Numerous Harrisburg-area projects to receive significant state funding, as redevelopment grants announced

April 22, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

The Dauphin County Library System is slated to receive a $1 million state redevelopment grant for a project that includes renovations to the McCormick Riverfront Library (pictured) and the neighboring Haldeman Haly House.

Numerous Harrisburg-area projects are slated to receive state funds as the commonwealth has announced its latest phase of redevelopment grants.

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grants announced on Friday complete the state’s 2021 funding round, which was awarded in two tranches—the first in December and the second on Friday.

Many Harrisburg projects denied money last year in the first tranche received funds in the second. These include:

The Dauphin County Library System for renovation of the Haldeman Haly House and expansion of the McCormick Riverfront Library downtown ($1 million)
Harrisburg Events Center for the continued renovation of the historic King Mansion ($500,000)
Harrisburg Scottish Rite Cathedral for renovations and theater preservation ($1.02 million)
400 Reily Street Management for a new apartment building and parking garage at 400 Reily St. ($2 million)

As previously reported, The Bridge Ecovillage also received RACP funding in this round, obtaining $4 million for the first phase of its project at the former Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg.

In addition, the Atlas, a mixed-use redevelopment project at N. 6^th and Maclay streets in Harrisburg, will receive $2 million more, adding to the $2.5 million it received in December for such needs as core infrastructure work, a new sprinkler system, additional green space and more parking.

Another 2021 RACP recipient, Hamilton Health Center, had its $2.5 million grant request fully funded in December for a 20,000-square-foot satellite location as the final component of the Steel Works project.

Elsewhere in Dauphin County, the following projects receive RACP funding in the second tranche:

Hidden Still Distillery in Derry Township for extensive renovation work ($1 million)
Rotunda Brew Pub in Derry Township for renovations and upgrades ($1 million)
Penn State College of Medicine Comparative Medicine Research Facility in Hershey II for construction and renovation ($1 million more, for $4 million total)
Susquehanna Union Green, a mixed-use development in Susquehanna Township ($2 million more, for $4.5 million total)
Swatara Township Municipal Complex Facility for a new public safety building ($1 million more, for $1.6 million total)
West Hanover Township Municipal Complex for construction of a new, 15,000-square-foot building ($500,000 more for $1.5 million total)

“I’m pleased to announce this state support for upgrades to public facilities and economic development,” said state Sen. John DiSanto (R-15), in a statement. “It’s important to me to bring state tax dollars back to our region for critical, but expensive, projects and help ease the burden on local taxpayers.”

For the 2021 RACP round, Cumberland County recipients included the Carlisle Regional Performing Arts Center ($1.26 million for center renovations); Penn Harris Hotel in East Pennsboro Township ($1 million for interior and exterior improvements); Sadler Health Center in Hampden Township ($2 million for building renovations); and Koloman Development ($1 million for removal of blight and redevelopment of Carlisle Pike intersection).

RACP is a state program for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. It is a match-grant program, meaning that 50% of project funds must come from non-state program sources.

Click here for more information about the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program and a spreadsheet of all 2021-round awards throughout the commonwealth.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

April 22, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

The Broad Street Market’s sign was repaired and reinstalled this week.

Better get out and enjoy the sunny weather while you can! It might not last long. This week’s news covered several spring and summery events, such as outdoor concerts, bike sharing and gardening. Find it all, linked below.

Bike sharing will return to Harrisburg this summer under Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, our online story reported. The previous bike share program was halted due to COVID.

The Broad Street Market’s iconic sign was reinstalled this week, after suffering significant damage over a year ago, our reporting found.

Capital Region Water is set to receive a significant loan from The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, known as PENNVEST, our online story reported. The funds will help CRW repair and replace water supply systems throughout Dauphin County.

On Earth Day, volunteers celebrated by cleaning up a portion of the Capital Area Greenbelt, our online story reported. The Capital Area Greenbelt Association stressed the importance of residents pitching in to keep the parks beautiful.

Harrisburg began paving N. 2^nd Street this week, taking another step forward in a project to transform the road from one-way to two-way, our online story reported. Their next step in the project will include constructing medians.

The Harrisburg School District announced that it will move its 5^th grade students from the middle school level back to the elementary level, our reporting found. According to the district, there have been negative declines from 4^th to 5^th grade in academic and behavioral data.

Hauson “Chops” Green is a barber at Heads Up barbershop on N. 6th Street. But more than that, he is a mentor to young men in the Uptown community. Read more, in our magazine story.

KALEO is set to perform in Riverfront Park on Aug. 17 as part of Harrisburg University’s summer concert series, our online story reported. For the summer concert, KALEO will be joined by punk band White Reaper.

Manor House Studio of Lemoyne specializes in kitchen design and remodeling. In our magazine story, read about their offerings and the history of the business.

Midtown Cinema is opening “We’re All Going To The World’s Fair,” a discomforting film showcasing the online community of horror fans. Read more about it, here.

Penn State Extension Master Gardener Program sends graduates into the field to help local residents know how to till, plant, tend and harvest. In our magazine story, read more about the program and what it takes to become a master gardener.

Sara Bozich has a listing of events for the sunny weekend ahead in Harrisburg. Take a look, here.

State Street construction came to a halt after residents expressed concern over the project, our reporting found. Harrisburg issued a cease and desist order for the road work and plans to redesign the project, with residents’ comments in mind.

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The Bridge receives $4 million state grant to spur renovation of former Bishop McDevitt building

April 22, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

A rendering of the The Bridge Ecovillage, once completed

A proposal to renovate and repurpose the former Bishop McDevitt High School has new energy, as the state has announced a $4 million grant for the project.

On Friday, Gov. Tom Wolf announced grants through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), including funds for The Bridge Ecovillage project at 2200 Market St. in Harrisburg.

According to the state, the grant would help fund the renovation of the first floor of the former high school into a facility called the JEDI (justice, quality, diversity and inclusion) Innovation Center.

Once completed, the center will include a community concert/lecture hall, library, co-working space, rooftop garden, community kitchen, fresh foods cafe and a full-service medical clinic, according to a release from state Rep. Patty Kim (D-103).

“This funding will allow for this unique building to once again house teaching, education and recreational opportunities for Harrisburg’s young people,” Kim said. “The creation of the JEDI Innovation Center is an opportunity to enrich the lives of our residents and make our city a better place to call home.”

The Bridge Ecovillage’s main building, the former Bishop McDevitt High School

Garry Gilliam, a Harrisburg native and former professional football player, heads up the Bridge as founder and CEO. He and several partners announced the project in late 2019 and ceremoniously broke ground on it in November 2020.

The grant would help finance the first phase of the build-out of the planned mixed-use project that includes numerous components, including housing, retail, urban agriculture, education and entertainment.

The 115,000-square-foot building served as Bishop McDevitt High School for about eight decades before the school relocated to a new campus in Lower Paxton Township in early 2012.

A representative for The Bridge could not immediately be reached for comment.

Click here for a related story on other projects that received RACP grants on Friday.

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Harrisburg teen summit announced to address, prevent community violence

April 22, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

A youth summit next month plans to take on one of the most important issues in Harrisburg—crime and gun violence in the community.

Council member Jocelyn Rawls and the Kappa Omega chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity are organizing an event called #OurLivesMatter, which will offer city youth a forum to engage in conversations with city police, Dauphin County judges and other community leaders.

“It is time to get feedback from our youth and young adults to see what we as a community can do to help them combat the recent rise in crime within Harrisburg,” Rawls said.

The summit is being organized to give Harrisburg youth a chance to talk about the violence they’re witnessing and experiencing, which also impacts their friends and family, Rawls said. She added that she hopes a setting with open dialogue will lead to solutions on ways to curb the recent crime spike in the city.

The teen summit will take place Wednesday, May 18, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Camp Curtin Academy, 2900 N. 6^th St., Harrisburg. The event is free and open to the public. No registration is needed, but there is a 100-person capacity limit.

Rawls said that she also hopes to get 11 to 15 students and young adults to participate as panelists. Students from 11 to 21 years old who would like to be a panelist for the event are asked to contact Rawls at [email protected].

Parents are welcome and encouraged to join their children at the event, Rawls said.

“It takes a village to build a community that is safe and productive,” Rawls said. “Let’s start working together.”

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On Earth Day, volunteers clean up Capital Area Greenbelt, stress importance of pitching in

April 22, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Capital Area Greenbelt Association and COVANTA volunteers on the Greenbelt

What better way to celebrate Earth Day than by helping to keep our planet clean?

On a sunny Friday, a group of volunteers did just that by picking up trash along the Capital Area Greenbelt in Harrisburg.

“We know how important Earth Day is, but we really need to do something about it, not just talk about it,” said Pam Holtzman, a Capital Area Greenbelt Association (CAGA) board member.

CAGA volunteers worked to beautify a portion of the trail, between 19^th and Cameron streets. Joining them were volunteers from COVANTA, a local waste management company that sponsors the portion of the trail by cleaning it regularly.

Partnerships like this keep Harrisburg’s trails beautiful and clean, Diane Kripas, CAGA events chair said. The Greenbelt is maintained by hundreds of volunteers each year, she said.

“The Greenbelt exists because of volunteers,” Kripas said. “The Greenbelt is one big volunteer effort.”

Every other week, COVANTA employees walk the trail, collecting trash. Since they’ve started volunteering, they’ve noticed a difference, said Kevin Conners, COVANTA facility manager.

“It’s a small way of giving back to the community,” he said. “Since we’ve been here, there’s been less trash.”

Trash collection is only a part of what Greenbelt volunteers do. They also plant new trees and plants, mow grass and restore walkways.

CAGA volunteer Donnie Zimmerman grew up in Harrisburg and remembers playing on the Greenbelt as a child. Now, as a retiree, he’s back at that same section of the trail, volunteering regularly so that his grandchildren and other kids can enjoy it.

“It’s a treat for me to come here,” Zimmerman said. “I’m retired. This gives me an opportunity to get out and exercise.”

CAGA has sponsors for all of its sections of trail, except for one. They are looking for an organization to sponsor and help maintain the portion from 19^th to 28^th street, including the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Garden.

“CAGA is committed to improving, protecting and maintaining the Greenbelt,” Kripas said. “We are hoping to be able to protect it for another century.”

For more information about the Capital Area Greenbelt Association, visit their website.

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Capital Region Water to receive significant state funding for infrastructure improvements

April 21, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Capital Region Water repairs a sewer line (file photo).

Capital Region Water soon will receive a significant flow of funds.

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, known as PENNVEST, has approved a $41.6 million loan to the water and sewer authority for repairing and replacing water supply systems throughout Dauphin County.

“We have immense gratitude for the assistance this loan provides. This funding will help Capital Region Water invest in critical infrastructure, while offsetting the financial burden to our customers,” said Charlotte Katzenmoyer, chief executive officer of CRW.

CRW is one of 13 recipients statewide to receive a share of over $199 million in a recent PENNVEST initiative to invest in drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.

With the loan money from PENNVEST, CRW has four planned phases for their project. They are as follows:

Drinking Water System Improvements Project: CRW will make drinking water system improvements in Allison Hill in Harrisburg by replacing around 6,300 linear feet of water main. Associated pipes, valves and hydrants will also be replaced.
Cameron Street Water Main Improvements: In a second phase, CRW will work to make water main improvements on Cameron Street in Harrisburg by rehabilitating about 3,500 linear feet of cast iron water main between State and Berryhill streets.
Water Meter Network Conversion Project: Next, CRW will replace the existing radio water meter read system with a remote read system consisting of new base stations and meters. This will take place in Harrisburg, portions of Susquehanna Township and Penbrook Borough.
DeHart Dam Improvements Project: This includes improvements to the Dehart Dam (Harrisburg’s primary water source) to provide greater flow of water, among other improvements. The project site is located in Rush Township, Dauphin County.

Water bills will not be affected because of this work, CRW said. The project is expected to begin on July 13 and be completed by June 2025.

According to Katzenmoyer, the PENNVEST loan will provide over $20 million in cost savings compared to a traditional bond financing, due to the low interest rate.

“The need to upgrade our water supply systems was necessary to provide safe and reliable access for all our residents,” Rep. Patty Kim (D-103) said. “Everyday access to safe water is essential to public health and safety.”

For more information, visit Capital Region Water’s website.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

April 21, 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
- Sunday
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For something new: Little Black Dress has a Lucky Brand Jewlery Sample Sale through Sunday. If you’re looking to get outside (recommended), there is Wildwood Park’s Wetland Festival, Forest Therapy in Detweiler Park, the Great Harrisburg Litter Clean-up (and that’s just on Saturday!). There’s also still time to play Friends of Midtown Business Bingo (signing up for my email counts!).

(Still) Worth noting: Check out my private Facebook community, Cheers Harrisburg. You can join the convo here.

Things on my agenda this weekend: Belated Easter get-together, possible farm visit. Getting outside.

Don’t forget to support your local brewery! Click here to find one near you.

For your weekend planning

Call for sponsors and vendors: Plants + Pints 2022
My trip to Lancaster last month
View our local Restaurant Directory
Local Brewery, Winery, & Cidery Directory
See what else you missed on the blog.

Below are options for your weekend.

Things to Do in Harrisburg + Central PA | Weekend Roundup | Sara Bozich

Top Weekend Recs

Check a few things off this Spring Bucket List!
Get the 411 on the SoMa Block Party Series (it starts next month!)
Make travel plans (with a discount + perks)
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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Harrisburg hits the brakes on State Street construction after residents express concern

April 20, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg resident Evelyn Hunt, who opposed the State Street project, near her home on State Street.

Construction on one of Harrisburg’s busiest streets is coming to a halt, after residents expressed concern with the project.

On Wednesday, Harrisburg issued a cease and desist order for construction on its State Street Rapid Response project, proposed in 2018 as a way to decrease pedestrian fatalities on the Allison Hill road. In recent weeks, the city has received numerous objections from neighborhood residents opposed to the project.

“This is a result of residents’ concerns,” said Matt Maisel, communications director for the city. “We’ve listened and are determining the best course of action.”

Construction on State Street began two weeks ago, according to Maisel. Under the former plan, the street was slated to undergo a “road diet,” decreasing the number of lanes from five to three. Additionally, there were plans to add protected bike lanes, improve crosswalks and include a median refuge area.

However, the city is now reconsidering all of those plans, based on feedback from some residents.

During the past few weeks, construction had begun to install ADA ramps on sidewalks and to remove some of the yellow lane lines from the road. But, on Wednesday afternoon, construction workers were no longer at the site. Until further notice, the project will remain frozen while the city works on a redesign with PennDOT, which has jurisdiction over the state road, Maisel said,

“No parking” signs that were posted along the street were also taken down and covered up on Wednesday.

Resident Evelyn Hunt, who has lived in her State Street home for 60 years, was happy to see the city respond to her complaints. At a City Council meeting on Tuesday night, she shared her concerns, largely over what she saw as a lack of communication with residents, parking issues and the proposed bike lanes that she believes will go unused.

As part of the original plan, during peak traffic hours, there would be no parking in the westbound lane heading into the city in the morning, and the same with the eastbound lane heading out of the city in the afternoon.

“This is telling people that you must move your car so people that live outside of the city can rush into the city,” Hunt said. “Where are all of these cars supposed to go?”

Hunt is not the only resident to object to the plan, according to Maisel, who said that they received many calls from upset residents since the construction began.

“The number of complaints and the nature of the complaints made us rethink and reconsider,” Maisel said. “We are listening to the concerns of our residents and have their best interest in mind. Our main goal of making State Street safer remains.”

Hunt was glad to see that construction had stopped and hopes the city explores alternatives to making State Street safer, such as better parking enforcement and traffic light additions and upgrades.

Once the city proposes a redesign, the plan would need to go back to City Council for approval.

“I’m thrilled that they did listen, and they heard what I had to say,” Hunt said. “My neighbors are very pleased.”

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Sign of Success: Broad Street Market sign refurbished, reinstalled after suffering damage

April 20, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

The Broad Street Market sign was installed on Wednesday

The iconic Broad Street Market sign has returned to its former glory.

On Wednesday, crews installed the sign on the front façade of the stone market building, remounting the sign that suffered significant damage over a year ago.

“We are stoked and so happy to see it,” said Ryan Hummer, owner of R.G. Hummer, a market vendor. “That’s an icon for Midtown.”

A December 2020 windstorm initially damaged the quarter-century-old sign, with another spring storm wreaking more havoc. In May 2021, the nonprofit market launched a fundraiser that raised around $43,000 from community and private donors to repair the sign.

Labor and supply chain shortages delayed the construction, but the Broad Street Market Alliance’s board President Amy Hill was excited to finally see the sign restored.

“We couldn’t have done it without the support of the community,” she said.

The refurbished sign looks largely the same, with the Broad Street Market lettering and bright lights, but features new silhouettes of the market’s two buildings. Hill is confident that this sign is sturdy and made to last.

“It feels like we are reemerging stronger and better than ever,” Hill said.

The Broad Street Market plans to hold a re-lighting ceremony in the coming weeks to celebrate the return of the sign.

Additionally, Hill said that the market plans to begin advertising this summer to fill its executive director position. Josh Heilman previously filled this role before stepping down from his position in March.

The Broad Street Market is located at 1233 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website.

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Wheel Be Back: Bike sharing program to return to Harrisburg this summer, under new leadership

April 20, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg’s previous bike share program

Local residents will soon be able to rent a pair of wheels, as a bike share program shifts back into gear in Harrisburg.

Tri-County Regional Planning Commission plans to bring back rentable bikes to the area, two years after the previous Harrisburg Bike Share program halted due to COVID.

“It was such a popular bike share in Harrisburg,” said Lauren Weaver, a planner at TCRPC. “We thought it would be a good time to bring it back.”

The previous bike share, spearheaded by Communities in School Pennsylvania and operated by Boston-based Zagster, ran from 2017 to 2020, when Zagster suspended operations.

TCRPC saw the success of that program, and plans to return something similar. They are currently in the process of selecting a bike share vendor. Weaver expects bikes to be ready for rental by the end of July.

According to Weaver, the commission plans to incorporate at least 10 stations at locations throughout Harrisburg. They may use some of the previous bike share’s stations, a few of which are still found in the city.

The bike share is intended to be utilized as both a method of transportation to and from work and for recreation, Weaver explained. It will likely use a yearly membership model, with options for monthly or pay-by-the-hour prices. Weaver noted that the program will be affordable and even includes discounts for low-income residents.

“A lot of people use these for transportation to and from work,” Weaver said. “They reduce traffic and get people active.”

TCRPC is also looking to create a region-wide program by connecting Harrisburg’s system with the programs in surrounding municipalities.

The planning commission is accepting suggestions for bike share locations and sponsorship opportunities. They are also holding a contest to come up with a catchy name for the program, where the winner will receive a free year of bike share.

For more information, visit Tri-County Regional Planning Commission’s website, email [email protected] or call 717-234-2639.

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What you’ll find:

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Top Weekend Recs

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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