Tag Archives: Dauphin County commissioners

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

April 11, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Officials broke ground this week on the new “Tunnel to Towers” development for homeless veterans.

The weather may have been cool this week, but the local news was hot. If you missed any of our coverage, we have it all listed and linked below in our weekly news summary.

Broad Street Market has a new market manager following a lengthy search. The market board approved the hiring of Cheranda “Cherri” Parks-Taylor for the post, says our online article.

Capital City Music Hall is expected to open its doors in mid-summer, reports our music writer. The new venue in downtown Harrisburg replaces a centrally located restaurant and tap room.

Dauphin County Commission Chair Justin Douglas called on fellow commissioner George Hartwick to resign his seat, following a DUI charge. Our online story reprinted his public statement.

Harrisburg School District has reversed a plan to establish a full-time police department. According to our online story, the move comes as the district expects to exit a years-long receivership.

MG Mercantile is “retail theater,” according to our arts writer. In his magazine story, he outlines why you should take a trip to Mt. Gretna to experience the eclectic store.

Pride of the Susquehanna expects to hit the water in June. According to our online story, the iconic riverboat missed all of last year’s sailing season due to repair issues.

Sara Bozich has your party plan for the weekend. Check out her weekly summary of what’s going on around town.

Sonya McKnight, a Harrisburg judge, was convicted last week of attempted homicide. The out-of-town jury reached a verdict quickly following a two-day trial, our reporting found.

Tariffs threaten to harm local businesses, according to our recent news feature. Many local retailers import goods, even ones you might not expect.

Tunnel to Towers broke ground last week on a new residential complex for homeless veterans. The south Harrisburg development is one of three such facilities planned for the area, our reporting stated.

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Dauphin County commission chair calls on fellow commissioner to resign position

April 8, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda

A Dauphin County commissioners meeting in 2024. From left, commissioners Justin Douglas, George Hartwick and Mike Pries

A sitting Dauphin County commissioner is calling on his fellow officeholder to step down.

On Tuesday, commission Chair Justin Douglas issued a statement asking long-time Commissioner George Hartwick to resign from the three-person board.

“There will be those who claim this is personal. It’s not,” Douglas wrote. “This is about leadership, public safety, and honoring the standards we ask of everyone who serves. The residents of Dauphin County deserve steady and accountable leadership. Restoring public confidence begins with accountability at the top.”

Douglas’ statement came almost a week after Hartwick crashed his county-issued vehicle into a concrete pillar in a downtown parking garage then audibly slurred his speech during a commission meeting. Yesterday, the state attorney generals’ office charged Hartwick with driving under the influence.

Hartwick is the middle of his sixth term as commissioner, first elected in 2003.

In his statement, Douglas said that he has compassion for Hartwick, but that commissioners must first account for the responsibilities of their office.

“There is redemption available. There is recovery available,” Douglas stated. “But the privilege of this office, including the responsibility to lead, to represent, and to serve, can no longer be his.”

Douglas’ complete statement follows:

Statement on Recent Events Involving Commissioner Hartwick

Before addressing this as a Commissioner, I want to begin as someone who has sat with people in the depths of addiction and witnessed the courage it takes to recover. Addiction is a disease, one that touches us all, directly or indirectly. That is why it pains me deeply to say what must now be said.

According to sworn affidavits made available by law enforcement, Commissioner George Hartwick arrived at our public meeting under the influence of alcohol. He drove to that meeting while intoxicated and damaged his county-issued vehicle. As a result of this incident, he was formally charged with driving under the influence.

This was not a private moment. This was not a one-time lapse in judgment. It was a breach of public trust, a danger to himself and others, and, perhaps most painfully, part of a larger, repeated pattern of behavior documented throughout his time in office.

Any county employee with this history of behavior would have been terminated—and our employees know it. They see the gross double standard that exists between elected officials and the staff who serve under them. It is not fair. It is not just. It cannot continue.

I have struggled with how to respond because I believe in compassion, in second chances, and in the power of redemption. I believe George Hartwick has a path to healing in front of him. I will support him in walking that path, as a fellow human being, as someone who deserves dignity and recovery.

But the path to personal healing is different from the responsibility of continuing in public office.

Holding public office is a sacred responsibility. But that responsibility has been eroded over time, through missteps, through secrecy, and through a pattern of looking the other way. It has pulled focus from the real work of serving our residents and made it harder for us to move forward as a team.

At this critical time in government, we need to expect more from our leaders, not less.

This is not a conclusion I’ve come to lightly. But the pattern is undeniable, and it must be addressed.

For these reasons, I am calling on Commissioner George Hartwick to resign his position on the Dauphin County Board of Commissioners.

There will be those who claim this is personal. It’s not. This is about leadership, public safety, and honoring the standards we ask of everyone who serves. The residents of Dauphin County deserve steady and accountable leadership. Restoring public confidence begins with accountability at the top.

There is redemption available. There is recovery available. But the privilege of this office, including the responsibility to lead, to represent, and to serve, can no longer be his.

– Justin Douglas, Chairman of Dauphin County Board of Commissioners

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Eric Hagarty, former state official, named as chief clerk for Dauphin County

January 29, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda

Eric Hagarty

Dauphin County has a new chief clerk, as a former top state official has been named to the post.

Eric Hagarty, the acting secretary of education from 2022 to 2023, will step into the role on Feb. 3, according to an announcement from the county. The chief clerk acts as chief of staff for the three-person board of commissioners.

Locally, Hagarty, of Harrisburg, has served for the past year as chair of the Broad Street Market Alliance, the nonprofit that oversees the day-to-day operations of the city’s historic farmers market.

“Eric’s experience, leadership, and dedication to public service make him an outstanding choice for this role,” said board Chairman Justin Douglas, in a statement. “His work at the state and local levels has demonstrated his ability to build partnerships and drive meaningful progress.”

Hagarty has also served as chief of staff at the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and as deputy chief of staff to former Gov. Tom Wolf. Most recently, he was a managing director for Mercury Public Affairs, a government relations firm. He also serves a board member for the Harrisburg Housing Authority and is a former board member of the HACC Foundation.

Hagarty replaces acting Chief Clerk Vince Paese, who will return to his role of deputy chief clerk.

“Mr. Hagarty brings a high level of experience, professionalism and extensive governmental knowledge to the county team,” said Commissioner Mike Pries.

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Dauphin County’s Cultural Fest to return to Riverfront Park, celebrating diversity

August 5, 2024 | by Jolie Lloyd

Dauphin County Cultural Fest 2023

Harrisburg residents will have an opportunity to celebrate the region’s diversity through good food and music.

On Saturday, Aug. 17, Dauphin County’s 16th annual Cultural Fest will return to Riverfront Park from 3 to 10 p.m., showcasing and celebrating the variety of cultures in the community.

The free event, hosted by the county and sponsored by Capital Blue Cross, includes vendors, food trucks and free entertainment from various musical performers, including headliner Rakim. Other performances include acts from the McGinley School of Irish Dance, the Dweinnimmenn African Dance Community, the Chinese Cultural & Arts Institute and the YaZmine Dance Studio.

The event is aimed at showcasing ethnic diversity in the Harrisburg area to increase cultural competency, according to county Commissioner George Hartwick.

“We celebrate our differences and view that as our greatest strength,” he said. “This allows us to understand the people that we work with and the folks we work for, which is the community that we serve. The level of cultural competence and representation from the county should be a direct reflection of the people we serve.”

In addition to the fun activities, Dauphin County Human Services will promote local resources throughout the event. These include health resources, mental and behavioral health services, information on housing, educational and recreational program resources and job opportunities.

“A big part of Cultural Fest is to be able to connect with the community in a free event that brings us all together for family purposes, but also to be able to connect people with the help they need in a non-clinical or government setting,” Hartwick said.

Additionally, a children’s corner with kid-friendly, Olympic-themed games and crafts will be available from 3 to 7 p.m.

Free event parking will be offered on City Island and attendees can use the ParkMobile app code “LUVHBG” for four hours of free downtown street parking on the day of the festival.

Large bags and umbrellas are prohibited at the event, with exceptions for medical equipment and parenting bags which must be screened upon entry.

To learn more about Cultural Fest, please visit the county’s website.

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Harrisburg Arts District app promotes local art appreciation, accessibility

July 31, 2024 | by Jolie Lloyd

Visit Hershey & Harrisburg President and CEO Mary Smith spoke about the app at a press conference in the Susquehanna Art Museum.

A new app brings the city’s art scene to your fingertips.

Visit Hershey & Harrisburg released the Harrisburg Arts District app, allowing both visitors and locals to more easily find arts-related events in the city.

The app is part of the promotion of the recently designated Harrisburg Arts District, an initiative supported by PA Council on the Arts, Dauphin County, Harrisburg and Harristown Enterprises, aimed at showcasing the arts in Harrisburg. The district is a walkable area encompassing parts of downtown, Midtown, and the riverfront.

“Harrisburg’s cultural heartbeat is in its theaters, museums, galleries, public arts and performance venues,” said Mary Smith, president and CEO of Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, at a press conference on Wednesday at the Susquehanna Art Museum.

The app allows users to view upcoming arts-related events, exhibits and performances in the Harrisburg Arts District and to create sharable itineraries with planning and mapping features. Additionally, it includes access to audio tours of certain attractions.

Pennsylvania’s creative sector adds $30 billion to the economy every year, employing 175,000 Pennsylvanians, according to Karl Blischke, executive director of PA Council on the Arts.

“That’s real Pennsylvanians being supported by our creative sector,” Blischke said.

Additionally, promoting the arts is a vital aspect of attracting tourism to the area, as well as educating locals on the thriving culture in the city they call home, said county commissioner George Hartwick.

“Sometimes we don’t even know what exists in our own backyard,” Hartwick said. “So this is an opportunity for us to reacclimate ourselves with all the great assets we have, as well as to ensure visitors from around the state and country have that opportunity to enjoy them as well.”

To learn more about the arts district and the app, visit Visit Hershey & Harrisburg’s website.

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Cooling stations in Harrisburg area open to offer comfort during heat wave

June 17, 2024 | by Jolie Lloyd

The Heinz Menaker Senior Center, one of the cooling stations, at 1824 N. 4th St., Harrisburg

As Harrisburg heats up, there are cool new ways to get relief.

The Dauphin County commissioners have announced that cooling stations have been designated around Harrisburg, as this week’s forecast predicts many days in the upper 90s.

Each of the participating senior centers, libraries, churches and businesses are air conditioned and open to the public for people to find relief from the heat wave.

The cooling stations have been designated particularly for those without air conditioning, especially senior citizens. Many of the stations are at senior centers. The county’s Area Agency on Aging also has a small number of air conditioning units and fans to lend to seniors in need.

Ten locations in the Harrisburg area have been designated as cooling areas:

- East Hanover Senior Center
  8848 Jonestown Rd, Grantville
  Hours: 9 a.m. to noon, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
- B’nai B’rith Senior Center
  130 S. 3rd St. Harrisburg
  Hours: Vary, weekdays
- Jewish Community Center
  3301 N. Front St., Harrisburg
  Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Heinz-Menaker Senior Center
  1824 N. 4th St., Harrisburg
  Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays
- Leader Center for Active Life
  605 Cocoa Ave., Hershey
  Hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays
- Friendship Senior Center
  5000 Commons Dr., Harrisburg
  Hours: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays
- Lykens Ballroom Senior Center
  200 W. Main St., Lykens
  Hours: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays
- Millersburg Senior Center
  109 Edward Dr., Millersburg
  Hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mondays through Fridays
- Calvary Wesleyan Church
  200 Miller Rd., Upper Paxton Township
  Hours: 8 a.m, to 5 p.m., Fridays
- Northern Dauphin Human Services Center
  209 State Street, Elizabethville
  Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weekdays

“We encourage everyone to be a good neighbor and check in with their older relatives, friends, and neighbors to ensure they are healthy and safe,” said Commission Chair George Hartwick, who oversees the Area Agency on Aging.

If you or a senior you know could benefit from an air conditioning unit or fan, call 717-780-6131.

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Called to the Table: Democrat Justin Douglas became Dauphin County commissioner in a historic win, with plans to make changes

January 30, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Justin Douglas

At this time last year, Justin Douglas was filling trash bags and sweeping at one of Harrisburg’s largest homeless encampments.

The pastor organized a group from his city church, The Belong Collective, to clean under the Mulberry Street Bridge, as he advocated for the city to reverse its decision to evict encampment occupants.

A year later, Douglas still cares about issues like homelessness, prison reform and mental health services. What has changed—in that one year, he’s gone from activist to public official.

In fact, life looks quite different than it did last year. Last January, Douglas was preaching to a small gathering of church attendees at Midtown Cinema, which hosted his church for a period of time.

This January, Douglas stood on a stage introducing the President of the United States at a campaign rally.

“I’m not confident I’ve really processed this reality yet,” Douglas said. “It’s going to take some time for this to sink in.”

Douglas is Dauphin County’s newest commissioner, one whose election was a surprise to many, including to Douglas himself, and a big shake up to the long-time Republican-controlled board.

Douglas’ victory has marked the first time in over a century that the county has had two out of three Democratic commissioners.

He’s also come in strong, publicizing his interest in making changes to the county’s troubled prison as his chief concern. And he doesn’t shy away from acknowledging that the change and his activism may make people uncomfortable.

“I understand that my entry into this role may have seemed abrupt and nontraditional, potentially causing some anxieties,” Douglas said during his address to a crowd at the county’s swearing-in ceremony. “You may have heard my call for change, and let’s acknowledge that change, in any instance, can be intimidating.”

Although he says he’s ready to work collaboratively.

“I’m not here to call people out,” he said. “I’m here to call people to a table.”

The progressive pastor from Elizabethtown never saw himself running for public office, until he got a call from Run for Something, a national political organization that encourages young progressives to consider running for local elections. When he learned more about the role of commissioner, he saw an opportunity to take his passions and experience at the pulpit to the dais.

He touts his prior experience working in government—none—as a positive that means he brings a fresh, younger perspective to the county.

“It’s a historic occasion,” he said. “It’s the first time Dauphin County has elected a commissioner with gauged ears.”

New Set of Changes

Douglas, a California native, entered pastoral work straight out of college, starting as a youth pastor, with a “desire to serve people.”

In 2015, he started as the lead pastor of The Bridge Church in Hummelstown. However, four years later, the Brethren in Christ denomination revoked Douglas’ pastoral license after he openly shared his stance on LBGTQ inclusivity. He and his family also lived in housing paid for by the denomination, which was taken away.

Douglas, and many former members of The Bridge congregation, joined to start a new faith community called The Belong Collective, which focuses on inclusivity. The group now regularly meets in the STEAM Academy building on N. 3rd Street in Harrisburg.

“We are definitely a community that has persevered through a lot,” he shared. “Change is hard. Even now with me being an elected official, we are going through a whole new set of changes.”

The county commissioner board is going through changes, too, as Douglas joins re-elected Democrat George Hartwick, who, for the past 20 years, has been the minority on the board, and incumbent Republican Mike Pries, who took office in 2010.

Douglas unseated Republican Chad Saylor, who was appointed to the board in 2021.

“We’ve been saying for years, what would happen if we had the majority? Now, we have it,” said Rogette Harris, chair of the Dauphin County Democratic Committee. “It’s very exciting. I know a lot of people were surprised.”

When Douglas realized he won, he wasn’t prepared. It was late at night, following a day of visiting polling places, texting constituents and waiting as results rolled in. Suddenly, he realized he needed to write a press release.

“I didn’t have anything ready,” he said. “You have to understand, we ran a campaign with no staff. The other three commissioners combined raised over $850,000. We raised $12,000, and we ran entirely volunteer.”

When he finished the press release announcing his victory, he read it to his volunteers.

“One of the people said, ‘Do you want to use the word surprised?’ And I go, ‘Do I want to be real?’” Douglas said. “We knew we worked so hard. We were surprised in the way that the underdog team in the NCAA tournament beats the juggernaut team. You knew they had it in them, but they’d have to play a perfect game.”

Douglas believes unconventional campaign strategies worked in his favor, things like his aggressive door knocking, social media content, a bold billboard (stating the number of deaths in the county prison at the time, 18, since 2019) and even the fact that he was running on prison reform, often a contentious topic.

Harris sees a mixture of circumstances contributing to his victory.

“It’s always a possibility for us [Democrats] to win if we get people to come out,” she said. “The problem is always getting that vote out in off years.”

For this past election, Harris said that voter turnout was up by 3 to 4%, and she suspects that other Democratic candidates and issues, like abortion rights, had down-ballot effects for candidates like Douglas, as well.

“This gives people hope that a Democrat can win in an off year,” Harris said.

Tough Job

Douglas’ first week in office was a whirlwind of administrative tasks—getting e-mail set up, organizing his calendar, attending meetings.

However, in the midst of the onboarding, he got a call.

“I’m coming into work, and I get a call from the Biden campaign,” he said. “I thought it was a former high school student pranking me.”

But it wasn’t a prank.

Just a few days later, Douglas was giving a speech at President Joe Biden’s rally in Montgomery County, speaking on election integrity and supporting Biden for “defending American democracy.”

Douglas spoke to Biden before stepping out on stage.

“He kind of fist-pounded my chest and said, ‘You’re a commissioner. I used to be a commissioner. Man, that’s a tough job. Everybody wants something from you,’” Douglas shared.

But Douglas won’t be making decisions alone. He has two other commissioners to work with.

“What I believe is that the idea of fresh ideas—the ability to have a collegial discussion about perspectives and the ability to learn about county government—are some things that we should really focus on in the early days,” Hartwick told TheBurg at the county’s swearing-in ceremony. “And I suspect that there will be areas of similarity that we can prioritize.”

Hartwick shared that he too wants to see changes and address issues surrounding the prison, economic development and mental health, but explained that, for a newcomer, there’s a lot to learn about how county government works.

“There’s a difference between activism and leadership,” he said. “He’s got a lot to learn.”

According to Douglas, he and Hartwick have already met for breakfast and had discussions, and he feels like they’ve started to get on the same page.

“I’m encouraged about our ability to work together,” Douglas said.

Despite all of the meetings and other first-week work on Douglas’ plate, he’s already started planning for how to make changes at the prison—one of his top priorities.

“It’s always been one element of social justice and inequity in our world that I’ve seen the effects of, and I’ve pastored people who have been deeply affected by it,” he said. “I felt like I could be a voice for enhancing that issue within the consciousness of Dauphin County.”

Within his first week, he took a trip to the county prison to create a checklist of priorities for his first 100 days in office. Hiring additional corrections officers is one of the top items, as the prison is around 25% understaffed currently, he said. He also hopes to address issues that he’s seen, like poor food quality, lack of cleanliness and a lack of showers in the juvenile detention area.

Ultimately, the advocacy work he hopes to do at the county level is work that he says he’s been doing all along as a pastor, just now with a bigger platform.

“I’ve always had a heart for people at the margins,” he said. “That will be my agenda throughout my time in office.”

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February News Digest

January 30, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Passes 2024 Budget

Harrisburg has solidified a spending plan for 2024, one that anticipates impacts from inflation and the lingering effects of the pandemic.

In late December, City Council approved a $109.4 million general fund budget, which includes investments in infrastructure and public safety. The budget does not include a property tax increase.

In total, the balanced budget equals $150.7 million, including the general fund and the $21.1 million neighborhood services fund budget, among others.

The budget specifically prioritizes projects such as street paving, upgrades to city parks and the hiring of several new police officers. The plan also factors in the spending of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money on projects like renovating the Hall Manor pool and funding affordable housing development, one-time funds that boosted this year’s budget number.

Council passed the budget after making a few minor amendments to the original proposal, mostly reducing raises for city employees that they felt were not deserved or adequately explained by the administration. Council voted 5-1 to approve the budget, with council member Shamaine Daniels voting against it.

Additionally, in 2024, the city has raised residents’ monthly trash bills by $3.23, making the cost $35.57 per month. According to city Business Administrator Dan Hartman, the fee hike is needed to offset inflation and continuously increasing expenses such as tipping fees, wage increases, vehicle costs and fuel prices.

Area Officials Sworn In

Kicking off the new year, many recently elected officials took office in January.

Harrisburg City Council and Dauphin County officials were sworn in at separate ceremonies, including newcomers to council and to the county’s board of commissioners.

During a ceremony at city hall, Dauphin County Magisterial District Judge Hanif Johnson swore in council president Danielle Bowers for a second term, alongside Crystal Davis, a new council member. The third member, Lamont Jones, also a newcomer, attended the ceremony, but was officially sworn into office at the county courthouse earlier.

Soon after the ceremony, council held its reorganizational meeting, unanimously electing Bowers to serve as council president for another term. In a vote of 4-3, council chose Ausha Green to serve as vice president for a second term, as well.

On the same day, Dauphin County swore in several public officials.

Incumbent county commissioners George Hartwick, a Democrat who has served for 20 years, and Mike Pries, a Republican who took office in 2010, again took the oath of office.

In November, Democratic challenger Justin Douglas was elected as the third commissioner, replacing Chad Saylor, and flipping the board to Democratic control for the first time in over a century.

Douglas attended the county’s ceremony but was sworn in at a separate ceremony earlier that morning in Conewago Township, where he lives.

Catherine Hershey Schools Taking Applications

A major, cost-free childcare and early education center in Harrisburg is now accepting applications for enrollment.

Last month, the Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning opened the application process for its Harrisburg location, which is being developed at N. 6th and Muench streets.

The center is an arm of the Milton Hershey School and will offer free care and education to 150 low-income and at-risk children, from 6 weeks to 5 years old. It will focus on providing kindergarten readiness programming and family support.

The 45,000-square-foot complex has been under construction for over a year and is expected to be completed later in 2024, at which time it will open to students.

It will be open weekdays, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., employing a play-based curriculum to enhance a child’s overall development and early education.

The Harrisburg location will be the second Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning in central PA. The first opened in Hershey last year, and another in Middletown is slated for 2025. Three additional schools—in Lancaster, New Danville and Elizabethtown—are expected to open in 2026.

Harrisburg Police Mark New Hires, Promotions

Five Harrisburg police officers were promoted and two others were brought on board during a ceremony last month at Whitaker Center.

During the hour-long event, Mayor Wanda Williams administered the oath of office to the new officers, Zachary Donmoyer and Solomon Myers.

“One of my great honors, as mayor, is that twice a year I get to stand in front of all of you and give this solemn oath to our new officers,” Williams said. “I know that, with each young man or woman who raises their hand to protect the city of Harrisburg, our city is just a little bit safer.”

Donmoyer and Myers will now enter HACC Municipal Police Academy to begin their training.

Deputy Chief Dennis Sorensen, who retired from the bureau last month after a lengthy career, announced the officer promotions. They are:

Sgt. Antwyn Chatman
Cpl. Andrew Cortelazzi
Cpl. Anthony Cummings
Cpl. Farida Kingsboro
Cpl. Chad McGowan

During his remarks, police Commissioner Thomas Carter also noted the recent decline in homicides in Harrisburg. In 2023, the city had 13 homicides, the lowest number in a dozen years and 10 fewer than in 2022.

The ceremony also took note of several long-tenured officers who recently retired. They are:

Deputy Chief Sorensen, serving 32 years
Capt. Milo Hooper, serving 27 years
Lt. James Galkowski, serving 27 years
Sgt. Robert Minnier, serving 23 years
Sgt. Teresa Covey, serving 23 years

William Penn Demolition Canceled

Harrisburg’s William Penn building is no longer slated for demolition.

At a January Harrisburg School Board meeting, Receiver Dr. Lori Suski officially reversed her previous decision to raze the vacant, blighted school building.

In June, she approved a contract with the Gordian Group to tear down the building, at a cost of $6.8 million. However, since then, community members voiced opposition to the decision, causing Suski to halt the demo and form a task force to discuss alternative options.

At a previous meeting, task force members voted on a motion to recommend to Suski that the building be saved.

Last month’s board meeting solidified that plan, with Suski instead approving the Gordian Group to clean out debris and remove asbestos from the building. The agreement also includes constructing a fence along the front façade to protect the public from falling debris.

A fire, determined by the city’s fire bureau to be caused by arson, damaged William Penn in December. As part of the proposal, the Gordian Group will also clean out and secure the fire-damaged area.

With Suski saving the building from demolition, the district will continue to weigh options for future use of the property.

Area Homes Sales Slip, Prices Steady

Harrisburg-area home sales slipped while the median sales price inched higher in December, according to the latest monthly report on previously owned houses.

For the three-county region, 492 homes sold in December compared to 528 in the year-ago period, as the median sales price rose to $259,275 from $250,000, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, 245 houses sold, a decrease from 274, as the median sales price climbed to $243,500 from $225,000 the prior December, GHAR said.

Cumberland County had 210 home sales, a drop from 229, as the median price decreased to $284,950 versus $288,900 in December 2022, according to GHAR.

In Perry County, sales totaled 30 homes, an increase from 21 compared to the prior December, as the median sales price rose to $220,000 from $206,500, GHAR said.

The pace of sales was steady, as “average days on market” rose in December to 23 days versus 22 days a year ago, according to GHAR.

So Noted

Amanda Carter last month was appointed the interim executive director of the LGBT Center of Central PA, replacing long-time director Amanda Arbour. The center also announced the appointments of Michael Tschop as the center’s new director of finance and grants and TL Waid as the new GLO site director, replacing Carter in that post.

Don McKenna last month was named the president of Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Since last July, he has served in the role on an interim basis and, before that, as president of Hampden and Holy Spirit medical centers.

Got Jerk Island Grill and Juice Bar has opened at 1313 N. 2nd St. in Harrisburg, the former location of Ted’s Bar and Grill. From the restaurant, chef Kenny Henny serves authentic Jamaican cuisine while colleague Jomo Bunsie concocts a variety of creative, fresh-made juice drinks.

Justin T. Webb was appointed last month as the new chief financial officer for Mid Penn Bancorp. Webb has been with the bank since 2012, previously serving as executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Nesta Hemp Shop debuted last month at 9 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, in the retail strip known as the “Shops at 3rd,” adjacent to Strawberry Square. Owner Carmelia Rameau offers a large selection of CBD products, supplements and body care items, as well as dispensary-grade THC products that do not require a medical card.

The Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children, a membership-based advocacy organization of early care and education professionals, has relocated their Pennsylvania headquarters to a 2,800-square-foot, fourth-floor office in the Lerner Tower in Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg. They previously were located in the Harrisburg Transportation Center.

Changing Hands

Benton St., 542: K. Moore to J. Garcia & D. Rodriguez, $183,000

Benton St., 704: J. Marrero to First Choice Home Buyers LLC, $75,000

Boas St., 420: K. & D. Borelli to S. Rubenstein & H. Choi, $139,000

Briggs St., 1500: G. Stevenson to Kemetic State LLC, $581,000

Camp St., 651: J. Medina to Bencosme Realty LLC, $80,000

Chestnut St., 1605: P. & G. Devita to V. Ledesma, $82,000

Derry St., 1323: Best By LLC to Vernon St Apartments LLC, $175,000

Derry St., 1628: Rivas Property Investments LLC to A. Moscoso, $142,000

Derry St., 2008: BCR-2 Properties LLC to K. & J. Simonetti, $145,000

Derry St., 2431: A. Williamson to G. Singh, $95,000

Division St., 423: D&F Realty Holdings LP to Archie Group LLC, $88,000

Ellerslie St., 2332: J. & M. Weaver to Builders Property Management & Marketing Group LLC, $55,000

Emerald St., 248: M. Nolan to M. Luciano, $146,000

Forster St., 1839: Tender Loving Care Healthcare Services to GZL Corp., $56,000

Fulton St., 1419: A. Skerpon to D. Brown, $182,500

Fulton St., 1719: M. Biscoe to R. Hall, $199,900

Grand St., 915: A. & A. Zlogar to T. Wadlinger, $134,000

Green St., 1218, 1222: J. & S. Bircher to Harrisburg Dream Homes LLC, $215,000

Green St., 1325: S. & E. Rairigh to R. Wesch, $177,900

Green St., 2023: Z. & S. Smith to S. Latanishen & N. Krak, $259,000

Hale Ave., 400: H. Vo & H. Ngo to V. Miller, $139,900

Herr St., 1712: E. Arriola to Y. Monegro & R. Sanchez, $140,000

Hummel St., 236: D. Boyle to Atabalero Investment LLC, $60,000

Hunter St., 1715: A. Donaldson to Side by Side 365 LLC, $50,000

Jefferson St., 2243: Krista Moulds Trust to K. Harris & D. Haskins, $125,000

Kensington St., 2015: Gary Neff Inc. & City Limits Realty to A. Rahman, $66,000

Kensington St., 2316: B. Kelley to T. Dieu, $95,000

Kittatinny St., 1249: J. Ebersole to 1249 Kittatinny LLC, $69,000

Market St., 1226: Upscale Properties LLC to O. & S. Williams, $245,000

Market St., 1837: M. & S. Richards to D. Dumelice, $136,500

Market St., 1901: G. & C. Lutz to N. & T. Celestin, $210,000

Melrose St., 732: A. Eckert to P. & A. Sjardijn, $245,000

Mercer St., 2455: N. Dung to K. Weldeghebrial, $122,500

N. 2nd St., 1112: Fancy Homes Harrisburg LLC to D. Miller & R. Finley, $172,000

N. 2nd St., 2539: E. & A. Stockstill to K. On, $265,000

N. 2nd St., 2701: K. Sheets & K. Hancock to Z. & S. Smith, $525,000

N. 4th St., 3231: J. Grant to Family Tree Holding LLC, $127,100

N. 5th St., 3017: C. Skotedis to T. Fisher, $269,500

N. 6th St., 1410: S. Finkenbender to Chaitradhi Group LLC, $183,000

N. 6th St., 2211: 608 N Third LLC to Ministry Int IPDA Inc., $204,500

N. 6th St., 2240, 2284, 2290, 2292, 2301, 2302, 2303, 2304, 2305, 2306, 2307, 2309, 2311, 2313, 2315, 2317, 2319, 2321, 2323, 2325, 2327, 2329 & 595, 597, 599 Emerald St.: Redevelopment Authority of Harrisburg to JMB Gardens LLC, $55,000

N. 6th St., 3153: Normans Realty Service Inc. to S. Rosas, $132,000

N. 12th St., 29: Soloman Investment LLC to ILL Holdings LLC, $53,000

N. 12th St., 53: N. Padilla to Dreams2Reality Services LLC, $69,000

N. 13th St., 506: Blue Lion Real Estate LLC to E. Baret, $160,000

N. 15th St., 236: D. Boyle to P. Nunez, $55,000

N. 15th St., 1623: M. & B. Jackson and D. Smith to R. & A. Smith, $215,000

N. 17th St., 120: First Choice Home Buyers LLC to F. Rodriguez, $75,000

N. 17th St., 803: Sky Resort Rentals LLC to Rosaruth Properties LLC, $67,500

N. 19th St., 27: A. Paredes to N. Diaz, $135,000

N. 19th St., 29: A. Paredes to A. Leon, $85,000

N. Cameron St., 101 Rear: R. & S. Otto to R&J Cameron LLC, $400,000

Park St., 1912: Lancaster Real Estate Fund LLC to Balaci Properties LLC, $84,900

Penn St., 1103: Equitable Builds LLC to A. Kittel & S. Lamaster, $225,000

Penn St., 2212: A. & T. Bobb to HBG Apts LLC, $91,000

Reel St., 2725: C. & D. Huffer to C. & E. Clemons, $125,000

Reily St., 333: ADS Investments LLC to P. Haile, $121,500

Royal Terr., 129 & 131: D&F Realty Holdings LP to R. Gertz, $129,500

S. 15th St., 220: J. Doller & H. Ford to First Choice Home Buters LLC, $52,000

S. 16th St., 30: D. & R. Wieand to T. Kea, $105,000

S. 16th St., 545: PBBO Real Estate LLC to Awesome Tenants LLC, $50,000

S. 17th St., 540: M. & G. Garcia to D. Montes, $71,400

S. 25th St., 729: Y. Suero & T. Nikuary to Waters Properties LLC, $320,000

S. 28th St., 728: M. Marcus to C. & D. Aversa, $147,000

S. Front St., 589: 30X30 Investments LLC to E. & P. Pettis, $250,000

Pine St., 215: Musalair Trust to 215 Pine St LLC & Pine St Properties LLC, $375,000

State St., 1514: Inder Group Estate LLC to M. Singh, $115,000

State St., 1626: Best By LLC to Vernon St Apartments LLC, $195,000

Walnut St., 104: N&R Properties LLC to Charming on Walnut LLC, $102,600

Walnut St., 106: N&R Group LLC to Charming on Walnut LLC, $167,400

Walnut St., 1212: T. Roberts to Wright Restoration Properties LLC, $100,000

Wiconisco St., 631: M. Ayyad to C. Smith, $82,500

Wiconisco St., 632: R. Perdomo to W. Scales, $128,500

Zarker St., 1932 & 2021 Holly St.: D. & R. Requa to Z&E Holdings LLC, $139,000

Zarker St., 2035: V. Dickey to J. Tippitt, $115,000

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

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Harrisburg City Council, Dauphin County officials take the oath of office

January 2, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

New Harrisburg City Council member Crystal Davis was sworn into office by Judge Hanif Johnson.

Kicking off the new year, many recently elected officials took office on Tuesday.

Harrisburg City Council and Dauphin County officials were sworn in at separate ceremonies, including newcomers to council and to the county’s board of commissioners.

During a morning ceremony at city hall, Dauphin County Magisterial District Judge Hanif Johnson swore in council president Danielle Bowers for her second term, alongside Crystal Davis, a new council member. The third member, Lamont Jones, also a newcomer, attended the ceremony, but was officially sworn into office at the county courthouse last week.

“The joy was in the journey,” Davis said. “This is like the topping of it all. I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues and looking at different avenues to support our community.”

Davis shared that one of her initial priorities on council will be to support affordable housing development. Jones said that education is important to him, including helping to inform the public on where to go with complaints and concerns.

Council president Danielle Bowers was sworn in.

“I’m really excited for the opportunity to continue to serve the residents,” Bowers said. “I’m excited for the new year and to get started.”

Bowers said that, this term, she will focus on initiatives related to affordable housing, economic development and public safety.

Also mid-morning on Tuesday, at the Hilton Harrisburg, Dauphin County swore in several public officials, including several newcomers.

Incumbent county commissioners George Hartwick, a Democrat who has served for 20 years, and Mike Pries, a Republican who took office in 2010, again took the oath of office.

Dauphin County Judge Scott Evans swore in Commissioner Mike Pries.

In November, Democratic challenger Justin Douglas was elected as the third commissioner, replacing Chad Saylor, and flipping the board to Democratic control for the first time in over a century.

Douglas attended the county’s ceremony but was sworn in at a separate ceremony early on Tuesday morning in Conewago Township, where he lives.

“A lot of important work lies ahead, and I’m optimistic about what we can achieve together for the residents of Dauphin County,” Douglas said. “I recognize there’s much for me to learn and I look forward to growing in my knowledge and understanding.”

County Commissioner Justin Douglas

According to Pries, priorities for 2024 will include finding additional funding for the county’s 9-1-1 dispatch service and fighting illegal dumping. During his campaign, Douglas shared that he would seek reform at the Dauphin County Prison and focus on improving mental health services.

The following county officials were also officially sworn in on Tuesday:

President Judge Scott Evans
Judge William Tully
Judge Courtney Powell (newly elected)
Controller Mary Bateman
District Attorney Francis Chardo
Sheriff Nicholas Chimienti, Jr.
Treasurer Nick DiFrancesco, Treasurer (newly elected)
Register of Wills/ Clerk of Orphans Court Jean Marfizo King
Clerk of Courts Bridget Whitley (newly elected)
Recorder of Deeds Jim Zugay

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Democrats flip Dauphin County commissioner board as Douglas vote lead grows

November 14, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

Justin Douglas (photo credit: Justin Douglas for County Commissioner)

It’s all but official—Dauphin County will have a Democratic-controlled board of commissioners starting next year.

On Monday evening, the county Bureau of Elections released revised voting totals that seemed to affirm a narrow victory for Justin Douglas, who will unseat Republican Chad Saylor.

In the revision, which took into account provisional ballots, Douglas tallied 26,973 votes compared to 26,826 for Saylor. The 147-vote lead actually increased Douglas’ margin, which stood at 42 votes at the end of Election Day last week.

“I am profoundly grateful to the voters who have proven that local elections wield significant influence and that the voice of the people can bring about transformative change,” Douglas said, in a statement. “This win is a testament to the power of community-driven politics, and I am honored to be entrusted with this responsibility.”

Douglas came in third place in the four-person race. Long-time Democratic commissioner George Hartwick placed first in the balloting with a revised 32,252 votes and current commission chair Mike Pries placed second with 31,563 votes.

In Pennsylvania’s system, the three-seat county board of commissioners is always split on a partisan basis, with the majority party occupying two seats and the minority party occupying one.

This was Saylor’s first campaign for commissioner. Saylor, the long-time chief clerk for the county commissioners, was appointed to the seat in June 2021 to replace long-time commissioner Jeff Haste, who resigned in the middle of his term.

Douglas, who lives in Conewago Township, is the founder and lead pastor of the Harrisburg-based Belong Collective. Before that, he was lead pastor of the Bridge Church.

This election was a historic win for county Democrats, who will hold a majority on the board for the first time in at least 100 years, according to PennLive.

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