Harrisburg officials vow to stop, arrest disorderly youth causing late-night problems downtown

August 15, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda

Harrisburg police Commissioner Thomas Carter spoke at a press conference on Friday.

Harrisburg officials are vowing to crack down on disorderly youth gathered on downtown streets on weekend nights.

On Friday, Mayor Wanda Williams and police Commissioner Thomas Carter said that they’re boosting police presence and strictly enforcing the city’s curfew to curb unruly behavior and criminal acts by young people—mostly adolescents—who gather in large groups on Friday and Saturday nights.

“Proprietors, the lifeline of our city, have been forced to endure the nuisance of teenaged kids making a spectacle of themselves and causing chaos outside of downtown businesses,” Williams said. “This has got to stop.”

According to Carter, downtown Harrisburg has experienced a recent surge of youth-related issues, especially late at night on weekends. While this tends to occur every summer, incidents have increased this year in scope and severity, he said.

Overall, the problems include such issues as harassing bar and restaurant patrons, endangering traffic, fighting and gun possession. Many juveniles, Carter said, had been consuming alcohol or cannabis.

“There is no reason to have behavior like that coming from our youth,” Carter said. “I’m not saying that we have bad youth here. I’m just saying that, sometimes, you’ve got to be smarter, and you’ve got to think. And, parents, you should be concerned where your kids are.”

Over the past month, Harrisburg police have already increased their presence downtown, according to a summary sheet that the city issued. For the past four weekends, the bureau has formed “saturation details” ranging from nine to 30 officers, resulting in 31 arrests, mostly for curfew violations and drug possession, according to the sheet’s data. In addition, nine firearms have been recovered.

“Restaurant Row has always been a great area for people to come, visit, eat with their families, go on tours of the Capitol and everything else,” Carter said. “We want to keep it that way.”

At the press conference in city hall, Williams and Carter were joined by several downtown restaurateurs, who described how rowdy and intoxicated teens have detrimentally affected their businesses. They also thanked city officials for their response.

“We brought it to the mayor’s attention, and I think she responded very well,” said Angelo Karagiannis, owner of Zembie’s Sports Tavern on 2nd Street. “The streets are being cleared up, the problems have diminished. I applaud her for her quick efforts, and I hope this continues on.”

Williams and Carter also had a message for parents, asking them to better supervise and manage their children. The city’s curfew prohibits young people, under the age of 18, of being on the streets without adult supervision after 11 p.m.

Williams said that parents face “hefty fines” if their children are found to be in violation of the curfew.

“Our curfew laws exist for a reason and, beginning this weekend, we will strictly enforce them,” Williams said.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

August 14, 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: The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is back for its 45th season! Worth noting: Friday is 3rd in the Burg! As usual, there are a ton of great ways to explore the city during this monthly outing. Of course, I recommend the FREE live music at Strawberry Square Music Series. Pop into Whitaker Center first or take the Sprocket Mural Works Mural Tour — make a night of it! Things on my agenda this weekend: Meaghan Farrell at Strawberry Square!! Maybe sneak over to see Fitz & The Tantrums after …

For your weekend planning

FRIDAY! Strawberry Square Music Series welcomes Meaghan Farrell!
Read This Before You Leave Your Pet Home Alone
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A Look Ahead

The August SoMa Block Party is Aug. 29 — add it to your calendar now!
Tickets are on sale NOW for the ALL-NEW Berry Bash – A Fundraiser Supporting Harrisburg River Rescue on Oct. 25
Join me for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Nov. 1!
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New Cumberland Music + Film Fest to bring art, community connection to town

August 13, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

A scene from last year’s New Cumberland Music + Film Festival

A local group is bringing a big city art fest feel to their community.

The New Cumberland Music + Film Festival will return for its third year, bringing indie movies and music to the neighborhood, with a goal to bring people together.

The festival, which runs from Sept. 5 to 7, is organized by the New Cumberland Collective and the West Shore Theatre.

“It brings something to New Cumberland that we didn’t see before,” said Pamela Cullen, vice president of the collective. “It gives us a lot of opportunities to showcase hyper-local talent, but also national talent.”

This year’s featured films all fit with a theme of small actions having the ability to make a big impact, a shared message that emerged while selecting the films, said Jonny Leahan, who co-organized the event with Cullen.

Kicking off the weekend is “Middletown,” a documentary in which a teacher inspires students to make a film, and they then uncover a conspiracy in their town. According to Leahan, the teacher from the film will be at the festival for a Q&A.

Other films will include “Obex” and “Speak,” as well as a selection of short films by Harrisburg-based Moviate. Several showings will include after-party receptions as well.

“We really wanted to bring brand new, interesting, award-winning films that would not play here otherwise,” Leahan said.

On the music side of the weekend, local bands Swoll and Hometime will play during Saturday’s Indie Music Night. Additionally, attendees can expect performances from DJ Raven de la Noir and Griefcat. And for those who’d rather stroll around town, buskers will play on downtown New Cumberland’s streets throughout the festival.

“It’s basically a three-day-long party,” Cullen said. “There’s something for everyone.”

While exploring and supporting the arts is a main priority of the festival, organizers also hope to draw neighbors downtown for fellowship.

“We’re just hoping people get out and realize there actually are some really cool cultural things happening here, and it’s a way to connect,” Leahan said.

To purchase tickets to New Cumberland Music + Film Festival events or for more information, visit their website.

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Dan Miller announces run for mayor as Republican nominee, criticizes incumbent

August 11, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Dan Miller, joined by supporters, announces run for mayor, at Vernon Street Park in Harrisburg.

Long-time Harrisburg public official Dan Miller believes he will beat incumbent Wanda Williams in November and become mayor.

Miller, a Democrat, announced that he would officially run for mayor on the Republican side of the ticket in the general election, at a press conference at an Allison Hill park on Monday morning.

Miller, the city treasurer and former city councilman, ran as a Democratic candidate in the May primary, but lost by under 100 votes to Williams. However, he secured enough Republican write-in votes to earn him the nomination on the other side of the ballot, and formally accepted the nomination, according to Dauphin County.

“I’ve got great energy. I’ve got lots of new volunteers, and we’re going to win this thing in November,” Miller said, as supporters cheered behind him. “I know conventional wisdom may be a little bit against me but I think we’re gonna do it.”

He acknowledged his primary defeat, and explained that he was not changing his party affiliation by running as the Republican nominee. He is still a registered Democrat and said that both parties should feel comfortable voting for him.

“The way I look at it, it’s really a runoff between the top two vote getters,” Miller said.

In 2013, Miller similarly ran as the Republican nominee after losing in the primary, and lost to Eric Papenfuse in the general election. But, when asked about that, Miller said that this time would be completely different.

“I didn’t really want to run. There was no way for me to win that election. But I felt like I needed to step up so there was a choice,” Miller said of the 2013 race. “So this is completely different.”

Miller’s main campaign message remains the same as it was during the primary—the current mayor is neglecting the city and Harrisburg “desperately” needs change.

“We know what the status quo is for the past three-and-a-half years,” he said. “If you want Harrisburg to move forward, there’s a huge difference between a Wanda Williams mayor and a Dan Miller mayor; it’s night and day, trust me.”

Miller took time to point out his opponent’s flaws, citing the fact that she is under investigation from PA Ethics Commission and is currently involved in a court case in which a former public works director sued her for allegedly firing him for failing to promote her son, who was a city employee.

“I think there’s huge animosity towards the mayor and there’s a huge amount of desire for change,” he said.

Miller criticized Williams’ handling of the Broad Street Market rebuild after the fire and the delays, saying it “wasn’t a high priority in the current administration.” He said that he would make it one.

Revitalizing downtown and Allison Hill were other priorities that Miller said he would work on, as well as fostering a collaborative relationship with City Council. Citing his back ground as a business owner and certified public accountant, Miller said he would reduce wasteful spending and address, what he called, “horrible” mismanagement.

Throughout the press conference, supporters cheered and chanted “Dan can,” several holding up “Dan Miller for mayor” lawn signs.

A city property owner, Vik Uppa, said he supported Miller, as he’s had a positive relationship working with him through the treasurer’s office. Uppa said Miller has been very responsive and feels that he would support Harrisburg property owners.

A Midtown resident Hana Zickgraf said that revitalization downtown and better pedestrian, bike and green infrastructure were important to her. Zickgraf, a member of the urban advocacy nonprofit Strong Towns Harrisburg chapter, felt that Miller best aligned with her and her group’s priorities and that Williams wasn’t supportive of them.

“He wants Harrisburg to be an attractive city, to have a thriving downtown and safe, prosperous residential neighborhoods, so, from an urbanist perspective, I think he’s the clear candidate,” she said.

Miller said that he already has the support of several local officials and business owners, as well as several city council members.

He also urged voters who supported one of the other Democratic candidates in the primary, Lamont Jones, Tone Cook or Lewis Butts, to vote for him, saying that he would bring the change that they desire.

“There’s 1,500 people that voted for change,” he said. “They don’t want the current administration, so I don’t think that’s going to be a problem.”

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Harrisburg-area home sales, prices mostly higher in July, says report

August 11, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda

A recent home sale in Harrisburg

Harrisburg-area home sales and prices both increased in July, according to the latest report on previously owned houses.

For the three-county region, 634 houses sold compared to 608 in July 2024, as the median price rose to $310,000 from $286,000, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, 282 homes changed hands, a decrease from 293 in the year-ago period, while the median sales price dipped to $263,750 from $280,000, GHAR said.

Cumberland County reported 314 homes sales versus 281 in July 2024, as the median sales price rose to $340,500 from $295,000, according to GHAR.

Perry County counted 37 sales in July, an increase from 32 a year ago, as the median sales price went to $319,900 versus $275,000 in the prior year, GHAR stated.

The pace of sales slowed somewhat, as “average days on market” rose to 24 days compared to 22 days in July 2024, said GHAR.

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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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