Apartment project near new federal courthouse breaks ground in Harrisburg

June 9, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Vice Capital and local officials ceremonially break ground on Savoy 48, an apartment project planned for Harrisburg.

Harrisburg is closer to seeing a new development project come to fruition.

The “Savoy 48,” an apartment building planned for the 1500-block of N. 6^th St., ceremonially broke ground on Friday.

Harrisburg-based developer Vice Capital, owned by LeSean McCoy, former NFL running back and Harrisburg native, plans to construct a 48-unit apartment building with first-floor commercial space.

“I’m so excited,” said Mayor Wanda Williams. “Our greatest days are ahead of us. I support him [McCoy] through and through.”

The property, near the new federal courthouse building, formerly housed three rundown buildings, before developers demolished them recently to make room for new construction.

The four-story, 46,000-square-foot building will include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, 10 of which will be affordable by federal standards. There will also be a rooftop deck and fitness center.

While developers do not yet have tenants lined up for the 6,000-square-foot commercial space, they plan to bring in several businesses, possibly including a restaurant or office space, according to Ryan Sanders of Vice Capital.

The total cost of the project is around $9.5 million, which includes funding from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and Dauphin County.

The project was approved by Harrisburg City Council in March.

“We are really looking forward to continuing to push development from downtown to Midtown to Uptown,” said Jonathan Bowser, founder and CEO of Wormleysburg-based Steel Works Construction, the general contractor on the project.

According to Bowser, construction will begin in the fall and is slated to be complete by the fall of 2024.

LeSean McCoy, owner of Vice Capital, speaks to the press during the ground breaking ceremony.

McCoy shared how his interest in giving back to his hometown led him to become involved in real estate.

“Now that I have the opportunity, with this platform, to make a difference, why wouldn’t I?” McCoy said. “I just want to try and bring the community together.”

He also said that he plans to hire local minority-owned and women-owned contractors and business owners to participate in the project.

Vice Capital has proposed another apartment project, JMB Gardens, on the 2200- and 2300-blocks of N. 6^th Street. This would include the construction of five rowhome-style buildings, on several currently vacant lots, featuring a total of 41 affordable units and a community center.

According to Sanders, once the plans for JMB Gardens receive council approval, Vice Capital hopes to break ground in August.

“Leaving a legacy, being impactful—that’s something I really wanted to stamp my name on,” McCoy said.

Savoy 48 will be located near N. 6^th and Harris streets in Harrisburg. For more information about Vice Capital, visit their website.

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Harrisburg School District proposes 2023-24 budget with tax hike to support future of William Penn building

June 9, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg School District Lincoln Administration Building

The Harrisburg School District recently announced an updated proposed 2023-24 budget, which includes a tax increase.

At a May 23 board meeting, district officials discussed a proposed $219.8 million budget, with a 3.25% property tax hike.

When the district first shared its proposal in April, it did not include a tax increase. However, the approved 2022-23 $223.8 million budget, passed last June, did include a tax hike.

According to the district, the increase would specifically support the future of the district’s long-vacant and blighted William Penn High School.

“There’s been a lot of discussion and a lot of ideas brought forth about the future of William Penn,” Dr. Marcia Stokes, chief financial officer for the district, said. “No matter what we decide to do with the building, there’s going to have to be some type of investment.”

While Stokes said that the district doesn’t yet have a finalized plan for William Penn, the money would create a fund for whatever officials decide to do with the building in the coming years, whether that may be to demolish or renovate it.

The increase would bring the property tax millage rate from 30.78 in 2022-23 to 31.78 in the coming fiscal year. This would generate about $1.4 million, according to Stokes.

“I just have a bit of reservation around a tax increase for something specific that we still don’t know what we want to do with,” said board director Steven Williams. “Without a clear definition of what our intentions are, I find it hard to support something like this.”

The school board must approve a tax increase, exercising the one major power it holds under state receivership.

Other changes since the district first proposed the budget include an increase in money being spent funding tuition for students attending charter schools, as more students have recently transferred to charters. The district also updated staff salaries and medical insurance rates. Officials also added extra funds to support a contract with the city for the employment of crossing guards, among other changes.

The proposed 2023-24 budget would also utilize $35.5 million in federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds for expenditures like salaries, recruitment and retention bonuses, HVAC replacements and Steele Elementary School renovations, among other things. According to Stokes, this may be the last district budget to incorporate ESSER money, as it is scheduled to end in September 2024.

Stokes said there will likely be additional changes before a vote on the final budget, on June 27.

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

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

June 8, 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: Denim Coffee opens its Mechanicsburg shop on Saturday Worth noting: Dauphin County’s Proudly PA! Festival is Saturday; HHA Garden Tour is Sunday! Juneteenth celebrations kick off. Things on my agenda this weekend: weirdly, nothing … ?? I’m sure I’ll figure something out

For your weekend planning

Dauphin County’s Proudly PA! Festival is Saturday
Historic Harrisburg’s 2023 Garden Tour is Sunday
HU Presents Milky Chance with special guest TALK at XL Live on Monday
The Best Farmers Markets around Harrisburg
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

Add to calendar: Iron Bridge Music Festival (it’s free!) on June 16-17
Sly Fox is in SoMa this month! Don’t miss our special 3rd in the Burg | Juneteenth event with YPOC and HYP
Market on Market, downtown Camp Hill’s farmer’s market, is now Tuesdays through October
Be sure the full SoMa Block Party Series is on your calendar (next one is June 29)
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

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Summer events heat up in Harrisburg with live music, swimming and kids programs

June 7, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Jeff Washington of Harrisburg’s Parks and Recreation Department talks about summer activities at a press conference.

Summer events in Harrisburg are about to make a splash.

The city announced on Wednesday all the various summer activities Harrisburg has to offer, including swimming, live music and even dancing on the riverfront.

“Our parks and recreation team has put more effort into our summer programs than ever before,” said Mayor Wanda Williams.

Harrisburg shared both its own programming, as well as many other events taking place throughout the city this summer.

Most of the city’s events are geared toward youth and are free to the public. From June 12 to Aug. 4, residents ages 6 to 14 can participate in the free Summer Parks Program, which includes crafts, sports, swimming, field trips and a provided lunch. The program takes place at parks across the city.

Harrisburg will also provide free tennis classes from June 12 to Aug. 11 to residents in the age groups of 6 to 12 and 13 to 17 years old.

For children who want to get creative, the city has partnered with the Art Association of Harrisburg to offer free weekly art classes in the Reservoir Park pavilion. The classes will run from June 7 to July 26 for age groups 5 to 9 and 10 to 15 years old.

The Jackson Lick pool will open to the public on June 10 and will be open from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 12 to 6 p.m. Visitors can pay daily rates or purchase pool memberships. On every Saturday at the pool, the city will host free Aqua Zumba classes at 10 a.m., starting June 17. Free swimming classes will also be offered for ages 5 to 17, from July 11 to 21.

Movie nights are back, with Harrisburg’s free weekly showings at Reservoir Park, starting on June 30 with “Encanto.”

Outside of city-sponsored events, there are lots of other summer activities happening in Harrisburg.

Harrisburg University has its Summer Concert Series coming to Riverfront Park, featuring bands like Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, The Roots, The Head and the Heart and Mt. Joy.

“We’ve put together a pretty exciting run again this year,” said Frank Schofield, HU’s director of live entertainment, at the press conference.

With a unique twist on listening to music, the Harrisburg Riviera Dance Club will host weekly silent disco parties in Kunkel Plaza on N. Front Street.

Another event to get you moving is UPMC’s “Healthy Harrisburg” Summer Fitness Series, offering dance and fitness classes from June 17 to Aug. 26.

In downtown Harrisburg, Sara Bozich Events has monthly block parties coming to the SoMa neighborhood, featuring live music, beer and food trucks.

Additionally, Free Shakespeare in the Park recently kicked off in Reservoir Park and will present showings of “Richard III” through June 17.

“It’s going to be the best summer we ever had,” said Matt Maisel, the city’s communications director.

For more information about Harrisburg summer programming, visit their website. For all other events, click the links embedded in the story.

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Harrisburg City Council sets date for American Rescue Plan vote, responds to mayor’s criticism

June 7, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

A past Harrisburg City Council meeting

Harrisburg is getting closer to deciding how it will use millions of dollars in federal COVID relief funding.

On Tuesday, Harrisburg City Council discussed using the bulk of its share of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for affordable housing, a spray park and home repair services for low-income and elderly residents, among other uses.

Earlier on Tuesday, Mayor Wanda Williams, at a press conference, called out council for not yet voting on her proposed spending plan.

Council President Danielle Bowers responded at last night’s council meeting, stating that Williams had mischaracterized, at the earlier press conference, how long it had been since council was given the proposal, as well as how many ARPA public meetings Williams and city administration held. At the press conference, Williams said she held seven public meetings, but Bowers said the city only held five.

“That is embarrassing, sharing incorrect information,” Bowers said. “Mayor Williams, we are wide awake and take our responsibility as elected officials in this city very seriously.”

At Tuesday’s meeting, council asked questions of the city administration and discussed a proposal to use $28.1 million of the city’s total $47 million from ARPA.

Council has already allocated $15.6 million for replacing the HVAC system in Harrisburg’s Public Safety Building, providing one-time bonuses to uniformed personnel in the Harrisburg Fire Bureau and Bureau of Police and to reimburse the city for lost revenue during COVID.

An additional, about $4 million has not yet been earmarked for allocation by the city.

Council is slated to vote on the ARPA allocations at its June 27 legislative session.

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Roasting & Representation: Harrisburg coffee shop, local AAPI group partner on Vietnamese-inspired drinks

June 6, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

HAPPI member Ellen Min (front middle), along with other group members and Elementary Coffee Co. owner Andrea Grove (far right) hold bags of “HAAPI Mornings” coffee.

Whether you’re a morning person or not, a Harrisburg coffee shop has a bold new blend to brighten your day.

Elementary Coffee Co. recently released “HAAPI Mornings,” a Vietnamese-inspired coffee, in partnership with the Harrisburg Asian American Pacific Islander (HAAPI) group. Elementary introduced the coffee in May, in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month.

“It’s all about visibility and representation,” said Ellen Min, a member of HAAPI. “The more representation and visibility, the less we are excluded.”

After being inspired by a coffee shop in New York City that offered Asian coffee blends, members of HAAPI wondered if they could help make that happen in their city. The group reached out to Andrea Grove, owner of Elementary, and she jumped at the idea.

Many meetings and tastings later, and the group had a Vietnamese-inspired blend, featuring Indian beans and a dark roast.

After being judged for her Korean cuisine many times during her life and feeling like her culture’s foods were excluded from restaurants and businesses, Min was excited about the new coffee.

“Coffee itself is so much richer and more diverse than what is considered classic coffee in the U.S.,” Grove said.

HAAPI members taste coffee samples during the “HAAPI Mornings” creation process at Elementary Coffee Co.

The coffee packaging was designed by Harrisburg artist Christina Chang, who illustrated a group of AAPI community members. Many of the faces are actually HAAPI members.

“Now, we are finally seeing us, not as a stereotype, but seeing the fullness of us, on a coffee bag,” Min said.

In addition to the coffee, Elementary is offering a special drink menu featuring traditional Vietnamese hot and iced coffee, an Ube Iced Latte and Saigon Iced Coffee.

The coffee and special menu items will be offered through June. A portion of the proceeds will go to support HAAPI’s programming.

According to Grove, the response from patrons has been even better than expected.

“Coffee really brings people together, and this coffee is doing that in such an impactful way,” she said.

There’s a fine line between cultural appreciation and appropriation, Min explained. But HAAPI was grateful to Elementary for intentionally and heavily involving their group in the coffee-making process, demonstrating what cultural appreciation can look like when businesses partner with the community.

“It’s been so special and has been filling my heart,” Grove said. “This is truly HAAPI’s coffee.”

Elementary Coffee Co. is located at 256 North St., Harrisburg, and inside the Broad Street Market. For more information, visit their website. To learn more about HAAPI, visit their Instagram page.

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Harrisburg Symphony to play five outdoor dates over long July 4 weekend

June 6, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

A past Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra concert at the band shell in Reservoir Park (courtesy HSO)

A local summer tradition is set to continue this year, as the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra has scheduled five free performances over the extended July 4 weekend.

On Tuesday, the HSO announced “Summer Series” shows spanning locations in Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry and Lebanon counties on five consecutive days.

“Everyone loves the Summer Series, especially the musicians,” said Stuart Malina, HSO music director and conductor. “This year’s playlist ranges from a salute to the big band era and ‘West Side Story’ to a tribute to America’s armed forces, along with a few rousing cowboy songs. Each year, we offer a little something for everyone.”

The HSO series schedule is:

Friday, June 30 – Lebanon Valley College, Annville
Saturday, July 1 – Negley Park, Lemoyne
Sunday, July 2 – Dickinson College, Carlisle
Monday, July 3 – Millerstown Park, Millerstown
Tuesday, July 4 – Reservoir Park, Harrisburg

Each concert is held outdoors. In case of inclement weather, including excessive heat, the shows will be performed in an indoor location that will be announced on the symphony’s website and social media channels, as well as local media. The series is underwritten by Highmark and Penn State Health.

“For over 30 years, the Harrisburg Symphony’s Summer Series has offered a crowd-pleasing selection of red, white and blue favorites held in beautiful local settings,” said Matthew Herren, executive director of the HSO. “We invite everyone in the community to grab your lawn chairs, a picnic basket and the kids for a free concert to celebrate America and American music.”

For more information, visit the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra’s website.

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New wellness boutique set to debut this week in downtown Harrisburg

June 6, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

The interior of C.R. Blooms

A new wellness boutique is getting set for its grand opening, ready to improve the complexion of downtown Harrisburg.

On Wednesday, C.R. Blooms will celebrate with a ribbon cutting for its new location at the Shops on 3rd, along the first block of N. 3rd Street.

According to owner Carmelia Rameau, the wellness boutique will offer facial treatments and wellness products, including teas, handmade Indian silk robes, cleansers, facial masks and more

“I am excited to bring my facial and wellness services to the downtown and surrounding areas and look forward to encouraging wellness and self-care to a new audience in this region,” Rameau said.

The 860-square-foot storefront is the heart of downtown Harrisburg, on the 3rd Street side of Strawberry Square and across the street from Whitaker Center.

“We are thrilled to welcome C.R. Blooms to downtown Harrisburg,” said Brad Jones, president and CEO of Harristown Enterprises, which owns Strawberry Square. “Strawberry Square and the Shops on 3rd are a center of activity, and this boutique adds to the growing health and beauty corridor along N. 3rd Street and will offer unique wellness options unavailable elsewhere in downtown.”

C.R. Blooms is located at 7 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website or their Facebook or Instagram pages.

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“We are tired of waiting”: Harrisburg mayor urges City Council to vote on American Rescue Plan funding

June 6, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams at a press conference on Tuesday

Harrisburg has received millions in COVID relief funds, and now Mayor Wanda Williams said that she wants to see it allocated—and soon.

On Tuesday, Williams held a press conference to call out City Council, which has yet to vote on her proposed plan to spend the bulk of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

“We put a $42.7 million plan in front of council last May,” she said. “And I want to make sure that the residents understand that it’s been a year. All the people of Harrisburg have done is wait.”

Williams first announced her proposed plan in May 2022, which includes allocations for affordable housing, a spray park and home repair and tree removal services for low-income and elderly residents, among other items. She has proposed using $42.7 million of the city’s total $47 million share of funds.

In June 2022, council voted to use about $15.6 million of the ARPA funds to replace the HVAC system in Harrisburg’s Public Safety Building, to give one-time bonuses to uniformed personnel in the Harrisburg Fire Bureau and Bureau of Police and to reimburse the city for lost revenue during COVID.

In March, city officials presented a proposal to council to use another $28.1 for the affordable housing, spray park and other items. In April, council held three town hall meetings to hear from residents on the city’s proposed use of the funds.

“We are tired of waiting,” Williams said. “That’s why I’m calling on council president [Danielle] Bowers to put this American Rescue Plan money up for a vote the first chance she gets.”

Williams said that she receives calls from residents every day asking about the ARPA funds and how to apply for the various programs.

She also expressed concern over the amount of time left to spend the funds. Under ARPA guidelines, the city must allocate the money by the end of 2024 and spend the money by the end of 2026.

“When you consider the months-long process of contracting, consulting and public bidding, we are pushing up against a deadline we never thought we would have to consider,” Williams said.

Council has the ARPA plan on their work session agenda for discussion on Tuesday night. They will then need to add the proposal to a future legislative session for a vote.

For more information, visit Harrisburg’s website.

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Tiny home village for homeless veterans breaks ground in Harrisburg

June 5, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania, city and state officials ceremonially broke ground on “Veterans Grove.”

Local officials on Monday praised a “tiny” project that they believe will make a big difference in Harrisburg.

Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania (VOPA) ceremonially broke ground on “Veterans Grove,” a project that will create a tiny home village for homeless veterans in Harrisburg.

Harrisburg, county and state officials put shovels in the dirt on Monday at the site of the construction project, a five-acre plot of land at 1105 S. Front St., along the riverfront past the PennDOT building.

“We’ve been working day and night,” said VOPA president and founder Tom Zimmerman. “What a great day it is today.”

At the site, VOPA will construct 15 tiny homes and a community center for veterans experiencing homelessness. The organization plans to work with local agencies to identify potential residents who will live in the homes rent-free.

The site of the Veterans Grove project on S. Front Street.

The over $4 million project was approved by Harrisburg City Council in July 2021. Since then, the once-wooded land, donated by local philanthropist Peggy Grove, has been cleared for construction, according to VOPA board member John Hickey.

Hickey estimated that construction would take around eight months and be completed in February 2024.

“This is progress,” said Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams during the groundbreaking ceremony. “It is a step toward a more permanent solution.”

Model of a tiny home

According to Hickey, there are about 25 homeless veterans in Harrisburg on any given day. The tiny home village will provide temporary housing, among other support services, to veterans in need.

Veteran Gary Crowell, who spoke at the event, shared how vets often face feelings of isolation, loneliness, anxiety and depression after their service. This project, he said, will help address those issues.

“Veterans who take up residence in this village will find a renewed sense of self, self-worth, purpose and hope,” Crowell said.

Veterans Grove will be located at 1105 S. Front St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website.

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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 planning

A Look Ahead

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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