Tag Archives: Capital Region Water

January News Digest

December 28, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Projects Proposed to Counter Homelessness

There soon may be several new housing options for Harrisburg’s homeless population.

A group of local residents is proposing a tiny home village on six acres along S. Front Street to provide housing for those experiencing homelessness.

Additionally, the city has confirmed that another, separate group has proposed a development for homeless veterans for the same area.

Both of these projects would be located along S. Front Street, near the PennDOT building, and would neighbor Veterans Grove, a tiny home village for homeless veterans under construction.

If approved and built, three housing developments serving the homeless would sit along a short stretch of S. Front Street.

A group of local residents shared that they are purchasing a plot of land just past the PennDOT building. The group has partnered with Missouri-based Eden Village, a nonprofit that has built tiny home communities nationally, for the project.

“What we are excited about is that we are providing what we believe is the ultimate solution, which is permanent housing,” said Jon Bomberger, who is involved with the project.

The village would include 25 to 30 400-square-foot, single occupancy homes and a community center for those experiencing homelessness. Mental health, recovery and other services would be offered on-site.

The group expects to break ground on the $3 to $4 million project in the summer, should it receive the necessary city approvals.

Also proposed for the riverfront, near PennDOT, is a project by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which provides support services to homeless veterans and first responders.

The organization is proposing a 50- to 60-unit apartment complex and support service center, along with 15 to 20 comfort homes, on an 8.5-acre parcel.

Utility Rates Rise

Harrisburg utility customers will see their rates rise in 2024, with the average bill increasing by about 5.2%.

In late November, the board of Capital Region Water (CRW) approved new water, sewer and stormwater rates, effective Jan. 1.

Under the new rate structure, the drinking water charge will increase 3%, from $10.34 to $10.65 per 1,000 gallons consumed.

The wastewater charge will rise 8%, from $9.24 to $9.98 per 1,000 gallons used.

The stormwater fee also will rise, the first increase for most residential customers since the fee was first imposed in 2020. It will increase by 10%, from $6.15 to $6.77 per month for the majority of Harrisburg residences.

According to CRW, the average monthly bill for households in Harrisburg will increase a total of $4.56 a month, from $87.75 to $92.31, in 2024. From 2022 to 2023, the average bill increased about $2.60.

County Taxes Steady in 2024 Budget

Dauphin County last month passed a 2024 budget that holds taxes steady.

The general fund budget totals nearly $220.6 million and, for the 19th year in a row, does not include a property tax increase.

“A lot of hard work and careful review has brought us to the point where we can maintain this impressive streak of 19 years without a tax increase,” said Mike Pries, chair of the county’s board of commissioners.

The property tax rate for county services remained at 6.88 mills, with a mill representing $1 for every $1,000 of assessed property value.

The budget is an increase from last year’s budget of $218 million. It includes salary raises for all union contract employees with 2.95% increases for non-union employees.

About 50% of the budget is spent on salaries and benefits for employees, with the other half largely going to areas like service expenses, debt service and grants to organizations.

Crisis Center to Open

In Harrisburg, there will soon be a new place for those with behavioral health issues to receive help.

Dauphin County announced last month its plans to create a Connections Regional Crisis Walk-In Center to provide 24/7 assistance and resources.

The 15,000-square-foot center will be located on the first floor of a building at 1100 S. Cameron Street, which also houses the county’s Case Management Unit.

“We are recognizing that we are not able to meet the needs of our community successfully,” said Annie Strite, mental health/intellectual and developmental disabilities administrator and mental health director for the county. “We want to do an excellent job serving our community.”

According to Strite, the need for the center became evident to the county as the number of people struggling with mental health issues has continued to rise nationally and locally post-COVID.

The new center is a joint project among Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties and will serve as a resource for the region. The project will cost $17.5 million and utilizes state and federal funding.

The county expects the center to open by the end of 2024.

The crisis center will function similarly to an emergency room where people can receive immediate assistance in a crisis, but will be dedicated to serving those with mental health and addiction issues. Anyone can walk in to the center at any time, regardless of their insurance status.

The center will offer a new peer counseling program for those struggling with a mental health issue or walking through the recovery process.

“People want to talk to somebody who has walked that walk and has that experience,” said Andrea Kepler, administrator of Dauphin County mental health/autism/developmental programs.

People will also be able to receive emergency medication prescriptions and access psychiatrists, nurse practitioners and case management personnel. The center will be operated by national mental health care provider Connections Health Solutions.

Homes Sales Down, Prices Steady

Harrisburg-area home sales declined but the median price rose slightly in November, according to the latest report on previously owned houses.

For the three-county area, 492 homes sold versus 616 in November 2022, as the median sales price inched up to $259,500 from $255,000, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, 250 homes sold, 29 fewer than in the year-ago period as the median sales price rose to $235,000 from $219,000, said GHAR.

Cumberland County tallied 214 home sales versus 295 a year ago, while the median sales price totaled $302,000, compared to $300,000 in the prior November, GHAR stated.

In Perry County, 32 homes sold, a drop of six, as the median price dipped to $205,000 from $239,750 a year ago, according to GHAR.

For the month, the pace of sales slowed somewhat, as the “average days on market” clocked in at 22 days versus 17 in November 2022, GHAR said.

So Noted

Anthony L. Loscalzo, Esq., last month was named Of Counsel for SkarlatosZonarich. Loscalzo brings 40 years of legal experience to the Harrisburg-based firm, joining the Elder Law, Estate Administration and Estate Planning departments.

Daniel Youngs has been named the next chief executive officer for the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority (LCSWMA). Youngs, the current chief financial officer, will replace Robert Zorbaugh, who plans to retire at the end of 2024 after a 35-year career with the authority.

JoJo’s Barbershop debuted last month at 11 S. 3rd St., one of a string of new businesses to open recently in downtown Harrisburg’s SoMa neighborhood. From the storefront, owner Johanna Martin offers washes and cuts to men, women and children, as well as specialty services including coloring, undercuts and hair design.

Organic Remedies, a Carlisle-based medical marijuana company, has donated $62,250 to the PA Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA), money raised from its second annual golf tournament. Separately, it raised $20,000 to support the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition, which serves breast cancer survivors and their families.

Thomas W. Ford is the new owner and supervisor of the Michael J. Shalonis Funeral Home & Cremation Services, located in Marysville. Ford has more than two decades of experience in the industry, having worked as a licensed funeral director and served as a supervisor for funeral homes in York, Lancaster and Dauphin counties.

Ward of Health is opening in downtown Harrisburg, offering plant-based meals at 221 N. 2nd St. Owner Craig Ward began his business with a stand in the Broad Street Market before making the move to the brick-and-mortar location.

William Habacivch last month was named the new executive director of Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania, which is building a “tiny home village” in south Harrisburg to serve homeless veterans. Habacivch, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, replaces Jordan Ames, who left the post in August.

Changing Hands

Adrian St., 2471 & 2473: Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg to Picadillis Real Estate LLC, $165,000

Allison St., 1514: L. Moyer to J. Rivas, $175,000

Bigelow Dr., 13: R. Love to J. Stevenson, $105,000

Boas St., 429: B. & A. Malia to R. Beaston, $240,000

Briggs St., 1822: HBG Rents LLC to L. Guzman, $155,000

Briggs St., 1834: BCR-2 Properties LLC to S. & L. Bethea, $156,000

Cumberland St., 119: J. & L. Weigle to J. Michel, $182,700

Curtin St., 539: J. Brito to Tinhel LLC, $52,500

Emerald St., 328: Jhonleo Home Renovations LLC to A. Corporan, $199,900

Harris St., 213: Braxley Renovations LLC to H. Belcher & R. Pegus, $249,900

Herr St., 308: RSB Real Estate LLC to V. Arkoosh, $188,908

Hoffman St., 3234: K. Bateman to T Wy Enterprise LLC, $85,000

Hoffman St., 3242: Hancock Investments Associates LLC to B. Jarkow & R. Reuveni, $81,453

Holly St., 1851: Hoffman Properties LLC to S. de Sosa, $75,000

James St., 1321: PA Deals LLC to B. Meador, $129,950

Kelker St., 218: A. Czopek to T. Finlan & B. Burgos, $240,000

Kelker St., 624: D. Diep to D. Steltzer, $104,900

Kelker St., 628: S. Orr to Pink Dahlia LLC, $95,000

Maclay St., 332: D. Jolley to W. & M. Hyatt, $90,000

Market St., 1639: Evangelical Methodist Church to E. Puente, $68,000

Market St., 1912: SJL Rentals 2 LLC to 1912 Market LLC, $195,000

Market St., 2048: Dreamland Investors LLC to A. Ashraf, $125,000

Market St., 2201: M. Stanisic to Lugos Home Improvements LLC, $179,900

Melrose St., 912: C. Morton to T. Yun, $145,000

North St., 228: The Berlin Group to S. Salaam, $278,000

N. 2nd St., 1518: W. Sturges & M. Gallagher to N. Ngwane, $290,000

N. 2nd St., 2410: M. Richards to R. & D. Zampogna, $260,000

N. 2nd St., 3301: K. & K. Eshenaur to S. Ellison, $315,000

N. 3rd St., 1124: Keaton & Friends LLC to Phoenix North Third LLC, $505,000

N. 3rd St., 2209: J. Alvarado & I. Rodriguez to S. Nelson, J. Brunson & M. Saeed, $235,000

N. 3rd St., 3020: D. & K. Borelli to Calcor Holdings LLC, $139,920

N. 3rd St., 3031: C. Penn to D. Webster, $185,300

N. 4th St., 2249: M. & F Cruz to L. Roman, $110,000

N. 4th St., 3213: G. Erdman & S. Ukodie to C. Shoemaker & K. Anderson, $190,000

N. 6th St., 1520 & 1528 and 1525 N. 5th St. : Buonarroti Trust to Savoy Harrisburg LLC, $350,000

N. 6th St., 2017: Mahalo Mart LLC to 2017 North Sixth Street LLC, $1,700,000

N. 6th St., 2605: R2 Property Group LLC to Sky Resort Rentals LLC, $78,000

N. 6th St., 3211: D. Colardo to NDTPA Properties LLC, $125,000

N. 17th St., 700: J. Andia to O. Quispe, $70,000

N. 18th St., 34: C. Boyer to D. Boyle, $62,500

N. 19th St., 706: L. Murrell to F. Salcedo, $53,500

N. Front St., 2147: First Church of Christ Scientist to Sanctuary on the Susquehanna LLC, $315,000

N. Front St., 2411: NG Properties to 2411 N Front Street LLC, $475,000

Peffer St., 613: A. Oeun to Q. Phillips, $87,500

Penn St., 1422: A. Drotor to R. Nickel, $155,000

Penn St., 2140: J. Gaidos Investments LLC to Asteriaru LLC, $65,000

Radnor St., 100: Kait Brocious Group LLC to V. Bandell & M. Tipton, $235,000

Radnor St., 102: Angdupe2011 LLC to A. Witte, $221,000

Radnor St., 127: C. Bone to A. & A. Stidfole, $355,000

Regina St., 1446: C. McMullen to R. Brown, $150,000

Ross St., 614: JMA Home Renovations LLC to E. Tesfa, $58,700

Rudy Rd., 2302: J. Chen to J. Montgomery, $225,000

Rudy Rd., 2307: J. Klein to C. & M. Freeman, $170,000

Rudy Rd., 2474: C. Tran to S. To, $95,000

S. 20th St., 23: J. & C. Ludwick to E. & C. Thuma, $115,000

S. 23rd St., 1: Lewis Trust & C. Thomas to A. Burris & R. Banai, $285,000

S. Front St., 587: M. Robert to B. & A. Gockley, $259,900

Swatara St., 2319: BDS Property Group LLC to A. McPherson, $224,900

Swatara St., 2245: G. Anochie to BDS Property Group LLC, $105,000

Verbeke St., 114: Silverstone Enterprises LLC to B. Gebhart, $190,000

Walnut St., 1214: R. & D. Requa to J. Perez, $70,000

Walnut St., 1702½: D&F Realty Holdings LP to H. Peguero, $139,900

Wayne St., 1724: MB Hess Realty LLC to T. Middleton, $55,000

Wiconisco St., 411: J. Weale to M. Riley, $106,000

Wiconisco St., 524: S. Orr to H. Davis, $107,000

Wiconisco St., 566: W. Chisolm to M. Lemons & A. Meadath, $159,900

Wyeth St., 1406: PA Deals LLC to D. Morgan & P. Dorofeeva, $185,000

Zarker St., 1420: GBSM Enterprises LLC to Fernandez Landmark Realty LLC, $60,000

Harrisburg property sales, November 2023, greater than $50,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

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Harrisburg water/sewer rates to increase in 2024, bills will rise less than $5 per month for average user

November 22, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

A CRW crew performs inlet maintenance.

Harrisburg utility customers will see their rates rise in 2024, with the average bill increasing by about 5.2%.

On Tuesday, the board of Capital Region Water (CRW) approved new water, sewer and stormwater rates, effective Jan. 1.

Under the new rate structure, the drinking water charge will increase 3%, from $10.34 to $10.65 per 1,000 gallons consumed.

The wastewater charge will rise 8%, from $9.24 to $9.98 per 1,000 gallons used.

A typical monthly residential CRW bill in 2024. Source: Capital Region Water

CRW has also proposed an increase in funding for credit assistance programs, which uses non-rate revenues to provide direct assistance to those in need.

“Our commitments are to our customers in the form of affordability, excellence in water quality, and vital improvements to our aging infrastructure,” said Charlotte Katzenmoyer, CEO of CRW, in a statement. “While we don’t enjoy recommending increases in our rates, they are necessary to provide the service our customers deserve and expect.”

For more information on Capital Region Water, visit their website.

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

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

November 3, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

The state Capitol Complex

Our November issue of the magazine hit the stands this week and, so far, our feathered cover model is the star of the show. If you haven’t already, grab a copy and read all of our great small business feature stories this month. But first, catch up on our local news coverage from the week, below.

Capital Region Water CEO Charlotte Katzenmoyer reflects on the past decade of the organization’s infrastructure improvements in Harrisburg. In her community comment, read about the capital projects that CRW has completed in the community.

ChatGPT took over our publisher’s column this month, and what it had to say about Harrisburg was interesting. Find out how AI would write a column about development in the city and about our publisher’s favorite topic, Forster Street, here.

Cordier Auctions announced that a Nov. 11 consignment and estates auction will feature numerous pieces tied to Harrisburg history, our online story reported. The sale will include vintage items, art, antiques and collectibles.

Crow dispersal will begin on Nov. 6 at the state Capitol Complex, our online story reported. The annual program uses methods of discharging exploding shells and whistling devices to deter crows from roosting on the buildings.

Harrisburg officials addressed a weekend shooting that left three children injured, our online story reported. Officials pledged to create an action plan for preventing violence and increase police presence in the area of the shooting, following the incident.

Harrisburg police arrested a suspect in connection with a shooting incident on Sunday that left three children injured, our reporting found.

The Holiday Parade will return to Harrisburg on Nov. 18, featuring music, dance and floats, our online story reported. This year’s parade theme is “Rockin’ Around the Burg.”

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, hosted locally by Christian Churches United of the Tri-County Area, will shine a light on the need, our online story reported. During the week, the community will have opportunities to volunteer with the organization and donate.

November brings plenty of fall events to the Harrisburg area. Find them all in our Happenings column, with some special selections in our Community Corner section.

Our publisher shares some recent Burg news and staff changes in his November Publisher’s Note. Click here to read it.

Piper Belles Wood Fired Flatbreads opened in the Broad Street Market this week, our online story reported. The vendor offers a variety of pizzas topped with BBQ meats.

Sara Bozich has compiled a list of all the best events happening in the Harrisburg area this weekend. Find her picks, here.

The SoMa Christmas Market will debut on Nov. 25 on S. 3^rd Street, featuring a variety of artists, crafts people, food trucks, beverage vendors and entertainment, our online story reported.

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Community Comment: Capital Region Water marks 10 years of infrastructure, community improvements

November 2, 2023 | by Charlotte Katzenmoyer

Charlotte Katzenmoyer

When Capital Region Water formed in 2013, it inherited a water and wastewater system that was reeling from years of neglect and suffering under a massive backlog of deferred maintenance needs. Now, with the municipal authority marking its 10th anniversary this month, the city’s infrastructure is on the mend.

Over the last decade, Capital Region Water has invested more than $200 million in capital projects to restore failing infrastructure, improve the health of local waterways, and beautify neighborhoods through community greening.

And that is only the beginning. Over the next 10 years, more than $350 million will be invested to address localized flooding and fix aged and undersized infrastructure that long ago exceeded its useful life.

No one denies the challenges of maintaining and upgrading a water and wastewater system that is more than a century old in some places. Nearly 40 percent of Harrisburg’s sewer and stormwater (rainwater) infrastructure needs to be repaired or replaced.

But these improvements are essential to our quality of life and economic growth. They also go a long way in ensuring we meet our environmental obligations.

A CRW crew performs inlet maintenance.

Recently, after months of negotiation and public comment, the U.S. Department of Justice approved a modification to the 2015 Partial Consent Decree among Capital Region Water, the city of Harrisburg, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. This historic agreement defines the work we must do to continue improvements and ensure regulatory compliance.

More certainly needs to be done. But that doesn’t mean we should ignore some of the good work and significant investments that have been made over the years.

In 2016, Capital Region Water completed a $50 million biological nutrient removal (BNR) upgrade to our Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility. We demonstrated that the facility, which employs the most cutting-edge treatment processes in the region, can reduce total nitrogen in the outflowing water to better protect the Susquehanna River and downstream in the Chesapeake Bay.

We continue to further improve the facility as evidenced by an additional $15 million investment in screening and anaerobic digester rehabilitation projects undertaken since the BNR upgrade. Additional improvements to the energy recovery systems are planned over the next few years that will significantly increase the revenue generated from this facility.

Since 2014, Capital Region Water has repaired more than 100 sinkholes created by sewer pipe failures. Fixing old, cracked pipes reduces leakage that leaches into waterways. Our team also has cleaned and inspected all 4,000-plus storm inlets to collect runoff and prevent localized flooding. Many inlets had dirt that allowed weeds and even small trees to take root preventing proper rainwater drainage.

Capital Region Water works on the Front Street Interceptor project earlier this year.

Anyone who drives along Front Street has witnessed firsthand the investments being made in the city. Capital Region Water upgraded the Front Street Pump Station and work is wrapping up on the multi-phased Front Street Interceptor Rehabilitation Project.

In just the last few years, Capital Region Water has secured more than $141 million in low-interest PENNVEST loans from the state to complete many of the aforementioned projects, easing the burden on ratepayers.

Being able to obtain state and federal grants, low-rate loans, revolving loan funds at sub-market rates, and favored bond issues has been a hallmark of Capital Region Water’s independent five-member board, which despite being all volunteer has the relevant professional expertise to manage complex decisions and provide leadership to the 140-strong professional staff that manages daily operations.

That much can be seen in the financial turnaround of the system. When CRW assumed functions from The Harrisburg Authority, the water and sewer system essentially had junk bond status. Today, S&P Global has affirmed Capital Region Water’s A+ water and sewer bond ratings. Financial markets like predictability and stability.

CRW rebuilds a manhole.

Harrisburg’s water routinely ranks among the best-tasting water in the state, thanks to protections in place at the source at DeHart Dam, and we want to keep it that way. Safety improvements to the DeHart Dam are planned for 2024 and continued investments and improvements are being made to the water systems that supply that pristine water to our customers.

Managing stormwater runoff remains a priority. Capital Region Water’s stormwater fee generates about $5 million annually in dedicated funds to transform vacant lots into green spaces, improve parks, install raingardens and other stormwater infiltrating features, and manage stormwater with street-level planters that also calm traffic.

Looking back, residents should be proud of the work that has been accomplished over the last 10 years. It’s an impressive track record that should make us all realize that over the next 10 years, there isn’t much we can’t do when we do it together.

Charlotte Katzenmoyer is CEO of Capital Region Water. For more information on Capital Region Water, visit their website.

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Burg View: An Experiment on Forster Street

October 12, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

Traffic was extremely light last week during a weekday, mid-morning, on Forster Street, despite one lane being closed for utility work.

Right now in Harrisburg, an important experiment is taking place.

This experiment isn’t by design, but by circumstance, the result of a major utility project in the city.

For the past month, much of westbound Forster Street, from the Capitol Complex down to the Taylor Bridge, has been reduced to two lanes. And you know what? It’s been fantastic.

I don’t mean fantastic for the poor residents living around Green and Forster streets, who’ve had to endure jackhammering, heavy machinery and beep-beep-beeping starting at sunrise.

But it’s fantastic for the city, because it’s offered a real-world test of a slimmed-down Forster Street, one in which the street is reduced, in each direction, from three to two lanes.

This view of Forster Street is from late September during “rush hour”: 5:30 p.m.

Now, I’ve long known that six through lanes on Forster were far too many (expanding to an unreal eight lanes at the corner of 3rd Street). I live on one side of that notorious, dangerous dividing line and work on the other, so have crossed the street hundreds, if not thousands, of times.

I consider myself something of an expert on that particular sea of asphalt.

Before covid, Forster got busy for short periods during rush hours. Since covid, it’s basically never busy, even at 8 in the morning or 5 in the afternoon. Reduced to two lanes in one direction, traffic still flows freely. At other times, it’s little more than a trickle.

Even with Capital Region Water’s major utility project on site, the traffic seems so much slower, the drivers more careful, and the narrower street so much safer.

So, PennDOT are you paying any attention?

State engineers—use your imaginations. Just think what you could so with that real estate. Instead of unnecessary, superfluous traffic lanes, you could have bike lanes, rain gardens, bumpouts, green space, etc. You could be heroes to residents, pedestrians, bicyclists, businesses and the environment.

Mid-morning on Forster Street, from Green to N. 2nd streets

But you don’t have to wait for a firm plan either. Start today.

You know those dividers that are currently blocking the right-hand lane? Leave them there. Until you come up with a permanent solution, the road will be narrower, the street safer—and it will no longer divide the city of Harrisburg in half. After 70 years apart, downtown and Midtown would be reunited.

I wouldn’t make this argument if six lanes were actually needed. But they’re not, and it’s not even a close call. Meanwhile, the wide road and excessive lanes encourage speeding and reckless driving, leading to crashes, injuries and even fatalities. And it divides and harms the city of Harrisburg.

It is time—today—to begin to fix Forster Street.

Lawrance Binda is publisher and editor of TheBurg.

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Resilience Resurfaces: TheBurg Podcast, March 2023

March 9, 2023 | by Karen Hendricks

Resilience is a muscle many of us flexed, or became aware of, amid the pandemic. And it’s very much still in our vocabulary!

How do we build resilience against health issues and disease, especially among Latinos?
And, in a region where many of us see the Susquehanna River and its creeks and streams every day, how do we build resilience against climate change and Pennsylvania’s number one threat, flooding?

Our guests include:

George Fernandez, CEO, Culture & Culture
Jeff Jumper, Emergency Management Program Manager for Resiliency, with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency
Andrew Dehoff, Executive Director, Susquehanna River Basin Commission

This podcast is sponsored by Fleet Feet Mechanicsburg and their brand-new Fleet Feet Harrisburg location, in the High Pointe Commons shopping plaza.

This episode marks a banner anniversary! It’s been three years since we launched TheBurg Podcast in this magazine-style format. Thanks for listening, sharing and helping the podcast grow!

Backstories that coordinate with this episode include:

Reaching Up, Reaching Back: George Fernandez | A Change in the Weather: Pennsylvania’s emergency management and environmental experts explain climate change | Capital Region Water: Clean Water Plan

And:

April 6 event info: Karen Hendricks hosts Midtown Scholar author chat

TheBurg Podcast is hosted and produced by award-winning Harrisburg-area journalist Karen Hendricks. Visit her website and subscribe to her free monthly writer’s newsletter at WriterKarenHendricks.com.

Every month, TheBurg Podcast expands stories from the pages of TheBurg magazine because “there’s always more to the story.” TheBurg is a monthly community magazine based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Lawrance Binda, publisher/editor.

TheBurg Podcast has received three prestigious podcast journalism awards over the past two years, including First place, Excellence in Journalism, Society of Professional Journalists, Keystone Chapter, 2021.

Interested in sharing your advertising message with TheBurg Podcast’s dedicated audience? Research shows that podcast sponsorships are one of the most effective forms of advertising! Contact Lauren (lmills@theburgnews.com) or contact Karen directly at WriterKarenHendricks@gmail.com.

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

February 17, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

PA Latino Convention officials announced that their annual event will come to Harrisburg in September.

At TheBurg, we strive to highlight the good things happening in our community. This week was no different, as we shared lots of positive stories of do-gooders and uplifting events in Harrisburg. Find all of our local coverage, below.

TheBurg Podcast reveals unsung heroes in our midst. For a year, podcast host Karen Hendricks asked guests to identify an unsung hero and she compiled them all here.

Capital Region Water and several governmental agencies have reached an agreement to improve area waterways over the next 10 years, our online story reported. On Monday, the parties filed a modification to a prior “partial consent decree” that functions as a plan to improve Harrisburg’s water/sewer infrastructure.

Harrisburg nonprofits will receive thousands of dollars in annual federal funding after City Council approved the allocations this week. In our online story, see which housing and social service organizations were awarded.

Hershey’s “Therapeutic, Adaptive and Wheels on Ice” group gives special needs participants a chance to find confidence and passion on the ice. In our magazine story, read more about the impact of the program.

The Ice & Fire Festival will return to Harrisburg in March, our online story reported. The event will feature over 60 ice sculptures, fire dancers, vendors and food trucks.

“Into the Woods” will deconstruct your favorite fairy tales and explore the darker nuances behind them, our magazine story reported. The show is playing now through March 11 at Open Stage. In addition, read our review of the show, here.

Judith Hill and Rev. Billy Gray, two long-time community activists, were honored by Harrisburg recently for their work in the city. Two streets received secondary names to recognize the leaders. Read about Hill and Gray’s impact on Harrisburg in our magazine story.

“No Bears” plays this month at Midtown Cinema. In our magazine story, see what our reviewer has to say about the Iranian film.

The PA Latino Convention will be held in Harrisburg in September, our online story reported. The event will include workshops and panel discussions around issues facing the Latino community.

PHFA issued a call for artists to apply to create a mural for its N. Front Street office, our online story reported. The agency is looking for a design that reflects its mission of assisting people with housing needs.

Protesters gathered outside the Humane Society of Harrisburg this week to oppose a scheduled euthanasia of a dog, our online story reported. After several hours, a volunteer took the dog, Pursuit, from the facility.

Rosemary shared a meal perfect for Valentine’s Day in our February issue of the magazine. Find the recipe for Penne alla Vodka, here.

Sara Bozich has a full list of events for your weekend, here.

Theatre Harrisburg’s “Pieces” is a dramatic story of dysfunctional generational dynamics and tragedy, our reviewer says. The show, by Harrisburg playwright Paul Hood, runs through Feb. 19.

Unsung Heroes are all around Harrisburg and our magazine story highlights several of them. Read about ordinary people from the community showing extraordinary kindness and service.

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Capital Region Water, agencies take key step in finalizing clean-water plan

February 13, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

This sign on the Susquehanna riverbank warns people to avoid contact with the water during “heavy rainfall events.”

Capital Region Water and several governmental entities have reached an agreement designed to staunch the flow of pollutants into area waterways and substantially improve water quality over the next 10 years.

On Monday, the parties filed a modification to a prior “partial consent decree” that sets a path forward for improvements to Harrisburg’s water/sewer infrastructure.

“The compliance milestones and projects identified in the Modification to the Partial Consent Decree will ensure compliance with wet weather targets, but it’s not the end goal,” said Charlotte Katzenmoyer, CEO of Capital Region Water (CRW), in a statement. “We encourage public comment now and will continue to provide various opportunities for the public to provide input on a larger plan to control combined sewer overflow events, which are a symptom of our dated, aging infrastructure.”

In addition to CRW, signatories to the agreement include the city of Harrisburg, the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

In August, the CRW board approved of the modification, followed by the city and the state and federal agencies.

Like in many older cities, much of Harrisburg has a combined sewer system that handles both wastewater and stormwater flowing to its treatment plant. When it rains, the system is easily overwhelmed, sending untreated water directly into area waters, including the Susquehanna River. The system also suffers from aged infrastructure that often is in serious disrepair.

Since 2015, CRW has been operating under a “partial consent decree” to begin to address the problem. The modified agreement, lodged on Monday in Federal District Court in Harrisburg, is an important step in the continuing effort to finalize a long-term plan to improve the system and slash stream and river pollution.

Under the modified agreement, CRW will have until Dec. 31, 2024 to provide EPA with an updated long-term plan to control sewage overflows. The agreement also sets monetary penalties for violations of the consent decree.

“Given Harrisburg’s long history of failing to address this obvious public health hazard, it is critical that EPA and DEP hold Capital Region Water strictly accountable for compliance with the modified consent decree’s deadlines and terms,” stated Ted Evgeniadis of the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper, responding to the court filing. “Pennsylvania must step up and help Capital Region Water with funding to end these sewage overflows and avoid future delays. No more extensions or modifications can be given, and any violation of the deadlines must trigger the immediate application of penalties.”

The modification process isn’t quite complete with Monday’s court filing. A notice will now appear in the Federal Register, leading to a 30-day public comment period. After this, the governmental agencies are able to ask the court for final approval of the consent decree.

In all, CRW plans to invest some $200 million over the next decade to double the system’s “capture rate,” so that it captures and treats at least 85% of system flow during wet weather. According to CRW, the mitigation plan includes various types of projects, such as system repairs, rehabilitation and replacement.

For instance, CRW is in the midst of a $17 million rehabilitation of the Front Street interceptor, which runs through about three miles of Riverfront Park.

In 2019, CRW began installing new pipe liner in the 108-year-old, 30-inch diameter main. The current phase, slated for completion this summer, will extend the project from about Seneca Street to the pumping station in Shipoke.

CRW’s system improvement plan also includes the continued build-out of green infrastructure, which is designed to capture stormwater before it enters the sewer system.

Click here to read the Modification to the Partial Consent Decree and here to comment once the case is posted.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

December 2, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Grace United Methodist Church on State Street will host one Harrisburg’s three winter overnight shelters.

Our December issue of the magazine came out this week! Grab a copy and find tons of holiday stories behind our cheery cover art. But first, find all of this week’s news, below.

Apricot Lane Boutique owner Jillian Tompkins strives to offer clothing items for every woman who visits the store, our magazine story reported. The boutique opened this summer in Camp Hill.

Dauphin County announced its 2023 proposed budget, which was significantly lower than last year’s budget, our online story reported. The $221.6 million general fund budget doesn’t include a property tax increase.

Dauphin County Library System announced that it will eliminate late fees in an effort to make reading more accessible, our online story reported. The system joins libraries nationwide that are going fine-free.

December events are just getting started in Harrisburg. Find a full list of holiday-themed activities in our Happenings column, and even more in our Community Corner.

Governor-elect Josh Shapiro will make his way to Harrisburg in January and our editor welcomes him. In his column, he shares hopes for a renewed relationship between the state and city.

Harrisburg made the list of “most neighborly cities in America,” and our editor agrees that it’s a pretty friendly place to live. Read what he has to say about “neighborliness” in his editor’s note.

Harrisburg’s Narçisse Theatre Company announced that it soon will have a home of its own, after years of performing in local venues, our reporting found. The theater will be located at 312 Chestnut St. downtown.

Jawns on Fire recently opened in Lingelstown selling sneakers, streetwear and more, our magazine story reported. The shop offers an inclusive environment for old and new sneakerheads.

Santa Claus is coming to Harrisburg this month, our online story reported. The city will hold its annual “Santa In The Park” event in the Reservoir Park Mansion on Dec. 10.

Sara Bozich has lots of activities to get you in the holiday spirit this weekend. Find them all, here.

Utility bills are set to rise for Harrisburg customers in 2023, our reporting found. This week, Capital Region Water passed its budget with new rates for next year.

Winter overnight shelters opened this week in Harrisburg offering a warm place to stay for unhoused residents, our reporting found. Downtown Daily Bread and Christian Churches United of the Tri-County Area will operate the three shelters through the end of March.

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2023 utility bills to rise average of $2.55 monthly for Harrisburg customers

December 1, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

Capital Region Water at work (file photo)

Harrisburg utility customers will see their wastewater rates rise in 2023, though drinking water and stormwater rates will be unchanged.

On Wednesday, Capital Region Water (CRW) passed its 2023 budget with new rates for next year.

Under the new rate structure, drinking water rates will be unchanged at $10.34 per 1,000 gallons consumed. Likewise, the stormwater fee will remain the same at $6.15 per month for most residential customers.

The wastewater rate represents the sole increase for next year. For Harrisburg residents, it will rise by 68 cents per 1,000 gallons consumed, from $8.56 to $9.24. That represents an increase of about $2.55 per month for the average residential customer who uses 45,000 gallons annually, according to CRW.

The overall increase for a Harrisburg residential customer is roughly the same as for 2022, when average rates rose by about $2.60 a month.

“It’s a testament to our leadership that we’ve been able to keep rates predictable this year,” said Capital Region Water CEO Charlotte Katzenmoyer, in a statement. “Even through inflation and supply chain issues, we are focused on finding equitable and responsible ways to repair the aging infrastructure, both seen and unseen.”

Katzenmoyer added that the spending plan commits $58 million to capital projects aimed at reducing combined sewer overflows, addressing localized flooding and runoff, and meeting state and federal clean water requirements.

“This also comes at a time in which we have doubled the investment in our Customer Assistance Program,” she said.

Earlier this year, the CRW board approved an agreement with regulatory bodies to slash pollutants flowing into area waterways. The utility plans to spend about $200 million over the next 10 years to stem the flow of untreated water into creeks and the Susquehanna River during wet weather events.

For more information on Capital Region Water, visit their website.

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