Tag Archives: Harrisburg City Council

Harrisburg City Council approves funds for local groups, mandates recording of city board meetings

April 12, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg City Council legislative session on Tuesday

A number of Harrisburg organizations will receive money to assist with housing assistance and social services, following approval by City Council.

On Tuesday, council voted to allocate annual federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program funds from both the 2020 and 2021 fiscal years will be distributed to several Harrisburg organizations. During the pandemic, the city did not allot these funds due to the influx of CARES Act funding that they instead worked to distribute.

The following organizations are recipients of the 2020 and 2021 ESG funds:

Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness, $50,000
Christian Churches United, $100,000
Shalom House, $50,000
YWCA, $50,000

The following organizations are recipients of the 2020 CDBG funds:

Justice House of Hope, $84,728
LHACC, $45,000
PAIRWIN (Pennsylvania Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Network), $39,220
Salvation Army, $75,000
The Worship Academy, $50,000

Additionally, $244,031 will go towards debt service, $425,000 for public improvement/public facilities, $344,746 for housing programs, $200,000 for demolition and $75,000 for the Dauphin County Library System.

The following organizations are recipients of the 2021 CDBG funds:

Center for Employment Opportunities, $25,000
AJB Drug & Alcohol, $48,586
Young Professionals of Color-Greater Harrisburg, $35,000
The Rock Church, $100,000
Justice House of Hope, $15,272

Additionally, $240,000 will be used for debt service, $504,600 for public improvement/public facilities, $359,066 for housing programs and $218,000 for demolition.

In other news, council approved a bill that would require Harrisburg Zoning Hearing Board and Planning Commission meetings to be recorded and shared publicly. Council hopes that this bill will make these meetings more accessible for the public.

Also on Tuesday, the administration introduced Timothy Brooks, the city’s new budget manager. Brooks, a life-long Harrisburg resident, will be responsible for preparing and monitoring the city’s annual budget. He started in his position in late March.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

March 25, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

A Verizon 5G pole in front of the Susquehanna Art Museum became a work of art, this week.

This week brought lots of stories on new businesses, projects and even unique new art installations. For any of these that you might have missed, all of our coverage is linked, below.

Glitz Soap Co. in Mechanicsburg offers an abundance of unique, handmade vegan products ranging from soap and shampoo bars to soothing lotions. In our magazine story, read about how owner Alicia Miller transformed a hobby into a successful business.

Halotherapy, or salt therapy, allows you to immerse your body in salt and fill your lungs with concentrated salty air to harness its curative properties. In our magazine story, find information about salt rooms in the area.

Harrisburg Academy held a fundraiser to support Ukrainian refugees, our online story reported. They also plan to offer scholarships to any displaced Ukrainian students that may arrive in the area.

Harrisburg City Council has two new members this year as Jocelyn Rawls and Ralph Rodriguez were elected to serve. Our magazine story introduces readers to the new officials and shares their backgrounds, interests and hopes for the city.

The Harrisburg School District held its first in-person board meeting in two years, since the pandemic began, our online story reported. At the meeting, officials discussed staffing shortages and recent violence.

Harrisburg University announced an official opening date for its new academic building in downtown Harrisburg, our reporting found. HU President Eric Darr said that he expects the 11-story building at S. 3^rd and Chestnut streets to debut for the university’s spring 2023 semester.

Jeff Nichols noticed that the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg was looking for a new CEO and saw it as a chance to return to his passion for history, our magazine story reported. In his new position, Nichols has been working to rebuild the museum’s attendance, which dropped during the pandemic.

Jennie Jenkins-Dallas announced her candidacy as a Republican for the 103^rd legislative district, our online story reported. Last year, Jenkins ran unsuccessfully for City Council as a Democrat and previously ran unsuccessfully for mayor.

In Mechanicsburg, a $5.3 million, three-phase revitalization plan is set to begin on March 26, our online story reported. A vacant building at 1 W. Main St. will be demolished to make way for a town park—honoring the town founder’s original vision.

The Millworks received zoning approval to move its brewery operations into a brick building at the rear of the restaurant, directly across Sayford Street, our online story reported. With the extra space in the Millworks restaurant, owner Joshua Kesler plans to expand the dining area.

A mobile barbershop will visit Harrisburg neighborhoods with resident Anthony Pierce-Rodriguez offering free haircuts, our reporting found. He plans to use the mobile shop as a way to build relationships with community members and share his story to encourage others.

Rob Mort of Harrisburg, is a caring, mild-mannered van driver for Boyo Transportation Services by day. By night, he is “Rob Noxious,” an aggressive, loud-mouthed professional wrestler, who now is a fan favorite. Read about the two faces of Mort, in our magazine story.

Sara Bozich has lots of fun ways for you to spend your weekend in central PA. Find them, here.

The Susquehanna Art Museum partnered with Verizon to transform a large 5G pole by the museum into a work of art, our online story reported. The bright, colorful design was created by local artist Stephen Michael Haas.

Trader Joe’s is set to open at a new location in Mechanicsburg next week, our online story reported. The grocery store will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony and officially open for shopping on March 31.

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Local developer proposes turning industrial building in Uptown Harrisburg into apartments

March 16, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

D&F Realty may turn this building at 2463 Jefferson St. into apartments.

An old industrial building in Uptown Harrisburg may soon get a new lease on life.

At a Harrisburg City Council work session on Tuesday, local development group D&F Realty shared a proposal to transform a warehouse building at 2463 Jefferson St. into apartments.

The project would include 22 apartment units in total. They plan to create 18 units in the 12,622-square-foot main portion of the building. Those would all be one-bedroom units with the exception of one two-bedroom unit, explained David Peffley of D&F Realty. Additionally, there are already four existing units in an adjacent building on the property.

Peffley expects to charge around $800 to $900 per month in rent for both the one- and two-bedroom units.

D&F plans to “freshen up” the exterior of the building while keeping the industrial look. This would include replacing windows, painting and landscaping, they explained.

Included in the proposed plan is the construction of an off-street parking lot with 20 spaces.

In November 2021, D&F received Zoning Hearing Board approval for the building, permitting a multi-family dwelling use and offering parking relief, decreasing the number of required parking spaces from 26 to 20.

According to the Harrisburg Planning Bureau, additional on-street parking is available on Schuylkill and Jefferson streets.

D&F Realty purchased the building in July 2021 for $150,000. If council approves the project, they plan to begin construction as early as June and expect to finish it in about a year.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

March 11, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Shalom House plans to open a community drop-in center in Allison Hill

Let’s hope this is the last wintry weekend of the season here in Harrisburg. Lucky for you, we have plenty of reading material to keep you entertained and up-to-date on all the local happenings while you avoid the snow at home. All of this week’s coverage is listed, below.

As Afghan refugees begin to resettle in central Pennsylvania, local organizations and agencies are stepping up to help, our magazine story reported. This may include finding and outfitting a home, employment services, classes in English as a Second Language and referrals for other needs.

In TheBurg Podcast this month, we hear stories about the heroes in our midst—those in active recovery from addiction. Also, our March magazine’s cover artist shares her creative process.

Death Cab for Cutie will return to Riverfront Park on July 14 as part of Harrisburg University’s summer concert series, our online story reported.

Harrisburg City Council voted to bring in Dawood Engineering to serve as city engineer, while the administration continues to look for a full-time professional engineer to hire, our online story reported. Council also approved a Midtown commercial and residential building redevelopment project.

The Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra will return to its long-time home, the Forum, starting with its next concert season, our online story reported. Meanwhile, the HSO’s 2021-22 season continues this month at the Scottish Rite Theatre in Uptown Harrisburg.

Hero in the Fight is an organization that helps support those in active recovery from substance abuse. In our magazine article, read about founder Dan Albert’s story of recovery and gaining a new perspective on life.

NEON Vintage Thrift is holding a pop-up shop at Midtown Harrisburg’s Urban Snob boutique, our online story reported. Alana Cornish, owner of the thrifting business, hopes her bright clothes bring out customers’ confidence.

“Orlando” debuts tomorrow at Open Stage in Harrisburg. Read a preview of the “profoundly fluid, poetic” show in our magazine story.

Oscar-nominated animated shorts this year are not kid-friendly, following an interesting new trend, our movie review says. Not only are the majority of the films not kid-friendly, but two have major warnings for adult content.

PennDOT announced that it may make needed improvements to Derry Street in Harrisburg, our online story reported. The project will extend from the intersection of 13^th Street and Derry Street, east to the intersection of 40^th Street and Derry Street.

Sara Bozich has a fun lineup of events for your weekend, including some St. Patrick’s Day-themed activities.

Shalom House in Harrisburg plans to open a community drop-in center to provide residents in need with convenient resources and assistance, our online story reported. This is part of a new vision for the organization under the leadership of Executive Director Kyla Harvey.

State Rep. Patty Kim will seek another term in the state House of Representatives, our reporting found. Kim (D-Harrisburg) will run for the Democratic nomination for a sixth, two-year term representing the 103^rd legislative district.

Yum Yum Mini Pancake Bar & More recently opened in Camp Hill, our magazine story reported. Owner Guadalupe Islas offers a unique menu of sunny sweets and treats from her native land, Mexico.

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Harrisburg brings in local firm to serve as city engineer, approves Midtown development project

March 8, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg City Council during a legislative session on Tuesday

Without a city engineer, many of Harrisburg’s construction projects aren’t able to move forward, and for months, that position has sat vacant.

However, on Tuesday, Harrisburg City Council voted in favor of filling the position, not with a person, but with temporary services from Lower Paxton Township-based Dawood Engineering.

The administration explained that Dawood will serve in the position for up to a year, while the city continues to seek out a qualified candidate for the role. However, according to city Business Administrator Dan Hartman, the job notice for the position, although previously posted, was taken down. After a request from council to repost the position, Hartman said that the city would have the listing published again by Wednesday.

The agreement with Dawood sets the price cap for its services at $150,000.

Wayne Martin served as the previous city engineer, but left his position in November.

According to Isaac Gaylord, deputy city solicitor, the city is required to have a professional engineer sign off on many of its construction projects. Dawood will fill that role, which the city has been missing for months.

While council approved the contract with Dawood, many members voiced concern over not having a professional engineer on staff.

“I implore the city to continue their search for an engineer,” said council member Westburn Majors. “As a city that has a lot of projects and will have a lot of money coming through it over the next four to five years, it is going to be incumbent upon us having someone on staff, full-time to be able to handle the work.”

In other news, council approved the re-development of a vacant property, formerly the Taproom bar, at 1402 N. 3^rd St. The vote was 5-2, with council President Danielle Bowers and council member Jocelyn Rawls voting against the project.

Sean Linder and his Bethlehem-based investment group, SJL Rentals LLC, plans to renovate the 4,000-square-foot, three-floor building to include five apartment units and a first-floor commercial space.

Linder said that he plans to rent the one- and two-bedroom units for around $850 to $1,300 per month. After receiving questioning from council about whether he will designate any of the units as affordable, he said he would consider it.

However, both Bowers and Rawls explained their opposition to the project by objecting to the fact that Linder’s current plans did not include what they deem to be affordable housing.

“Given the range of rent that he shared, I’m not confident that our residents would be able to afford to live in any of these units,” Bowers said.

Also on Tuesday, council approved a bill to allow virtual public participation in city council and board meetings.

“This bill comes out of the realities that we’ve all seen come out of the COVID pandemic,” explained City Solicitor Neil Grover at a previous council work session.

The bill allows for council to make a virtual option for participation in meetings, but does not require it.

According to Director of Information Technology Steve Bortner, providing virtual access would require significant technology upgrades and purchases and may take time to get up and running.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

February 18, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Tour de Belt will return to an in-person format in Harrisburg this year.

Get out of the house and enjoy all that Harrisburg has to offer at 3^rd in the Burg tonight. While you’re out, pick up a copy of the magazine and, of course, don’t miss this week’s news coverage, right here.

TheBurg Podcast debuted a special Valentine’s Day episode this week. The show reveals the hidden gems of Harrisburg, according to nearly 25 of our podcast guests from the past year. Curious? Listen, here.

Chosen Friends Masonic Lodge’s legacy is deeply tied to Black history in Harrisburg, our magazine story reported. The fraternal organization has provided a sense of belonging and brotherhood to local men for decades.

Emmanuel Nsingani’s earthy emotional voice ranges from guttural lows to sobbing highs in his Afro-jazz music, our magazine story reported. He writes and sings lyrics in his native Lari, a language from the Republic of Congo, where he was born.

The February edition of TheBurg Podcast gives voice to people or causes representing minorities. Tune in to hear from three extraordinary local women.

Harrisburg, along with Dauphin County and nonprofit Impact Harrisburg, will conduct a disparity study to determine how and where the city can provide more opportunities to diverse businesses and contractors. The study will cost $250,000 and likely take a year to complete, according to our online story.

Harrisburg City Council passed its amended 2022 budget after it underwent significant changes by the new administration and council, our reporting found. The $70.7 million general fund budget is lower than last year’s and does not include a tax increase.

Heart & Soul Books opened this past weekend in Linglestown, our online story reported. The cozy shop features a wide range of books, with a focus on representation.

Midtown Cinema began to show “The Worst Person in the World” this week. According to our writer, you may find yourself relating to the main character.

Open Stage is currently staging “The Mad Ones,” an emotional musical experience. Our theater reviewer offers her views on the intense, yet comedic show, playing through March 12. Read more about it in our magazine story.

Public meetings, held by the city, are allowing Harrisburg residents to ask questions about the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money that the city is receiving. Consultant NW Financial explained to residents how the funds can be used, our reporting found.

Sara Bozich’s Weekend Roundup includes 3^rd in the Burg and plenty of other fun events. Find them, here.

Theatre Harrisburg is performing “The Secret Garden now through Feb. 27 at Whitaker Center, our online story reported. The theater’s adaptation of the classic story is emotive and evocative, says our reviewer.

Tour de Belt will return to Harrisburg as an in-person ride, our online story reported. The bicycling event will now feature a “Finish Line Fest” with live music, food trucks and entertainment.

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Harrisburg City Council strives to make meetings more accessible, adds sign language, teddy bears

February 3, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

The “Kid’s Corner” was recently added to the City Council chambers.

When Harrisburg City Council holds a meeting, it’s usually all business–not necessarily time for fun and games.

But at a legislative session this week, some big, fluffy teddy bears took seats in the back of the room under a sign reading “Kid’s Corner.”

According to council President Danielle Bowers, that’s intended to make meetings more accessible to all community members—even the youngest ones.

In addition to the Kid’s Corner, which helps parents with children attend meetings, council added a sign language interpreter to the dais and has increased social media outreach.

“I wanted to ensure that council is inclusive of and accessible to the public,” said Bowers, who initiated the efforts. “It’s important for community members to participate in meetings because literally everything single thing we do impacts their daily lives.”

The Kid’s Corner contains books donated by the Dauphin County Library System, coloring pages and stickers from the fire and police bureaus, and teddy bears and the “Kid’s Corner” sign donated by the Department of Public Works. The Dauphin County commissioners, local author Debra Hervitz, and others donated, as well.

Bowers hopes that more parents will attend meetings, knowing that their children are welcome. She also sees it as a way for kids to be exposed to city government.

“It’s a space where we could promote literacy and education about local government,” she said. “We’ve received a great reaction from not only parents, but from educators, as well.”

The sign language interpreter is another new feature for council that will better allow members of the deaf community to engage.

Additionally, council has created Facebook and Instagram pages to share information and to live-stream meetings. Meetings are also broadcast on the city’s television station, WHBG20 and on YouTube.

Bowers has also prioritized publishing council meeting agendas in a timelier fashion so that the public can see what legislation will be discussed at meetings.

On Tuesday, council introduced a bill that would allow people to participate in council and other city board meetings and make public comments virtually. Previously, all public comments had to be made in person.

“I wanted to make sure we were live-streaming a little bit of everywhere,” Bowers said. “It’s important that, if something is going on in a resident’s neighborhood, that we don’t know about, that they come and share that.”

According to Bowers, this is just the beginning of council’s efforts to increase accessibility. They have more ideas for initiatives that they plan to integrate in the near future.

“I really think that everyone embraced my vision,” she said. “It’s more than I thought it would be.”

Find Harrisburg City Council on Facebook, Instagram and on their website.

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Burg Blog: New Year, New Mayor

January 5, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams speaks at Monday’s swearing in.

On Monday morning, Wanda Williams was sworn into office as the 39th mayor of Harrisburg.

Since then, a number of city residents have asked me what we might expect of the new administration.

My response has been twofold.

First, I said that, on some level, we don’t know what to expect. Every new administration—local, state, national, whatever—is something of an unknown. It will be several months before we can begin to assess how the mayor goes about her job: how she implements her priorities, how she manages the city’s workforce, how she relates to City Council.

If I remember correctly, I said something similar eight years ago and even wrote a column assessing the Papenfuse administration six months in.

Having said that—Williams is not an unknown quantity, as Eric Papenfuse, a newcomer to elected office, was back in 2014. Williams has served on council since 2006, including two terms as president. To some extent, Harrisburg is what it is today because of decisions she’s made and legislation she’s backed. Therefore, I don’t expect a major departure in direction, though some change is certain.

And that brings me to the second part of my response.

At her swearing in, Williams told us exactly which policies she would emphasize. During a brief, seven-minute speech, she outlined four priorities:

Enrichment opportunities for youth
Affordable housing
Better roads and bridges
Improving the city’s dysfunctional, aged sewer system

In my opinion, these are right on point. Harrisburg, of course, has many needs, but a mayor, faced with financial and other constraints, needs to prioritize. These four areas, in particular, stand out as vital and within the reasonable domain of city government. Success in these will require sustained focus, funding and effort throughout her term.

In a way, Williams is fortunate as she assumes office, with the city in strong financial shape. In addition to having money in the bank, Harrisburg has $48 million waiting to be allocated from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), with perhaps even more money coming from other federal and state programs, including the recently passed federal infrastructure bill. Cities always face tough challenges, but I would argue that the wind currently is at Harrisburg’s back, strongly.

It remains to be seen exactly how Williams will go about allocating funds and implementing her priorities. In her speech, while discussing affordable housing, she mentioned helping residents achieve “the American dream.” I translated that to mean that she would try to encourage homeownership, an effort that I strongly support.

For ARPA-financed projects, the administration will need to move quickly, as the window to use those funds expires in just a few years. So, I expect we’ll know more soon about how that money may be allotted.

In her speech, Williams didn’t mention one other item that I expect will be a priority for the new administration—what to do with the city’s long-term debt.

Last year, the Papenfuse administration and Williams (backed by other city officials) had a prolonged dispute over how to retire the city’s remaining general obligation bonds. Papenfuse wanted to refinance them over 10 years, while Williams advocated paying them back more aggressively.

In the end, Williams’ position won out. Harrisburg made a large pre-payment in November, but didn’t refinance the rest, leaving the city with a debt load of about $19 million. The new administration and council, as one of their first acts, now will reopen the 2022 budget, which should offer insight into just how fast they can—and will—settle most or all of the remaining debt.

Near the end of her short inaugural speech, Williams said, “Now is the time to turn away from politics and focus on the real work that we must do together.”

Absolutely. For too long, Harrisburg has had mayors who’ve taken things too personally and made the job too much about themselves. Going forward, this city needs a healthy dose of “we” among its top leadership.

Lawrance Binda is co-publisher and editor-in-chief of TheBurg.

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Harrisburg City Council passes 2022 budget, approves substantial development projects

December 14, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg City Council legislative session on Tuesday.

Harrisburg City Council ended its session for the year with a lengthy agenda, including the approval of a budget and substantial development projects.

Council took a step in the city’s budgeting process, passing a 2022 budget that will serve as a placeholder until Mayor-Elect Wanda Williams takes office and likely reopens the spending plan.

The $79.2 million general fund budget, which includes no property tax increase, essentially mirrors the 2021 budget.

The administration proposed the placeholder budget in anticipation of Williams reopening it in the new year. The final budget must be adopted by Feb. 15.

Additionally, council gave the go-ahead to two large development projects in Harrisburg.

Developers Chris and Erica Bryce, along with Matt Long of Harrisburg Commercial Interiors, can begin work on their mixed-use building on the 1600-block of N. 3^rd and Logan streets. It includes a community center and 12 apartment units. They also plan to construct eight townhouses nearby. The project is one phase of many planned by the developers for the Midtown area.

At a work session last week, council President Williams expressed concern with what she saw as not enough affordable single-family housing in the plan. At the time, Long told council members that affordable housing would be part of subsequent phases.

However, on Tuesday, Williams and other council members said that they met with the developers privately to address their concerns. Council then unanimously approved the project.

A plan for the historic Hudson building on N. 6^th Street in Camp Curtin was also brought before council. Developer Adam Maust plans to transform the long-abandoned building into The Atlas, which may include office and retail space for local, specifically Black-owned businesses, he said.

However, city Solicitor Neil Grover stated that the project technically already had received automatic approval. A vote by council on each land development plan is required within 120 days of an application being submitted. According to Grover, a series of delays on the city’s part led to the project not going to council for a vote until after that deadline, rendering it legally approved.

Many council members were not happy with that result, expressing that they felt the city had made a mistake.

“How did we let something with so much public comment slip through the cracks?” council member Ausha Green asked. “It’s completely ridiculous.”

During public comment, some residents expressed concern with the transparency of the project, stating that there should be more collaboration with local neighborhood groups and residents.

Maust said that he has been working with local groups such as La Cultura and Young Professionals of Color-Greater Harrisburg to conduct surveys and outreach to the community.

“I’m really encouraged with what we are putting together that I believe will set a foundation for how projects like this should go,” Maust said.

In addition, the Atlas recently received a $2.5 million grant from the commonwealth’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), prompting additional questions from council members.

Although the project was deemed approved, council still voted on it, passing the land development plan by a vote of 6-1, with council member Shamaine Daniels voting against it.

Council also approved three new Zoning Hearing Board appointees, and one alternate board member. Matthew Pianka, Claude Phipps, Anna Bianco and James Hobbs (alternate) will serve, creating a quorum for the board.

Finally, council passed the 2022-2025 Basic Labor Agreement between the city and the local labor union for city employees, Local 521, American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME), District Council 90. It includes 3% raises for workers for each year for the next four years. Members will also receive a $3,000 bonus in 2022, $1,500 in 2023 and $1,000 in each of the following two years.

Of note, Tuesday was council Vice President Ben Allatt’s last meeting on council, as he declined to run for re-election this year.

Next up: Harrisburg City Council will reorganize on Jan. 3, with two new council members—Ralph Rodriguez and Jocelyn Rawls—joining. Also on Jan. 3, Williams will make the move from council president to Harrisburg mayor.

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Harrisburg City Council approves new comprehensive plan, ending years-long drafting process

November 23, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

An outdated Harrisburg planning document has finally been updated and replaced following a seven-year-long process.

On Tuesday, Harrisburg City Council approved a new comprehensive plan, capping years of effort to bring the plan into the 21^st century.

The resolution passed 6-1, with council member Danielle Bowers voting against it.

“I appreciate all the work of everyone on this council, and I’m glad we are at least able to get something on the books so that we can start moving forward,” council member Westburn Majors said.

The previous comprehensive plan was created in 1974, serving more than double its intended lifespan of 20 years.

In 2014, Harrisburg began to discuss creating a new plan, but was faced with years of delay. A dispute between the city and a former consultant hired to draft the plan prolonged the process, as did extensions to the public comment period.

The 246-page document is meant to help guide growth and development in the city. It includes topics such as land use, housing, mobility, parks, energy and cultural resources.

Over the years, the city held numerous public hearings and meetings on the comprehensive plan, generating comments from community members.

Bowers explained her vote against the plan, saying that it was not accessible enough and lacked sufficient up-to-date public commentary.

“I don’t understand how a document is supposed to accurately reflect a city today when a majority of the public engagement is already dated and occurred five or six years ago,” she said. “I do not believe this document works for the city of Harrisburg.”

Other council members agreed that the plan could use improvements, but stated that it is a “living document” and could be updated on a regular basis in the years to come.

“This isn’t the best, but it is way better than a 40-plus-year-old document,” Majors said.

View Harrisburg’s 2020 Comprehensive Plan, here.

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