Neighborhood groups urge civility, ask residents to think before calling police for non-emergencies

December 18, 2020 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

A row of houses in Midtown

Harrisburg neighborhood groups are hoping that during a time of national division, there will be local civility.

Nine neighborhood and community organizations have signed and posted on social media a letter to Harrisburg residents, asking them to consider refraining from calling the police on their neighbors for non-emergency situations.

“The idea is that people might try other solutions rather than dialing the police for minor things,” said Annie Hughes, president of Friends of Midtown.

The Midtown Action Council spearheaded the effort, building off of letters neighborhood groups published in past months, such as in Shipoke and Midtown.

Hughes referenced a recent incident when police responded to a noise complaint in Shipoke. The situation quickly escalated and ended with a resident’s arrest.

“We were trying to think, what can we do to draw peoples’ awareness towards the impact of calling the police,” Hughes said.

In the letter, organizations like Friends of Midtown, South Allison Hill Homeowners and Residents Association, Shipoke Neighborhood Association and Capitol Area Neighbors, among others, urged the community to get to know their neighbors. They said that building relationships can help so that, when there is conflict, residents can discuss it and resolve it themselves.

“Including the police in non-emergencies not only drains essential community resources, it can further escalate conflict or even lead to harmful outcomes,” the letter reads.

Beck Joyner, of Camp Curtin Neighborhoods United, said this can be especially harmful for Black people who may be treated unfairly by the police.

“Calling the police, in particular on African Americans, can lead to them being hurt or bullied,” she said. “It’s disgraceful.”

Additionally, Hughes said calling 9-1-1 for non-emergency issues takes away police resources for emergency situations.

For disputes that cannot be resolved between neighbors, the letter suggests contacting a local neighborhood organization, Neighborhood Dispute Services, a local mediation center, or calling the city Helpdesk at 3-1-1 for city service or code issues.

Hughes hopes that neighborhood groups can continue providing resources, such as these to residents more frequently.

“This isn’t the end-all solution,” Hughes said. “It’s the beginning.”

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

December 18, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley Gittens

A sign on N. 3rd and Kelker streets.

Mother nature didn’t disappoint this week, as Harrisburg saw a thick snow cover the city. If you missed out on this week’s news while shoveling or throwing snowballs, catch up on the top stories, below.

Bob’s Art Blog takes readers back to the first art show of 2020. Bob reflects on a painting that almost seemed to see the future of what was to come in 2020. Read more about artists Garrick Dorsett and Zack Rudy, aka The Huckle Buckle Boys, and their painting, here.

The Christmas Spirit Lights Show in Lancaster may be the perfect way to enjoy COVID-safe holiday fun. Our magazine article tells the story of the husband-wife team behind the show and how they continue to grow it each year.

New COVID-19 diagnoses leveled off in Pennsylvania over the past week with an average of 9,803 new cases per day. For numbers on the county level, check out our weekly pandemic reporting.

David Black, president and CEO of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, announced his plan to retire, our online story reported. After two decades, the business organization is launching a nationwide search for a new president.

An eviction moratorium was extended to Harrisburg by City Council on Monday. The declaration bans evictions for non-payment of rent or lease expiration for 30 days, our online story reported.

Fashion Empire, a boutique in Steelton, provides a window into the fashion scene in the Harrisburg area. Read our magazine story to hear from owners Tia Wise and Ebone Turner on how they got drawn into this world of style.

Harrisburg’s 2021 budget was passed by City Council on Monday, our online story reported. It includes an increased police budget with new bureau positions.

Harrisburg area home sales and prices were up again in November, our reporting found. Last month, 728 houses sold compared to 581 in the year-ago period, while the median sales price jumped to $215,000 from $180,000 for the three-county region.

Harrisburg University announced on Friday that it has launched a new research center for the study of e-sports, our online story reported. The center will evaluate the evolution of the e-sports industry, as well as its impact and benefits.

The Kline Library in Harrisburg decided to close for a week after one of its employees tested positive for the coronavirus, our online story reported. According to the Dauphin County Library System, the employee did not catch the virus while at work.

Three local volunteers were dubbed the “Carlisle Citizens Who Care” for their effort to help the homeless in the Harrisburg area. Our magazine story tells of the passion that connects these friends and motivates them to make a change in their community.

Sara Bozich has some weekend recommendations for you, whether you’re braving the cold or staying in. Check out her list of winter fun ideas, here.

Wine columnist Steve Juliana has some Christmas recommendations for the wine lover on your list. Read about his top picks, here.

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New coronavirus cases relatively stable over past week in PA; fatalities continue to increase

December 18, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

COVID-19 cases and tests, over time. Source: PA Department of Health

New COVID-19 diagnoses leveled off in Pennsylvania over the past week, though fatalities continued to rise sharply.

Since last Friday, the commonwealth recorded an average of 9,803 new cases per day, according to the state Department of Health.

This compares to an average of 10,204 new daily cases last week and 7,855, 6,429, 5,914 and 4,348 new cases per day for the prior four weeks, respectively. Until this past week, the average weekly case rate had been generally rising since late September.

The department also reports that testing has increased substantially over this time (see chart).

Locally, diagnosed cases are now as follows since the pandemic began:

Adams County: 3,406 cases (prior Friday, 2,792)
Cumberland County: 8,555 cases (prior Friday, 7,182)
Dauphin County: 11,780 cases (prior Friday, 10,133)
Franklin County: 7,293 cases (prior Friday, 6,229)
Lancaster County: 23,951 cases (prior Friday, 21,192)
Lebanon County: 7,469 cases (prior Friday, 6,613)
Perry County: 1,283 cases (prior Friday, 1,018)
York County: 19,039 cases (prior Friday, 15,879)

Today, the department reported 9,320 newly positive cases throughout Pennsylvania for the past 24 hours ending at midnight. The positivity rate statewide now stands at 16.2%, compared to 14.4% and 11.7% for the two weeks prior.

With today’s update, 538,655 Pennsylvanians have now been diagnosed with the coronavirus, an increase of 68,621 over the past week, according to the health department. Active cases number 212,880. Currently, 6,209 people are hospitalized in PA with coronavirus, compared to 5,852 last Friday, and 1,246 of those patients are in intensive care.

Statewide, Philadelphia County continues to have the most confirmed cases with 79,971 total cases. Allegheny County ranks second with 44,684 cases, and Montgomery County is third statewide with 30,755 cases.

While new cases numbers leveled off somewhat this past week, fatalities from the disease continued to rise.

The health department today reported an additional 1,373 deaths since last Friday, meaning that 13,608 Pennsylvanians have died from the disease since March. Fatalities totaled 1,122, 879, 595 and 465 over the prior four weeks, respectively.

Around central PA, COVID-19 fatalities now stand as follows since the pandemic began:

Adams County: 61 deaths (prior Friday, 53)
Cumberland County: 245 deaths (prior Friday, 207)
Dauphin County: 269 deaths (prior Friday, 235)
Franklin County: 180 deaths (prior Friday, 158)
Lancaster County: 648 deaths (prior Friday, 582)
Lebanon County: 138 deaths (prior Friday, 128)
Perry County: 21 deaths (prior Friday, 16)
York County: 327 deaths (prior Friday, 287)

PA nursing homes and personal care facilities have been particularly hard hit by the virus. Of total deaths, 8,047, or 59.1%, have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities, according to the health department.

In nursing and personal care homes, there have been 46,545 resident cases of COVID-19, and 8,514 cases among employees, for a total of 55,059 at 1,421 distinct facilities in all 67 counties, according to the health department.

In addition, about 17,480 of total cases in PA are in health care workers.

Statewide, 3,657,529 individuals have had coronavirus tests, with 3,118,874 people testing negative, according to the state health department. Last Friday, the state reported that 3,479,544 people had been tested for the virus.

The state reports a total of 6,677,733 PCR tests, which includes many people, such as health care workers, who have been tested more than once.

The health department continued to emphasize that Pennsylvanians should do the following:

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
Clean surfaces frequently.
Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
Wear a mask whenever out of your house.

For more information, visit the PA Department of Health’s COVID-19 website.

Currently, we are providing a COVID-19 update weekly, each Friday, or as breaking news warrants.

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Harrisburg U launches new center for the study of e-sports

December 18, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Harrisburg University’s main building on Market Street

Harrisburg University announced today that it has launched a new research center devoted to the study of e-sports.

The Center for Applied Research in Esports is housed in the university’s downtown campus and will evaluate the evolution of the e-sports industry, as well as its impact and benefits, according to HU.

“The center will serve as a hub for interdisciplinary research surrounding an industry that continues to experience tremendous growth,” said HU President Dr. Eric Darr. “Professors, students, industry experts and more will collaborate on research to understand the social impact, the shape and role of the industry, and the economic and educational opportunities e-sports offers going forward.”

In 2018, HU launched its own e-sports team, the HU Storm, which subsequently has won numerous national and international championships.

The center is headed by Charles Palmer, who leads HU’s Esports, Management and Production program.

Palmer and other professors will work with students, gaming companies and others to conduct research centered on e-sports, health and performance, career and educational advancement opportunities and issues surrounding social equity within the e-sports industry, stated HU.

Already, the center has partnered with Brown University on an e-sports health and brain science study, Palmer said.

“Since e-sports research is in its infancy, we have decided to focus on three primary areas: the health and performance of athletes, potential for professional advancement, and issues pertaining to equality, diversity, and community engagement,” Palmer said.

For more information about Harrisburg, visit their website.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

December 17, 2020 | by Sara Bozich

If you’re looking for things to do this weekend around Harrisburg and central PA, we have some below, most of which are virtual or outdoor only. Things on my agenda this weekend: cleaning, planning holiday food, grabbing last-min gifts, and wrapping. Don’t forget to support your local brewery! Click here to find one near you. Looking to gather with your “pod” this winter? Ad Lib Craft Kitchen and the Hilton are offering small gatherings as their “Pod Package.” Learn more here.

For your weekend planning:

Below are ample options for your weekend.

Weekend roundup | Things to do in Harrisburg and Central PA

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Top Weekend Recs

Plan your holiday feast with RG Hummer
Book a massage, give a massage at Polished Spa & Salon
Get wine delivered to your door with WTSO (not a club! Discount with code BOZICH!)
Give an outdoor experience this holiday with Adventure Explorations
Upgrade your mise en place with Mangia Qui Pantry Pick-up
The perfect gift for your favorite home cook.
Gifts for everyone (plus dinner) at Arooga’s
Drink Boneshire Holiday Reserve IPA
Drink PA cider! Ploughman Cider delivers to your door.
Binge Poured in PA: The Series
Shop online with Meeka Fine Jewelry.

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.

Harrisburg temporarily bans evictions, moratorium to continue for another month

December 15, 2020 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

A sign on N. 3rd and Kelker streets.

Harrisburg residents facing eviction are safe for another month to remain in their homes.

At a legislative session on Monday, City Council voted 6-0 to approve a bill issuing a moratorium on evictions in Harrisburg. Council member Westburn Majors recused himself from the vote, due to a conflict of interest.

“I can breathe a sigh of relief going into the holiday knowing we are protecting our residents,” council member Danielle Bowers said.

City officials found that there would likely be hundreds of people facing eviction in the coming weeks, with not nearly enough shelter space available during the pandemic, city Solicitor Neil Grover explained. This could pose a danger both for newly homeless residents and for everyone else, as COVID cases continue to climb in Dauphin County, he said.

Currently, a moratorium from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control is in effect through Dec. 31, but the federal government has not yet released a plan to extend the declaration.

Harrisburg’s halt on evictions fills the gap for now, extending for 30 days into mid-January. The city may then choose to renew it for another 30 days if needed.

The bill states that no resident can be evicted for non-payment of rent or lease expiration.

Greater Harrisburg Tenants United, an advocacy group, believes that the legislation, focused on non-payment and lease expiration, leaves loopholes that still could lead to evictions.

“That opens the door to all kinds of petty technicalities that a landlord could deploy to terminate a lease and evict a tenant,” said Caleb Cossick, a member of GHTU, in a public comment on Monday.

Grover said that city enforcement officers will oversee compliance with the legislation, with the power to fine non-complying landlords up to $10,000 or 90 days in jail.

“The idea is to essentially make noncompliance something very unattractive,” he said. “We have essentially criminalized the violation.”

However, Grover did say that the ordinance does not take away landlords’ right to be paid, and they will need to receive payment once the moratorium or string of moratoriums ends. They may also still file for a court hearing, although lockout of a resident is banned.

Council member Ausha Green expressed concern for what will happen once the moratorium expires and tenants must pay their debts.

Grover said that, through state law, landlords are allowed to garnish tenants’ wages, meaning take owed rent directly from paychecks.

“I would say this solves the most immediate problem, but it doesn’t solve the other large problems that are being caused by the pandemic,” he said.

Grover added that, going forward, he hopes that the city, state or federal government will be able to offer landlord assistance.

Additionally, the bill does not apply to properly registered hotels and motels. It does apply to some rooming and boarding houses.

“The city is serious in our intentions,” Grover said. “We are not going to continue or start evictions in the middle of what is a dire situation.”

To watch past Harrisburg City Council meetings, visit the city’s YouTube channel.

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Harrisburg’s 2021 budget passes, includes new Police Bureau positions

December 14, 2020 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Screenshot from the City Council legislative session.

Harrisburg approved a 2021 budget on Monday night, but not before making amendments to Police Bureau spending and personnel.

During a virtual legislative session, City Council approved a $79.2 million general fund budget, which does not include a property tax hike. The budget passed 6-0, with council member Shamaine Daniels not in attendance.

The budget utilizes about $15 million of the city’s large reserve fund balance, which will draw down that accumulated savings to $10.2 million by the end of 2021. The money will be used to add several positions, especially in the Police Bureau, and to pay down debt.

In budget hearings, a significant increase to the Police Bureau budget has been the most discussed of the many budget items and the one that faced amendments on Monday.

“The funding of public safety is so important,” council member Ben Allatt said. “You can’t put a value on the fact that we need to have effective public safety.”

Included in the budget is funding for seven new civilian positions within the community services division. These “community service aides” will assist police officers with “quality of life” issues and work to improve relations with the community, Papenfuse said.

Originally, 12 aides were proposed, but after receiving comments from residents concerned about the positions, council decided it would be best to give the program a trial run for 2021 and, therefore, reduced the number of positions.

In public comments, some residents stated that they didn’t want to see extra funding go towards the bureau at all, saying that’s not what the city needs.

“There are so many pressing needs in Harrisburg right now,” one resident said on Monday night. “More policing funding does not provide houses, food, education, medicine or security. More cops and more money for cops does not make communities safer.”

An additional amendment was passed 4-2 to remove the community policing coordinator position from the budget. This position is currently filled by Blake Lynch, but he will be promoted in the coming year to director of community relations and engagement, leaving his current job open. Council member Westburn Majors said that he believes the community service aides can take on the responsibilities of the coordinator position.

“To me, that could be seven heads being able to do a job that we had one individual doing,” he said.

However, Papenfuse said he did not support that amendment and that council “jeopardized the entire transition that we’ve proposed for community services.”

Council also passed an amendment to raise the city communication manager’s salary from about $66,900 per year to $68,000 per year.

Monday’s meeting was the final council session of the year, unless a special meeting is called before year-end.

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Harrisburg offers free garage parking for residents due to expected storm

December 14, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Reily Street in Harrisburg during the blizzard of January 2016

The mid-week weather forecast calls for snow—and lots of it—prompting Harrisburg to make arrangements for resident parking.

City residents will be able to park for free in the Locust Street Garage, 214 Locust St., beginning at noon on Wednesday and continuing through the afternoon of Thursday, according to the city.

This action was taken so that residents are able to clear snow emergency routes of vehicles and to allow for easier passage of snowplows.

In addition, the city is urging residents to park as closely to the curb as possible and away from intersections to make room for plows.

The Department of Public Works is expected to deploy 16 trucks to help keep major roads clear, according to the city. Mayor Eric Papenfuse is also encouraging people not to drive if conditions become hazardous.

Harrisburg is currently under a Winter Storm Watch beginning Wednesday morning and lasting through Thursday morning. According to the National Weather Service, more than a foot of snow is possible during this time.

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Kline Library closes after employee tests positive for COVID-19

December 14, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

The Kline Library in Harrisburg

The Kline Library has closed for a week after one of its employees tested positive for the coronavirus.

The Dauphin County Library System made the announcement late today, describing it as a precautionary measure.

Currently, all six of the library’s staff members are in quarantine due to the one positive case, according to DCLS.

“In addition to the safety precautions we take at all our libraries, interactions between the public and staff are almost always less than 15 minutes,” said Karen Cullings, DCLS executive director. “Because public interactions are brief, and we adhere to strict protection and social distancing guidelines, we believe the chance that our staff member spread the virus to either co-workers or the public is slight.”

According to DCLS, the employee did not catch the virus while at work.

The library is slated to reopen next week.

The system’s other libraries will remain open, though patrons are asked to limit visits to under an hour and to use curbside pickup when checking out materials.

Also, the library system is no longer waiving indoor mask-wearing requirements for medical reasons. Members who cannot wear masks can either order materials online or call ahead and arrange “curbside pickup” of their books and other items, according to DCLS. All locations have masks available for those who need them.

“Many in our community rely on us for internet and computer access and other services,” Cullings said. “We are committed to meeting the public’s needs in a safe way that follows all state and federal guidelines.”

For more information, visit www.dcls.org.

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Harrisburg area home sales, prices jump again in November

December 14, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

A house under contract in Harrisburg

Home sales and prices were up in the Harrisburg area last month, continuing a months-long trend.

In November, 728 houses sold compared to 581 in the year-ago period, while the median sales price jumped to $215,000 from $180,000 for the three-county region, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, GHAR reported that 353 housing units sold in November versus 280 the year before, while the median price increased to $185,750 compared to $162,000.

In Cumberland County, sales rose to 327 homes from 244 a year ago, with the median price rising to $238,000 versus $195,500 in November 2019, GHAR stated.

Perry County saw a one-unit increase to 36 houses in November, though the median sales price dipped to $165,000 from $185,000 a year earlier.

Houses were also selling much faster this year, as GHAR reported that the average “days on market” fell to 26 days compared to 46 days in November 2019.

Home sales and prices in the Harrisburg area have been strong all year long, especially since pandemic-related restrictions were lifted on the industry in May.

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