Harrisburg parks to get major upgrades as city receives millions in state grant funding

October 27, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

7th & Radnor Park (pictured) is among several parks that will be improved with grant funding awarded to Harrisburg.

It’s looking greener on this side of the fence as Harrisburg has been awarded a large grant to upgrade several city parks.

According to the city, it received a $13 million grant on Tuesday 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, in a statement. “I want to thank Gov. Wolf and Secretary (Neil) Weaver for showing the people of Harrisburg that they are prioritizing our great city.”

The funds come from the state’s Community Development Block Grant-CARES Act (CDBG-CV) funding, money the state received from the federal government to address COVID. 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 amount of money.

With the funds, the city plans to upgrade 7^th & 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 7^th & 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 fully ADA-compliant, will be inclusive and will have increased safety measures, according to the city.

Harrisburg is also currently creating a comprehensive recreation, park and open space plan, using a $58,900 grant from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. That plan will help identify additional needs for future city park projects, said the city.

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.”

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State grants to help fund four development projects in Harrisburg

October 27, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

A state grant will go towards the rehabilitation of the future Millworks Brewery (pictured).

Four Harrisburg projects will receive nearly $8.9 million in funding, as the state announced the first round of redevelopment grants for 2022.

Late on Wednesday, the commonwealth announced which projects would receive funding through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), a matching grant program that helps fund the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects.

In Harrisburg city, the following four projects were funded:

$3 million to Reily GreenWorks for the development of a 155-unit apartment building with neighborhood-oriented retail on the ground floor at a proposed project at 320 Reily St. This project has already received zoning board approval and, in 2019, received an initial RACP grant of $2 million.
$1.5 million to Harrisburg Events Center to complete extensive renovations at the King Mansion at 2201 N. Front St., including the replacement of windows and doors, replacement of roof, conversion of third floor into a hospitality suite, and the renovation of the basement to include a kitchen, distribution office, and meeting space.
$2.75 million to Harristown Enterprises for the renovation of the Harristown Agriculture Building, a proposed project at 221-223 Market St. This project entails substantial interior demolition and abatement of hazardous materials used in older building construction, as well as core and shell construction.
$ 1.6 million to Millworks Historic Campus Preservation for the rehabilitation of 1321 N. 4th St., the planned site of the relocated Millworks Brewery. Earlier this year, the Harrisburg Zoning Hearing board gave approvals to the project, located across Sayford Street from the existing Millworks restaurant and art space.

“This funding is incredibly important for Harrisburg’s growth,” state Rep. Patty Kim, in a statement. “I am happy to see these projects get the funding they need to break ground.”

Numerous other projects in Harrisburg applied for funds, but did not receive grants in this round. The commonwealth sometimes announces a second round of RACP funding later in the year or early the following year.

Click here to download a spreadsheet to see all the projects that applied for and received grants in this funding round.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

October 27, 2022 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA! Scroll down or use the menu links to find ideas for your weekend.

What you’ll find:

For your weekend planning
Top Weekend Recs
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
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For something new: Honestly there is Halloween stuff daily – trunk or treats, parades, adult stuff, you name it.

Worth noting: Final days of Hersheypark Halloween and Creatures of the Night and other fun Hershey things.

Things on my agenda this weekend: Trick or Treat tonight, a friend’s birthday dinner tomorrow, Bo’s 5th birthday Saturday, and maybe Hershey on Sunday!

For your weekend planning

Get your skin fall-ready with this giveaway
Plan a holiday-themed trip 🎄
Market on Market now open Tuesdays in Camp Hill
View my local Restaurant Directory or Local Brewery, Winery, & Cidery Directory
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are options for your weekend.

Top Weekend Recs

Check out AAA’s Pet Costume Contest!
The Best Farmers Markets around Harrisburg
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

What are you doing this weekend around Harrisburg? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

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Two Harrisburg streets to receive secondary names honoring city activists

October 26, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg City Council legislative session on Tuesday

Two Harrisburg roadways will receive secondary names honoring the legacy of former Harrisburg activists.

City Council, at a meeting on Tuesday, voted to recognize a portion of N. 6^th 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 at last week’s work session. “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. 6^th 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. Gray 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 was also a lifelong member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and, most notably, became the first Black woman to serve on Harrisburg City Council. Hill 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.”

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Harrisburg, Dauphin County target illegal dumping with new city-focused enforcement officer

October 25, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg and Dauphin County officials announce Pete Baltimore (far right) as the new environmental enforcement officer for Harrisburg.

Harrisburg and Dauphin County are stepping up their battle against illegal dumping in the city, devoting greater resources and enforcement to the effort.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Mayor Wanda Williams and the Dauphin County commissioners announced a joint effort to address the issue through a new city-focused environmental enforcement officer.

“Illegal dumping ruins the quality of life for our law-abiding citizens,” Williams said.

Pete Baltimore, a Harrisburg native, has been hired for the new role. Previously, he served as the environmental enforcement officer county-wide. In his new, full-time position, he will devote his time solely to Harrisburg. Baltimore was also formerly a corporal in the Pennsylvania State Police, with an emphasis on forensic investigations.

The new officer will work to deter illegal dumping and catch those breaking the law by issuing warnings and citations, testifying in court, working with the Harrisburg Police Bureau and doing surveillance. He will also visit dump sites and disposal facilities around the county and help with concerns from private haulers, businesses and residents.

Baltimore’s position is funded half by Harrisburg and half by Dauphin County. The county commissioners are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding at their Nov. 2 meeting, designating the terms of Baltimore’s position. Also in November, the county will seek to hire a new county environmental enforcement officer.

“We could choose to ignore, or we could choose to take action,” said commission Chair Mike Pries. “We chose to take action. You’ve had enough, we’ve had enough.”

According to the city’s director of public works, Dave West, the new officer will help his crews continue to battle illegal dumping. Additionally, the city recently installed 12 surveillance cameras at illegal dumping hot spots around Harrisburg and plans to soon install another dozen.

But catching people dumping illegally also requires help from residents, West explained. That’s why he encourages residents to submit tips when they see illegal dumping activity, which can be done anonymously. To report suspicious activity, call 717-982-6772.

According to county District Attorney Fran Chardo, the penalty for illegal dumping can vary greatly depending on the case. However, he made it clear those who break the law will be punished.

“They are crimes and we are going to address them as criminal acts,” he said.

While Baltimore said that, based on his experience in forensic experience, the investigations can take time, he pledged that the city and county “will get to the bottom of it.”

“Whoever is responsible, we are going to come after them,” he said.

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Dawes, Elle King slated for Harrisburg concerts in early 2023

October 24, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

Next year is already looking good for high-quality concerts in Harrisburg, as several major acts plan to stop by early in 2023.

On Monday, Harrisburg University Presents announced that Elle King will play at XL Live on Feb. 25, with opener The Red Clay Strays.

King burst on the national music scene in 2015 with her debut album, “Love Stuff,” which included the popular single, “Ex’s & Oh’s.” More recently, she hit the charts with a duet with Miranda Lambert, “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home).”

King, whose music encompasses country, soul, rock and blues, is a four-time Grammy Award nominee who has received honors from the Country Music Association Awards and the Academy of Country Music Awards. Tickets go on sale on Oct. 28.

A couple weeks later, indie band Dawes will return to Harrisburg, playing on March 11 at XL Live, HU Presents announced last week. The band is touring in support of its latest record, “Misadventures of Doomscroller,” which dropped over the summer. Tickets for this show are currently available.

For additional information and tickets to Harrisburg University Presents upcoming shows, visit www.concertseries.HarrisburgU.edu.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

October 21, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Dauphin County Library System and local officials finish cutting the ribbon for the McCormick Riverfront Library expansion project.

It’s an eventful Friday in Harrisburg with 3^rd in the Burg taking place at venues around the city. Get out and about in the crisp fall weather, but first, make sure you get up-to-date on this week’s local news.

Bob’s Art Blog highlights the beauty of autumn and features the artists who are inspired by it. Writer Bob discusses the “Water of Life” show at St. Stephen’s Riverfront Gallery, as well as other local happenings.

The Broad Street Market has a new executive director, Tanis Monroy, our reporting found. Monroy is a long-time Carlisle resident and has served as chair of the Amani Festival, a multicultural festival, in Carlisle.

“Call Jane” is a “fatefully relevant” film about an underground organization of women who help others get abortions, our movie reviewer said. The film plays in October at Midtown Cinema.

Daystar Center, a drug and alcohol treatment center in Harrisburg, has provided long-term residential treatment to about 130 men each year. In our magazine story, find out how the organization supports men through counseling, spiritual guidance and life skills training.

The Federal Building in Harrisburg will head back to auction next month, our reporting found. Last year, development company Global Ocean Investments purchased the building for $10 million and proposed turning it into luxury apartments.

Gulliver’s Run, a race planned for Nov. 6, benefits canine cancer research. In our magazine story, read the story of organizer John Heycock and of the pooch who inspired the annual event.

Harrisburg’s holiday parade will march down N. 2^nd Street next month, our online story reported. The parade’s theme is “Very Vibrant Holiday,” and will take place on Nov.19.

The Harrisburg School District, at a community forum, discussed recent violent incidents that have taken place in its schools and initiatives to combat them, our online story reported. Superintendent Eric Turman announced several security upgrades and plans for a mentorship program.

Lawyer Corky Goldstein is celebrating his retirement after a distinguished, decades-long career, our magazine story reported. Goldstein is known in the Harrisburg community for his friendly personality and for standing up for those in trouble.

Mayor Wanda Williams discussed her first year in office at the “State of the City,” an annual event held by the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, our online story reported. Harrisburg officials shared examples of progress in the city over the past year in the areas of finance, public safety and economic development.

The McCormick Riverfront Library celebrated its grand opening after a yearlong construction project to renovate and expand the building, adjoining it to the neighboring Haldeman Haly house, our online story reported.

Sara Bozich has a full weekend lineup of events, including fall festivals, author meet and greets and live music. Find them, here.

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Affordable housing development breaks ground in Harrisburg with goal to provide high-quality living

October 21, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

George Fernandez of Fernandez Realty Group (far left) and local officials break ground on Sycamore Homes.

George Fernandez knows what it’s like to live in low-income housing, which is why he’s passionate about creating a better experience for other Harrisburg families.

On Friday, Fernandez, CEO of Latino Connection, broke ground on Sycamore Homes, a $3 million affordable housing project planned for Allison Hill.

“It feels amazing,” he said during the groundbreaking ceremony. “This is uniquely important to me as it takes place in my hometown of Harrisburg.”

Sycamore Homes will be a four-story building with 23 affordable studio apartment units, around 500 square feet each, completed by Fernandez Realty Group. The project site is currently an empty, grassy lot across from Foose Elementary School on the 1400-block of Sycamore St. The project was approved by City Council in July.

According to Fernandez, construction is slated to begin by the end of this month and will likely be completed by the end of 2023. Wormleysburg-based Steel Works Construction is the general contractor on the project.

Rendering of Sycamore Homes, from Fernandez Realty Group’s website.

Growing up, Fernandez’s experience living in affordable housing included dysfunctional appliances and an overall dilapidated apartment, he said. With this project, he hopes to create a completely different, more high-quality, experience for renters. His goal is to offer fully furnished units.

Rent prices will be based on federal HUD guidelines, Fernandez said, but will likely fall around $760 to $800 a month.

“Affordable housing is coming to fruition today,” said Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams. “It’s very important. There are so many people every day […] losing their homes to the higher cost of rental.”

The Sycamore Homes project, so far, has received $400,000 in funding from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and another $150,000 from Dauphin County.

During the ceremony, Fernandez got emotional talking about the impact that he hopes his first development project will have. Safe and affordable housing can impact residents’ ability to maintain a job, stay healthy and can boost their sense of dignity and pride, he explained.

“You’re about to witness the start of something that will change lives,” he said.

For more information about Sycamore Homes, visit their website.

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Harrisburg to kick off holiday season next month with annual parade

October 21, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

Students with the Susquehanna Dance Academy perform at last year’s parade.

It’s almost that time of the year again.

In a long-running tradition, Harrisburg will ring in the holiday season with its annual downtown parade, slated this year for Saturday, Nov. 19.

The theme for this year’s parade is “Very Vibrant Holiday,” with marchers kicking off at 10 a.m. from Front and Market streets. The parade then will wind its way from Market Street to 2^nd Street, up 2^nd to North Street, then back down Front Street.

The parade will feature giant parade balloons, marching band and dance/step/drill team performances, decorated floats, characters and, of course, and an appearance by Santa Claus.

After the parade, attendees can head to Strawberry Square to meet Santa, enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies and find out the winners for best marching band, dance/step/drill team and “Best in Theme” winners.

Marching bands are awarded $500 for 1st place, $300 for 2nd place and $200 for 3rd place, along with trophies. The top-three dance/step/drill teams receive trophies and the “Best in Theme” winner receives a $100 Amazon gift card and trophy.

Parade-goers can get four hours of free street parking in the downtown area using the code LUVHBG in the Parkmobile app. A discounted $10 rate is also available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Market Square Garage.

This year’s holiday parade is sponsored by Cargill, Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, Explore Harrisburg, Mid Penn Bank, Capital Blue Cross, Belco Community Credit Union, Xfinity, Staybridge Suites, Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District, Spirit Sound & Light and Park HBG.

For more information and a map route, visit www.harrisburgpa.gov/parade.

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At “State of the City” address, Harrisburg officials tout growth in finances, policing, community engagement

October 20, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams speaks at the “State of the City” address on Thursday.

At an annual luncheon and address, Harrisburg officials shared positive news and examples of progress in the city over the past year in the areas of finance, public safety and economic development.

Mayor Wanda Williams addressed a room of community members on Thursday at the Hilton Harrisburg for the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC’s annual “State of the City” presentation.

“The state of our tremendous city, the capital of the Keystone State, Harrisburg, is stronger than it’s ever been in decades,” Williams said.

Williams, joined by seven department heads from her administration, shared highlights from her first 10 months in office, including retiring a chunk of Harrisburg’s debt, hiring additional police officers and crafting a balanced budget.

“What we’ve started is strong, but we are not satisfied,” she said. “In just 10 months, we have accomplished so much, but there is so much left to do.”

Williams expressed her desire to showcase the work of those in her administration, giving them each several minutes to share updates from 2022.

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams spoke with the press following the “State of the City” address.

Harrisburg’s financial state was a big focus of the event, with officials noting this year’s expected budget surplus of $1.5 million and the city’s recent $8.4 million final payment on general obligation bonds dating back 25 years. According to Williams, the city has plans to pay off its remaining debt to bond insurer Ambac Assurance Corp. by the end of the year, making Harrisburg debt free.

Additionally, the city has received $47 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding due to the pandemic. City Council has allocated about $15.6 million of the funds so far.

“Thanks to Mayor Williams, our financial house is in order for the first time in decades,” said Marita Kelley, the city’s finance director.

In another highlight from the event, police Commissioner Thomas Carter shared that the bureau took 218 illegal guns off the streets. According to Carter, the department has 136 police officers currently and hopes to reach a complement of 158 officers by 2023.

In the technology realm, Director of Information Technology Steve Bortner, shared that the city soon will upgrade its IT infrastructure, transitioning from an aged mainframe to a new, enterprise resource planning system with help from Texas-based Tyler Technologies. This will make tax billing, licensing, codes and asset management, among other functions, more accessible, he explained.

Officials from other departments also presented updates in the areas of parks and recreation, housing, equity and inclusion and community engagement.

This year, the mayor has begun hosting open door Fridays, meeting weekly with residents, and, a few months ago, the city hosted its first Juneteenth holiday celebration, officials noted.

In closing, Williams explained her commitment to all neighborhoods and residents of the city and her desire to continue to move Harrisburg forward.

“We can’t go back where we were and change the beginning” she said. “But we are going to start, and we are going to change the ending of how we are going to revitalize the city of Harrisburg.”

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