Police hopeful that new tech will help solve, deter crime in Harrisburg

October 27, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

LiveView Technology camera on N. 2nd Street

Police are hopeful that recent technology upgrades will aid in solving and preventing crimes.

Harrisburg Police Bureau officials told TheBurg at a press briefing on Monday that new tech has recently been introduced in the city, including cameras and license plate readers, thanks to state grants.

In 2022, the bureau was awarded over $3.3 million from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), with $2.2 million of that coming from the state’s Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program and the other $1.26 million from its Gun Violence Investigation & Prosecution Grant Program.

Nearly three years later, the city has recently put much of that money to use, purchasing mobile LiveView Technology (LVT) cameras and installing license plate readers throughout Harrisburg, along with other new electronics.

The new tech is all part of the bureau’s long-term plan to “blanket” the city in safety improvements, according to Deputy Chief Kenny Young.

Residents and city visitors may have noticed several large cameras flashing blue and fitted with solar panels for energy. One currently sits downtown on N. 2^nd Street, near Cranberry Street. Another is at 18^th and Regina streets. Harrisburg has three of these cameras that the city used on a trial basis over the summer and then purchased in September. The city plans to purchase two more, with one for the bureau and on for the public works department.

Young said that these cameras are meant to be seen and will hopefully deter crime in higher-crime areas. They can also be moved around to different hotspots in the city.

He shared that the police have already seen positive effects and noted that residents were upset when an LVT camera was slated to be moved from Hummel and Kittatinny streets because of how quiet the neighborhood had been.

Young said that downtown has seemed to stabilize a bit too, with no major incidents recently.

Additionally, 58 license plate readers have just recently gone live at 16 intersections around Harrisburg. The devices scan every license plate that goes through the areas, including the make and model of cars. The cameras inside the police officers’ cars will have LPR technology as well.

“They can be a tremendous tool,” said Lt. Kyle Gautsch, a bureau detective. “It definitely helps for investigations.”

The plate readers have already come in handy for the bureau, being used on recent investigations. Gautsch said that the bureau has also utilized neighboring municipalities’ plate readers in the past, which have proven crucial in solving cases.

They’re especially helpful when detectives lack eyewitnesses in a case, which is a common issue, Gautsch said.

“We have to rely on different technological advancements,” he said.

About 12 of the LPRs also have “overwatch” cameras attached, which offer video footage of cars traveling through intersections, rather than just the still image that regular LPRs provide.

The state grants also provided funds for safety tech that has gone directly to residents, such as doorbell cameras and porch lights. The bureau distributed free doorbell cameras to 133 homes in higher crime areas, which were all installed by August. These were accepted by residents voluntarily, without any requirement that residents provide footage to the bureau, officials said. The 400 porch lights are currently being distributed.

Both of the PCCD grants were extended through 2026 and also include funds for officer wellness, overtime payments for saturation details, Cellebrite technology—a digital forensic tool–and a 3-D crime scene mapping program.

Young said that the tech upgrades took time to install because the bureau had to find personnel to oversee the projects and because the bureau had to make some modifications to the grant projects.

Originally, the city planned to use some of the state funds to purchase gunshot detection technology. However, after deliberation, they decided that license plate readers and cameras were a more important first step. Gunshot detection helps quickly show police where a shooting originated, but without information on where suspects may have traveled, as gathered through LPRs, the gunshot detection is less helpful.

Young sees all of the bureau’s recent upgrades as phase one of his five-year vision for tech upgrades in Harrisburg. Next, he hopes to find grant money to fund the purchase of gunshot detection and surveillance cameras.

Young pointed to police bureaus in York and Allentown as examples of how cameras can help reduce crime.

Lehigh Valley News reported earlier this month that the number of homicides for the year is at a historic low in Allentown and that new camera technology was crucial in quick arrests following homicides.

In Harrisburg, officials are hopeful that their technology will do the same.

“We’re going to get a lot of use from them,” Gautsch said.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

October 24, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg and local officials ceremonially broke ground on the “Coronet Park” project downtown.

We want to take a second to thank our readers for your support. Whether you’ve been reading TheBurg since the beginning or just discovered us, we are thankful for you! Keep on reading below for our news coverage from this week.

Harristown Development Co. shared its plans for “Coronet Park,” our online story reported. The company will build a park for events and concerts in an empty lot just off Market Square on S. 2nd Street.

Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra is launching its 2025-26 season with a full schedule of concerts, our magazine story reported. There is something for all musical tastes in the Masterworks Series of shows, our writer says.

Lewis Butts Jr. announced his write-in campaign for mayor of Harrisburg, our story reported. Butts ran for the Democratic nomination in the primary, but was unsuccessful.

Midstate Shows announced its first show for the 2026 Dauphin County Live Concert Series, our online story reported. Alt-indie band Rainbow Kitten Surprise will take the stage in Riverfront Park on Sept. 15.

Midtown Cinema is showing “It Was Just an Accident,” by Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi this month. Find out more about the movie, in our column.

PennDOT announced that it had reopened the 29^th Street Bridge and would soon close the 19^th Street Bridge for reconstruction, our online story reported. The work on both Harrisburg bridges is part of the I-83 Capital Beltway project.

QuisQueya Grill & Delights recently opened in Harrisburg, with a store and neighboring food truck, our magazine story reported. The husband-and-wife team cook up Dominican and New York-style eats.

Rosemary’s one-pot roast chicken is the perfect fall dish. In her column, find the recipe for the easy, yet delicious meal.

Sara Bozich has compiled a list of all of this weekend’s top events, in her Weekend Roundup.

Voters in Harrisburg are still undecided on which mayoral candidate to vote for, our reporting found. Many told TheBurg that they didn’t plan to vote or didn’t know who the candidates were, while a few knew who they supported.

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!

Many Harrisburg voters are still undecided, disengaged in mayoral race

October 24, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Campaign signs on Verbeke Street.

With just over a week until election day in Harrisburg, many voters are still undecided over who they believe will make the best mayor.

At lunchtime on Thursday and Friday at the Broad Street Market, dozens of residents told TheBurg that they were either not voting or still needed to research the mayoral candidates before casting their ballot, while several others had their minds made up.

The municipal general election is on Nov. 4, when residents will decide on the city’s next chief executive. Incumbent Wanda Williams is the Democratic nominee and City Treasurer Dan Miller, a registered Democrat, is the Republican nominee. Resident Lewis Butts Jr. this week said that he would run a write-in campaign.

While a few people said that they would definitely vote for Williams or were set on Miller, many people didn’t even know who was running.

New York City-transplant Jobi said that she was engaged in politics in New York, and wants to vote in the upcoming election, but doesn’t know enough about either candidate.

Midtown resident Cody Goss, an independent, said he wished he were more up to date on the mayoral race, but admitted that he’s become skeptical of politicians.

“There’s a lot of political tiredness with young people,” he said. “I believe in voting, but do I believe it makes as much of a difference as I used to? Probably not.”

A few people said that they were leaning toward one candidate or another, even if they weren’t huge supporters.

“You’re never totally satisfied, but she’s done some good things,” Jackson Towers resident Madison Bond said of Williams.

One man, who asked to remain anonymous, said that he was leaning toward Miller, saying, “I think he’ll run the city well. I think he’s more transparent.”

Another woman, Brenda, said she’s a “Republican all the way” and planned to vote that way. However, she wasn’t aware that Miller was a registered Democrat. When told that information, she was initially unsure how to vote, but seemed to settle on Miller after expressing her dissatisfaction with Williams.

Williams faced off against Miller in the Democratic primary, along with several other candidates, but Miller lost to Williams by fewer than 100 votes. Miller did, however, gain enough Republican write-in votes to make him that party’s nominee, which he accepted. Miller has characterized the general election as a “runoff” between Williams and him.

At the Zeroday Outpost, one man said that he voted for city councilman Lamont Jones in the primary and would “probably go with Wanda” on election day. Sitting next to him, Charles Oakley, said, “I don’t mind Dan Miller.”

Resident Nolan Chambers said that he would vote for Miller, even as a former Williams supporter.

“I voted for her in previous elections, but I think the nepotism thing is too far,” he said, referring to a current court case in which a former public works director accused Williams of firing him for allegedly refusing to promote her son, a city employee.

Chambers also cited the rebuild of the Broad Street Market’s fire-damaged brick building as an important issue to him.

“It’s time for new leadership,” he said.

Another resident, Becky Wallace Cook, disagreed, saying Williams “knows more about our city. She knows everybody in the city.”

Still, voters like Wallace Cook and Chambers, who have decided on a candidate, were in the minority of people interviewed. Many said they were not interested in voting or were undecided.

One man, who chose to remain anonymous, has lived in Harrisburg for 32 years, but said that he hasn’t voted in a municipal election in recent years. He wants to see issues like crime, unemployment and economic development addressed, but hasn’t found a candidate who he feels would make a difference.

“When is there going to be somebody that cares about the community?” he asked.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Alt-indie band announced as first concert of next year’s Riverfront Park shows

October 23, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

A Dauphin County Live Concert Series show this past September

If the chilly air already has you ready for next summer, a September concert will give you something to look forward to.

Midstate Shows on Thursday announced its first show for the 2026 Dauphin County Live Concert Series in Riverfront Park as alt-indie band Rainbow Kitten Surprise.

The band will stop in Harrisburg to perform on Tuesday, Sept. 15 as part of its “bones” North American tour.

Rainbow Kitten Surprise released its first album, “SEVEN+MARY,” in 2013. Their most recent album, “bones,” debuted on Sept. 26.

Tickets for the show go on sale to the public on Friday, Oct. 31 at 10 a.m.

Midstate Shows organized the riverfront concert series for the first time this past summer, bringing artists and bands like Russell Dickerson, The Head and The Heart, and Damian “Jr. Gong” and Stephen Marley. Previously, Harrisburg University Presents hosted the concert series.

For more information on Midstate Shows and to purchase tickets, visit their website.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

October 23, 2025 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: Vampires & Vinyl at Tröegs is a new seasonally-themed event at the brewery.

Worth noting: Boneshire Brew Works celebrates 9(!!) years with a weekend-long party

Things on my agenda this weekend: Dinner at Visaggio’s (deets on IG), youth baseball (with a sidequest to get all the parents to Blue Sky after the game), begin hibernation-mode

🆕 Quick Weekend Links: Thursday • Friday • Saturday • Sunday

New + Noteworthy

you know, ICYMI

Coronet Park to open in early 2026. If you want to check it out, make sure you’re on my email list
Halloween cocktails to pair with your fave spooky movie
See what else you missed on the blog
and check out the new “Extras” section at the very bottom

Sara’s Top Picks

for the group chat

Add to calendar: Aortic Valve is back in Harrisburg on Nov. 21
💜 Join me for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Nov. 1!
SoMa Christmas Market returns on Nov. 30
📤 Share this with the friend who always asks, ‘What’s going on this weekend?’
👨‍💻 Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

Extras

Save the date for Plants + Pints 2026! Sunday, April 12 at Strawberry Square
Want to share an ‘extra’? Email Sara with interest!

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

As part of I-83 project, PennDOT opens reconstructed bridge, closes another for rebuild

October 22, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

29th Street Bridge (photo courtesy of PennDOT)

One Harrisburg bridge will reopen as another is set to close, as part of work on I-83.

PennDOT announced on Wednesday that the 29^th Street Bridge has reopened following a complete reconstruction, days before the 19^th Street Bridge is due to close for an estimated year-long rebuild.

Both bridges are part of the I-83 Capital Beltway Project, East Shore Section 3, which includes adding lanes to the highway, replacing bridges, and other work.

The 29^th Street Bridge closed last July and was then demolished and replaced. PennDOT will now undertake a similar process at the 19^th Street Bridge, which will close on the night of Oct. 26. The closure will extend from Paxton Street to Greenwood Street, and includes the ramp from northbound I-83 to 19^th Street. The ramp from 19^th Street to northbound I-83 closed in August and will remain closed until work is complete.

PennDOT will have long-term detours in place, which can be found on their website.

The 19^th Street Bridge is slated to reopen in October 2026, with the ramps expected to reopen in spring 2027.

The updated 29^th Street Bridge is a three-span structure that includes two 11-foot travel lanes, sidewalks and a shared use lane for bikes and pedestrians protected by a concrete barrier.

For more information on the I-83 Capital Beltway Project, visit their website.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

New Pure Water Technology Facility Will Elevate Innovation, Operational Efficiency, and Customer Service

October 22, 2025 | by Admin

Pure Water Technology, a leading provider of workplace water purification and ice solutions, is thrilled to announce its new Lancaster, Pennsylvania facility and expansion of its operations. The company’s growing customer base across Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware will benefit from this initiative as it will enhance Pure Water Technology’s already renowned customer support, product availability, delivery efficiency, and responsive service.

Pure Water Technology has made a significant investment in the new 24,000-square-foot facility at 1140 Corporate Blvd, Lancaster, PA 19601. The facility houses a 5,000-square-foot office space, a 3,000-square-foot production area dedicated to reconditioning and testing water purification systems, and a 16,000-square-foot warehouse equipped with two docks to optimize inventory management.

“We’re excited about how our new building will enable us to do more for our existing clients and serve more customers. It will significantly streamline our workflows, increase our production capacity, and boost our distribution efficiency,” said John Burkholder, Pure Water Technology’s owner and president. “It’s all about providing our customers with the most exceptional service possible. We look forward to leveraging our new facility to strengthen our long-standing focus on innovation and customer satisfaction.”

Pure Water Technology, one of the few companies providing “point of use” water purification systems and ice makers exclusively to commercial clients in its four-state region, the new facility is now open. For more information about the company and its range of products and services designed to meet businesses’ unique water purification and ice needs, visit the Pure Water Technology website: purewaterpa.com.

Pure Water Technology of Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland is a family-owned company providing advanced water purification and ice solutions to businesses throughout the region. Established in 2005, the company specializes in bottleless water purification systems, ice machines, coffee systems, sparkling water dispensers, and air purification units.

Headquarters
1140 Corporate Blvd.
Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone: 717-584-8591

Sponsored Content

Lewis Butts launches write-in campaign for Harrisburg mayor after unsuccessful primary bid

October 21, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Lewis Butts. Screenshot from the ABC27 mayoral debate in April.

A Democrat who lost in Harrisburg’s primary race for mayor has launched a write-in campaign.

City native Lewis Butts Jr. announced his candidacy on Tuesday, asking for residents to write in his name on the November ballot.

“I’ll measure leadership by what your family can feel—safer walks, faster permits, cleaner streets—and I’ll post the proof every Friday,” Butts said in a press release.

Butts was one of several Democrats vying for the mayoral nomination in May, but ultimately lost by a landslide, winning just 90 votes compared to 1,725 votes for incumbent Wanda Williams.

Williams’ name will appear on the ballot along with Republican candidate and City Treasurer Dan Miller, a Democrat who ran for his party’s nomination in the primary. Miller lost to Williams by a slim margin, but won the Republican nomination through write-in votes.

Butts is offering his candidacy as a third option, saying calling himself the “true alternative from common complacency.”

Butts said that he was open to debating Williams and Miller. Miller has previously said that he has asked Williams to debate him and she has not obliged.

Butts’ platform includes building a “Harrisburg International Aquarium,” using energy from the Susquehanna River to generate revenue, cleaning up blight and establishing city-wide WiFi.

In his release, Butts characterized himself as a “perennial candidate.” He has run for mayor unsuccessfully several times before. He also noted that he is a U.S. Navy veteran and a “faith-guided community activist.”

For more information, visit Lewis Butts’ campaign website.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

The College Student’s Guide to Finding the Perfect PA University Housing

October 21, 2025 | by Admin

The right living arrangement can make your college experience even better than you imagined. Fortunately, central Pennsylvania students can find available rentals that help them thrive in school and maintain a spirited social life.

Whether you need a fully furnished room or roommate matching services, the perfect student housing opportunity is within arm’s reach.

Choosing the Best Student Housing Near Pennsylvania Universities

Several property management companies provide student housing to those attending a Pennsylvania college or university. Consider the following criteria to select the most suitable living arrangements:

Proximity: How close is it to your school, and can you walk, drive or take public transportation?
Budget: What is the maximum rent you can afford, including utilities and cost of living expenses?
Housing type: Do you prefer on-campus or off-campus living? Are you willing to share a room, or do you want a private space?
Amenities: What are must-have amenities — for instance, internet, parking, laundry and a kitchen? Is a gym or social events a nice-to-have amenity or essential?
Lifestyle: Do you need a quiet living environment for studying or want a lively place for socializing? Should it be close to shopping, restaurants and entertainment?

You can begin searching for student housing on your university website, online housing platforms and local property management company websites. There may also be listings on social media or university forums. Map tools can give you a visual representation of the neighborhood and the proximity of potential housing to the campus.

Create a spreadsheet with your list of criteria to compare availability, read reviews and schedule tours of the top contenders.

Where Can You Find Student Housing Near Pennsylvania Universities?

The Harrisburg area is home to some of Pennsylvania’s top colleges and universities, giving students plenty of options. Depending on your school, the following property management companies may have the perfect availability.

1. Property Management Inc. – Harrisburg University, Penn State, and Kutztown University

Property Management Inc. (PMI) provides student housing near Pennsylvania universities, including Harrisburg University, Penn State and Kutztown University. Its experts can help you find a comfortable space to balance academic excellence and socialization. Whether you want a studio, one-bedroom apartment or a larger home to house several roommates, PMI has numerous accommodations for your budget.

State College properties like Americana House, Foster Arms and Blue Course Commons offer high-speed internet, fitness centers and study areas to enhance the college experience. Meanwhile, Kutztown Crashpads has a campus shuttle service and tenant parking behind the building. Although you must pay for your own electricity and internet, your lease includes water, sewer and trash pickup.

Key features:

Rentals near Harrisburg University
Studios and multibedroom accommodations
Fully furnished options
Available housing with pet policies

2. Eagle Point Management – Kutztown University

Kutztown students might consider Eagle Point Management when searching for off-campus housing. Explore 26 properties and 77 floor plans to find the most suitable accommodations, whether renting by the bed or searching for a place with multiple bedrooms.

Eagle Point’s options include utilities, free laundry and high-speed internet, and many places come fully furnished. You can also find pet-friendly housing and take advantage of its roommate matching services and free resident parking. Its properties are ideal for those without a car, as many are within walking distance of the school. It also provides emergency maintenance and snow removal.

Key features:

Free laundry and resident parking
Emergency maintenance and snow removal
Walking distance to the school
Roommate matching

3. The Apartment Store – Penn State

The Apartment Store manages over 25 properties for Penn State University, enabling you to easily walk to campus, create roots on the outskirts of town, share a space with your closest friends or opt for a private escape. Filter options within your budget and choose between furnished and unfurnished locations in State College. You can also designate whether you need assistance finding a roommate

Those attending college near Indiana and Altoona can also find housing availability on the website. Ask the friendly Apartment Store team about on-site laundry facilities, pet-friendly apartments and updated finishes to satisfy your lifestyle. Some locations also have fitness centers, tenant parking and social events.

Key features:

Properties in State College, Altoona and Indiana
Walking distance to Penn State
Roommate matching
Graduate student and professional housing

What to Ask Before Signing a Lease

Before signing a lease for student housing, you should always ask a property manager the following questions:

What is the total monthly rent, including utilities, internet and parking?
What are the lease term’s start and end dates?
What is the security deposit, and what are the conditions for its return?
What are the penalties for late rent payments?
Are furniture and appliances included?
Is there a guest and pet policy?
Is 24-hour emergency maintenance available?
Do you offer roommate matching services?

Always ask to see the lease agreement in writing before signing the dotted line, and ensure everything matches what they told you.

Essential Documents for Student Housing

Those seeking off-campus student housing near Pennsylvania universities will likely need these essential documents:

Photo identification, such as a driver’s license, passport or government-issued ID card
Proof of income, including bank statements or financial aid award letters
Student status or enrollment verification
Credit history
Social Security number
Guarantor information, if your parents or another qualified individual is helping you pay

The required documentation may vary depending on the property management company, so it is important to ask exactly what each needs from you.

Enjoy College Life With Comfortable Housing

Pennsylvania’s colleges will set you up for success, while property management companies in the Harrisburg area can ensure comfortable living arrangements for an enjoyable college experience. Decide what you need to set roots and look for suitable student housing availability near your campus.

Sponsored Content

New park, event space to be created in downtown Harrisburg

October 20, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda

A rendering of Coronet Park (By Design Consultants)

A new park is being developed in downtown Harrisburg, with a groundbreaking slated for Tuesday.

Harristown Development Co. stated on Monday that it plans to build “Coronet Park” in an empty lot just off Market Square on S. 2nd Street.

The park will occupy about 3,300 square feet of space with a stage, seating, pavers, planters and other amenities. The park is being designed to host live music and other events and activities.

Harristown will hold an official groundbreaking at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, with construction expected to take several months.

The park’s name derives from the former Coronet Restaurant, which long occupied the first floor of a small commercial building that once stood on the parcel. The restaurant burned in a fire in the early 1990s, and the building was largely vacated.

Harrisburg-based Harristown bought the building in 2017, razing it and planning to construct a six-story office building on the site. However, the pandemic and the downturn in the office market quashed that plan, leading the company to consider other uses.

In 2018, Harristown received a $1 million state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant for the site, which now will be used for the park project, according to the company.

Harristown also owns the building next door, redeveloping it as the Menaker apartment building, which opened in 2022. The first floor of that building is currently under renovation as the newest location of Denim Coffee Co., expected to open in early 2026, according to Harristown.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find ⤵️

🆕 Quick Weekend Links: Thursday • Friday • Saturday • Sunday

New + Noteworthy

Sara’s Top Picks

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Extras

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

Choosing the Best Student Housing Near Pennsylvania Universities

Where Can You Find Student Housing Near Pennsylvania Universities?

1. Property Management Inc. – Harrisburg University, Penn State, and Kutztown University

2. Eagle Point Management – Kutztown University

3. The Apartment Store – Penn State

What to Ask Before Signing a Lease

Essential Documents for Student Housing

Enjoy College Life With Comfortable Housing

You May Also Like

You May Also Like