Harrisburg police stress success taking guns off streets, move forward with community policing positions

March 30, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Harrisburg Police Bureau officials at a press conference in the MLK City Government Center.

In a year when policing has been held under the microscope, the Harrisburg Police Bureau is seeking to spotlight its accomplishments.

On Tuesday, the bureau touted its success with taking 1,370 illegal guns off the streets since 2015, according to Harrisburg Police Commissioner Thomas Carter at a press conference. The community policing division also provided an update on its expanding staff.

“There’s been conversation throughout the city, especially this year, that the Harrisburg police isn’t doing anything to stop the violence,” Carter said. “We have a lot of sleepless nights. The work that they have done is an outstanding job.”

In 2020, bureau officers seized 256 illegal guns, the most they have taken in one year since 2015, according to data provided by the department. So far in 2021, they’ve collected 48 illegal firearms.

Since this past October, they have responded to over 200 shots fired, said Capt. Atah Akakpo-Martin.

Carter said that 2020 was one of the busiest years he’s experienced as an officer in the city.

“Due to the goodness of our officers and the leadership, we were able to handle everything,” he said.

This year, the bureau has added positions to assist busy officers, as well as bridge the gap between the police and the community. The bureau is currently interviewing for these seven “community service aide (CSA)” civilian positions, explained Blake Lynch, director of community relations and engagement.

The CSAs will tackle quality-of-life issues, assist officers on calls and interact with residents at events around the city, Lynch said.

Harrisburg created the positions as part of the city’s 2021 budget, but not before facing resistance from community members who took issue with expanding the department and with the $1 million police budget increase.

However, Lynch said that the CSA positions have generated significant interest, with the bureau receiving over 140 applications, a majority coming from Harrisburg residents. These CSA positions, he said, have received more applications than any other position in the bureau.

Lynch expects these positions to be filled by May, and, after several weeks of training, the new CSAs will be on the job by mid-summer.

“We’re looking forward to continue working alongside our officers to help fill that gap and help with the resources that our community needs,” Lynch said.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Urban Churn sweetens local presence with reopening, expansion plan

March 29, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

Urban Churn owner Adam Brackbill stands outside his Midtown Harrisburg shop.

Harrisburg’s homegrown creamery is scooping up an expansion plan, with a new west shore location and the reopening of its city shop.

Owner Adam Brackbill said that Urban Churn plans to open a second location later this spring in the Silver Creek Plaza, a Smith Land & Improvement retail development on the Carlisle Pike outside Mechanicsburg.

In addition, the existing Midtown Harrisburg shop will be revamped with new seating and decor and re-opened to the public following an extensive closure during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Because of COVID, I had to close but had time to think about things, about where Urban Churn is going,” Brackbill said on Monday. “So, there definitely was a silver lining to 2020.”

Urban Churn began making small-batch craft ice cream in 2014, originally located in snug space behind Midtown Cinema, and opened its N. 3rd Street scoop shop and production facility in 2019.

Last year, it sold ice cream on a takeout basis for the months when it temporarily reopened.

Brackbill said that Urban Churn also plans to rebrand, with a new logo, color scheme and web presence. He’s been helped in this effort by two new investors familiar with the central PA sweets scene—Duck Donuts’ Russ DiGilio and Betsy Hamm.

DiGilio and Hamm also have helped Brackbill craft a longer-term plan, including the new Carlisle Pike location, he said.

That space offers a much larger production facility, which will allow Urban Churn to offer an extensive menu of 22-plus flavors, including four rotating vegan flavors. The location will also have a commercial oven to bake cookies, brownies and lemon bars, among other treats to pair with ice cream.

In addition, the new, bigger store offers a highly visible spot on the Carlisle Pike with proximity to the outdoors and sporting goods company REI, a new anchor tenant for Silver Creek Plaza, replacing Toys R Us.

Ultimately, Brackbill said that he’d like to expand further, adding more scoop shops and perhaps selling wholesale, as well.

“I want to be the East Coast brand,” he said. “That’s my long-term goal. How we get there—that’s part of the ride. That’s part of the fun.”

For more information about Urban Churn, visit their website.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

March 26, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley Gittens

Pamela J. Black’s paintings can be seen at the Millworks, one of many artists featured there.

Spring is in the air, so many look forward to a renewed sense of hope and community. At TheBurg, we feel the same way. Check out this week’s stories, many of which celebrate new beginnings, listed and linked below.

Aaron Johnson announced his retirement as public works director for Harrisburg. Our online story reflects on Johnson’s career with the city, as well as how he has impacted the community.

For arts blogger Bob MacGinnes, spring in Harrisburg means fresh, exciting art. In his column, he gives you the inside scoop on which local exhibits to visit, including those at the Art Association of Harrisburg and The Millworks.

Dauphin County opened a COVID-19 vaccination clinic this week at HACC through a partnership with UPMC, our online story reported. Workers at the drive-thru site vaccinated 1,700 people on Tuesday and Wednesday and plan to administer even more in the coming weeks.

The Gunther family’s lives changed forever when they found out their son, Drew, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, our magazine story reported. The diagnoses set them out on a road trip destined for an experimental treatment for Drew in California

Harrisburg took one of its final steps toward leaving Act 47 this week by approving the creation of a trust to handle funds for retired city workers and their families’ healthcare benefits. In addition to approving that, City Council supported creating a regionalized public transportation system, our reporting found.

Otto Banks, a candidate for mayor of Harrisburg, fought in court on Tuesday to prove that he actually lives in the city. On Thursday, a Dauphin County judge ruled in his favor, allowing him to remain on the ballot.

Nyree’s Owner Joe Hobbs knew he was taking a gamble opening his restaurant during COVID, but so far, it has paid off. His eatery fills the gap in soul food restaurants on the West Shore, he said, and brings together diverse groups of people. Read more in our magazine article.

The Pennsylvania STEAM Academy got the go-ahead from the state Charter School Appeal Board to open in September in Harrisburg, our online story reported. The news comes after a long battle with the Harrisburg School District, which denied the academy’s initial application.

Rosemary has cooked up a special dish for your Lenten table. The recipe for her take on a pan seared tuna steak with capers is in her March magazine column.

Sara Bozich has plenty of Easter events lined up for your weekend, along with film festivals and brunches galore! Check out her Weekend Roundup, here.

A few sharp-dressed men in the Harrisburg area make an appearance in the March magazine. Social media influencers Mohammed Al Nazal, Layton Lamell and Josh Maugans share their passion for fashion and solicit a few style tips as well.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, sign up here!

Support quality local journalism. Join Friends of TheBurg today!

Local artist offers supplies to Harrisburg creatives, filling need in neighborhood

March 26, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Darius Davis

As you may have noticed from the numerous stories told by our arts blogger Bob MacGinnes, Harrisburg has a rich and growing creative scene.

But where do all the painters, designers and illustrators get their tools? Where can someone get a paintbrush in Harrisburg?

Up until now, the pickings have been slim, said local artist Darius Davis, who regularly drives out of the city for supplies.

But on Saturday, Davis plans to open Midtown Art Supplies to offer a range of artistic tools to those in the community. The products will be located in a section of L&L Beauty Supply on Reily Street.

“I thought it would be cool if there was a place closer,” Davis said. “I feel like Midtown is a great area with a lot of great art going on.”

Davis said that he will fill his shelves with watercolors, acrylics, oil paints, stencils, pencils, brushes, canvases, drawing pads and resin, among other items. He’s open to purchasing other products by request.

Vivi Sterste, owner of art studio Vivi on Verbeke, said that she’s excited to have a place in walking distance. Sometimes, she finds herself traveling to Mechanicsburg or Norristown for supplies.

“I think it’s a great idea,” she said. “It’s ingenious actually. He’s a spark of inspiration.”

Davis plans to sell some of his art, as well, including prints and apparel. He’s been into art since he was a kid, but started taking it more seriously as he’s gotten older. Davis has participated in pop-up shops at arts venue La Cultura and Steelton shops Fashion Empire and Mean Girl Style.

His opening at L&L Beauty will also be the shop’s opening after being closed for renovations. L&L Beauty, which sells haircare products, will feature new vendors as well, including a barber and natural hairstylist.

Davis said that he may expand his business in the future, but is starting out small to get a feel for how the community responds. So far, it’s all been positive.

“People are glad to hear there’s a place closer,” he said.

Midtown Art Supplies will be located in L&L Beauty Supply at 310 Reily St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit L&L Beauty Supply’s Facebook page.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Mayoral candidate Otto Banks stays in race; court decides that he lives in Harrisburg

March 25, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Mayoral candidate Otto Banks outside the Dauphin County Courthouse on Tuesday

Harrisburg mayoral candidate Otto Banks will remain on the ballot, winning a legal battle to prove his residency in the city.

On Thursday, Dauphin County Judge Andrew Dowling issued his decision on whether or not Banks lives in Harrisburg—a requirement to run for office—and decided he did.

“We are very pleased with the decision of the court and very glad Otto will have a chance to face voters of the city of Harrisburg,” Bank’s attorney John Bravacos said when reached by phone.

The petition against Banks was filed by city resident Joseph Wright earlier this month. On Tuesday, attorney Karen Balaban argued in a Dauphin County courtroom that Banks may have purchased his house at 1204 S. 19^th St. over a year before the coming general election on Nov. 2, but he hasn’t been residing there.

According to Dauphin County, Banks bought the Harrisburg house on Aug. 31 for $50,000. He stated that he moved in shortly afterward, even though he still owns his Swatara Township house, which he bought in February 2007.

One of Balaban’s main arguments was Banks’s low water, gas and electric usage, which all substantially decreased from the previous owner. However, Dowling wasn’t convinced, citing in his opinion, Banks’ testimony that he didn’t spend much time in his home during the day and often traveled to Colombia to visit his wife and son.

“We do not find the purportedly low utility bills to be persuasive or sufficient to overcome the presumption that the candidate lives where he said he lives,” Dowling wrote in the memorandum supporting his decision.

Balaban also sought to prove that Banks spent more time at his Swatara Township home on Hoffman Drive. But Dowling again supported Banks’ testimony that he sleeps and has most of his belongings in his Harrisburg home.

When reached by phone on Thursday evening, Balaban said she is reviewing the transcript and will decide if she wants to appeal the ruling. She has 10 days to file an appeal.

Banks said in court on Tuesday that he does still use his Swatara Township home as office space for his consulting company, Skyler Group LLC, and occasionally sleeps over if he is working late.

In the memorandum, Dowling noted that Banks applied for and was granted a homestead exemption, updated his voter registration, changed his bank account mailing address, updated his driver’s license and car registration and put in for a change of address at the post office, all to reflect his Harrisburg address.

“In conclusion, we find that the credible evidence shows that the candidate was both physically present at the city property, and clearly manifested an intent to make the city property his principal home, thus making it his residence for the purpose of qualifying as a candidate for the office of mayor of the City of Harrisburg,” Dowling stated.

Banks, a former city council member, is seeking the Democratic nomination for the mayor of Harrisburg. He joins incumbent Mayor Eric Papenfuse, City Council President Wanda Williams, businessman Dave Schankweiler and HMAC manager Kevyn Knox on the ballot for the May 18 primary.

Updated at 6:00 p.m. on 3-35-21 to include a statement from Balaban.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

March 25, 2021 | by Sara Bozich

If you’re looking for things to do this weekend around Harrisburg and central PA, I got you! Scroll down or use the menu links to find ideas for your weekend.

What’s inside:

For your weekend planning:
Are you on the email list?
Top Weekend Recs
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Like this content?

Need something NEW to do? Plum Bottom Grand Opening in Camp Hill (Don’t miss your chance to enter the $1,000 Raffle!). ZerØday (and its taqueria, La Catrina) is NOW OPEN. Make your Easter plans. There are also A LOT of Easter Egg hunts or similar if you have a small child in your life.

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

Things on my agenda this weekend: Market trip. Getting outside.

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

For your weekend planning:

15+ ideas for your Easter plans
#CVEats Instagram Guide
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

Are you on the email list?

Top Weekend Recs

Visit Plum Bottom to celebrate its grand opening. Bonus points for visiting neighbors + entering to WIN
2 Giveaways on the blog: Coffee + Honey Spritzer
Upgrade your bar cart with these local spirits + fave tools
Some ideas for self-care
Binge 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!

Thursday

The Obstructed View: Gays Talk Pets w/ Kristen Zellner at Open Stage (virtual)
Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra Conversation with the Maestro
Adventure Explorations Film Festival
Harrisburg Jewish Film Festival – Virtual Film Series
Wine & Chocolate Dinner: 90+ Point Wines at Harvest at The Hotel Hershey
Carriage House Boutique Spring Sip & Shop

Friday

Learn @ Lunch with The State Museum of Pennsylvania: State Museum Perspectives
Community Blood Drive at Best Western Premier The Central Hotel & Conference Center
Creekview Park Egg Scavenger Hunt
Popcorn Pop Up! at Midtown Cinema
Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra Archive Re-Release: October Masterworks
Harrisburg Jewish Film Festival – Virtual Film Series
SpringGate Arcona’s Champagne Bar reopens

Saturday

Plum Bottom’s Grand Opening in Camp Hill
RELEASE RADAR: Oaked Homestead at Upper Reach Meadery
Midtown Scholar Sidewalk Sale
Easter Egg Hunt at Adams Ricci Park
Mentored Youth Trout Day
Springtime Parent/Child Craft Class at Paulus Farm Market
The Vintage Vine HBG Planty Pop Up at The Fix Café
EASTER CRAFT & VENDOR EVENT IN THE PARK at Houck Park
Creekview Park Egg Scavenger Hunt
Community Easter Egg Hunt at The Cracked Pot Coffeehouse
Photos with the Easter Bunny at HERSHEY’s Chocolate World
Shakes for Speranza
Texas Roadhouse Community Blood Drive held at West Shore YMCA
Popcorn Pop Up! at Midtown Cinema
BWASE (B-Wasp) Business Popup Showcase at La Cultura
Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra March Masterworks
Harrisburg Jewish Film Festival – Virtual Film Series
Shrimp Band @ Newfangled
PrettyGirlzShop Pop-Up Shop

Sunday

Sarah’s Community Clean-up
Sunday Brunch To Go from The Circular at The Hotel Hershey
Creekview Park Egg Scavenger Hunt
Volunteer Day! | PAINT DAY at Open Stage
Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra March Masterworks
Harrisburg Jewish Film Festival – Virtual Film Series
BWASE (B-Wasp) Business Popup Showcase at La Cultura

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

Like this content?

Pennsylvania STEAM Academy plans to open in September after long battle with Harrisburg School District

March 24, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Midtown II Building

It appears to be full STEAM ahead for a new charter school, which plans to open this September in Harrisburg.

On Tuesday, the Pennsylvania STEAM Academy received approval from the state Charter School Appeal Board to open, even after the school’s initial application was denied by the Harrisburg school board early in 2019.

“It feels wonderful,” said Carolyn Dumaresq, chair of the academy’s board. “We are very excited to open.”

The charter school will be located at 1500 N. 3^rd St. in the Midtown II Academic Building, formerly the Evangelical Press Building and later part of the HACC Harrisburg campus. Dumaresq said that the school’s focus is providing education around the topics of science, technology, engineering, arts and math.

The school will begin by serving kindergarten through second-grade Harrisburg students, Dumaresq said. Each grade will have two classrooms with 20 students in each. The following school year, the charter will add two third-grade classrooms, expanding to add another grade each year until there are classrooms for up to eighth grade.

Currently, the Pennsylvania STEAM Academy is only open to Harrisburg city students. If there are too many applicants, students will be selected by a lottery system. If there are not enough, the school will open enrollment for students from surrounding districts.

Dumaresq believes that the charter academy will prepare students for high schools in Harrisburg, such as Harrisburg High School’s SciTech Campus.

Since yesterday, Dumaresq said that over 20 students have already applied.

As far as staff goes, the school has interviewed many teachers, and Dumaresq believes most of them are still interested.

“All of the things we need are in place. It’s just getting everything formalized,” she said. “Now the big thing is going out and recruiting students.”

The Pennsylvania STEAM Academy plans to open fully in-person while taking the recommended COVID-19 safety measures.

Since November 2018, school officials have worked to move the school towards operating. However, they faced opposition along the way.

After the Harrisburg school district denied the STEAM academy’s application, the charter school appealed the decision, collecting 1,844 signatures from supportive community members, well beyond the required 1,000. The school district, though, submitted an appeal to challenge those signatures.

On Tuesday, the state Department of Education’s Charter School Appeal Board rejected the district’s appeal, voting to allow the Pennsylvania STEAM Academy to open.

The Harrisburg school district later issued the following statement from its legal counsel, Allison Petersen of Levin Legal Group, P.C.

“The School District respectfully disagrees with the position taken by the State Charter School Appeal Board reflected in yesterday’s vote and believes CAB has erred in the outcome. The application for the Pennsylvania STEAM Academy Charter School and the associated record under review by the Appeal Board contain numerous deficiencies and grounds for denial of the application, including a failure to provide teaching staff for serving students with disabilities and English Learners. The School District is currently evaluating its next steps as a result of the outcome and cannot comment further at this time.”

The district’s Acting Superintendent Chris Celmer has been vocal in the past about what he sees as inequalities in funding for charter schools versus district schools. Most recently, he spoke out on the federal CARES Act money that was heading to charter schools, saying the distribution wasn’t equitable.

Fair funding for school districts has been an issue in the state for years, Celmer believes.

However, Dumaresq disagreed, saying that she wished the academy could have worked alongside the district.

“It’s sad. We thought we’d be able to work as partners,” she said. “That doesn’t seem to be a possibility now. We still have our hands out and are still willing to work together.”

Doug Neidich, CEO of GreenWorks Development, the owner of the Midtown II building, sees the Pennsylvania STEAM Academy as another way to serve children in the city.

“Yesterday was a great day for a lot of students in Harrisburg,” said Neidich.

Over the past 15 years, his company has undertaken several development projects in the immediate area, recently proposing a 150-unit apartment building for the corner of Reily and N. 4th streets, currently the site of a surface parking lot.

Neidich sees the STEAM academy as contributing to his goal of creating a “live, work, learn and play community.”

“This is really the perfect place to put a school like this,” he said. “Education is the only way that you fundamentally revitalize a city. This is going to be a cornerstone of not only Midtown, but of the entire city.”

For more information or to apply for the Pennsylvania STEAM Academy, visit www.pasteam.org.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Harrisburg moves toward leaving Act 47, supports regionalized bus system

March 24, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

A CAT bus in Harrisburg

Harrisburg took two substantial steps on Tuesday, moving the city closer to exiting Act 47 and to widening transportation services for the city and beyond.

At a virtual City Council legislative session, council members approved the creation of an OPEB Trust Fund to handle supplementary funds for retired city workers and their families’ healthcare benefits.

According to City Solicitor Neil Grover, this is a final piece of the Harrisburg Strong Plan, a years-long recovery plan that took shape after the city faced financial collapse in 2010.

“It was a recommended best practice for municipalities to start to create these trust funds to deal with long-term costs that were unfunded,” Grover explained on Tuesday.

The trust will begin with $3.3 million from the city and will be tasked with finding additional funding.

The trust’s board will consist of nine members, one from each of the city’s three unions, two appointed by the mayor, two by City Council and two by the state-appointed recovery coordinator for the city.

Also on Tuesday, council passed a resolution supporting the creation of a new partnership between Harrisburg-based Capital Area Transit (CAT) and York-based rabbittransit. The plan is for the two to merge into one Susquehanna Regional Transportation Authority, offering a standardized system and improved connections for riders.

Officials from the transportation authorities are seeking support from all the municipalities and counties affected by the merger before moving on with the process.

In other news, a development project at the “Carpets and Draperies” building, a longtime blighted former department store in Midtown Harrisburg can begin. City Council approved Harrisburg resident Nathaniel Foote’s land development plan.

Foote purchased the 4,800 square-foot building on March 10 for $180,000 from Schnecksville Pa.-based Mussani and Matz Co. He plans to renovate the building to include five two-bedroom apartments and a first-floor commercial space.

He said that he anticipates beginning work on the building with the next month or two and has already received inquiries from businesses about the commercial space.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Mayoral candidate Otto Banks fights to prove residency, remain on the ballot

March 23, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Otto Banks (front) and his attorney John Bravacos outside the Dauphin County Courthouse after their hearing

In court on Tuesday, mayoral candidate Otto Banks attempted to prove his residency in Harrisburg in a case that, if lost, would knock him out of the race.

On March 16, Harrisburg resident Joseph Wright filed a petition against Banks, challenging his qualification as a mayoral candidate. The case was taken up in the Dauphin County Courthouse on Tuesday, but Judge Andrew Dowling did not immediately issue a decision.

Wright’s attorney, Karen Balaban, argued that while Banks may have changed his address to 1204 S. 19^th St., Harrisburg, it’s not where he has been primarily living. Banks also owns a home on Hoffman Drive in Swatara Township.

“This is not a mere technicality,” Balaban said in court on Tuesday. “This is an absolute requirement that determines eligibility.”

According to Banks, he purchased the Harrisburg house in late August 2020, thereby meeting the requirement that a candidate must live in the city for at least a year before the general election, which is on Nov. 2. He did say that he still stays at his Swatara Township house, which he bought in 2007 and still owns, intermittently.

Balaban relied heavily on utility records to claim that Banks was not spending time in his Harrisburg home.

She used records from UGI Utilities to show that Banks had asked the company to not turn on natural gas service until Dec. 31.

Additionally, Nancy Kuhn a customer service manager at Capital Region Water, testified that, over the course of five months, records show that Banks’ water usage was zero. According to CRW, that could either mean that he used no water or that he used a very low amount, as the company’s meters only start recording at 1,000 gallons. Comparatively, Kuhn said a typical customer will use 1,800 gallons in one month. During those same months, she said that Banks was not receiving or paying water bills for his Harrisburg home.

Graph provided by Karen Balaban to show the decrease in Banks’ water usage compared to the previous owner of the S. 19th Street house.

“Changing his address doesn’t show he is using his address,” Balaban said.

Banks testified that he has intended to renovate the property, but that the COVID-19 pandemic has made following through on that difficult.

“The only thing I am guilty of today is investing in my house and raising property value in the community,” he said.

However, Ann Montgomery, deputy codes administrator for Harrisburg, said there have not been any building, electrical or plumbing permits issued to Banks’ Harrisburg property—some of which would have been required for the work he said he was having done.

Banks also attributed his low utility usage to the frequent traveling he does to Colombia, where his wife and son live. He also has a son who lives in Harrisburg.

Banks asserted that he intends to sell his Swatara Township home in the near future.

“I never really wanted that property, and I’m happy to sell that property,” he said. “I live in the city, that is where my home is.”

According to Banks, he uses his Swatara Township home as an office space for his consulting business, Skyler Group LLC, and occasionally stays the night. His son who lives in Harrisburg uses the house sometimes, as well, he said.

“He always returns to the property [in Harrisburg], and that’s the property he believes to be his home,” Banks’ attorney, John Bravacos, said.

After hours of hearing the case, Dowling adjourned the meeting.

Balaban suspects he will make a decision by the end of the week.

“We believe that is was a very fair hearing,” Banks said. “We are just looking forward to getting past this so we can continue to keep doing good work here in the community. Regardless of the outcome, Otto Banks is here to stay.”

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Mass vaccination clinic for Dauphin County residents will open at HACC on Tuesday

March 22, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

A mass vaccination clinic will open in HACC’s west end parking lot.

Potentially thousands of Dauphin County residents will receive the COVID-19 vaccine at a new drive-through site in the coming weeks.

County officials, along with representatives from UPMC and HACC, announced today that a mass vaccination clinic will open on Tuesday in a Harrisburg Area Community College parking lot.

“We are excited to have this clinic up and running and look forward to getting shots into the arms of so many Dauphin County residents,” Dauphin County Commissioner Mike Pries said.

The county first announced the clinic in late February, but at the time, did not have access to enough doses. According to Pries, there is still an issue on the supply end, but that gap is beginning to shrink, which allowed for the opening of the clinic this week.

A drive-through clinic will operate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday. Those who are eligible for the vaccine in phase 1A and live in Dauphin County, can register through UPMC’s website to set up an appointment. Vaccinations will only be given to those with appointments.

UPMC plans to administer 1,700 shots over the course of the two days, said Lou Baverso, HACC’s chief operating officer and president of its Central Region.

The clinic will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday of the following week, and UPMC hopes to increase its number of doses to 2,000 per day. From there, officials will continue to provide the vaccine, hopefully administering more doses each day for more days each week.

“We aim to meet people where they are and to vaccinate as many individuals as we possibly can with our available supply,” said Dr. John Goldman, VPMA and infectious disease specialist at UPMC Pinnacle.

Upon arrival at HACC’s west end parking lot, residents will drive through a path designated by traffic cones, Baverso said. Someone will meet them to verify their registration before they pull through one of several lanes under a large tent to receive the Moderna vaccine. They will then pull ahead and wait in their car for 15 minutes to make sure they have no adverse reaction. They will then need to schedule an appointment for 28 days later to receive a second shot.

UPMC has a waiting list of over 10,000 county residents already who will get appointments first, said Christina Persson, vice president of UPMC Pinnacle.

Once they vaccinate a significant number of county residents and have increased access to doses, Persson said they will open the clinic to surrounding counties.

“This is a huge step forward in putting this pandemic behind all of us,” Pries said. “There is light at the end of the tunnel.”

For more information or to register for a COVID-19 vaccine, visit https://vaccine.upmc.com/.

Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

What’s inside:

For your weekend planning:

Are you on the email list?

Top Weekend Recs

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Like this content?

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like