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

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

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.

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

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.”

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

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!

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

July 31, 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: Lez Zepplin at Ned Smith Center on Saturday; Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Stephen Marley in Riverfront Park on Sunday Worth noting: SoMa Block Party tonight! Jazz at Fort Hunter Friday! The Head and The Heart on Saturday in Riverfront Park! Things on my agenda this weekend: see above

For your weekend planning

July 31: July SoMa Block Party ← TONIGHT!!
What’s New (and What You Already Love) About the 2025 Dauphin County Live Concert Series ← Sat & Sun!!
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!
ALL NEW EVENT: Berry Bash – A ‘fun’draiser for 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

Thursday

SoMa Block Party
Hey runners — Harrisburg Beer Runners are doing a SoMa Block Party 3-5 miler
Girls Night Out – Bravo/Reality TV Trivia Night at Gruver Farms Winery
Live Music at the Cinema with Jess Perla at Midtown Cinema
Open Mic and Jam at The Abbey Bar
The Exactlys @ Sturges Speakeasy
HADESTOWN: Teen Edition at Gretna Theatre

Friday

- Sunset Music & Movie Series: Third Stream at Fort Hunter Park
- Summer Movie Nights at the Bandshell in Reservoir Park
- Future Fossils Guided Tour at Susquehanna Art Museum
- FREE: Cycle – New Class Alert! 7am Series at H2L Studio
- Cycle Express Theme: TGIF – Y2K Hip-Hop Throw Back at H2L Studio
- TGIF: Hip-Hop Mat Pilates + Yoga Fusion at H2L Studio
- HYP First Friday Social at HMAC
- Jazz at the Barnyard: The Wave Quartet at Hershey History Center
- First Friday in Downtown York
- Luxury Outdoor Picnic Experience @ Gruver Farms Winery
- AMA: Writers on Writing with Katie Yee and Weike Wang at Midtown Scholar Bookstore
- THE THING (1982) | LATE NIGHT FRIGHTS at Midtown Cinema
- Decked Out Live with Funktion at The Vineyard at Hershey
- PRIDE NIGHT – Supported by Dauphin County Concert Series in Riverfront Park
- Jerry Garcia’s Bday! GRATEFUL DUB a Reggae-infused tribute to the GRATEFUL DEAD w/ Roots of Creation at XL Live
- Big Time Rush: In Real Life Worldwide at Hersheypark Stadium
- HADESTOWN: Teen Edition at Gretna Theatre
- TMI Improv at Gamut Theatre Group
- Latin Fuzion Fridayz at Level 2

Saturday

- Saturday Morning Yoga at Boneshire Brew Works
- Zumba at Burn30
- Yoga at Italian Lake
- Pilates Yoga Fusion with Burn30 at Zeroday Brewing
- Beginner Pilates Equipment Workshop at H2L Studio
- HBG Flea – August 2025 at Midtown Cinema
- Friends of New Cumberland Public Library Book & Media Sale
- Friends of Midtown Litter Clean Up & Meet Up
- Butterfly Day! at Ashcombe Farm and Greenhouse
- Community Day in the Park in Mechanicsburg
- Open Farm Day at Roots Cut Flower Farm
- Gretna Music’s Tour of Homes
- August 1st Saturday Sampling – Summer Berries at Simply Flavorful
- Artisan Market at Baseshore Farm Market
- “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!” – Gretna Theatre Kids Series at Hershey Gardens
- Englewood Hershey Summer Patio Series
- CH Recovery KIDS NIGHT! Presented by Herr’s Chips! at BAPS Motor Speedway
- The BLACC Market at La Cultura
- CIGARS & WINE NIGHT AT GRUVER FARMS
- III For The Road Live Music at Harrisburg Beach Club
- The Unusual Guests at Big Bottom Brewery in Dillsburg
- Michael Carbonaro: Lies on Stage at Whitaker Center
- The Head and The Heart at Riverfront Park (Harrisburg)
- Lez Zepplin at Ned Smith Center
- Keith Wallen of Breaking Ben at XL Live
- Harrisburg, PA- Mini Wrestling All * Stars @ Zembo Shrine “The Shortest Fight of Them All!”
- HADESTOWN: Teen Edition at Gretna Theatre
- Tommy James & The Shondells at American Music Theatre
- Ciroc Saturdays at Level 2
- Brewery Tours: Lancaster City Walk-a-Bout!
- Brewery Tours: York City Walking Tour
- Brewery Tours: Cruise York County
- Brewery Tours: Lancaster City Walking Tour

Sunday

- Sunday Tea at the Willows
- Sunday Markets at Allenberry Resort
- Cozy Pajama Brunch at Mason Dixon Distillery
- “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!” Gretna Theatre Kids Series at Hershey Gardens
- Hershey Gem, Jewelry, and Rock Show at Historic Acres of Hershey
- Wheels and Whiskey Car & Motorcycle Show at the Eichelberger Distillery
- Sourdough Workshop at Gruver Farms
- WIRED FOR CHAOS Documentary – Presented by TATTOO PUNKS – A film about Harley Flanagan at Midtown Cinema
- Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley & Stephen Marley at Riverfront Park (Harrisburg)
- WXPN Welcomes Bob Mould with special guest The Color Fred at Tellus360
- HADESTOWN: Teen Edition at Gretna Theatre
- Kenny Rogers Band featuring Don Gatlin at American Music Theatre

If you like what we do, please support our work.

Become a Friend of TheBurg!

First-Ever Pennsylvania Maternal Health Summit Coming to Lancaster

July 30, 2025 | by Admin

Color & Culture is proud to announce the inaugural Pennsylvania Maternal Health Summit, taking place on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square. This first-of-its-kind event will bring together healthcare providers, advocates, policymakers, and community members to elevate solutions that support maternal health, reduce disparities, and strengthen care across the Commonwealth.

The Summit will feature a full day of educational programming, including expert-led workshops, panel discussions, and keynote presentations from nationally recognized voices in maternal and child health. In addition, the event will host a free community baby shower designed to support and celebrate expectant mothers, birthing people, and families with valuable resources, workshops, giveaways, and on-site services.

“This summit is a call to action rooted in compassion and urgency,” said George Fernandez, Founder and CEO of Color & Culture. “Across Pennsylvania, too many women and birthing people face preventable barriers to maternal care. This event provides an important platform to bring to light real, community-driven solutions that ensure essential maternal resources are readily accessible.”

The agenda will include sessions on:

Maternal mental health and behavioral health care
Perinatal workforce and provider shortages
Rural and urban health deserts
Culturally competent care for diverse communities
Innovations in maternal health policy and advocacy

And more!

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Black women in the state are nearly twice as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes as white women. The Summit aims to address such alarming disparities by fostering collaboration and empowering local solutions.

“Highmark Wholecare is deeply committed to ensuring equitable access to high-quality maternal care for all women in Pennsylvania,” said Karen Rollins-Fitch, Director, Corporate Social Responsibility, Highmark Wholecare. “We are proud to sponsor the Pennsylvania Maternal Health Summit and collaborate with Color & Culture to address critical disparities and build a healthier future for all mothers and families across the state.”

The event is open to the public, with free registration available for the community baby shower. Healthcare professionals, students, and advocates are encouraged to attend the summit for access to continuing education credits and networking with leaders driving innovation in maternal care. For agenda updates, speaker announcements, and registration, visit www.PAMaternalHealthSummit.org.

Sponsored Content

Color & Culture is a Community Publisher.

August News Digest

July 30, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

August News Digest

Development Site Rezoned

A project to turn a former Harrisburg medical facility into apartments took a step forward last month.

City Council approved a zoning change and subdivision for the former Polyclinic Hospital at 2601 N. 3rd St. in Uptown Harrisburg, which a developer has proposed renovating.

In March 2024, Pennmark Harrisburg Holdings, an affiliate of Montgomery County-based Pennmark Management Co., purchased the property and later proposed making it into market-rate apartments with commercial space. As part of the estimated $45 million project, Pennmark would construct 250 to 300 apartment units, along with retail shops.

Council’s approval changed the property’s current Institutional zoning to Commercial Neighborhood zoning and split the land into four separate parcels to aid in development. The project still will require approval for its land development plan.

Also last month, council voted to appropriate about $2 million into the budget, sourced from various city fund balances, to pay money that it owes due to recent litigation. A Dauphin County jury decided in June that Harrisburg underpaid the owner of the former Brenner Motors car dealership when the city took the property via eminent domain several years ago.

In other news, council voted to appoint Basir Vincent, who recently ran unsuccessfully for a council seat, to the Harrisburg Planning Commission.

Large Midtown Development Approved

An expansive housing development in Midtown Harrisburg has the green light to proceed, as it has received a final blessing from the city.

In late June, City Council voted unanimously to approve the land development plan by Midtown Redevelopment LLC to construct townhomes, apartment buildings and commercial space in the area bounded by Reily, Fulton, Sayford and James streets.

In total, the development would include 62 units across more than a dozen townhomes and three 12-unit apartment buildings near the Broad Street Market, some of which would be deemed affordable. The plan also would include 5,500 square feet of commercial space to be used as a “food hall.”

The project includes parking for residents and will have both for-sale and rental units, according to council President Danielle Hill, who added that the developers hope to break ground in November.

At the meeting, council also approved a plan by Commonwealth Charter Academy to partially demolish an old school building at 555 S. 25th St. and construct a new building for staff and administration.

Long-Term Pollution Plan Finalized

A Harrisburg-area utility has finalized a long-term plan that envisions spending over $1 billion on upgrades to reduce waste flow into area waterways.

Last month, Capital Region Water (CRW) stated that it had submitted a final “Pollution Reduction Plan” to state and federal regulators that would spend about $1.43 billion over 40 years to slash waste entering the Susquehanna River and Paxton Creek.

“The plan is technically feasible, cost-effective, resilient, sustainable and keeps our customers’ well-being at the forefront,” said Charlotte Katzenmoyer, CEO of CRW.

For many years, under agreements with federal and state agencies, CRW has been developing and refining a plan to improve Harrisburg’s aged, combined sewer system, which allows untreated wastewater to flow into area waterways during rain events.

That plan now includes a wide variety of system improvements, including pipe replacement and rehabilitation, green infrastructure and water storage systems, work that will continue for about four more decades.

According to CRW, the plan, when complete, will reduce overflows into the Susquehanna from about 90 events in a typical year to 12, and into Paxton Creek from 95 events to 16. Overflow volumes across the entire system would be reduced by 82%, according to CRW.

The project cost and timeline are much greater than previously reported. Previously, CRW had stated that system upgrades should cost about $315 million over 20 years.

According to CRW, the current cost projection of $1.43 billion is dramatically higher because it accounts for inflationary impacts over the long project lifespan. The project’s cost in terms of present value has risen by much less, to $455 million, CRW told TheBurg.

The project’s complexity and high cost has caused the timeline to be extended, CRW stated.

“Extending the implementation period over 40 years will help minimize undue financial strain on our customers,” CRW said, in a statement.

Home Sales, Prices Higher

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

For the three-county region, 634 homes sold in June compared to 593 sales in June 2024, as the median sales price rose to $303,700 from $290,000, said the monthly report from the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, 298 homes sold versus 291 in the year-ago period, while the median sales price dipped to $275,000 from $280,000, GHAR said.

Cumberland County had 290 home sales in June against 264 last year, as the median sales price grew to $338,000 from $320,000, GHAR stated.

In Perry County, 36 homes sold, a drop of two sales, while the median sales price rose to $278,500 from $230,000 the prior June, according to GHAR.

The pace of sales slowed slightly, as “average days on market” increased to 22 days in June versus 20 days in June 2024, GHAR said.

So Noted

David Skerpon last month was elected as the new board chair of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra. In addition, three new members—Richard A. Lewis, Michael Page and Debra Ryan—were named to the HSO board.

Harrisburg School Board approved a $213.1 million budget in late June, which includes a 2% property tax increase. The 2025-26 spending plan was the first budget approved by the full school board in six years, as the district exited state receivership.

Janelle Stelson last month announced that she would run in 2026 as a Democrat for the 10th congressional district, which includes much of the Harrisburg area. Stelson narrowly lost a bid last year to unseat the long-term Republican incumbent, Scott Perry.

JMB Gardens has cut the ribbon on a 41-unit affordable housing development on the 2300- and 2400-blocks of N. 6th Street. NFL player LeSean McCoy was on hand as the owner of the project developer, Vice Capital.

PA State Museum has announced a plan to substantially renovate its mid-century building and update exhibits, adding a fifth-floor event venue to the structure and a 16th-floor observation deck to the neighboring state Archives tower. The $55 million project will result in the museum closing for nearly three years, from August 2026 to until early 2029, according to museum officials.

PennDOT last month reopened the pedestrian underpass beneath Cameron Street near the state Farm Show Complex. The underpass had been closed since February due to concrete deterioration on the ceiling of the walkway.

TheBurg last month was named 2025 News Organization of the Year by the PA NewsMedia Association Foundation, the premier press association in Pennsylvania. This is the fifth straight year that TheBurg has won this prestigious award, which honors all aspects of a news outlet’s operations, including editorial, art, design and sales.

Tower Jewelers opened last month at 7 N. 3rd St., just outside the 3rd Street entrance of Strawberry Square. From the downtown Harrisburg storefront, the shop offers a variety of high-end gold and gemstone jewelry, according to Harristown Enterprises, which owns Strawberry Square.

Changing Hands

Benton St., 603: Equity Trust Co. Custodian FBO John Spencer to F. LaFontant, $95,000

Boas St., 228: A. Afolabi & R. Grant to Avery Nicole Via Trust, $225,000

Boas St., 1814: J. & E. Wilson to First Choice Home Buyers LLC, $55,000

Briggs St., 1947: R. & D. Requa to H. Rahman, $165,000

Catherine St., 1510: N. Tull to KLG Fix Flip LLC, $105,000

Chestnut St., 1201: US Bank Trust National Association to D. Rodriguez, $57,500

Chestnut St., 1840: Silver Lining Holdings LLC to M. Bolos, $125,000

Chestnut St., 1961: F. Olivo to E. Morris, $222,000

Conoy St., 106: M. & K. Neale to T. Roth, $240,000

Derry St., 1632: M. Reyes to S. & D. Lapp, $108,000

Emerald St., 339: BCR 1 Properties LLC to Breneman Properties LLC, $90,000

Emerald St., 521: C. Gibbs to L. Spearman, $141,000

Fulton St., 1706: K. & E. O’Conor to J. & L. Lilley, $211,000

Girard St., 735: Harrisburg Pennsylvania LLC to J. Grasso & J. Rivera, $113,500

Green St., 2150: 2020 Real Estate Ventures LLC to B. Sissoko, $249,900

Green St., 2223: J. & B. Readinger to R. Gonzalez, $185,000

Green St., 2908: A. & A. Carter to J. Gatto & J. Pederson, $680,000

Hale Ave., 412: G. Romain to Integrity First Home Buyers LLC, $90,000

Hamilton St., 427: D. Chase to Wright at Home LLC, $80,000

Harris St., 348: K. Peterson to K. Fisher, $250,000

Hoffman St., 3105: E. Klinger & Z. Rouse to L. Harris, $300,000

Hummel St., 433: N. & C. Acevedo to J. de Leon & S. Cortorreal, $133,000

James St., 1333: C. Linnenbach to L. Klein, $172,000

Jefferson St., 2249: Y. Perez to H. Dhillon & G. Kaur, $145,000

Jefferson St., 2420: R. Shokes to Knight Development and Management LLC, $80,000

Logan St., 1732: M. Schesser Trust to J. Morris, $255,000

Logan St., 2033: Coverex LLC to W. Barrett, $170,000

Manada St., 1948: Paramount Sol LLC to E. Jimenez, $187,500

Mercer St., 2437: D. & K. Keister to West Autumn Holdings LLC, $120,000

Naudain St., 1427: S. Rucker to Lumastay Properties LLC, $110,000

Naudain St., 1602: R. Kabir to Y. Fernandez, $114,000

N. 2nd St., 508 & 510: Partners Five LLC to WCI Partners LP, $365,000

N. 2nd St., 1929: L. Bernard & M. Kline to T. & Y. Jasper, $260,000

N. 2nd St., 2513: J. Khan & L. Dalia to A. Hess, $340,000

N. 3rd St., 212: Atcheson Properties and Beckley & Madden to Capitol Park View LLC, $700,000

N. 3rd St., 1421: E. Papenfuse & C. Lawrence to Heinly Homes LLC, $163,215

N. 3rd St., 1423 & 1423½: E. Papenfuse & C. Lawrence to Heinly Homes LLC, $286,785

N. 3rd St., 1715: J. Jacobs & J. Van Leeuwen to P. Kuhn, $222,500

N. 3rd St., 2331: Eco Builders PA LLC to B. Blackhurst, $295,000

N. 4th St., 2234: BCR 1 Properties LLC to Breneman Properties LLC, $85,000

N. 5th St., 2313: BCR 2 Properties LLC to N. Munoz, $168,000

N. 6th St., 2001: D&F Realty Holdings LP to 2001 N. 6th St. LLC, $466,925

N. 6th St., 2228: E. Jones to Avila Estate Investment LLC, $70,000

N. 6th St., 2624: D&F Holdings LP to I. Vilorio, $200,000

N. 14th St., 224: A. Pacheco to A. & J. de Campana, $140,000

N. 15th St., 235: Howze Carpentry LLC to C. Ashe, $185,000

N. 15th St., 241: H&H Investment LLC to E. Esh, $169,000

N. 15th St., 517: Golden Triangle Investment LLC to Padmini Estate LLC, $160,000

N. 15th St., 1305: BCR 1 Properties LLC to Echo Propco 1 LLC, $90,000

N. 15th St., 1627: SGCRS LLC to M. Nieves, $129,900

N. 16th St., 41: T. Cobb to First Choice Home Buyers LLC, $85,000

N. 17th St., 708: R. Kent to J. & R. Zapata, $200,000

Park St., 1633: M3 6 Realty LLC to APC Real Estate LLC, $63,500

Park St., 1856: W. Griffin to W. Rosario, $149,500

Penn St., 2320: R. McCullough to J. Bonham, $176,500

Reily St., 263: FLTBYS LLC to E. Papenfuse & C. Lawrence, $275,000

Reservoir St., 76: A. Staff to JJ House LLC, $60,000

Shoop St., 1433, 1435, 1437, 1439: J. Limric to TLC Work Based Training Program Inc., $150,000

South St., 105: J. Maxwell to H. Basso, $189,900

S. 9th St., 1125: DB Real Estate & Properties LLC to AMiracle4Sure Inc., $670,000

S. 17th St., 534: H. Reyes to MyMajesty LLC, $73,500

S. 18th St., 161: T. Liang & M. Morales to A. Olivera, $72,000

S. 25th St., 729: Waters Properties LLC to J. & M. Chery, $392,000

S. 28th St., 726: P. Garcia to A. Fernandez, $180,000

S. Front St., 709: L. Foster to C. & P. Ogle, $275,000

Spencer St., 1857: B. Gonzalez to A. Ulloa, $158,000

State St., 106: J. Dorbian to C. Cross, $290,000

State St., 231, Unit 705: Nye & Golub Rentals LLC to Areba Properties LLC, $825,000

Susquehanna St., 1711: N. DeMuro to C. Lucas, $210,000

Susquehanna St., 1815: C&C Homes LLC to PACC Homes and Development LLC, $92,500

Vine St., 119: B. & P. Palmer to J. Tallman, $190,000

Whitehall St., 1851: YT Harrisburg LLC to JK Realty and Home Repair LLC, $435,000

Wiconisco St., 623: Yovany LLC & Rivas Property Investments LLC to BZDEL Global Investment LLC, $128,000

Zarker St., 1425: M. Posey to T. Posey, $120,000

Harrisburg property sales, June 2025, greater than $50,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

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

Fortress Harrisburg? Bigger fences may not make better neighbors.

July 30, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda

Illustration by Rich Hauck

Like most Americans, I stared in horror and disbelief as a string of terrorist attacks unfurled on live TV on Sept. 11, 2001.

Unlike most Americans, I had genuine reason to fear for my personal safety. My house was a block from the U.S. Capitol, one of the closest private buildings to the Capitol complex in Washington, D.C.

On that morning, I sat in my living room stunned, not sure what to do. Friends and family called, urging me to flee my house. I didn’t, only to learn later that United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed into a field in Somerset County, Pa., was likely headed in my direction. If not for the brave passengers and crew aboard that flight, I might not be here today.

I mention this now not to rehash the events of that terrible day, but to explain what came next.

Before 9/11, I lived in a very special neighborhood. My house was less than a block from the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, the Folger Shakespeare Library. These monumental buildings, grand lawns and lovely gardens made up the content and context of my neighborhood. It was a uniquely beautiful and extraordinary place to call home.

After 9/11, a gloom fell over my neighborhood. Streets closed. Ugly concrete barriers lined the blocks; bollards went up everywhere. There were chain-link fences and makeshift gates and security checkpoints and police who stopped and questioned me when I tried to walk down my own street.

A few years later, the U.S. Capitol police proposed installing a pop-up barrier directly in front of my house. That was the final straw. I decided to sell, later using some of the proceeds to move to Harrisburg and start TheBurg.

At the time, I simply couldn’t understand how ravaging my neighborhood made the Capitol any safer. It would not have prevented a 9-11-type attack, which used airplanes as weapons. In my view, any security gain was marginal, but at great cost to the taxpayer and to the surrounding community. Years later, I felt my opinion vindicated when all those measures failed to prevent the worst attack on the Capitol in U.S. history—the ground assault of Jan. 6, 2021.

Recently, I had a flashback to that time. In the wake of the horrendous arson attack on the PA Governor’s Residence, I feared that similar things might happen in Harrisburg. The state closed off an adjacent alley; stately old trees along Front Street were felled; the sidewalk was blocked; an unsightly fence was quickly erected.

Yes, I understand that greater security may be needed around the residence. For three years, I lived nearby and often walked down Geiger Street, the alley adjacent to the south side of the mansion grounds. From there, last April, an attacker climbed the fence, ran up to the building, smashed a window and firebombed the dining room.

I wasn’t surprised that the attack originated from that spot. Walking by almost daily, I often thought about how exposed this area was—isolated, eerily quiet, pitch-dark at night. I rarely saw any personnel on the grounds there, save the occasional gardener.

So, yes, I believe that the Governor’s Residence needs better protection, especially from the dark, quiet, backside of the property. And, unfortunately, we live in an age with toxic politics, toxic partisan media and toxic social media, which together can pollute minds, feed delusions and trigger someone inclined to violence.

But I also believe that additional safety can be had without turning Front and Maclay streets into an ugly, scattered mess of metal fencing, tree stumps and concrete barriers. Fortunately, the Governor’s Office assured me last month that these unsightly elements are temporary as the state improves security measures, including constructing an “anti-climb fence.”

“In the end, the Residence and surrounding grounds will look much as neighbors remember,” stated the governor’s press office, in response to my questions.

I also would advocate for additional human resources. Would I want a job sitting in a guardhouse all night long? I would not, but more eyes and ears may be the best way to thwart a future attack, with the least negative impact on the residence and on the surrounding natural and built environment.

Indeed, Harrisburg—and Pennsylvania—deserves a well-considered, well-designed security and architectural plan that respects the city, the riverside setting and the building’s own history, stature and aesthetics. I’m confident that, with thought, care, expertise and skill, the commonwealth can achieve a balance between security, functionality and design. In the end, opportunity could arise from calamity, with the building’s security, livability and eminence all enhanced.

Two dozen years have passed since the horrible day of Sept. 11, 2001. Unfortunately, the political climate today may be even more volatile, especially domestically. Ultimately, the best way to improve security is not with stronger fences but with stronger people—with politicians, pundits and ordinary Americans collectively deciding that we’ve had enough, that we must work together to rediscover respect and lower the temperature of our civic discourse.

Lawrance Binda is publisher/editor of TheBurg.

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

Next Stop: Our writer looks at how Harrisburg’s transit system is faring, where it’s going

July 30, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Photo courtesy of Rabbit Transit.

On a sunny, early summer day, people sat, stood and waited for their bus at the Market Square Transfer Center in downtown Harrisburg.

A few people chatted, some sported headphones and a not-in-the-mood-to-talk face; others bounced and balanced kids on their laps.

Many people, like city resident Ben Simmons (yes, he gets the NBA comparison a lot), take Harrisburg’s Rabbittransit buses to get to work. The transit system “gets me where I need to go,” he said. Another resident, Luz Byron, takes the bus from N. 6th Street, near where she lives, to go grocery shopping. “I don’t have a car. I have to do it,” she explained.

One guy from Reading, Ron Sanders, has lived in Harrisburg for the past several months to take care of his father. When his car broke down, he started using the bus to get around the city and to get to and from his job. He found the system relatively easy to navigate as a city visitor.

Responses to the quality of Rabbittransit’s service varied. One man rated it a 9.5/10, saying that drivers were friendly and buses were clean and dependable. His only complaint concerned the environment around many of the bus stops—he once witnessed a fight near the transfer center, he claimed. Others had a more heated reaction to the quality question, one man stewing on the fact that his usual bus was late, as it often is.

Rabbittransit’s top officials, as well as other local leaders, are aware of the system’s challenges but also emphasize how far it’s come and where it’s headed. And they see how crucial better service is for people like Simmons, Byron, Sanders and others who depend on transit.

The organization took a hit during the pandemic, like many did. While they have bounced back somewhat, ridership has shifted. Who is riding the bus is changing. Therefore, the organization has plans in the works to make the system better for Harrisburg.

Getting in Motion

Much of Rabbittransit’s infrastructure and systems are outdated—Executive Director Rich Farr acknowledges that. Bus routes are inefficient. The downtown transfer center’s design hinders easy transfers. The organization’s home base on Cameron Street is 120 years old and showing its age.

“What we’re really looking at is modernizing our transit system,” Farr said. “Not a lot of stuff has happened for decades, and it’s time for us to get in motion.

Farr explained that Rabbittransit can start future-planning now that it has stabilized operations after a shaky past. In 2018, the company, which provides service in York and surrounding counties, started overseeing operations of Harrisburg’s system, formerly called Capital Area Transit. CAT was in debt, buses weren’t arriving at stops, and Farr’s team faced an uphill battle. In 2021, the systems officially merged to become Susquehanna Regional Transit Authority, operating as Rabbittransit (although Harrisburg buses still physically bear the name “CAT”).

“We spent a lot of time up until this point really getting our house in order, and I think we’ve arrived,” Farr said. “There are always issues. There’s always opportunity for improvement […] I think it’s now time to start looking towards the future.”

Notably, that future includes a multi-year process of demolishing and rebuilding its transit facility on Cameron Street to bring it into this century. The new facility will also be the site of the new transfer center

Currently, buses come through the Market Square transfer center, which is not big enough to accommodate more than a few vehicles at a time. Often, riders are dropped off from one bus and forced to wait for 30 minutes or a full hour until their transfer arrives, simply because there’s not enough space for both arriving and departing buses.

Shorter-term upgrades include a modernized fare payment system, which Rabbit will implement in the coming months. That will use an upgraded scanner and utilize an account-based mobile app where riders can virtually pay and keep track of fares, instead of purchasing individual tickets. Farr also noted that fares will increase by around 10 to 20 cents, as the system hasn’t hiked rates in years.

With the upgrades will come bonuses, like increased frequency of buses on the busiest routes and better synced connections.

Farr expects that improved service will mean more riders.

“People will use the service if you give it to them,” he said.

New Approach

Brad Jones of Harristown Enterprises, a major downtown landlord, has seen how the pandemic and the rise of telework have impacted his properties downtown. Workers have left office buildings, and businesses have struggled with less foot traffic. In discussions with Farr, he’s realized how that lack of workforce density has impacted Rabbittransit as well.

Jones sees how a refreshed and modernized bus system could play a role in his downtown vision, offering more amenities for his residential and commercial tenants. The system could also offer an enticing alternative to high parking fees, he noted.

“We are trying to create as many assets to walk to as possible,” he said.

Farr concurred.

“They’re converting buildings to apartments,” he said of Harristown. “We want those folks to come down their elevator, open the door, and walk out to the bus stop. If we are going to move more people downtown, then let’s give them transit service.”

That’s Rabbittransit’s focus now—getting more city residents on board buses, as they seek to rely less on state workers, which previously made up a good number of their patrons. According to Farr, the system is seeing growth post-pandemic, but is still at about 65% of its pre-pandemic ridership. He estimates that some of that 35% still missing is due to telework.

“We need to serve the folks who live here,” he said. “The growth has to be because the folks who live here are riding it, and that’s what we want.”

Statistics from 2023 show that 55% of people who use Rabbittransit’s fixed route system are going to work and 68% of riders have no other means of transportation. Over half of riders have a total household income of less than $25,000.

Tri-County Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Andrew Bomberger views transit as an important asset to a city like Harrisburg, especially for those who depend on it.

However, he sees it as one piece of the puzzle that includes other modes of transportation, such as cycling.

The regional planning commission kickstarted its Susquecycle bike share program in 2022, bringing rentable bikes to stations around the city, many located near bus stops for convenience. Each year, more and more people rent bikes, Bomberger said.

Infrastructure like this, as well as other needed improvements, will make it easier for people to access the buses, Bomberger believes.

Bomberger himself said that he takes the bus to work. He acknowledged that it can be intimidating to figure out the system the first few times riding, but now he finds it enjoyable to just hop on the bus and ride home after a long day, without having to drive.

“Just give it a try,” he said. “It’s more convenient than you think.”

Farr hopes that, through system improvements to make riding easier for residents, more people, like Bomberger, will give it a try.

“We just have to approach how we deliver transit differently,” he said. “We have to make sure we adapt to how people are living today.”

Rabbittransit’s Capital Region Facility is located at 901 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg. For more information about their facility project and other upcoming initiatives, visit www.rabbittransit.org.

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

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

What you’ll find ⤵️

For your weekend planning

A Look Ahead

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

You May Also Like

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 ⤵️

For your weekend planning

A Look Ahead

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like

You May Also Like