Which Pro Sports Teams in Philadelphia Have the Best Chance of Winning Pennsylvania’s Next Championships?

August 11, 2025 | by Admin

The Philadelphia Eagles will enter the 2025 NFL regular season as the defending Super Bowl champs. But are they the pro sports team in Pennsylvania most likely to win the state’s next coveted title?

This is a question we have endeavored to answer. And we will be using odds from the best Pennsylvania sports betting apps to rank the championship chances of the state’s five main pro teams: The Eagles (NFL), Philadelphia Phillies (MLB), Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), Philadelphia Flyers (NHL) and the Philadelphia Union (MLS).

For reference, we will be working with the lines for the currently ongoing seasons in Major League Soccer and Major League Baseball. Meanwhile, for the Eagles, Sixers and Flyers, we will be using the odds to win it all for the upcoming regular seasons, which will tip off in September (Eagles) and October (Sixers, Flyers) of this year.

Philadelphia Eagles (+750)

Given the parity in the NFL, this is actually an impressive feat by the Eagles. They are not the team most favored to win the Super Bowl. That honor belongs to the Baltimore Ravens (+650). But they remain the favorites to emerge from a wildly shallow NFC conference, and they are also the third-most favored team overall, trailing only Baltimore and the Buffalo Bills (+700).

Of course, while Philly benefits from playing in the NFL’s weaker conference, this isn’t the only reason the reigning champs are receiving so much public action. They also happen to be just flat-out great.

In fact, ESPN’s NFL staff writers recently ranked the Eagles as having the second-best rotation in the entire league. Their case is rather obvious, too.

Philadelphia is returning a lion’s share of their most important defenders, continue to have Jalen Hurts to soak up QB1 duties and still employ an offensive tackle carousel that’s the envy of the rest of the planet.

It is nevertheless a little shocking to see them with such a comfortable lead on the top spot among Philly’s pro sports squads. Then again, this is the type of bump you get when you have made three Super Bowls, winning two of them, in the span of less than a decade.

Philadelphia Union (+850)

Though the Philadelphia Union are among the pro franchises to have never won an MLS Cup, that could change in the near term.

Sure, oddsmakers continue to give advantages to Inter Miami CF (+410) and FC Cincinnati (+700), but the Union are right there. Entering August, in fact, they have Major League Soccer’s largest goal differential, thanks in large part to the scoring exploits of Tai Baribo and an otherwise evenly distributed offensive attack.

It does appear that the lack of a second go-to goal-getter holds them back in the championship pecking order, but despite what the odds might say about Inter Miami CF, it’s tough to find a squad more equipped to win The Cup, aside from perhaps FC Cincinnati.

Philadelphia Phillies (+950)

A third straight 90-win regular season appears to be in the cards for the Phillies. And with it will come their fourth consecutive cameo in the MLB playoffs, giving this era ownership over the second-longest postseason streak in franchise history.

While many have expressed concern over some of the Phillies’ offensive vitals, they have the fourth highest on-base percentage in all of baseball. Plus, when you have a pitching rotation as dominant as theirs from start to finish, you don’t need to overwhelm the competition from the more glamorous side of the plate.

The proof is MLB’s World Series odds. A 9.5-to-1 shot at bagging the title may not seem like much, but as things currently stand, the New York Mets (+900) and Los Angeles Dodgers (+220) are the only clubs laying better odds to win it all.

Philadelphia 76ers (+3600)

Depending on how healthy they are, the Sixers can look like the absolute favorites to win an NBA title—not to mention the next pro sports championship for the state of Pennsylvania. The problem is, they’re seldom healthy.

Superstar Joel Embiid is among the biggest question marks in NBA history. A recent profile shed light into his on- and off-court struggles, but it did little to assuage fears that he’ll never be healthy for a full-tilt playoff run.

Even so, the upside here is obvious. Embiid already has an MVP award and is one of the most dominant per-minute players in league history. If the supporting cast of Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, Paul George, Kelly Oubre Jr., Quentin Grimes (assuming he re-signs) and Jared McCain are both healthy and playing at the peak of their powers, you’d be hard-pressed to find more than one or two teams in the entire NBA more likely to win the next title.

And yet, because of injuries, the Sixers find themselves with the 13th-best NBA Finals odds overall, and in second-to-last place on the “Who will win Pennsylvania’s next pro title?” scale.

Philadelphia Flyers (+12000)

The Flyers comfortably settle into last place for this exercise. Five consecutive seasons finishing under .500 have clearly taken their toll.

It isn’t clear whether the Flyers have added enough talent coming off a nondescript 33-39 season in 2024-25 to rework perception of their product. Bringing in Trevor Zegras and Christian Dvorak will be a spark to the top and middle of the rotation, but this team badly needed a goaltending upgrade, and landing on Dan Vladar is not the type of answer that inspires many feel-good vibes.

If everything breaks right for the Flyers, they could win 10 more games than this past year. Yet, that’s not nearly enough to give them much Stanley Cup equity.

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Bob’s Art Blog: A summer vacation full of art

August 11, 2025 | by Bob MacGinnes

Nags Head, North Carolina. Photo by Jana MacGinnes.

Of all the imaginable ways to celebrate one’s birthday, sitting behind the wheel of a car for nine hours would not be at the top of my list.

As we set out on the morning of my 74th birthday, the goal in sight was to follow friend, artist and gallery owner, Joan Maguire of Hershey Art Gallery and Gifts, to Nags Head, North Carolina. After a few stops along the way, we finally arrived at our destination. Tired, yet full of excitement and wanting to celebrate the occasion, we shared a toast. “Here’s to good friends and never growing old!” Peter Pan, that’s what they call me. Our out-of-a-storybook setting found us staying at an old fishing cottage from 1930, right on the water, looking out over the sound with a birds-eye view of an Osprey family as father and mother kept watch over their three fledglings. Never have we witnessed anything more precious, as the baby birds’ parents took turns feeding and nesting their young. Our spacious porch and deck led us straight out onto the boardwalk close to their handcrafted nest, beautifully curated high above the water. It didn’t matter, sunrise or sunset, both were equally astounding in their magnitude of sheer beauty. The real meaning of this life experience was seeing the tender care mom and dad provided in a rhythm all their own.

Bob MacGinnes at the Edgar Allan Poe Museum

The very best art resides in nature. Looking out over the vast expanse of water at night with the lights beckoning from miles away was the very best entertainment we could ask for. And like the surreal scene before our eyes, the three of us fell into our own special cadence of conversation and companionship. Joan Maguire is the consummate hostess, and the birthday week was our best getaway yet. After a week of fun, frivolity and even a fashion runway show, the vacation, at least that part of it, came to a close. Joan provided the fashions as she needed a “high summer” wardrobe, heading even further south to Cuba for an art appointment (more on that in an upcoming blog). Mission accomplished as we gave her a big thumbs up on the attire she chose for Havana’s blazing heat and humidity. As we said our goodbyes, Joan shared, “I know a place there where they make a mean Mojito!”

Jana and I were back on the road, headed for Richmond, Va., to the Edgar Allan Poe Museum. Poe and I have a history that dates back to my middle school days. This fascination carried through to my master’s thesis at Penn State. Small but mighty, the museum did not disappoint. The grounds surrounding it were all that Poe could dream of…ever the romantic, something we share, a wedding was about to take place, and I even got to give the bride-to-be well wishes for the future as I whispered “Evermore.”

Edgar Allan Poe Museum

3rd in The Burg and August Art Events

Megan Caruso and Reina R76 in front of Reina’s mural

Stop the Presses!! Breaking News! Ribbon cutting ceremony at Strawberry Square on Tuesday, Aug. 12 at 4 p.m. (that’s tomorrow) in the arcade walkway between Strawberry Square and the Hilton Hotel. Art advocate, activist and ambassador, Reina (R76), now adds one more “A” to her many appellations, “achiever,” as a dream of hers has come true…completing her first mural.

Reina and Megan Caruso of Sprocket Mural Works invite the public to Reina’s ribbon-cutting event. The artist shared, “I always ask myself, how would my artwork be received in the community as a mural? Living as an abstract artist, I wanted my mural to reflect the complexities of my personality. It is due to Megan Caruso’s belief in me as a muralist. Today I am able to say I have finished my first mural, and the experience still feels so surreal.” Come and see Megan and Reina in person at the arcade in Strawberry Square.

The end result of Reina’s mural journey reminds me of a Lesley Gore pop song from the 60’s: “sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows,” as the mural’s many colors lift one to a special place created just for you. Reina has captured happiness in her own inimitable style.

Mt Gretna Art by Milan Michaud at MG Mercantile

Extra! Extra! Mt. Gretna is proud to announce its 51st Annual Outdoor Art Festival this coming weekend, Saturday, Aug. 16 and Sunday the 17th. As an added bonus, the second annual Mt Gretna International Film Festival will be held in conjunction at the Playhouse. Look for over 200 art vendors from around the country displaying their works “Under the trees of Old Chautauqua.”

Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC) is set to “Elevate: Honoring the Ordinary” in its two-person show now through Sept. 13 at the GB Stuart Gallery. Scott Meier paints in the style of the Old Masters, while metalsmith Becky McDonah is an alchemist creating reliquaries using everyday objects.

Seven (+) Lively Artists & The Art Association of Harrisburg

17 Lively Artists in Black and White at the AAH

The black and white photograph depicts 17 faces posed for posterity. This August body of gentlemen artists comprises a moment-in-time glimpse of “The Seven Lively Artists.” This celebrated group of Plein Air landscape painters has engaged in the fine art since 1956, a total of 70 years. In recognition of their supreme artistry, The Art Association of Harrisburg hosts a comprehensive retrospective exhibit showcasing their works over that time frame. Director of Exhibitions, Nate Foster, has assembled this austere collection, which is a time immemorial tribute. Over the years, the number of participating artists has waxed and waned, but this coterie has always painted, traveled and exhibited their works together. To view this creative company under one roof is not only a historical achievement but is thrilling to view up close and personal.

Over seven decades, 35 Plein Air painters have been a part of the illustrious group. Still lively today are Bob Lackhove, Bruce Johnson, Bill Kocher, Jonathan Frazier, Robert Hughes, Brian Eppley and Paul Gallo. In addition, among the quick are Steve Wetzel, Dave Henry, Ralph Hocker, Bill Kerman, John Hassler, and John McNulty. The exhibit will also feature works from the likes of Earl Blust, Meade and George Logan, Don Lenker, and J.D. Wissler, among others who count themselves amongst the gallery of angels.

Opening night reception is this Friday from 5-8 p.m. for 3rd in the Burg. Look for Jonathan Frazier, artist/musician, who will be providing the soundtrack for the evening. Come out and meet him as one of the Seven Lively Artists. Join me in getting the up-to-the-minute head count. Carrie Wissler-Thomas will have the tally card at the ready.

Civic Club of Harrisburg Community-Wide Event

The master artist created us all with the ability to leave our “mark” on the world. In the spirit of humanity and creation, artist and cultural visionary, Bryan “King Prolifik” Hickman, invites one and all to the Civic Club of Harrisburg’s first-ever Community Art Project for 3rd in the Burg this Friday at 612 N. Front St. It promises to be an evening of art, music and culture, from 7-8 p.m. The club’s public relations guru, Dena Jangdhari, extends the opportunity “to help create a historic art piece by leaving your mark on what will be a work for Harrisburg’s history book.” Come out and celebrate community, creativity and connection. The finished work will be presented to the City of Harrisburg.

“LORE” @ Hive ArtSpace

Since the dawn of time, man has been fascinated with retelling the adventures of specific encounters exclusive to culture and traditions. They encompass beliefs, customs and stories. The oral traditions are handed down from generation to generation. Legends, myths and folk tales all add to the body of knowledge and information. Susan Scofield and her Hive ArtSpace in York is the queen of theme for art exhibits, and for August, she came up with “Lore,” an out-of-the-box exhibit.

Hive, at 126 E. King St. is buzzing with 85 works dedicated to the theme from a group of 40 artists. The exhibit runs through Aug. 31. Susan has received juried entries from the West Coast to the eastern seaboard. Perennial favorites include Bel Air’s Alana Beall and Paulette Smyth. Closer to home is Millworks’ multi-faceted folklore painter, Tina Berrier. The Harrisburg area is well represented with Caroline Booth, Alexis Manduke, Annie Nann and Hannah Waddington. Lancaster weighs in with Rachel Hoffman, Kristin Reynolds and Daphne Watts. The York area holds bragging rights with 16 artists that include Helen K. Wonders, Jimmy Weiner, Wendy Lane Smith, Kate Rush, Frances Pugh, Jess O’Connor, Tim Myers, Stormi Vaughn Morgan, Andrew Murphy, Jenna McFarland, Jess Landis, Joan Inman, Mariah Hertz, Sam Georgieff, Riley Deckard and Alex Bastian.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

August 8, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

315 N. 2nd St., the site of a proposed apartment project

The weather in Harrisburg has been perfect, so make sure you get out and about in the city. Before you head out to one of our local parks or businesses, make sure you’re all caught up on our news from this week.

Affordable housing funds will be available to developers through a new program that Harrisburg announced this week, our online story reported. Developers will soon be able to apply for financial assistance for construction projects.

The Broad Street Market rebuild will have its groundbreaking at the end of September, our online story reported. Harrisburg has reviewed the final design for the project and will solicit bids from contractors in the coming weeks.

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning cut the ribbon on its third Early Childhood Education Center, this time in Middletown, our online story reported. The schools offer free admission and instruction for children.

Events are plentiful in August. As always, we have our comprehensive listing of happenings.

The Harrisburg Planning Commission threw its support behind two projects to convert vacant offices into apartments, our online story reported. They also recommended approval of a project to construct a new transportation center on Cameron Street.

The Harrisburg School District has exited state receivership after six years. For our magazine story, we talk to district officials about how far the district has come and where it’s headed.

Midtown Cinema is showing “Folktales” this month, which features the story of a remote school in Norway at which students care for sled dogs. Find out more, here.

The “Miracle Community” saw its first occupants over the weekend, welcoming people from Harrisburg’s PennDOT homeless encampment, which is required to vacate. In our story, hear from organizers and residents of the new community.

The Neighboring Academy at Steelton-Highspire High School aims to break cycles of poverty by creating pathways to homeownership for students. In our magazine story, read about founder Chad Frey’s passion for the initiative.

Sara Bozich’s Weekend Roundup has you covered on plans, with a listing of Harrisburg area festivities.

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Harrisburg to offer financial boost to affordable housing development

August 7, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg’s City Hall

Harrisburg plans to lend support to developers providing housing to lower-income residents.

The city announced on Thursday that it would launch an $8 million Affordable Housing Development Fund to financially assist developers and to expand housing options in the city.

“We are taking bold action to support the kind of housing development that meets the real needs of our community,” said Mayor Wanda Williams, in a statement. “This is about putting resources where they will have the greatest impact—on the people who call Harrisburg home.”

The Affordable Housing Development Fund is open to qualified developers with experience building or expanding affordable housing within the city. Developers may apply for funds for new construction, expansion of existing units or enhancements. Applications will be reviewed and scored by an independent committee appointed by the mayor.

The money for the initiative came out of the city’s grants fund, but was made possible through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) program. Harrisburg opted to put $31.4 million of its total $47 million share of ARPA money into its general fund to replace revenue lost during the pandemic. That money then went to pay for regular budget items, such as salaries, therefore freeing up money that usually paid for those things to be allocated to special projects, such as the affordable housing program, said Business Administrator Sam Sulkosky.

City Council, in July 2023, approved moving that money into the general fund, but designated certain projects that the money should fund. One of those was the $8 million for affordable housing, in addition to other projects, such as $8 million to replace the Hall Manor pool.

Applications for the affordable housing funds will open following a press conference at City Hall on Monday, Aug. 11 at 10 a.m. and will be due by Sept. 5.

Application guidelines and more information will be available on the city’s website.

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Harrisburg Planning Commission supports downtown residential conversions, transit center project

August 7, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

508 and 510 N. 2nd St., the site of a proposed apartment project

Several downtown Harrisburg office buildings soon may have a new lease on life as residential spaces.

The Harrisburg Planning Commission on Wednesday supported proposals by two developers to turn vacant offices on N. 2^nd Street into apartments, as well as a project to construct a new transportation center.

First up was Harrisburg-based WCI Partners, which shared its variance and land development plan proposal for 508 and 510 N. 2^nd St. Between the two buildings, the company would construct 11 one-bedroom units, ranging from 435 to 538 square feet.

The planning commission voted to recommend approval of the project, in a vote of 5-1. Board member Vern McKissick was the lone “no” vote, saying that he was in favor of the project as a whole, but didn’t agree with the use of a variance, which would allow the developer to construct more units than the city code typically allows for a building of that size.

McKissick expressed concern that WCI requested the variance, in part, to make the conversion work financially, a subject detailed in the Planning Bureau’s case report for the project.

“I just think we are using the wrong tool to get to the right place,” McKissick said. “I just struggle with any language in here that talks about the financial. I think that makes this a very dangerous document to have in our archive.”

Dave Butcher, president of WCI, said that financial feasibility was a factor, but that the unique layout of the building was the major reason why they needed the variance. City Planning Director Geoff Knight agreed.

“I do think there are issues beyond the finances of this, as far as combining units and how this building functions as a multifamily unit dwelling,” Knight said. “When you look at what’s the use after the commercial, I think what they’ve laid out makes sense for how the floor plan is laid out.”

Just two blocks from WCI’s project, developer Breneman Properties has proposed transforming three attached office buildings at 315 N. 2^nd St. into a 10-unit apartment building.

The commission unanimously recommended approving the conversion.

Both projects will need to obtain City Council approval before breaking ground.

315 N. 2nd St., the site of a proposed apartment project

Additionally, the planning commission recommended approval for the lot consolidation and land development plan submitted by Susquehanna Regional Transportation Authority to construct a new transportation center on N. Cameron Street.

SRTA, which operates the Rabbittransit bus system, has proposed demolishing its outdated transfer center and building a new one with a temporary bus transfer center on site. The 15-acre project site is bounded by Herr Street, the Harrisburg Cemetery, State Street and Cameron Street.

Harrisburg’s Parks and Recreation facilities currently sit on the project site, but its offices are slated to move and the buildings demolished.

Board member DeRon Jordan said that he was concerned with the location of the bus transfer center being moved from downtown, and said that, in the project documents, the new transfer center does not appear temporary.

“The rest of the project I’m totally on board with, but the transfer center on Cameron Street; it’s not close to downtown,” he said. “My biggest concern is the way that this is constructed; it doesn’t look temporary.”

SRTA officials have shared that the current Market Square Transfer Center is not efficient, as there is not space for enough buses to stop at once. Often, riders are left waiting up to an hour to catch a transfer simply because their current bus and next bus couldn’t fit in the driveway at the same time.

Knight explained that the city, along with SRTA and other stakeholders, has been looking at transfer center location options and, ideally, wants it to be near the Amtrak train station for better continuity. However, those conversations are still ongoing and will take time to figure out, he said.

“We haven’t found a viable final solution, and this project needs to go forward. SRTA needs to have a new operations facility. The money is there right now and, as you guys all know, when the money comes in, that’s the time to strike because it might not come back for a while,” Knight said. “So we’ve been stressing that throughout our whole coordination that we understand that it needs to go here now because of the timeframe […] but our long-term goal needs to be, this [transfer center] needs to be closer to the train station; this needs to be downtown.”

The project will also need city council approval.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

August 7, 2025 | by Sara Bozich

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

In partnership with

What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: DYK it’s Romance Bookstore Day/Weekend? Check out events at Midtown Scholar and Cupboard Maker bookstores. Worth noting: Lisburn Community Fair is happening all weekend; 5th Annual Cumberland Valley Fly Fishing & Outdoor Festival at Allenberry; Dirty Dancing outside at Midtown Cinema (one of my faves!) Things on my agenda this weekend: Tonight we’re headed to Lancaster County for a special dinner with The JDK Group; tomorrow, I’m “golfing” with some girlfriends for the Gary Heuther Sr. Memorial Golf Tournament. My favorite Cub Scout is selling popcorn at the world’s best hardware store (J&W in Etters) Saturday morning, and Sunday – a Senators game.

For your weekend planning

Enter to WIN a foursome to the Carly’s Hope Golf Classic
Your 2025 Summer Bucket List: Greater Harrisburg Edition 🪣
Read This Before You Leave Your Pet Home Alone
See what else you missed on the blog
Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

Aug. 15: Strawberry Square Music Series welcomes Meaghan Farrell!
The August SoMa Block Party is Aug. 29 — add it to your calendar now!
ALL NEW EVENT: Berry Bash – A Fundraiser Supporting Harrisburg River Rescue on Oct. 25
Join me for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Nov. 1!
Are you on my email list?
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

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CHS Middletown debuts, the third of six planned Early Learning centers

August 6, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda

The ribbon was cut on Tuesday at CHS Middletown.

Another early learning school offering free admission and instruction for young children has officially opened in Dauphin County.

On Tuesday, Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning cut the ribbon on its third Early Childhood Education Center, this one in Middletown.

“The opening of CHS Middletown represents yet another remarkable chapter in the ongoing expansion of Milton and Catherine Hershey’s enduring legacy,” said Pete Gurt, president of MHS and CHS. “Today’s milestone is a powerful reminder that what began in 1909 in a singular act of generosity continues to grow and transform lives in profound and lasting ways.”

CHS Middletown serves 150 local children primarily from Middletown, Steelton and Highspire, ages 6 weeks to 5 years, from underserved and under-resourced backgrounds. According to CHS, the facility is already at capacity upon opening.

The 48,692-square-foot facility features 12 state-of-the-art classrooms, an “innovation studio,” more than 24,000 square feet of outdoor play spaces, a STEM garden and a “family success center,” which is an area for families to access resources.

It’s the third of six planned centers in Dauphin and Lancaster counties, in an initiative totaling $350 million. The first opened in Hershey in 2023, followed by a location on N. 6th Street in Harrisburg in 2024. The next centers will be in Danville in 2026 and Elizabethtown and Lancaster, both in 2027.

The CHS program is centered around a play-based curriculum and also offers various health services, behavioral support and meals, among other benefits.

“This third location in Dauphin County brings our county-wide enrollment to 450 children in need, most of whom did not previously have access to high-quality early childhood education and care,” said CHS Executive Director Senate Alexander. “With this new location, we expand the successes and learnings from our initial locations in Hershey and Harrisburg and celebrate the growing impact CHS will have on local children, families and communities thanks to the collective efforts of our teachers and staff, MHS and community partners.”

For more information on the Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning, visit www.chslearn.org.

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Broad Street Market groundbreaking moved up, as design is finalized and contractors are sought

August 4, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Broad Street Market rendering of the 6th Street entrance (courtesy, City of Harrisburg)

Construction at the Broad Street Market is now slated to begin next month.

Harrisburg officials on Monday told TheBurg that the groundbreaking for the rebuilding of the fire-damaged brick building would move up a month, to Sept. 30.

Previously, the city said that construction would begin at the beginning of September, but more recently, that date was pushed to Oct. 30. But Facilities Director Dave Baker said that the timeline has been expedited due to “the mayor’s prerogative to make this project as expeditious as possible.”

“I’m moving as quickly as I can,” Mayor Wanda Williams told TheBurg. “I want it open ASAP, but I want it done right.”

Broad Street Market rendering of the interior of the brick building (courtesy, City of Harrisburg).

Williams has approved the final design for the brick building rebuild, which includes preservation of the historic nature of the building, with added HVAC, a mezzanine, and ADA compliance. Ultimately, some features may be added or removed depending on funding.

The renderings in this story are the most recent versions.

Baker said that he doesn’t expect insurance money to cover all project costs. Additional money may come from CDBG funds received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and grant opportunities.

Broad Street Market rendering of the courtyard (courtesy, City of Harrisburg).

Williams and Baker both said that the previously proposed “connector” building, which would have been erected between the brick and stone buildings, is not part of the plan.

Baker said that, by Aug. 11, the city plans to release its invitation for contractors to bid on construction. There are 10 bid packages that include various trades needs, such as electrical, plumbing, selective demo, etc. By Sept. 2, all bids will be due, and just weeks later, the city hopes to break ground.

Many community members have expressed frustration with the prolonged construction timeline. The brick building has been closed for over two years, since an early-morning fire gutted the historic market building in July 2023.

However, Baker and Williams explained that the city has been working daily behind the scenes.

“There are so many facets to this project that are not seen,” Baker said.

He also explained that the city only received the final plans from the architect, York-based Murphy & Diffenhafer Architects, this past Thursday.

Williams said that she has been advocating for a speedy delivery from the architects, saying about the Sept. 30 start date that, “it’d be sooner than that if they could.”

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New “Miracle Community” encampment opens in south Harrisburg, first tent occupants trickle in

August 2, 2025 | by Susan Ryder

Juan and Ashley were among the first occupants of the new “Miracle Community” in south Harrisburg, relocating from “tent city.”

In south Harrisburg, the sound of hammers and chatter echoed in the crisp air on an unusually cool, mid-summer afternoon.

Friday was the first move-in day for folks relocating from the PennDOT encampment to the new “Miracle Community” on S. 9th Street.

Much of the hammering was being done by those migrating in. Will, Rico and Juan hunched over a plywood covered pallet, nailing a tent securely. Asked what they wanted from the new space, they replied, “opportunity, more benefits, and a clean area.”

Others appreciated a greater sense of stability.

“I think it’s hard when you’re in survival mode all the time,” Naomi said. “So, this kind of gives you a sense of permanency so that you can actually be encouraged to try and do something else instead of like trying to maintain being in the woods all day.”

Brian Jones, an inaugural resident, agreed. He had already settled in with his camp chair and a book.

“It’s between being in a crowded environment that’s not healthy to one that’s a lot cleaner,” he said.

They were among the first people trickling in from the sprawling encampment, known as “tent city,” near the PennDOT building in south Harrisburg. That long-running, makeshift camp is due to be shut down soon, and all occupants removed, due to pending work that will expand I-83.

The new, shale-covered area is very different from “tent city,” which was unplanned and stretched, over time, into the nearby woods. For one, it’s gridded, allowing for walking paths in between tent spaces, resembling a residential street. The shale allows for better drainage, and pallets will prevent sodden belongings after each rain, a common problem with tent living.

Brian Jones

Harrisburg nonprofit Amiracle4sure purchased the vacant plot of land for people to relocate to, near Cameron Street and off Shanois Street, not far from the current encampment. The nonprofit bought the property for $670,000, funded with grant money awarded by the county.

Jones, a veteran, was evicted recently. He said that being homeless is exhausting, but that he has met some interesting people. Juan passed by and Jones added, “He’s one of the most helpful people down here.”

Juan moved in with his wife Ashley. She said that she feels safer being in the new community.

“It’s away from all the drama, guns and arguing and fighting. You get a lot of resources too, especially with the baby,” she said, patting her expanding belly.

Ashley and her neighbor were comparing tents. Her neighbor said that he had never had a tent before and was happy with the three zipper windows and vent at the top.

Marsha Curry–Nixon was also pleased how things had gone. She’s the founder and executive director of Amiracle4Sure, which is heading up Miracle Community.

“I’m so excited about what’s to come,” she said. “This is the first phase.”

Curry-Nixon recognizes that this is one option for housing not “the” option for those experiencing homelessness.

“Like our logo says, ‘Where housing options are valued,’” she said. “If they choose to stay in their vans and cars, we’ll have a space for them. If they want to go into a building with walls, we’ll have that provided for them. If they want to stay in this outside space, they’ll be appreciated for that as well.”

Curry-Nixon’s lived experience in homelessness as a mother of eight, in recovery, has informed her understanding of struggle and how to help others through their journey.

When Curry-Nixon first came to Harrisburg, one of the first people she met was Randie Yeager, then head of Dauphin County Children and Youth Services. Yeager helped Curry-Nixon and her family then, and today she was there helping folks move into their new living accommodations.

“This is the future site of low-income housing for our unhoused community members, and this is the start of that, “said Yeager, now Dauphin County Human Services Director.

Rico hauled lumber to help build the new encampment.

Yeager pointed out that Rico was hauling two-by-fours with a broken arm.

“Unhoused community members have a hammer in their hand, and they are helping to get set up,” said Yeager. Rico chimed in, “A lot of people don’t want to come, but they don’t have any other choice.”

Community members chatted about some of the misperceptions that the unhoused at PennDOT have about the Miracle Community. Some said they had concerns, but those concerns disappeared when they came to the site.

There is still much work to be done. Electricity needs to be hooked up, then charging stations will be available, shower stations created, drinking water made available, and an open-air cooking area built. The community can help in that work.

“We’re going to intentionally come at least twice a month to do a walkthrough and clean up,” Curry-Nixon said.

The project can use solar heaters and fans, 50-gallon plastic containers with locking lids, blankets and, of course, funds to cover expenses, like the $300 a month that it will cost to have water on site. Relationships are also important.

“Anybody that wants to come and be friends with our friends, they’re welcome do that,” said Curry-Nixon.

While those details get worked out, 10 people had planted their tents by late Friday afternoon. Naomi, 26, hauled her area rug towards her pallet, three neighbors piled into a tent to see how big it was. Juan made up the bed for his pregnant wife, and another community resident hauled his mattress along the path towards his new home.

Some names have been changed to protect anonymity.

Donations can be taken to Amiracle4Sure 1735 State St., Harrisburg.
Financial donations can be given at https://www.amiracle4sure.com/

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

August 1, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

In an editorial, our publisher discusses changes to the Governor’s Residence. Illustration by Rich Hauck.

Just as another week has come and gone in Harrisburg, so has another month! It’s officially August, and this month’s issue of the magazine dropped this week. Check that out for stories with a special youth and education focus, and catch up on our local reporting, below.

Our August magazine kicks off with a note from our publisher, who introduces an issue full of community stories, especially youth-oriented ones.

Concerts in Riverfront Park began this week and continue this weekend. In our magazine story, read more about the Dauphin County Live Concert Series and the organizers behind it.

Dan Miller, Harrisburg’s treasurer, accepted the primary Republican nomination for mayor, our reporting found. Miller ran as a Democrat in the primary election and narrowly lost, but won enough write-in votes to obtain the opposing party’s nomination.

The Governor’s Residence is making improvements to enhance safety after an arson attack. In his column, our editor supports the plan, but advocates for well-designed infrastructure that doesn’t negatively impact the neighborhood.

The Humane Society of Harrisburg Area has made changes and improvements following a tumultuous several years. In our magazine story, find out more about what the organization has done to be more transparent and to get more pets adopted.

Music this month is guaranteed to be hot, much like the weather. Check out the shows that our reviewer recommends in her Musical Notes column.

News stories from this past month are included in our monthly recap, which highlights the most noteworthy recent stories. Find our News Digest, here.

Notable events around Harrisburg this month include everything from music to sporting events to art shows. Check out dozens of must-do activities in our August Community Corner.

Sara Bozich has her weekly roundup of Harrisburg area events happening this weekend. You won’t want to miss her list, here.

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!

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