PA. Send recs!

For your weekend(ish) planning

How to help the Broad Street Market and its displaced vendors
Great Catering Option for all your Summer Events
The Best Farmers Markets around Harrisburg
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

Lovedrafts in SoMa! Visit sip @ soma this month (before it moves … ???)
Add the August Block Party (8/31) to your calendar now
My top picks at Market on Market
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

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Harrisburg School District weighs hiring several new principals, partners with city for crossing guards

August 9, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg School District’s Lincoln Administration Building

The Harrisburg School District soon may have new officials leading day-to-day operations inside several of its buildings.

At a school board meeting on Tuesday, the district weighed the hiring of several new principals at the high school and elementary school levels.

The district announced the potential hiring of Laquan Magruder as the new principal of Harrisburg High School-John Harris Campus.

District Receiver Dr. Lori Suski still must officially approve the hiring at the board’s Aug. 22 meeting. If approved, Magruder’s employment would be effective on Aug. 1, at a salary of $120,152.

Magruder would replace former principal Michelle Felton, who transferred to the role of supervisor of professional development for the district in July.

Also on Tuesday’s agenda was a request to appoint James Snyder as the principal of Ben Franklin Elementary School at a salary of $114,812. If approved, Snyder’s employment would be effective Aug. 7. Snyder replaces Nicole Snook, who transferred to assistant principal of Foose Elementary School in July.

Additionally, Suski will consider approving the appointment of Jason Rawls as the new principal of Scott Elementary School at a salary of $115,000. Rawls’ start date would be effective upon release from his current employer. The hire would fill a long-time vacancy in the position.

At a June 27 board meeting, Suski also approved the transfer of former Rowland Intermediate School assistant principal Darnell Montgomery to principal of Camp Curtin School at a salary of $103,920.

According to Suski, the district is encouraged to see hiring outweighing resignations to start the upcoming 2023-24 academic year.

“This year, we see far more names listed under new staff for employment than we do for resignations,” she said at Tuesday’s meeting. “So, that is really a positive trajectory for the district.”

Also at the board meeting, Suski approved entering into an agreement with the city to employ 12 part-time school crossing guards. The pilot program will run for the upcoming academic year, with the city funding 40% of the cost of their salaries and the district supporting 60%.

Harrisburg City Council approved the agreement with the district at its Tuesday legislative session.

Finally, Suski approved reinstating a contract with Harrisburg-based Wildheart Ministries for the operation of the district’s Joshua Farm property. At a June 27 board meeting, Suski terminated the contract, which was originally instated in May, explaining then that the district had concerns with the way the organization used the property, located at 213 S. 18^th St.

However, on Tuesday, Suski said that the district had learned that Wildheart Ministries had received a federal grant for use at Joshua Farm.

“As with any decision in life, when new information is brought to you, you reconsider that information and reevaluate,” Suski said.

The agreement with Wildheart will extend through December 2024.

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Harrisburg City Council OKs plan, provides funds for temporary Broad Street Market structure

August 8, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg City Council on Tuesday

Harrisburg has taken a significant step forward in its strategy for the Broad Street Market, voting to proceed with a plan for a temporary home for displaced vendors.

City Council voted on Tuesday to authorize the city to move forward with lease agreements related to constructing a temporary structure for market vendors displaced by last month’s devastating fire.

A July fire, caused by a ceiling fan malfunction, heavily damaged much of the market’s brick building. However, city and state officials have pledged to rebuild.

In the meantime, Harrisburg can now move forward with renting a temporary structure to be constructed on a grassy lot across the street from the market, as approved by council. City officials also have said that they plan to lease the land from the Millworks owner, Josh Kesler, at the corner of Verbeke and N. 3rd streets. Council’s vote allows Harrisburg to enter into that agreement, as well.

According to City Solicitor Neil Grover, under that lease, the city will likely only pay for property taxes for the lot while using it.

Council’s approval also gives the city the ability to enter into an agreement with the Broad Street Market Alliance, which runs the operations of the city-owned market buildings, to oversee and manage the temporary structure.

Grover said that he expects that rebuilding the market’s brick building will take around two years.

Additionally, council approved the use of $500,000 in the city’s initial insurance proceeds to assist with fire-related expenses, such as costs to secure the damaged building and for the lease of the temporary market structure.

Council also approved an intergovernmental cooperation agreement with the Harrisburg School District to employ school crossing guards. The program will run as a pilot program for the upcoming academic year and will employ 12 part-time crossing guards. The city will fund 40% of the cost of their salaries and the district will support 60%.

Additionally, council voted in favor of allowing the city to enter into a long-term lease agreement with the school district for the Jackson Lick pool. According to Grover, the last lease agreement with the district expired around a decade ago. Harrisburg must have an up-to-date agreement in order to proceed with a project to renovate the pool using Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development grant money.

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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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