City Council approves zoning change to former hospital site, now proposed for apartments

July 8, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

The former Polyclinic Hospital and proposed site of an adaptive reuse project.

A project to turn a former Harrisburg medical facility into apartments has taken a step forward.

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

In March 2024, Pennmark Harrisburg Holdings, an affiliate of Montgomery County-based Pennmark Management Company, 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.

Council members shared concerns over the lack of affordable units for lower-income residents and expressed a desire to see the developer work to accommodate existing neighbors.

One resident who lives near the project site shared her concerns for the potential of increased traffic and parking challenges in the neighborhood.

Pennmark’s project will still require approval for its land development plan.

Also on Tuesday, council voted to appropriate about $2 million into the budget, sourced from various city fund balances, to pay money that it owes as a result of recent litigation. A Dauphin County jury decided last month 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.

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Cameron Street underpass reopens following rehab work

July 8, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda

An entrance to the underpass on Cameron Street

The pedestrian underpass near the state Farm Show Complex has been reopened following extensive repair work.

On Tuesday, PennDOT announced it had reopened the underpass, which goes under Cameron Street. The underpass had been closed since February due to concrete deterioration on the ceiling of the walkway.

The work was performed as part of an already planned pavement preservation project that PennDOT is performing on Cameron Street. The total $8.3 million project, which includes making repairs and upgrades to the road, intersections, traffic signals, drainage and other areas, is expected to be completed by September 2026.

This project consists of concrete patching, diamond grinding, milling, asphalt overlay, traffic signal and intersection improvements, minor drainage repairs and other construction on Cameron Street from Paxton Street to Elmerton Avenue/Wildwood Park Drive, and on Arsenal Boulevard from Maclay Street to 15^th Street.

In addition to the pedestrian underpass, the left turn lane from westbound Cameron Street into the Farm Show Complex at Farm Show Drive is also open, PennDOT said. This turn lane was closed in February because it was located directly above an area of deteriorated concrete inside the tunnel.

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Dauphin County official considers bid for U.S. Congress

July 7, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Justin Douglas at a press conference in March 2025.

A county official has shared his interest in running for higher office.

Dauphin County Commissioner Justin Douglas announced on Monday that he would launch an exploratory committee as he weighs a bid for representative of Pennsylvania’s 10^th congressional district in 2026.

Douglas has served as a county commissioner since January 2024, after a historic election that brought the county its first Democrat-controlled board in over a century. Since then, he has led efforts to expose “corruption” and “wasteful spending,” his press release said.

His exploratory committee will now “test the waters” for a potential race for Congress. If nominated by the Democratic Party, Douglas would face long-time incumbent Scott Perry, a Republican, assuming Perry runs for re-election.

“From day one as commissioner, I’ve made it my mission to fight fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption, no matter where it hides or who it implicates,” Douglas said. “That fight belongs in Washington too, where public trust has been eroded for far too long. I’m exploring this campaign because our communities deserve leaders who answer to the people, not to special interests.”

According to the release, Douglas will meet with community leaders and residents and determine what resources would be needed for a run for the office.

“Folks in PA-10 are ready for a leader who puts the people ahead of party politics,” Douglas said. “They want someone who will uphold the Constitution, fight for their families, and bring integrity back to public office. Scott Perry has lost the trust of this district, and regardless of the outcome of this Exploratory Committee, one thing is certain, it’s time for him to go.”

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

July 3, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Christine Wood of Harrisburg and her schnoodle Allie, age 10, walk along 3rd Street in Harrisburg.

It’s not quite Friday, but for most of us, the weekend is here! Enjoy the holiday and make sure you visit Harrisburg’s food truck festival on Friday. Before you unplug for the weekend, make sure you’re up to date on our news coverage, below.

The Capitol Gateway Project was a great start in making Harrisburg’s Forster Street safer for pedestrians, our editor said in his column. However, there’s much more to be done, he says.

Capital Region Water submitted a final “Pollution Reduction Plan” to state and federal regulators, our online story reported. The plan includes spending about $1.43 billion over 40 years to eliminate waste entering waterways.

Concerts will bring all the summer music vibes to Harrisburg this month. Our reviewer offers recommendations for can’t-miss shows, here.

Dog owners share their thoughts on living in Harrisburg with a pet, in our magazine story. Some people enjoy the opportunities to socialize their pups, while others wish there were more dog-friendly infrastructure.

Harrisburg activist Frank Pizzoli recently published his book “Passionate Outlier: Gay Writers and Allies on Their Work,” our magazine story reported. His work compiles his interviews with LGBTQ writers.

July brings lots of special summer events, such as those listed in our Community Corner. We also have a thorough list of everything that local libraries, theaters, venues and museums are offering this month, in our Happenings.

Sara Bozich’s Weekend Roundup includes ways to enjoy the holiday, as well as the rest of the long weekend, here.

Tri-County Regional Planning Commission is offering Uber vouchers to people who consume alcohol at local bars during the holiday weekend, our online story reported. The initiative aims to deter drunken driving.

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Capital Region Water submits final long-term plan to stem pollutants into area waterways

July 3, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda

A view of Harrisburg from the Susquehanna River

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

On Wednesday, 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.

CRW funds the project through a variety of means, including low-interest state loans and a user-based stormwater fee, which was implemented in 2020.

CRW said that it has been working to improve the system since the utility’s inception in 2013, so far investing over $200 million.

The final “Pollution Reduction Plan” and timeline now must be approved by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

July 3, 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: Alexis Gives Back!, a lovely evening of music for a great cause on Saturday Worth noting: 4th of July Fireworks around the region; shop Little Black Dress’s 4th of July sale Things on my agenda this weekend:

For your weekend planning

July 5: Alexis Gives Back – A Night of Music, Community, and Purpose
Market on Market Heats Up in July with Food Trucks, Live Music & Family Fun
Read This Before You Leave Your Pet Home Alone
Feeling sluggish? Gameday Men’s Health can help – learn all about it here.
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

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The Most Affordable Home Equity Loan Lenders in Pennsylvania

June 30, 2025 | by Admin

Pennsylvania has a mixed housing market with various property values. For many, borrowing funds is the only way for homeowners to pursue renovation projects, consolidate debt and cover major expenses. Finding the most affordable home equity loans in Pennsylvania is critical for lowering risk and staying in good financial standing.

Comparing Lenders for a Home Equity Loan

When choosing the most affordable home equity loan lenders in PA, you must consider several factors to minimize the financial burden of borrowing money.

Lender Requirements	Minimum amount of equity, loan-to-value (LV) ratio, debt-to-income ratio, credit score requirements and necessary documentation
Interest Rates and Fees	Comparison of interest rates and annual percentage rate (APR), including closing costs and origination, appraisal and any other annual fees
Loan Terms and Repayment	Repayment periods, schedules and penalties
Reputation	Online reviews about the lender’s transparency, communication and customer support

Comparing offers from multiple lenders can help you find the lowest interest rates and better terms. It also gives you greater negotiating power, helping you save more money over the loan’s lifespan.

Who Offers the Most Affordable Home Equity Loans in Pennsylvania?

Although careful research is required, you can find several affordable lenders for home equity loans in PA. Here is a breakdown of four potential lenders with competitive rates that may meet your needs and financial situation.

1. PSECU

PSECU is resolved to “helping you achieve more” when you look for a home equity loan. With its digital-first approach to financial management, this credit union offers members lower fees and greater perks.

The Real Estate Equity Loan delivers a fixed amount of money at once with a fixed rate for the entire loan, allowing you to borrow up to 90% of the appraised value. Get a 5.94% APR on a five-year equity LV up to 80% or 6.69% APR between 80% and 90%. For a 20-year loan, you can expect a 7.74% APR up to 80%. Meanwhile, monthly payments are on a five, 10, 15, or 20-year repayment plan.

When you become a PSECU member, you can start applying for the Real Estate Equity Loan.
You must provide all the information it asks for, including personal details and income. Proof of PA residency is also required.

Key Features

Digital-first approach to banking
Fixed loan amount with a fixed interest rate
Borrow up to 90% of the appraised value

2. First Commonwealth Bank

First Commonwealth Bank offers a fixed-interest home equity loan for between $10,000 and
$500,000. With a 6.50% APR, you can borrow up to 80% of your home equity on a repayment
term between five and 20 years. The Right@Home home equity installment loan is another lending option, with loans from $5,000 to $75,000. This flexible option has fixed rates, terms and monthly payment conditions, and you can borrow up to 90% of your home equity.

You can apply for a home equity loan through First Commonwealth Bank online, over the phone
or in person at a branch. Proof of income, annual property tax reports and homeowners
insurance are required. You must also demonstrate good credit and the ability to follow through
on monthly repayments. Speak with an expert about your financial status and loan necessities.

Key Features:

Loan amounts between $10,000 to $500,000
6.50% APR
Borrow up to 80% of your home equity

3. Penn Community Bank

Penn Community Bank offers fixed-rate home equity loans with straightforward repayment terms. You can also receive a discount when you deduct payments from your personal checking or savings account.

Loan amounts between $10,000 and $1,000,000 on a three- or five-year repayment plan have a 5.24% APR, while 20-year terms have a 7.24% APR. However, these rates are for a limited time and are subject to change.

Borrowers must own the property and meet the necessary eligibility requirements to qualify for a home equity loan from Penn Community Bank. Fill out the online application or visit a local branch to get started. You must provide your personal information, including whether you are applying for joint credit with a co-borrower. The financial institution also needs information about your income and assets, the purpose of the loan and authorization of a credit check.

Key Features

APR starting at 5.24%
Three- to 20-year repayment terms
Repayment discount when deducted from your personal checking or savings account

Making Wise Financial Decisions for Your Home and Budget

Borrowing against your home’s equity is not a decision you should make lightly. It is critical to compare several options that meet your needs. Fortunately, you have a few excellent options when considering the most affordable home equity loans in PA.

Sponsored Content

“Sober Ride Home” to offer Uber vouchers during July 4th weekend

June 30, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Fireworks over the Susquehanna River. File photo.

A local program will help get people home safely during the coming holiday.

Tri-County Regional Planning Commission’s Sober Ride Home initiative will offer free Uber vouchers for the July 4^th weekend in hopes of preventing intoxicated driving.

“Forty percent of the fatal crashes in our region involve impaired drivers,” TCRPC Executive Director Andrew Bomberger said. “So do 30% of serious injury crashes. The goal of Sober Ride Home is to prevent these tragedies over the holiday weekend when folks might be out celebrating.”

People who have consumed alcohol at local bars and restaurants can redeem a $20 voucher from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. from Thursday, July 3, through Saturday, July 5.

In Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties, people can redeem the voucher by visiting the Sober Ride Home website and scanning a QR code for a one-time voucher. Users must have an active Uber account with a credit card on file and vouchers will be available while supplies last.

The promotion is offered by TCRPC in partnership with Uber and Commute PA and funded through a grant from the Federal Highway Administration and the Safe Streets and Roads for All program.

Visit the Sober Ride Home website for more information.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

June 27, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Vice Capital cut the ribbon on its new affordable housing development, JMB Gardens, on N. 6th Street in Harrisburg.

Can you believe it’s almost July?! This month’s magazine just dropped, and you may notice a few more four-legged friends than usual. While you’re here, read our news from this week, and then head to grab a copy of our special pet issue.

Conservation can be taught to kids of any age, our magazine story reported. Local educators and programs provide gardening, outdoor events and environmental learning.

F3, a worldwide fitness initiative for men, will host its annual Keystone Convergence in Harrisburg for all Pennsylvania-based groups on June 27 and 28, our online story reported. The group aims to provide opportunities for connections and support for men.

Harrisburg City Council approved a development project to bring townhomes, apartment buildings and commercial space to Midtown, our online story reported. The project proposes 62 units around the Broad Street Market.

The Harrisburg School Board approved a 2025-26 budget that includes a 2% tax hike, our online story reported. This was the first budget in six years that the board has approved, as the district has just exited receivership.

July 4^th in Harrisburg will include food trucks, live music and family activities, our online story reported. The city will also soon kick off its July Music Series at Reservoir Park.

Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Foundation announced its Keystone Media Awards for the year, and TheBurg claimed 26 awards. Find out which stories were awarded, here.

The Pennsylvania State Museum will undergo a $55 million transformation to create a 21^st-century museum experience, our online story reported. The project, which will close the museum for three years, will add a 16^th-floor observation deck to the former state Archives.

Our publisher shares some of the feedback that he received on his column from last month, which discussed places of community connection in Harrisburg. He also sets the scene for the July issue of the magazine, here.

Sara Bozich has a packed list of weekend events, from music to exercise to artisan markets. Find all the happenings, here.

Theatre Harrisburg is presenting “The Da Vinci Code” through June 29. See what our reviewer has to say about the thriller, here.

Vice Capital, a development company owned by former NFL player LeSean McCoy, cut the ribbon on JMB Gardens this week, our online story reported. The housing complex will offer affordable one-, two- and three-bedroom units.

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Harrisburg to host July 4th festival, live music series

June 27, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg and local officials at a press conference on Friday to talk about the July 4th festival and July Music Series.

It’s summertime in Harrisburg, which means food trucks, live music and festivities are right around the corner.

To celebrate the upcoming holiday, Harrisburg will host its annual July 4^th Food Truck Festival in Riverfront Park, and will bring back its July Music Series to Reservoir Park.

July 4^th celebrations will feature food, live music, line dancing and family activities, from 12 to 7 p.m. This year, there will be no city fireworks display, announced Mayor Wanda Williams at a press conference on Friday. She explained that the city made the decision with concern for safety, following several police incidents during the fireworks over the past several years.

Williams shared that although the city won’t host fireworks, the Harrisburg Senators have a home baseball game that night and will shoot off fireworks after the game, which can be viewed from the riverfront.

“Come for the food; stay for the music; and head toward the river if you want to catch the fireworks show,” she said.

Festival attendees can choose from bites and drinks from over 40 food trucks and a wine and beer garden. Throughout the day, bands will perform roots, ’90s-tribute, Motown, and rock-n-roll music at a stage near State Street. At an entertainment stage near Locust Street, instructors and DJs will lead country and soul line dancing, DJ battles and karaoke. There will also be an American Music Icons Costume Contest, giving people a chance to dress to win $200.

Family activities will include free roller skating, an inflatable obstacle course, a mini highland cow, goat and sheep petting zoo and a bubble magic show.

Metered street parking is free for the holiday, $5 parking is available on City Island, and $10 parking from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. is available at the Market Square Garage, courtesy of Park Harrisburg (you must enter & exit within this time frame to get the discounted rate).

Kicking off the next day, on July 5, is the July Music Series presented by the city and nonprofit Pop’s House. Throughout the month, the series will bring performers to the Reservoir Park bandshell for free concerts.

The July Music Series schedule is as follows:

July 5: Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, 6:30-9 p.m.
July 6: Mayor Williams’ Youth Talent Showcase, 6:30-9 p.m.
July 13: Gospel Night featuring Zak Williams and 1/Akord
July 19: Jazz Under the Stars featuring Najee, 5-10 pm.
July 26: Latin Afro/Soul Night featuring the original Lakeside, 5-10 p.m.

Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and snacks.

“The summer music scene in Harrisburg is about to hit another level,” Williams said.

For more information about Harrisburg’s July 4^th Food Truck Festival, visit their website. For more information about the July Music Series, visit their website.

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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 – Independence Day!

Saturday

Sunday

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Comparing Lenders for a Home Equity Loan

Who Offers the Most Affordable Home Equity Loans in Pennsylvania?

1. PSECU

2. First Commonwealth Bank

3. Penn Community Bank

Making Wise Financial Decisions for Your Home and Budget

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