Major Grant for Harrisburg Parks
Harrisburg last month was awarded a large state grant to upgrade and enhance several municipal parks.
According to the city, it received a $13 million grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for city park improvements.
“The pandemic highlighted not only how much our residents wanted to use our parks, but how much those parks desperately needed improvements,” said Mayor Wanda Williams.
The funds come from the state’s Community Development Block Grant-CARES Act (CDBG-CV), money the state received from the federal government to address the COVID pandemic. Harrisburg applied for this round of funds, requesting $18 million in late July.
A total of $45 million was awarded to 15 entities, with Harrisburg receiving the largest sum of money.
With the funds, the city plans to upgrade 7th & Radnor Park, Jackson Lick pool, Wilson (Rumson) Playground and Reservoir Park. According to the city, the parks were chosen based on their need for immediate repairs.
“These areas are in critical need of updates,” said Dave Baker, parks and recreation director. “Some of the playground and park equipment is dangerous and unusable. The pandemic showed us an unprecedented number of people are using our parks, so we need to meet their needs with the necessary updates.”
Improvements will include new playgrounds and park equipment at 7th & Radnor and Wilson parks. Jackson Lick pool will be converted into a spray park, and a spray alley will be added to Reservoir Park. The parks will also be ADA-compliant, will be inclusive and will have increased safety measures, according to the city.
Harrisburg also is currently creating a comprehensive recreation, park and open space plan, using a $58,900 grant from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. That plan will help identify additional needs for future city park projects, according to city officials.
While Harrisburg officials do not yet know how long it will take to complete these park and pool construction projects, they expect that this will be the largest city park project since the modernization of City Island.
“These parks will look nothing like they do now once we’re done with them,” Baker said. “We’re going to undergo a complete rehabilitation to bring them up to modern requirements and expectations for what our residents deserve.”
Kim, Madsen, Fleming Win PA House Seats
State Rep. Patty Kim last month secured another two-year term in office, soundly defeating her Republican challenger.
Kim, a Democrat, received about 65% of the vote, versus about 34% for David Buell, the Republican candidate.
Kim won despite facing many new voters, as the 103rd legislative district was redrawn to include a portion of Harrisburg and the west shore communities of Camp Hill, Lemoyne, Wormleysburg and East Pennsboro Township. Previously, it consisted of all of Harrisburg and several other east shore communities.
As of January, the Harrisburg area also will have two new Democratic members of the state Assembly.
Harrisburg City Council member Dave Madsen won a seat in the redrawn 104th House district seat, which now includes the east portion of Harrisburg and several neighboring towns. He defeated David Kocur of the newly formed Keystone Party of PA by greater than a 2-to-1 margin.
Similarly, Susquehanna Township Commissioner Justin Fleming bettered his opponent, Republican Therese Kenley, by nearly a 2-to-1 margin in the new 105th House district, which includes all of Susquehanna Township and Penbrook and parts of Lower Paxton Township.
For the 10th congressional district, Republican incumbent Scott Perry held off a challenge from the Democrat, Harrisburg City Council member Shamaine Daniels, by a margin of about 54% to 46%.
Successful Year for Riverboat
The Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat last month wrapped up its best season in years, taking in more than $200,000 in ticket sales.
The iconic red-and-white riverboat hosted more than 20,000 passengers and sold about $215,000 worth of tickets in 2022, according to the nonprofit operator, the Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society.
“The community has really stepped up to help us keep the boat afloat this year, and we want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” said board President Kim Rice.
Besides ticket sales, riverboat revenue comes from such sources as donations, grants, sponsorships, fundraisers and concession sales, according to the society.
The success of the 2022 season follows several challenging years for the 34-year-old paddlewheel boat, which, over the years, has become a symbol of Harrisburg. In 2018, the Pride lost numerous sailing days due to extended high water on the Susquehanna River, followed by the devastating COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.
In 2022, though, the Pride enjoyed a full sailing season, and patrons and sponsors responded, said Rice. In addition to daily cruises and many special events, the Pride held two successful fundraisers, the Float the Boat Race in May and Boatoberfest in October.
“Many people rode the Pride for the first time this past summer, and many generous businesses helped to sponsor events,” Rice said. “We appreciate every ride and every expression of support.”
In addition to keeping the Pride operational, the revenue enabled the society to make much-needed repairs and upgrades, according to the society. The boat now is in dock on City Island until next year.
“Please plan to ride the Pride in 2023!” Rice urged.
More Apartments for Midtown Project
A developer has revised a plan for a proposed mixed-use building in Midtown Harrisburg, removing hundreds of parking spaces but adding significantly more apartments to the project.
Philadelphia-area businessman Kevin Baird last month resubmitted an application to the city for a variance and special exception for a seven-story building on the 400-block of Reily Street.
The revised plan calls for 142 apartment units, a restaurant and coffee shop, a commercial space and a 171-space parking garage.
In April 2021, Baird received approval to construct an 85-unit apartment building alongside a 500-space parking facility. That plan had to be adjusted after the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) did not select his project to provide parking for the future federal courthouse, located two blocks away from the site, according to the new application.
GSA expects the courthouse to be “substantially complete” this winter.
The project also dropped a proposed grocery store because the developer wasn’t able to secure a tenant, according to the application.
“Therefore, redevelopment of the property with the current project—less parking, no grocery store and more apartments is proposed,” according to the applicant.
While the new plan includes 171 parking spaces, on-site parking still falls short of the 231 off-street spots the building would require. Therefore, a special exception is needed for relief from the parking requirement. In addition, the zoning variance is necessary because the project exceeds the city’s residential density regulation.
To mitigate the parking loss, the developer is proposing including a car-share service on site and/or a transit subsidy, although the application didn’t specify how that would operate.
Last month, the Harrisburg Planning Commission approved the zoning relief, which then moved to the city’s Zoning Hearing Board.
Approval was granted with conditions listed by the city’s Planning Bureau. These include details regarding the proposed car-share service and transit subsidy, incorporating a second entrance to the retail space, landscaping requirements and installing a secure bike storage area.
Streets to Honor City Activists
Two Harrisburg roadways will receive secondary names honoring the legacy of city activists.
City Council voted to recognize a portion of N. 6th Street as Rev. Billy Gray Way and a section of Harris Street as Judith C. Hill Way.
“I always love to hear the history of our community and the players that made it happen,” said council member Dave Madsen. “It’s important to celebrate our history.”
Both corridors will keep their original street names, but a small sign will be added under the current street signs designating the honorary names.
N. 6th Street, from Forrest to Woodbine streets, will now receive a secondary name, Rev. Billy Gray Way. Gray, born in 1929, was a water safety instructor at the Camp Curtin YMCA, a Golden Glove boxing champion, a Harrisburg historian, an activist during the civil rights movement and a pastor. He died in 2013.
Additionally, the 600-block of Harris Street will be recognized as Judith C. Hill Way. Hill was born in Harrisburg in 1928. She was a student in the Harrisburg School District and later a teacher in the district. Hill also was a lifelong member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and, notably, became the first Black woman to serve on Harrisburg City Council. She died in 2014.
“Several members of council are literally standing on the foundation that Miss Hill has set for us as the first Black woman to serve as a member of this legislative body,” council President Danielle Bowers said. “Representation matters.”
House Sales Down, Prices Up
Home prices ticked up, although sales dipped, in October in the greater Harrisburg area.
For the three-county region, 589 previously owned houses sold, a significant drop from 741 houses in the year-ago period, though the median price rose to $245,000 compared to $229,500 in October 2021, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).
In Dauphin County, sales totaled 302 houses versus 376 last October, as the median price increased to $218,500 from $210,000, GHAR said.
Cumberland County had 254 home sales, a drop from 330 last year, but the median price rose to $283,000 compared to $259,750 the prior year, according to GHAR.
In Perry County, home sales fell to 26 units versus 35 in October 2021, as the median price decreased to $229,000 from $239,900, said GHAR.
For the region, houses were selling relatively quickly, as the “average days on market” stood at 19 days compared to 20 days the prior October, GHAR said.
So Noted
Central Penn College is now offering classes leading to a physical therapy degree, taking place in the evenings on the Summerdale campus. Created with working adults in mind, classes for the spring semester begin Jan. 9, according to the college.
Christina Stetler has been promoted to director of communications and engagement for the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra. In this role, she will oversee external communications and patron and donor relationships, while continuing to work in development and as a liaison with the Symphony Society. She previously served as the HSO’s assistant director of development.
Harrisburg renewed its agreement with Swatara Township last month to continue to use its compost facility. Under the two-year agreement, the city will pay $50,000 per year to dispose of its compost material at the township’s site.
Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District last month was re-authorized for an additional five years, through 2027. Harrisburg City Council reauthorized the nonprofit district, which focuses on safety, beautification and economic growth throughout most of the city’s central business district.
Hooker’s Seafood Joint opened last month at 405 Walnut St. in downtown Harrisburg. Owners Robert Bryant and Kendale Harris of York offer numerous seafood options, as well as cheesy grits, sides and treats.
Marie’s Kitchen debuted last month in the stone building of the Broad Street Market in Harrisburg. From her stand, owner and chef Marie Anne Hartlaub offers cuisine from her native country of Haiti, including chicken, beef and vegetarian dishes.
Midstate Distillery last month closed its Cameron Street tasting room to expand its production space at the site in Harrisburg. It also recently debuted a new tasting room at Fresh Market at Hershey Towne Square and expects to open a second location in December at Windsor Park Shopping Plaza, 5234 Simpson Ferry Rd., Mechanicsburg.
Suba Tapas reopened last month following an extended closure dating back to the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020. The snug restaurant and cocktail bar, located on the second floor of Mangia Qui at 272 North St. in Harrisburg, is currently open on Friday and Saturday nights.
Changing Hands
Adrian St., 2450: R. Mondesi to T. McCrae, $130,000
Barkley Lane, 2501: O. Nguyen & T. Dang to L. Gonzalez, $151,000
Barkley Lane, 2513: L. & T. Pham & K. Truong to Biyaki Enterprises LLC, $115,000
Benton St., 607: R. Wilder to J. Vargas, $150,000
Berryhill St., 1253: McCoy Rentals LLC to SJJR LLC, $45,000
Berryhill St., 1614: L. Brown to JST Affordable Homes, $44,000
Berryhill St., 1735: T. & S. Kauffroath to I. Khan, $90,000
Boas St., 1954: M. Brown to Hardeep Gill LLC, $85,000
Brookfield St., 2322: C. & H. Le to S. & M. Mejia, $110,000
Brookwood St., 2443: N. Richards & R. Bush to J. Rivera, $100,000
Calder St., 256: S. Galbraith to E. Gross, $184,900
Carnation St., 1731: P. Sizemore & K. Hugo to Carnation St LLC, $60,000
Conoy St., 115: R. Rodino to B. Connor, $175,000
Crescent St., 311: S. McGarvey-Schockley to D. Boyle, $56,650
Crescent St., 346: San Pef Inc. to N. Brunache & L. Exume, $89,900
Croyden Rd., 2998: U. & D. Fraser to V. Thompson, $143,100
Derry St., 2330: R. Smith to Star & Star LLC, $72,000
Derry St., 2716: J. & M. Weaver to Investpower LLC, $80,000
Duke St., 2520: A. Biessar & S. Gharib to S. & M. Mejia, $112,000
Emerald St., 228: A. Almonte to C&A Fix Hold & Flip LLC, $123,000
Forster St., 1916: B. & T. Smith to T. Fitzpatrick, $133,500
Forster St., 2011A: Neidlinger Enterprises LLC to PA OGM Group LLC, $135,000
Forster St., 2013: Neidlinger Enterprises LLC to PA OGM Group LLC, $135,000
Fulton St., 1721: J. Cruz to D. & E. Stevenson, $199,900
Green St., 2043: D. & T. Schutt to G. Kabakjian & A. Becker, $250,000
Harris St., 238: W. Davis & T. Helwig to J. Brownsing, $242,250
Holly St., 1922: E. Jeter to Jhonleo Home Renovations LLC, $85,000
Jefferson St., 2643: D&A Homes LLC to Faraone Properties LLC, $75,000
Kensington St., 2136: L. & J. Echols to J. Saeteros, $83,500
Kensington St., 2262: D&A Homes LLC to Faraone Properties LLC, $94,900
Kensington St., 2322: JAK Investment Properties LLC to T. Reinhart & S. Heckman, $60,000
Kensington St., 2325: S. Brown to Natalie Grace Apartments LLC, $99,000
Kensington St., 2342: D. Vasquez to Coopers Hawk LLC, $69,500
Kensington St., 2362: B. Machamer to K. Rentas, $105,000
Logan St., 1927: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to J. Tseng, $144,995
Logan St., 2011: MLP LLC to C. Little, $53,000
Logan St., 2101: R&R Sweet Home Investments LLC to M. Badrani & Z. Alkubaisy, $45,000
Market St., 1738: J., T. & T. Williams to G. Ajakaye, $110,000
Market St., 2015: T. Evans to SPG Capital LLC, $585,000
Market St., 2048: R. Monzon & L. Trinh to Dreamland Investors LLC, $45,000
Mercer St., 2447: JAK Investment Properties LLC to T. Reinhart & S. Heckman, $60,000
Muench St., 424: 2013 M&M Real Estate Fund LLC to B. Black, $125,000
Mulberry St., 1164: M. Mignogno to D. Vigilante, $90,000
Naudain St., 1429: Shope Rentals LLC to Integrity First Home Buyers LLC, $40,000
Naudain St., 1627: MLP LLC to Sanders & Sanders Properties LLC, $58,000
North St., 257: Preservation PA to K. Bailey & J. Dao, $125,000
North St., 1940: L. & E. Keefer to B&E Development LLC, $140,000
N. 2nd St., 701: D. Miller to A. Reber & C. Dietz, $600,000
N. 2nd St., 711: Belvedere Properties LLC to Fratelli Property Investments LLC, $1,100,000
N. 2nd St., 1101: T. & A. Ntzanis to Sturges Property Management LLC, $800,000
N. 2nd St., 1112: Peleton Investments LLC & G. Rothman to Fancy Homes Harrisburg LLC, $138,000
N. 2nd St., 2011: Grentals LLC & Wix Wenger & Wenger to Green Scapes Investments LLC, $225,000
N. 2nd St., 2337: S. Miller to A. Cain & S. Joyce, $223,000
N. 2nd St., 2846: C. Souchek to J. Biboso & R. Gabriel, $242,600
N. 3rd St., 2233: S. Bowman to A. Jimenez, $145,000
N. 4th St., 2135: JP Investment Holding LLC to Equitable Rentals LLC, $100,000
N. 4th St., 2137: JP Investment Holding LLC to Equitable Rentals LLC, $50,000
N. 4th St., 3010: L. Fitzgerald to Eruv Development 1 LLC, $115,000
N. 4th St., 3025: R. Andrews to V. Paredes, $115,385
N. 5th St., 2422: C. & B. Watson to A. Okubanjo, $92,000
N. 6th St., 2318: Phoenix Housing Inc. to R. Harvey, $40,000
N. 14th St., 62 & 64: S. Elazouni to D. Boyle, $104,000
N. 15th St., 1120: Top Notch Rentals LLC to Neidlinger Enterprises LLC, $90,000
N. 16th St., 1203: D. & M. Ellis to A. Iagnemma, $108,000
N. 17th St., 49: V. Castillo & E. DeJesus to A. Perez & M. Ramon, $45,000
N. 17th St., 91: L. Morales to A. Diaz, $40,000
N. 18th St., 719: I. & L. Jacob to D. Bensinger, $99,900
N. 21st St., 904: KDR Investments LLP to R. Womack, $49,000
N. Front St., 1525, Unit 101: A. Mohanavel to G. Vanegas, $187,000
N. Front St., 1525, Unit 509: D. Kyle & D. Holland to R. Price, S. Bychowski & S. Price, $205,500
N. Front St., 2709: Claudia W. Jackson Trust to EI 2709 North Front Street LLC, $225,000
N. Front St., 2931: W. Peters & C. Wasilefski to Maple Equity Group, $310,000
N. Front St., 3101: Central Dauphin Realty Partners LLC to Torio LLC, $2,800,000
Norwood St., 927: E. Salazar to S. Porter, $134,000
Park St., 1626: E. Qureshi & Revive Our City LLC to Blue Botia Properties LLC, $75,000
Peffer St., 214: JPR Properties LLC to CWJK Holdings LLC, $214,000
Penn St., 2135: V. Williams to AGXN Ventures LLC & Law Office of Andrew H. Shaw, PC, $40,000
Penn St., 2447: C. Cavalovitch to M. DePhilip & J. Reed, $52,500
Race St., 610: T. & V. King to A. Carollo, $205,200
Radnor St., 512: Divergent Estates LLC to E. Chattah, $45,000
Reel St., 2616: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to Pitzer Property Penn LLC, $134,995
Reel St., 2621: MidAtlantic IRA LLC & Paul Rawls IRA to F. Alqasim & E. Chattah, $75,000
Regina St., 1827: S. Elazouni to D. Boyle, $55,000
Revere St., 1719: Z. Roudi & M. Maniari to A. Yuschock, $210,000
Rolleston St., 1218: Operation Elevation LLC to A. Grant, $103,500
Royal Terr., 153: D&A Homes LLC to Faraone Properties LLC, $64,000
Rudy Rd., 2245: E. Brown to A. & C. Belle, $185,000
Schuylkill St., 319: T. Colden to G&W Rentals LLC, $120,000
S. 13th St., 446: H. Pham to P. Tejada, $70,000
S. 13th St., 1039 & 1300 Sycamore St.: Brooks Property Holdings LLC to Indigo Foods USA LLC, $960,000
S. 23rd St., 529: L. Hart to J. Rodriguez & A. Aguilar, $50,000
S. 23rd St., 616: D. & N. Gonzalez to M. Lopez & C. Tejada, $150,000
S. Front St., 589: E. & J. Vey to 30×30 Investments LLC, $120,000
S. River St., 306: M. Terry to R. & T. Gerlach, $132,500
S. River St., 313: K. Grant to A. & R. Bomberger, $122,000
Spencer St., 1853: G. Boylan & T. Hardison to A. de la Cruz, $143,000
State St., 205: M. Three Properties to Sierra Real Estate LLC, $192,500
State St., 1918: D&A Homes LLC to Faraone Properties LLC, $184,900
State St., 1924: M. Duvall to CLR Holdings LLC, $450,000
Swatara St., 2019: R. Hendrix to A. Rahman, $58,000
Swatara St., 2047: SR Homes LLC to SJJR LLC, $64,900
Swatara St., 2134: M. Lalmohamed to B. Lemelle, $123,000
Vine St., 115: D. Walker & J. Alwine to V. Paredes, $154,000
Wiconisco St., 622: McCoy Rentals LLC to SJJR LLC, $45,000
Harrisburg property sales, October 2022, greater than $40,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.
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