Reading’s Eric Turman to be named next superintendent of Harrisburg School District

June 12, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

Eric Turman will be named the next superintendent of the Harrisburg School District, a move the district’s receiver will make official on Monday

In a press statement, the district confirmed that Receiver Janet Samuels will appoint Turman during a special business meeting.

“We were seeking a proven student-centered leader who would embrace our school community, lead with integrity, and pursue continual growth and improvement for the district, and we found that leader in Mr. Turman,” Samuels said.

For the past 10 years, Turman has served as principal of Reading High School in Reading. He has been with the Reading School District nearly his entire career, starting there as a fifth-grade teacher in 1997.

Turman (pictured) holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Alvernia University in Reading, where he also has taught as an adjunct professor.

Last month, district officials indicated that they would select Turman, as they announced him as the finalist for the position.

For nearly two years, Chris Celmer has served as acting district superintendent. The district, though, stated that it would seek a permanent superintendent as it enters the final year of a three-year, state-imposed receivership.

At Monday’s business meeting, officials also will discuss the district’s proposed 2021-22 budget. The $159 million spending plan contains no tax increase, but does rely on one-time federal funding to close a $5.6 million budget gap. The budget is slated to be passed later this month.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

June 11, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley Gittens

The future Menaker Apartments in downtown Harrisburg

We love weeks that are capped off with a new Burg Podcast, and we hope that you do, too. Besides a fresh podcast, we have a full week of news coverage for you, listed and linked below.

Dauphin County has a new commissioner: long-time chief clerk Chad Saylor. Our online story broke the news that he is replacing former commission chair Jeff Haste, who resigned to pursue a private sector opportunity.

Father’s Day is coming up, which means you may be preparing a special meal. In her monthly column, our food writer Rosemary has the perfect grilled dish, with an Italian twist.

Gardening classes were available free last week to Harrisburg residents. According to our online story, participants learned about many aspects of gardening, including composting, recycling and sustainable living.

Harrisburg City Council approved several development projects last week, including the conversion of the former Salvation Army building to apartments. Our news story summarizes their recent actions.

Harrisburg Mural Festival would be nearly impossible without its small army of volunteers. Our June magazine feature tells their story as organizer Sprocket Mural Works kicks off the 2021 festival.

Home sales were strong once again in the Harrisburg area. We have the latest facts and figures in our online news story.

Menaker Apartments reached a milestone this past week, with interior construction starting. The event was marked by a small celebration for the project that will include 28 new downtown units, our news story reported.

Outdoor dining surged in popularity during last year’s pandemic summer. Now, even as the pandemic wanes, diners want more outdoor options, and restaurants are doing their best to satisfy their hunger, according to our magazine story.

Sara Bozich has the skinny on weekend events in and around Harrisburg in her weekly blog. Once the rain pulls out on Friday, great weather is forecast for all the eats and events around town.

Seven Summits have been climbed by only a handful of women in the world. In our magazine story, find out about a local climber who is nearly halfway toward her goal.

TheBurg Podcast returns for its June edition, with host Karen Hendricks expanding upon several stories from the current issue of the magazine. In addition, our editor returns with his “Most Harrisburg Thing.”

The Thousand Steps Trail is one of the most unique hiking experiences in central Pennsylvania. Our magazine story tells how it came to be and how its popularity now presents a unique challenge.

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Harrisburg area home sales, prices jump in May

June 11, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

A house for sale in Harrisburg

Home sales and prices climbed in the Harrisburg area during May, according to the area’s realty association.

On Friday, the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR) reported that total sales shot up to 722 houses versus 357 in May 2020, as the median price rose to $239,950 compared to $205,000 a year ago.

Last year’s sales numbers were affected by the state-mandated industry shutdown during the month, due to the pandemic. A better comparison may be May 2019, when 720 houses sold at a median price of $191,850.

In Dauphin County, 347 houses sold in May for a median price of $210,000, versus 167 houses in the prior year for $176,000, GHAR said.

Cumberland County had sales of 335 homes in May compared to 149 in the year-ago period, while the median price increased to $265,000 from $233,000.

In Perry County, 33 houses sold versus 19 the year before, as the median price rose to $217,000 versus $154,700 in May 2020.

Houses were also selling much faster than in recent years. The “average days on market” dropped to 21 days, compared to 53 in May 2020 and 51 in May 2019, according to GHAR.

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Drama and Adventure: TheBurg Podcast, June 2021

June 10, 2021 | by Karen Hendricks

Are you easing, or careening, into post-pandemic life?

Either way, our latest podcast can help, by adding a touch of drama and adventure to your June plans.

Melissa Nicholson of Gamut Theatre describes what it’s like to return to live, outdoor theatre in Harrisburg, with Shakespeare in the Park’s “Hamlet.” You never know what’s going to happen, with live theatre—she shares funny stories of summers’ past. Plus, she previews the 2021 summer theatre lineup.

Live life on the edge, through Julie McKelvey of Lemoyne: She explains the driving forces propelling her—and the life lessons she’s gained—in attempting to climb the Seven Summits. Plus, she describes how she’s “giving back.”

Step into a Central PA hiking adventure: George Conrad, president of the Standing Stone Trail Club, shares the latest news from the Thousand Steps Trail and beyond.

It’s pretty rare for Lawrance Binda, editor of TheBurg, to be “stunned.” He describes something he’s never witnessed, in all his years in Harrisburg, in this month’s “Most Harrisburg Thing.”

TheBurg Podcast is hosted and produced by longtime Harrisburg-area journalist Karen Hendricks. Visit her website here.

Every month, TheBurg Podcast introduces you to some of Harrisburg’s most fascinating people. Their stories start on the pages of TheBurg magazine, and are expanded here, on TheBurg Podcast… because “there’s always more to the story.”

This month’s backstories:

Staging a Comeback: Gamut’s “Shakespeare in the Park” returns with the classic “Hamlet” /

Peak Purpose: Harrisburg-Area woman nears a rare achievement—mounting the “Seven Summits” / Stepping Stones: The Thousand Steps Trail is a Rock Star Among Area Hiking Trails

DYK? TheBurg Podcast recently received two prestigious awards:

First place, Excellence in Journalism Award, Society of Professional Journalists, Keystone Chapter

Honorable mention, Keystone Media Award, Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Foundation

Interested in sponsoring TheBurg Podcast? Contact Lauren ([email protected]). TheBurg is a monthly community magazine based in Harrisburg, Pa.; Lawrance Binda, co-publisher/editor.

Harristown launches renovation, conversion of Market Square building to apartments

June 10, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

The future Menaker Apartments building on Market Square

Harristown Enterprises today officially launched its latest apartment project, a 28-unit building on Market Square in Harrisburg.

Before a group of stakeholders, CEO Brad Jones said that interior construction was set to begin on the one- and two-bedroom units in the former home of the Skarlatos Zonarich law firm, which has relocated to Strawberry Square.

He also explained that the project, dubbed the Menaker Apartments in honor of the building’s former moniker, had proved to be difficult to design, with plans changing numerous times for the renovation of the 33,809-square-foot building.

“There were a lot of different possibilities here for this site,” he said. “It ended up being one of the hardest projects we’ve ever worked with, but that’s why we’re celebrating here today.”

Harristown’s partners on the project include Select Capital Commercial and Linkbank. Camp Hill-based ByDesign Consultants is the architect, and Mechanicsburg-based Mowery Construction is the general contractor.

Harristown bought the century-old building in 2018, expecting to renovate it for commercial use. However, the plan evolved over time as other downtown projects showed that the market was stronger for residential than commercial space.

Jones said that he expects the apartment project, located at 17 S. 2nd St., to be completed in early 2022.

Harristown CEO Brad Jones speaks inside the Menaker building during Thursday’s event.

Harristown also owns the lot next door at 21 S. 2nd St., once the site of a three-story building that included the Coronet restaurant and that was heavily damaged by a fire decades ago. The company plans to build a new, six-story mixed-used building there with apartments, offices and retail space.

Harristown has yet another downtown project in the works. In May, the company received city approval to convert the eight-story, century-old commercial building at 112 Market St. into 35 one- and two-bedroom apartments.

“We have some spectacular views from this building,” Jones said, of the Menaker Apartments. “One of the reasons we wanted to have you up here is to see, from six floors up, how spectacular the city looks.”

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

June 10, 2021 | 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’s inside:

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Top Weekend Recs
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Need something NEW to do? All-new Proudly PA! Festival (promo code below), Secret Garden Tour of Historic Harrisburg, Mount Hope Brewfest!

(Still) Worth noting: We revived our private Facebook group, Cheers Harrisburg. You can join the convo here.

Things on my agenda this weekend: A baby shower, a brunch, a best friends get-together.

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

For your weekend planning:

6 brewery patios you must visit this season
The forecast calls for this NEW Limited Edition Spiked Tea
Two words: Ice Cream
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

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Top Weekend Recs

NEW Proudly PA! Festival in Fort Hunter Park (Saturday)
Discover the Secret Gardens of Historic Harrisburg (Saturday)
See a movie. Read a book.
An under-$20 Pinot Grigio for porch sippin’
Pick up a new-to-you local 6-pack and stream episodes of Poured in PA: The Series

COVID-19 Disclaimer: As always, please click through the links or call ahead to get the most up-to-date information about venues and/or events below. It should also go without saying, but I’ll say it — Mask up, follow the rules, and be nice. And tip extra!

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

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Community Comment: Redistricting Reform–Now!

June 9, 2021 | by Jean Handley

Populations counts from the 2020 Federal Census were released at the end of April. Pennsylvania has gone from 18 to 17 congressional seats, and soon our legislators will begin creating congressional and state legislative districts that will be in place for the next decade. The results of that effort will determine constituencies for candidates running for Congressional and state House and Senate office and thus will affect the politics, policies and legislative agendas for the next 10 years.

Gerrymandering, the drawing of district lines to benefit a particular political party or candidate, has been used extensively in the past to gain or maintain power and control in our General Assembly. Republicans and Democrats both employ this tactic when given the opportunity and the power to draw the lines. PA voters prefer this were not the case; 70% believe the current method of drawing districts creates polarization and gridlock.

During this redistricting, the process must be open and transparent allowing legislators and citizens an opportunity to make known their concerns and to remedy the county and municipal splits of the last decade. Currently in House and Senate committees, the Legislative and Congressional Redistricting Act or LACRA (HB22/SB222) prioritizes and codifies criteria already mentioned in the PA Constitution. LACRA ensures a transparent process, provides for public input, and establishes strict rules for drawing maps and accountability. We have some strong, knowledgeable leaders in our legislature and in the populace. The time is right; the moment is now! We need to get this done! For more information visit FairDistrictsPA.com.

Jean Handley, Harrisburg
Dauphin County Coordinator
Fair Districts PA

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Midtown, Allison Hill projects get go-aheads from Harrisburg City Council

June 8, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

A rendering of “The Lofts in Midtown”

Several development projects in Harrisburg received their final city approvals on Tuesday, allowing them to begin.

During a virtual legislative session, Harrisburg City Council approved the land development plan for conversion of the former Salvation Army building in Midtown to a 16-unit, market-rate apartment building.

The project, by Wormleysburg-based Integrated Development Partners, will convert the 10,920-square-foot building at Green and Cumberland streets to one- and two-bedroom units. A paved lot across the street will provide parking for the project.

“The project does have ample parking,” said council member Dave Madsen. “There will be 16 apartments total and about 35 parking spaces for those units.”

The project, called the Lofts in Midtown, previously had cleared both the city Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board.

Council member Danielle Bowers was the sole vote against the project, objecting to the fact that all units would be market-rate. In April, the city approved a package of bills to incentivize the construction of affordable housing in Harrisburg.

“The applicant has no interest in participating in the city’s affordable housing program,” she said.

City Solicitor Neil Grover added that the project began the city application process before those ordinances were passed, which typically would exempt it from legislation approved later.

The building, built in 1954, has been empty since late 2019, when the Salvation Army relocated to its current location on the 500-block of S. 29^th Street.

Council also approved a development project to construct six town homes on Allison Hill at Hummel and Kittatinny streets. Tri-County HDC plans to demolish a building currently on the property and construct affordable housing.

The project received a $500,000 state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant.

The project is part of the South Allison Hill Safety Plan, a partnership between several nonprofit organizations that aim to make the neighborhood safer.

Gary Lenker of Tri-County said previously that he hopes to break ground on the project late this summer.

In addition, council unanimously approved the transition of Monroe Street, between Verbeke and Herr streets, from a two-way street to one-way. This was done at the request of the Harrisburg School District, which hopes to improve the flow of traffic in the area of the Downey School.

Lastly, council authorized city Engineer Wayne Martin, and the city grant manager, Rebecca Vollmer, to act as the city’s authorized representatives for the Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant for the “Courthouse Connection” project.

Harrisburg has received a $700,000 grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development for the project, which would extend the existing Urban Meadow walkway on Boyd Street from Fulton to N. 6th streets, near where the federal courthouse is being built. The project also would add 50 angled parking spaces on Reily Street between Logan and Fulton streets.

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Chad Saylor named new Dauphin County commissioner, replaces Haste

June 8, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

Dauphin County has a new commissioner—long-time chief clerk, Chad Saylor (pictured).

The county commissioner’s office announced the appointment of Saylor on Tuesday to replace Jeff Haste, who resigned from the office effective May 31.

“I am honored and humbled to be selected as Commissioner Haste’s successor,” Saylor said, in a statement.

Dauphin County President Judge John F. Cherry will swear in Saylor on Wednesday.

Saylor has served for the past seven years as chief clerk, also holding that position from 2004 to 2011.

Last month, Cherry accepted applications from Dauphin County Republicans for the seat, with a term that runs through January 2024. According to the county, interviews were conducted on June 7, followed by a unanimous vote for Saylor from the panel of county judges.

“I look forward to working alongside commissioners Pries and Hartwick and continuing the teamwork that has produced 16 years without an increase in property taxes,” Saylor said.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

June 4, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley Gittens

An artist paints a planter as part of Sprocket Mural Works’ latest project.

Even with the long weekend, there were still plenty of happenings in the Harrisburg area this week! If you missed any of our weekly coverage, you can find it all listed and linked, below.

Bob’s Art Blog highlights artists with work in the Millworks and the Susquehanna Art Museum. He invites readers to see the artists in action in their studios during “First Saturday.”

Our cartoonist illustrates how many Harrisburgers feel about the new 5G towers popping up around town. For a laugh, click here.

City officials hope that pending revisions to Harrisburg’s historic district guidelines will minimize confusion, explain options, and encourage owners of historic properties to do their part to protect Harrisburg’s architectural heritage. Read more in our magazine story.

Dauphin County is bringing back their summer festivals after they were postponed last year due to COVID, our online article reported. To kick it off, their Proudly PA event will feature local breweries, wineries, musicians and food vendors.

Downtown Camp Hill is kicking off summer with a day of dining, shopping, art and music. Their “Summer Soirée will take place on June 5, and will include a mural reveal, our online story reported.

Feeding Pennsylvania and the PA Dairymen’s Association kicked off a partnership with Weis Markets to celebrate World Milk Day on June 1. Their goal was to encourage milk donations to area food banks, our online story reported.

Fireworks and food trucks will return to Riverfront Park in Harrisburg for the 4^th of July, our online story reported. The festival returns after the pandemic halted the in-person celebration last year.

Gamut Theatre’s “Shakespeare in the Park” returns this year with performances of “Hamlet,” our magazine story reported. Harrisburg residents and visitors can enjoy these free shows at the band shell in Reservoir Park.

Gardening classes will be available for free to Harrisburg residents, starting tomorrow and running through June 13. Participants will learn about composting, recycling and sustainable living, our online story reported.

Harrisburg received a grant to support the extension of its Boyd Street “Urban Meadow” to the new federal courthouse area, our reporting found. The pathway will be exclusively for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Harrisburg Beach Club is expected to open in July on City Island, our reporting found. Two local entrepreneurs are leasing the City Island Bathhouse along with the beach area behind it. Visitors will be able to eat, drink and relax along the river.

Social media was supposed to bring people together, but instead, it has created division, even here in Harrisburg. Our editor has a few tips for coping with the acrimony that comes with social media use.

Sharkman, Harrisburg’s favorite roller-blading fish, skated through 2020 and brought positivity to residents during a tough year. In our magazine story, we dive deeper with Sharkman to see who he is below the surface.

Sprocket Mural Works kicked off its 2021 Harrisburg Mural Festival with a planter painting project on Allison Hill, our online story reported. In all, 20 Harrisburg-area artists will paint the planters through June 20.

Summertime events are here! Sara Bozich has a list of things to do around Harrisburg this weekend.

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What’s inside:

For your weekend planning:

Are you on the email list?

Top Weekend Recs

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Like this content?

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