Tag Archives: Harrisburg City Council

In virtual public meeting, Harrisburg council takes step to redesign, improve safety on State Street

April 14, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

A screen shot of Harrisburg City Council’s virtual legislative session on Tuesday night

Harrisburg took a step towards making State Street safer for pedestrians on Tuesday, agreeing to allocate money for a final road design.

City Council unanimously approved hiring civil engineering firm Wallace, Montgomery & Associates to complete the “State Street Rapid Response” design, including an expenditure of $57,500.

“State Street is the most dangerous street in the city,” city Engineer Wayne Martin told council members, who held their first legislative session in more than a month, conducted through Zoom teleconferencing technology.

Over a year ago, Harrisburg released its “Vision Zero” action plan for the city, with a goal of eliminating pedestrian deaths in the city. The initiative came after numerous pedestrian fatalities on city streets, especially on state-owned State Street on Allison Hill.

Harrisburg made improving State Street its number-one “Vision Zero” priority, but its plan was rejected at the district level by the state Department of Transportation.

Martin explained that the city then appealed directly to PennDOT’s top officials, including the former and interim transportation secretaries.

“We agreed on the configuration for the State Street corridor, a path forward, if you will,” Martin said.

Wallace Montgomery now needs to finalize the engineering design. The total project includes numerous changes to State Street, including a narrower road, bus stop improvements, new ADA ramps, new curbing and lighting.

“Narrowing that road and reducing the crossing distance for pedestrians is really what needs to be done, and that’s what finally everyone agrees to,” Martin said. “That’s what the public has known right away.”

The $57,500 design expense will come from the city’s engineering budget and includes design revisions, highway occupancy permits and the cost of a public meeting, Martin said.

The public meeting was originally slated for this month. Martin said that he now hopes for a June meeting, but added that the timing is uncertain due to continuing social distancing requirements.

The city, Martin said, still must firm up a final cost for the actual roadwork and identify funding sources. He said that he hoped to fund the project through state and other grant monies.

“PennDOT has not said they would pay for some of these improvements, but they haven’t rejected it either,” he said. “They left that door open. So, we will seek funding from PennDOT and other sources of funds.”

Martin said that he hopes the actual roadwork will begin in the late summer, but the timing depends upon lifting COVID-19 mitigation restrictions.

March News Digest

March 31, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley

Coronavirus Pandemic Forces Shutdowns

Harrisburg last month issued an emergency declaration and shut down city government buildings to the public until further notice.

With the declaration, all official city buildings closed to the public, including the MLK Jr. Government Center, the Public Works building and the Reservoir Park Mansion.

Despite the shutdown, the city continues to provide all essential functions and services, according to Mayor Eric Papenfuse.

“We are all in this together,” Papenfuse said. “I encourage the community to adhere to Gov. [Tom] Wolf’s directives and use precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.”

Most city workers continued to work, some remotely, Papenfuse said. The public should use the drop box at the rear of the building to pay bills, submit forms and drop off other items, he said.

For inquiries, residents are encouraged to fill out the city’s online support form at www.harrisburg.gov/support, email [email protected] or call the city’s 311 help desk, which will continue to operate.

Likewise, Dauphin County declared a disaster emergency and closed county government offices to the public until further notice. All events and activities at county facilities also were cancelled.

County residents who want to pay a tax bill or drop off a voter registration form or absentee/mail-in ballot can deposit items in a locked box near the entrance of the Dauphin County Administration Building on 2nd Street in Harrisburg. The Dauphin County Courthouse also will have a secure box near the entrance on Market Street where documents can be dropped off.

Last month, Wolf allowed most state workers to work remotely, and most private businesses were ordered to close their physical locations. He also closed public schools.

Wolf also ordered all “non-essential stores” to be closed throughout the commonwealth, though dine-in restaurants can continue to sell through delivery and takeout. Essential businesses to remain open include grocery stores, gas stations and pharmacies. All Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores also closed until further notice.

“Our top priority is the health and safety of our residents, especially the elderly and most vulnerable,” Papenfuse said. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during this disaster emergency.”

Council Overturns Veto

Harrisburg City Council overrode a mayoral veto last month, though the two branches of government agreed to work towards a policy that could give the city more leverage over future development projects.

By a 5-2 vote, council rejected the action by Mayor Eric Papenfuse, who had vetoed a resolution that would vacate several “paper” streets on a parcel of land where the new federal courthouse now is rising.

Papenfuse said that he vetoed the resolution to make a point. He wants council members to create a policy that would require developers to conduct a “public benefit analysis” when requesting street vacations.

Such a policy, he said, would give the city leverage as developers continue to plan projects in Harrisburg. In exchange for the street vacation, the city could ask for certain benefits, such as offsetting city-borne costs, making streetscape improvements, utilizing local labor or including affordable housing.

“It could help us with affordable housing policy in the city,” he said.

In February, council approved a resolution that would vacate “various unnamed paper streets” on the 4.2-acre site at N. 6th and Reily streets, where the federal government is building a 243,000-square-foot courthouse. Papenfuse then vetoed that resolution.

Usually, paper streets are narrow “baker’s” or “grocer’s” alleys that offer rear access to row houses. On the courthouse site, neither the houses nor the alleys exist any longer, but the public rights of way remain on paper.

Papenfuse told council that, currently, the city holds little leverage over a developer outside of the normal planning and zoning process. Requiring an analysis for street vacations would give the city a tool to extract “public benefit” concessions for large projects, he said.

“It would be a power vested in City Council that is not granted through the land development process,” he said.

Before casting her override vote, council President Wanda Williams criticized Papenfuse’s housing strategy, saying that he has supported past development proposals in the city that didn’t include an affordable housing element. Despite the criticism, Williams said that she would be interested in discussing a street vacation policy.

“I think we should work on this quickly,” agreed council member Dave Madsen, one of two votes, along with council member Westburn Majors, to uphold the veto.

Papenfuse admitted that his veto was unlikely to impact the federal courthouse project, which is slated for completion in spring 2022. But he said that he wanted to make a point that council should pass a street vacation policy.

“These are public streets,” he said. “Potentially, there are things that could be received in exchange, which goes well beyond the courthouse.”

Also last month, City Council:

- - - Voted 6-1 to approve an agreement transferring the Strawberry Square Arcade to the Strawberry Square Condominium Association, with Williams voting no.
    - By a 5-2 vote, approved a resolution to hire Harrisburg-based Maverick Strategies to continue to provide consulting and lobbying for the city. The agreement for the $5,000 monthly retainer expires on Dec. 31.
    - Unanimously passed a resolution hiring Ecological Solutions to provide lake management services for Italian Lake at a cost of $9,125.
    - Unanimously passed a resolution backing state legislation that would allow Pennsylvania residents, regardless of immigration status, access to a valid driver’s license.

City Starts Facebook Live Events

Harrisburg last month held its first Facebook Live event, focused on the COVID-19 outbreak and what it means for city residents.

With city hall shut down to visitors, Mayor Eric Papenfuse used the platform, with a broadcast on WHBG-TV Channel 20, to address residents’ concerns and answer questions about everything from emergency services to the local economy.

“Although we are facing an international health crisis, Harrisburg is a resilient city, and we have survived crises before,” said Papenfuse, joined by police Commissioner Thomas Carter and Fire Chief Brian Enterline. “We’ve made it through the TMI disaster, we’ve made it through Agnes, and we train and prepare for disasters on a regular basis.”

During the event, Papenfuse took time to explain updates in the city regarding recent orders from Gov. Tom Wolf. He commended Wolf for taking preventative action to mandate the closure of non life-sustaining businesses.

The panel highlighted services available in the city, including the school district’s feeding program and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s efforts. Papenfuse said that, at the same locations as the student meal pick-ups, any resident in need of food can partake.

While Carter acknowledged many homeless shelters are filled to capacity, he assured many, such as Bethesda Mission, are still giving out food. He also mentioned that residents who are undocumented immigrants should not fear asking the city for help.

“We will be providing emergency services regardless of national origin or citizenship,” Papenfuse said. “You won’t be asked, you’ll be helped.”

While the city is working to help residents, officials acknowledged that response times to calls for the police may be slower with shifting priorities during this time.

“We do have new priorities and calls related to health concerns regarding the virus have to take priority over others,” Papenfuse said.

With businesses shutting down, he ensured residents that they will not be penalized for late trash service payments, rent payments or other city taxes.

“We are all in this together, and we can weather the storm,” he said.

“Community Conversations with Mayor Papenfuse” are slated to continue each Friday at noon as a forum for information and discussion during the pandemic.

Revised Design Approved

The city got its first look last month at a new design for a planned academic building for downtown Harrisburg.

At a special meeting of the city Planning Commission, Harrisburg University presented its plan for an 11-story building at the corner of Chestnut and S. 3rd streets.

“The revised design is very similar to what was approved,” said David Alessi, senior associate at Stantec, the project’s architectural and engineering company.

Last year, the commission approved plans for a 17-story building and a 10-story hotel. However, HU’s hotel partner, Harrisburg-based HHM, was unable to secure financing for that portion of the project, said HU President Eric Darr.

“We worked with multiple finance partners, but we couldn’t wait any longer,” Darr told commission members.

The problem, he said, was comparative. He said that a project analysis showed that the hotel would be profitable. Nonetheless, potential financiers felt that they could get an even better return by committing their money to projects in other cities, he said.

With the loss of the hotel, HU cut the project’s size by about one-third, proceeding solely with an educational building. The $100-million, 260,000-square-foot facility will house HU’s health sciences programs, simulation labs and other academic programs.

Planning Commission members seemed satisfied with the design, complimenting HU for adding brick to the façade and for aligning the design with HU’s current building on Market Street.

“I like how it blends in with HU’s tower,” said commissioner Zac Monnier.

The new design also eliminates a planned curb cut along Chestnut Street.

Following HU’s presentation, the commission unanimously approved the new development plan, which now must be approved by City Council.

HU has already cleared the site at S. 3rd and Chestnut streets, but hasn’t yet started to build the structure. Assuming the revised development plan passes council, HU expects the building to begin to take shape this summer and be completed in late 2021.

Apartment Project Proposed

A New York-based developer with strong ties to Harrisburg proposed last month to convert the former Salvation Army Harrisburg headquarters to a new apartment building.

Michael Lam lives in Queens, N.Y., but owns more than a dozen properties in Harrisburg, mostly small buildings with commercial space on the ground floor and apartments upstairs.

His latest proposal would be his largest project, a 25-unit apartment building at Green and Cumberland streets in Midtown.

“The units aren’t huge, but they’ll be very done very nicely,” he told TheBurg. “I’m going to bring a lot of New York style to it. They’ll be very trendy, very nice.”

Lam envisions a series of duplex-style one- and two-bedroom apartments, with parking included.

Several years ago, the Salvation Army Harrisburg put its long-time home on the market after it made a decision to relocate to the 500-block of S. 29th Street, near the city line. It made that move last year.

The organization has been asking $560,000 for the 18,500-square-foot building, which was constructed in 1954, plus another $330,000 for the 34-space accessory parking lot across the street. A second, smaller lot off of Penn Street has another eight parking spaces.

Before he can complete the purchase, Lam needs his project to be approved by the city. He made his first presentation last month to the city Planning Commission.

Harrisburg Mayor, ICA Clash

Harrisburg has filed a lawsuit against its state financial oversight board to force the board to fully include Harrisburg’s representative.

In February, the city filed a lawsuit in Commonwealth Court claiming that the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (ICA) has systematically excluded Bruce Weber from participating in executive sessions and other ICA business.

Weber, Harrisburg’s budget and finance director, is the city’s non-voting representative on the seven-member board.

Following the meeting, Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse said that Weber has been routinely excluded from executive sessions and other ICA matters.

“He has every right to participate in the deliberations of the ICA,” Papenfuse said, following the meeting. “They have refused that from the very beginning.”

The ICA and Harrisburg last year passed a draft five-year financial recovery plan for the city, designed to allow the city to exit Act 47, the state’s program for financially distressed cities. They’re now in the process of making updates to it.

“The ICA expresses disappointment over the current litigation initiated by the mayor,” said ICA Chair Audry Carter, in a statement. “The lawsuit is a needless distraction from the important work of removing Harrisburg from Act 47.”

February Home Sales Rise

Housing data continued to be strong in the Harrisburg area, with sales and prices both up in February.

For the three-county region, sales increased to 487 housing units, compared to 441 in February 2019 and 388 in February 2018, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR). The median sales price was $180,000 versus $168,000 in the year-ago period and $157,000 in February 2018, GHAR said.

In Dauphin County, 250 housing units sold in February, compared to 235 last year, while the median price rose to $164,900 versus $150,000 in February 2019, according to GHAR.

In Cumberland County, 214 homes sold compared to 191 a year ago, while the median sales price increased to $213,000 from $195,000 in February 2019. Perry County also showed a sales increase, to 23 units versus 15 last year, though the median price fell to $163,000 from $210,000 in February 2019, GHAR said.

Over the past year, both housing sales and prices have generally trended up in the Harrisburg area, according to GHAR.

So Noted

Capital Region Water last month suspended street sweeping and hydrant flushing until further notice due to the health crisis. Likewise, the city and parking operator SP+ suspended parking enforcement for street sweeping. CRW also asked customers to conduct business with them remotely—by phone, mail, email or online.

Harrisburg University has launched a new “User Experience Center,” which tests products for user friendliness. Student interns test clients’ video games, websites, education software and other products. HU plans soon to move the center into its own storefront space on the first block of S. 3rd Street in Harrisburg.

Kesher Israel has purchased the former Riverside United Methodist Church in Uptown Harrisburg. Following building renovations, the orthodox Jewish congregation plans to move there from its current synagogue on the 2500-block of N. 3rd Street.

Sandwiches by Shakedown has opened in the stone building of the Broad Street Market. Chris and Sarah Heilig, former owners of Shakedown BBQ in Grantville, offer a selection of signature sandwiches and salads from the stand that formerly housed Mel’s BBQ.

TheBurg captured five awards in the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Foundation’s annual Advertising Awards contest. TheBurg won two first-place awards, one for “best single ad” and another for “best real estate ad,” one second-place award and two honorable mentions. It was the first time that TheBurg participated in this statewide competition.

Zeroday Brewing Co. is in expansion mode, with plans to open a brewery/restaurant this summer on the 900-block of N. 3rd St. The Harrisburg-based brewer also is building out a bar and tap room inside Midtown Cinema as part of the cinema’s renovations and will convert its current taproom to production-only space. Longer term, Zeroday plans to partner with Chris and Sarah Heilig of Shakedown BBQ and Sandwiches by Shakedown to open a restaurant next year at Susquehanna Union Green in Susquehanna Township.

In Memoriam

Vera Cornish, publisher of The Urban Connection of the Capital Region, died in late February. Cornish had a long and distinguished career as an activist, speaker, teacher, consultant and author. Besides serving as a newspaper publisher, she was the founder of the Women of Heritage Breakfast, founder and producer of the Access & Opportunity Breakfast Series and founder and producer of the Access & Opportunity Career Fair. She ran her own company, Cornish & Associates, was the first director of institutional diversity for HACC, and served on many boards and committees. In the course of her career, she received numerous honors and awards and, in 2018, published a book entitled, “Dare to Dream.” Memorial contributions should be made to the Vera Cornish Dare To Dream Fund at The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, 200 N. 3rd St., 8th floor, Harrisburg PA 17101. This fund supports women’s empowerment, financial literacy and social entrepreneurship, with a focus on communities of color.

Changing Hands

Bellevue Rd., 1962: Secretary of Veterans Affairs to D&F Realty Holdings LP, $30,200

Bellevue Rd., 2042: D. Miller & M. Heagy to D. Young, $105,000

Berryhill St., 2144: M. Wilson Jr. to H. Alcantara, $38,200

Berryhill St., 2160: M. Pavelko to J. Ranck, $51,000

Berryhill St., 2254: T. Planasky to G. Singh & H. Kaur, $44,500

Berryhill St., 2314: A. & J. Budzinski to D. Smith, $65,000

Boas St., 433: R. Spencer to P. Brynildsen & S. Imbesi, $149,900

Boas St., 1925: Resistance Properties LLC to W. & J. Flannery, $40,000

Briggs St., 253: M. Patel to 253 Briggs St., LLC, $95,000

Chestnut St., 2208: J. Spangler to D. Wolfe, $222,000

Chestnut St., 2403: L. & M. Walton to C. Colon, $205,000

Crescent St., 249: PD Estate Properties LLC to A. & P. Woodman, $45,000

Crescent St., 350: D. & S. Zimmerman to Element Properties LLC, $48,000

Derry St., 2138: Santander Bank NA to Zeta Theta Lambda Foundation Inc., $40,500

Duke St., 2447: Genesis Opportunity Development Corp. to PA Deals LLC & Rich Steele Realty LLC, $30,000

Forster St., 1926: D. Jackson to CR Property Group LLC, 34,800

Fulton St., 1723: D. Snyder to S. DeLong, $123,000

Fulton St., 1730: C. Topper to Y. Downing, $145,000

Green St., 807: M Billo to T. Wetzel & H. Potteiger, $125,000

Green St., 1519: W. & E. Sauer to PA Deals LLC, $70,200

Green St., 2329: J. Yesser to A. Jobes, $32,000

Green St., 3224: C. Wise to G. Gebhardt & L. Mintz, $154,000

Hale Ave., 429: D. Hoang & M. Le to H. Le & N. Huynh, $42,000

Hillside Rd., 107: St. MacDonald & M. Warner to P. & K. Trufahnestock, $255,000

Industrial Rd., 4150: W. Houck Jr. to Addison Lee Group LLC, $1,600,000

Kelker St., 642: S. Clark & S. Lewis to K. & S. Pittman, $30,000

Kensington St., 2033: R. Dawon to CR Property Group LLC, $35,000

Kensington St., 2233: T. Holden to H. Alcantara, $38,001

Kensington St., 2345: PA Deals LLC to A. Molinelli, $72,000

Kensington St., 2413: P. & N. Nguyen to D. Wallace Sr., $69,900

Mercer St., 2459: US Bank NA Trustee to D. Dowling, $38,500

Muench St., 410: JB Buy Rite LLC to JTC Property Management, $50,000

North St., 1619: K. Sol to K. Mooney, $48,000

North St., 1818: Hari Group LLP to Revive Our City LLC, $45,000

N. Front St., 25: Pennsylvania Association of Conservation to 25 N. Front Street LLC, $437,000

N. 2nd St., 1213: J. Tang to WG PA Holdings LLC, $188,000

N. 2nd St., 1601: Centric Bank to Lynn & Ryan Investment Properties LLC, $88,000

N. 2nd St., 3107: P. Bernd to B. Leger, $135,000

N. 3rd St., 2209: A. & V. Rockmore to J. Cruz, $132,000

N. 3rd St., 2227: H. Bowman to C. & A. Smucker, $98,000

N. 3rd St., 2340: D. & S. Houck to MRI Properties LLC, $160,000

N. 3rd St., 3010: L. Smith to Equitable Builds LLC, $62,000

N. 5th St., 2424: J. & P. Williams to B. & A. Okubanjo, $60,000

N. 6th St., 2354: G. Elam to E. Wright, $95,000

Norwood St., 916: Crist Holdings LLC to Y. & E. Paige, $35,000

Park St., 1831: 9 Iron Ventures to H. Rodriquez, $46,000

Penn St., 1523: T. Smith & K. Leighton to P. & P. Gellerman, $161,400

Penn St., 1621: J. & M. Pricer to J. & D. Brubaker, $70,000

Penn St., 1805: T. & K. Hand to D. Bixler & S. Scholl, $131,000

Rumson Rd., 2995: R. Miller to J. Shuman, $100,000

S. 13th St., 421: D. Nguyen to L. Robinson, $85,000

S. 17th St., 1033: D&F Realty Holdings LP to Y. de Rodriguez, $45,000

S. 19th St., 214: L. & D. Burkhart to F. Molina & M. de la Rosa, $41,100

S. 28th St., 651: K. Meyers & G. Deimler to 17th Street Real Estate LLC, $195,384

S. 28th St., 701: K. Meyers & G. Deimler to 17th Street Real Estate LLC, $244,232

State St., 1314: D. McGlynn to 88314 LLC, $43,000

State St., 1837: JustGeoff Partners LLC to E. Patry, $35,000

Swatara St., 1610: C. Moffitt to Revive Our City LLC, $70,000

Swatara St., 2142: R. Chowdhury & A. Nasrin to Top Notch Homes LLC, $50,000

Walnut St., 1936: D. Moyer to M. Molinar, $50,000

Woodbine St., 226: Axxess Creations LLC to Trip Aces 226 LLC, $86,000

Harrisburg property sales for February 2020, greater than $30,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

Harrisburg declares emergency, shuts public access to city government buildings due to epidemic

March 16, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Harrisburg’s MLK Jr. Government Center

Harrisburg has issued an emergency declaration and will shut down city government buildings to the public until further notice.

Effective on Tuesday, all official city buildings will close to the public, including the MLK Jr. Government Center, the Public Works building and the Reservoir Park Mansion.

The city will continue to provide all essential functions and services, according to Mayor Eric Papenfuse.

“We are all in this together,” Papenfuse said, in a statement. “I encourage the community to adhere to Gov. Wolf’s directives and use precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.”

Most city workers will continue to work, some remotely, Papenfuse said. The public can use the drop box at the rear of the building to pay bills, submit forms and drop off other items, he said.

Because of the closure, Tuesday’s City Council work session has been cancelled, and the deadline for residential parking permits has been extended through the end of April.

Likewise, Dauphin County late on Monday declared a disaster emergency and will close county government offices to the public until further notice, effective end-of-day on Tuesday. All events and activities at county facilities have also been cancelled.

County residents who want to pay a tax bill or drop off a voter registration form or absentee/mail-in ballot can deposit items in a locked box near the entrance of the Dauphin County Administration Building on 2nd Street in Harrisburg, according to the county. The Dauphin County Courthouse will also have a secure box near the entrance on Market Street where documents can be dropped off, the county stated in a release.

At this time, there are no known confirmed cases of coronavirus within Dauphin County, according to the state Department of Health.

Earlier on Monday, Gov. Tom Wolf ordered all “non-essential stores” to be closed throughout the commonwealth, including bars, restaurants, gyms, retail outlets and salons, though restaurants can sell through delivery and takeout. The shutdown is expected to last “at least two weeks.” Essential businesses to remain open include grocery stores, gas stations and pharmacies.

Also, all Fine Wine & Good Spirit stores will close at the end of business on Tuesday until further notice.

Statewide, the department on Tuesday reported 96 confirmed cases, including 10 in Cumberland County, though none yet in Dauphin County.

For more information, visit the city’s website.

This story has been updated to include information from the commonwealth and the emergency declaration from Dauphin County.

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

March 13, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley

An aerial rendering of the revised plan for Harrisburg University’s new academic building (center)

The health crisis created by the coronavirus epidemic dominated the news this past week, and we had our first local stories on the outbreak. However, we published numerous other stories, especially before the news became all coronavirus, all the time. If you missed any of our coverage, we have our articles listed and linked below.

Coronovirus outbreak took its first big swipe at daily life in the Harrisburg area. First, the St. Patrick’s Day parade and other events were cancelled then, on Friday, Gov. Tom Wolf ordered all schools closed for the next two weeks.

Harrisburg City Council turned back a mayoral veto regarding the seemingly dull subject of street vacations for the federal courthouse project. However, there was a larger issue at stake. Get the details of this and several other council actions from our online story.

Harrisburg University unveiled its revised design for a new academic building in downtown Harrisburg. The project has been scaled back after a planned hotel was removed. Read the details in our online story.

Home sales in the Harrisburg area were strong in February, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors. Take a dive into the local data by reading our online story.

Knead Slice Shop is the newest pizza purveyor in town, setting up shop along the 3rd Street corridor. Our feature story tells how the latest venture from Knead’s owners came to be and how the pizza is different from that in the Broad Street Market.

Little Amps Coffee Roasters had planned to hold its annual latte art competition, one of its most popular annual events. Due to the coronavirus, it’s been postponed. But you still can get a flavor for the event from our online feature story.

Midtown Cinema will begin showing a new film this weekend called “Portrait of a Lady on Fire.” In her monthly column, our reviewer sums up the movie to offer a taste before you head out.

Sara Bozich has your weekend plans, as she has a habit of doing. You’re likely to find something on her lengthy list to suit your taste.

Theatre Harrisburg debuted its latest production, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” which runs through this weekend. Find out our reviewer’s thoughts after she attended the opening.

TheBurg Podcast is back, returning to the pod universe after a long hiatus. We’ve changed almost everything about it, opting for a magazine format. But one thing remains the same. Give a listen and find out what that is.

U.S. Census has begun, with some households already receiving their census forms or instructions in the mail. Our March magazine feature story explains what participating means and why it’s so important.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, subscribe here!

Harrisburg Council overturns mayor’s veto following tense exchange over development strategy, policy

March 10, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Harrisburg City Council in session on Tuesday

Harrisburg City Council overturned a mayoral veto on Tuesday, though the two branches of government agreed to work towards a policy that could give the city more leverage over future development projects.

By a 5-2 vote, council rejected the action by Mayor Eric Papenfuse, who recently vetoed a resolution that would vacate several “paper” streets on a parcel of land where the new federal courthouse now is rising.

Before the meeting, Papenfuse said that he vetoed the resolution to make a point. He wants council members to create a policy that would require developers to conduct a “public benefit analysis” when requesting street vacations.

“It could help us with affordable housing policy in the city,” he said. “In Seattle, and many cities, they require a public benefit proposal on the part of the developer.”

Last month, council approved a resolution that would vacate “various unnamed paper streets” on the 4.2-acre site at N. 6^th and Reily streets, where the federal government is building a 243,000-square-foot courthouse.

On Tuesday, Papenfuse told council that, currently, the city holds little leverage over a developer outside of the normal planning and zoning process. Requiring an analysis for street vacations would give the city a tool to extract “public benefit” concessions for large projects, he said.

“It would be a power vested in City Council that is not granted through the land development process,” he said.

Papenfuse then summarized Seattle’s policy to council, using it as an example of an effective street vacation policy, saying that the process could be used to place leverage on developers to include affordable housing in their projects or to mandate the use of local labor.

“I know we have a lot of street vacations coming down the pike,” Papenfuse said. “I’m hopeful that we can develop a policy.”

“I’m a little outraged by that veto,” she said. “I asked for an affordable housing component, and you sat there with your head down each and every time.”

Despite a lengthy, critical exchange with Papenfuse, Williams said that she would be interested in discussing a street vacation policy.

“I think we should work on this quickly,” agreed council member Dave Madsen, one of two votes, along with council member Westburn Majors, to uphold the veto.

Papenfuse admitted that his veto was unlikely to impact the federal courthouse project, which is well underway and slated for completion in spring 2022. But he said that he wanted to make a point that council should pass a street vacation policy.

“These are public streets,” he said. “Potentially, there are things that could be received in exchange, which goes well beyond the courthouse.”

This was Papenfuse’s second veto of a “street vacation” resolution. Early last year, he vetoed a street vacation resolution for the proposed site of an AutoZone store in Uptown Harrisburg, which council also overturned.

At that time, Papenfuse said he wanted to use the street vacation to pressure AutoZone to submit development plans that he considered to be more satisfactory. In fact, council just last month granted the AutoZone project two more street vacations, which should allow construction to begin soon on the project.

Members of the Movement of Immigrant Leaders in Pennsylvania (MILPA), along with Harrisburg City Council members, pose for a picture following the unanimous council vote to back legislation allowing all residents to secure driver’s licenses.

In other action on Tuesday, City Council:

Voted 6-1 to approve an agreement transferring the Strawberry Square Arcade to the Strawberry Square Condominium Association, with Williams voting no.
By a 5-2 vote, approved a resolution to hire Harrisburg-based Maverick Strategies to continue to provide consulting and lobbying for Harrisburg. The agreement for the $5,000 monthly retainer expires on Dec. 31.
Unanimously passed a resolution hiring Ecological Solutions to provide lake management services for Italian Lake at a cost of $9,125.
Unanimously passed a resolution backing state legislation that would allow Pennsylvania residents, regardless of immigration status, access to a valid driver’s license. Following the vote, about 40 members of the Movement of Immigrant Leaders in Pennsylvania (MILPA), who spearheaded the resolution and attended the meeting, cheered loudly, vocalizing their support for council’s action.

Density, parking concerns voiced over proposed Salvation Army building conversion

March 4, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

A front view of the Salvation Army Harrisburg building in Midtown

Density and parking emerged as the two principal concerns of Harrisburg residents on Wednesday night, as neighbors got their first chance to voice opinions publicly over a proposed residential conversion of the Salvation Army building.

About 30 residents attended the Harrisburg Planning Commission meeting, many to comment on a proposal to create a 25-unit apartment building from the long-time Salvation Army Harrisburg headquarters at Green and Cumberland streets.

“Thanks so much for coming up with a cool plan for this building,” said Penn Street resident Jonathan Henrickson. “My concern is that, while this does do a good job to make this a taxable property, it doesn’t fit in with the current zoning code. There are reasons we have zoning.”

The proposed developer, Michael Lam, explained that he was seeking a zoning variance because the current zoning code allows only four units for the 18,500-square-foot building. With just a few large units, he could not afford to undertake a renovation.

“Twenty-five units are very important,” he said. “Twenty-five units will satisfy the bank’s requirements for the project.”

Lam has the building under contract to purchase, but first must receive city approval. If he buys it, the currently non-taxable property would be put on the tax rolls.

Still, several residents said that 25 units would be too dense. Units would range from 500 to 700 square feet, with most apartments configured as duplexes with an internal staircase.

“I think it’s a good thing it won’t be vacant, but I agree that 25 units seems like a lot,” said Cumberland Street resident Karen Balaban.

Numerous residents also expressed concerns over parking. The project would come with a 34-space parking lot across the street from the building, but some neighbors said they were worried that residents would have more than one car or would have visitors, which would take available street parking.

“We may have something for the residents, but nothing for visitors,” said one Penn Street resident. “Visitors will be taking spots that we currently use.”

The proposal also includes a large commercial space, which raised additional concerns over parking. Lam said he hasn’t firmed up yet what that space might be used for.

A few residents spoke up in favor of the project, saying that apartments would be a good use for the building. The Salvation Army moved out last year after completing a new facility on S. 29^th Street.

“I’m constantly asked by individuals for . . . an apartment like this,” said a Penn Street resident who identified herself as a licensed realtor. “It’s very hard to find a location like this. I don’t know of anywhere else in the city of Harrisburg where you can have 25 units with parking.”

Planning commission members likewise seemed split on the project. Like residents, some commissioners expressed concerns over parking and density.

“I can’t vote for this just because of the density,” said Commissioner Shaun O’Toole. “There are too many units.”

Commissioner Zachary Monnier said he was concerned that if this plan doesn’t get approved, the building would sit empty for years, possibly becoming blighted. The Salvation Army’s realtor, Bo Mangam, told the commission that she has been trying to sell the building for five years already and has shown it to some 100 prospects during that time.

“Twenty-five units sounds like a lot, but . . . there is desire to live in this area,” Monnier said.

In the end, the planning commission tabled the issue. They asked Lam to return next month with more detailed drawings of the project and to use the time to meet with community groups to hear their concerns and try to gain their support.

Lam has said that he’d like to start the project in May. However, that timetable now would seem endangered. If the planning commission approves the variance application, it would need to be approved by the city’s Zoning Hearing Board. After that, Lam would need to file a land use plan for the project, which would need to be approved by the planning commission and City Council.

“I will come back at your next meeting,” Lam said. “Ultimately, if the community is against it, I’m OK with that.”

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

February 28, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse held a news conference to announce details of next weekend’s Ice & Fire Festival.

Our coverage this past week had a little of everything—hard news, events, culture, features. In case you missed any of it, we have it all listed and linked below. Happy Leap Day, everyone!

Art Association of Harrisburg held a big opening show during last week’s 3^rd in the Burg, featuring the art of two talented locals, Charlie “Bootleg” Feathers and Reina “R76” Wooden, in addition to another exhibit called, “Hear Me?” Our arts blogger was on hand, and you can read what he had to say.

Civil Rights Movement was one of the most important historical eras in U.S. history. A photographer, Danny Lyon, captured many of the movement’s key events, his images now featured in an exhibit at Lebanon Valley College. Our magazine story gives you the picture.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania plans a new, three-story building on 7^th Street, the former home of D&H Distributing. The builder was in town to give the Uptown community a briefing on the project, and we were there to report what he said.

Gamut Theatre opens its newest production, “Enemy of the People” this weekend. Our preview story explains why the play was selected and what it means for our day and age.

Harrisburg and the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority had some tense moments during last week’s meeting, as the city filed a lawsuit against the state-appointed financial oversight board. Read what’s at issue in our online story.

Harrisburg’s Ice & Fire Festival is next weekend, so the city had a press briefing to let the public know all about it. The daylong event on March 7 will feature ice sculptures, an ice skating rink, fire dancers and much more. Click here for all the details.

Historic Harrisburg Association recently gave a presentation on its “Preservation Priorities” for 2020. In a blog post, our editor took this occasion to offer his kudos to individuals, groups and companies that recently have helped preserve the city’s historic heritage.

Kesher Israel is moving further Uptown, having purchased the former Riverside United Methodist Church. The synagogue plans a move later this year, located closer to where much of its congregation lives. Our online feature has the full story.

L&L Beauty Supply recently opened on Reily Street in Midtown Harrisburg. This business is truly a family affair, as our magazine feature explains.

Penbrook recently elected its first African-American mayor, John McDonald. Our magazine feature story tells of his life of devotion to family and community.

TheBurg came out with our March edition on Friday, with a focus on “Women in Business” around the Harrisburg area. As always, you’ll find a great mix of news, features, columns and events. Click here to read it online.

TheBurg won five awards in the annual PA NewsMedia Foundation’s advertising contest. Find out what our peers judged to be among the best ads in the business and see our first-place award winners.

Sara Bozich issued her weekly, lengthy list of goings on around Harrisburg, complete with music, arts, food and drink events. There’s still plenty of time left in the weekend to go do something fun.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not subscribe here!

February News Digest

February 28, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Gaming Grants Awarded

More than 80 projects in Dauphin County will receive gaming grants this year, as the Dauphin County commissioners last month approved $6.3 million in awards.

Harrisburg-based companies and organizations will receive a number of grants, the awards originating each year from the county’s share of gaming revenue generated from Hollywood Casino at Penn National.

In Harrisburg, many of the projects are geared towards either removing blight or offsetting redevelopment or construction costs. These include:

Jackson Rooming House and Swallow Mansion: $75,000 to Vice Capital for renovating the buildings on the 1000-block of N. 6th Street
Midtown Cinema: $50,000 for a major lobby and façade renovation
Open Stage: $50,000 for phase three of its renovation project
com: $60,000 for demolition of two blighted buildings on the 1400-block of N. 3rd Street
Whitaker Center: $100,000 for updates and improvements to its STEM learning gallery
The Nativity School: $50,000 for new school facility renovation
Homeland Center: $24,000 for security infrastructure improvements
Stephen’s Episcopal School: $20,000 for school safety and security improvements

Harrisburg city will receive two grants:

$250,000 for purchase and installation of new bay floors at the city’s two operational fire stations
$$75,000 for design of the city’s proposed extension of the Urban Meadow in Midtown

Other Harrisburg-based projects include:

Capital Area Transit: $96,500 for transportation services for veterans
The Salvation Army: $25,000 for a new generator
Dauphin County Library System: $40,000 for patron computer upgrades
Keystone Service Systems: $43,000 for Capital Area Head Start outdoor education space
Harrisburg University: $75,000 for HUE Invitational security services and technology
Downtown Daily Bread: $10,000 for installation of air conditioning in day shelter
Midtown Action Council: $5,000 for historic marker revitalization expansion project
National Civil War Museum: $16,000 for reduction of debt
Sankofa 21 Institute: $6,000 for student technology initiative
Dauphin County Industrial Development Authority: $100,000 to administer the Foundation for Enhancing Communities/IIPT Harrisburg Peace Promenade Commonwealth Monument Project

Each year, the commissioners make these awards based upon the recommendation of the county’s five-member Gaming Advisory Board. Last year, the county awarded $6.4 million in grants to about 60 projects.

More Downtown Apartments OK’d

More apartments are headed to downtown Harrisburg, as a split City Council has approved Harristown’s latest building plan.

By a 4-3 vote, council approved a proposal to convert a Market Square office building to residential use.

South Second Associates LLC, a development group led by Harristown Enterprises, plans to build out 30 one- and two-bedroom units from the former home of the Skarlatos Zonarich law firm, which has relocated to Strawberry Square. Rents are expected to range from $1,100 to $1,400 a month, depending on square footage and the numbers of bedrooms and bathrooms.

The developers originally planned to retain the building for offices, but couldn’t find an anchor tenant, which led to a change to residential use.

Council President Wanda Williams objected to the project and voted against it, joined by council members Ausha Green and Danielle Bowers.

Williams said she that, for years, she has urged Harristown to meet with the city or with such entities as the Harrisburg Housing Authority to include units that would meet some undefined standard of affordable housing.

“I informed you three or fours years ago that I want to see a percentage for inclusionary or affordable housing,” Williams said.

Council member Shamaine Daniels, however, said that the city shouldn’t expect a specific developer to provide affordable housing when the city itself lacks an affordable housing statute. In fact, she placed blame on council itself for inaction.

“The leadership really comes from council or the mayor,” she said. “I think it’s unfair to hold individuals responsible for lack of leadership on our own part.”

Williams has said that she expects to introduce an affordable housing ordinance later this year.

Over the past several years, Harristown has invested tens of millions of dollars to convert substandard, often vacant, downtown office space into new, market-rate apartments. It currently is signing leases for two newly renovated apartment buildings on Pine Street.

Jones said that he expects the renovation of the Market Square building, located at 17 S. 2nd St., to begin this spring and be completed early next year.

Arcade Debated

Harrisburg City Council last month introduced a resolution that would transfer ownership of the Strawberry Square arcade.

Harristown Development Corp. is asking council to transfer the arcade—the elevated walkway that connects Strawberry Square to the Hilton Harrisburg—to the Strawberry Square Condominium Association.

Neal West, Harristown senior vice president and president of the condominium association, said that they would like a permanent solution for the 66-foot-long enclosed pedestrian pathway. The city is supposed to pay for maintenance of the arcade, estimated at $70,000 per year, but Harristown has been footing that cost for decades.

Moreover, Harristown has invested some $500,000 over the years to reconstruct and upgrade portions of the arcade, and more costly improvements are needed now, West said.

In 2015, Strawberry Square became a condominium, co-owned by Harristown and the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority, which has transferred its board seats to the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as state workers occupy the majority of office space in Strawberry Square.

If council approves the transfer, ongoing expenses would be split between Harristown and the commonwealth, West said. Because the arcade generates no revenue, yet has expenses, its value is negative, he said.

Currently, Harristown has a month-to-month agreement with the city to maintain the arcade, so could exit it at any time.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse said that his administration believes it’s in the city’s interest to be relieved of potential maintenance and upgrade expenses.

“The liabilities associated with maintaining the arcade properly are more than the city is in a financial position to want to bear,” Papenfuse said.

Several council members wanted assurance that the arcade would remain open to the public if the city no longer owned it.

“The public use would remain in place,” West said. “People would continue to have full use and benefit of the arcade.”

CASA Expansion Ahead

The Capital Area School for the Arts is moving on up—to the third floor of Strawberry Square.

Starting next academic year, CASA will expand by one floor, into space once occupied by Gamut Theatre.

“The move is exciting for us,” said CEO and Principal Tim Wendling. “The improvements will allow CASA to support additional STEAM learning opportunities as well as sustain our academic needs well into the future.”

More than four years ago, Gamut relocated from its long-time home in Strawberry Square to the former First Church of God across N. 4th Street in downtown Harrisburg. Strawberry Square owner Harristown Enterprises has been searching since for a tenant for that third-floor space.

“It’s an ideal space for CASA to cement their future in Strawberry Square,” said Brad Jones, Harristown president and CEO. “Over time, they’ve really grown to find this to be a unique and opportune space for their campus.”

A public charter school, CASA offers full-day high school education for 200 students from 30 central Pennsylvania school districts.

According to CASA, the new, third-floor space above the food court will add classrooms, a science lab and several other academic spaces, bringing the school’s footprint to about 25,000 square feet over the first and third floors of Strawberry Square.

For the past several years, CASA has been leasing additional classroom space from Temple University Harrisburg, which is located on the other end of the office, residential and retail complex. The expansion should eliminate the need for that space.

Work on the new space, totaling about 10,000 square feet, is expected to start soon, with completion in time for the 2020-21 school year. To pay for the lease and the build-out, the CASA Charter School Foundation has begun a campaign to raise $1.6 million.

To contribute to the CASA Charter School Foundation’s capital campaign, visit www.CASAFound.org.

Monument Receives Funds

A monument honoring voting rights and Harrisburg history is a step closer to reality, as the project last month received more than $100,000 in new funding.

At a city hall press conference, the Commonwealth Monument Project received several large checks and pledges that will enable work to begin on critical aspects of the multi-part statue.

The city, the Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) and philanthropist Peggy Grove all announced additional support for the monument planned for the lawn of the Capitol’s Irvis office building at N. 4th and Walnut streets.

“It’s a wonderful and incredibly important day,” said Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse. “The monument, which has been a vision for so long, will become a reality.”

In its 2020 budget, the city pledged $25,000 to help build the base of the monument if organizers could raise a $25,000 matching grant. TFEC now has provided that match.

The $360,000 monument, called “A Gathering at the Crossroads,” consists of three distinct aspects, all crafted by Lancaster-based A.R.T. Enterprises.

The first, the orator’s pedestal, depicts scenes of Harrisburg’s old 8th Ward, which was demolished to expand the Capitol complex. It already has been completed.

The second consists of life-sized figures of four important figures in Harrisburg history: civil rights activist William Howard Day, journalist and lawyer Thomas Morris Chester, musician and restaurateur Jacob T. Compton and abolitionist and suffragist Francis Ellen Walker Harper.

In addition to honoring the demolished 8th Ward, the monument is a tribute to voting rights—specifically, the U.S. Constitution’s 15th and 19th amendments, which secured the vote for African Americans and for women, respectively.

The project’s third aspect is the base of the monument, which the $50,000 donation will fund.

Grove, who had already helped fund the monument’s pedestal, then announced additional support by the Grove Family Fund for two of the four statues.

Besides raising money, the monument’s executive committee has succeeded in receiving legislative approval to site the monument on the grounds of the Capitol complex.

Festivals on Tap for March

Two celebrations, just weeks apart, will mean a busy March around downtown Harrisburg.

First up, on March 7, the city will host its third annual Ice and Fire Festival. The one-day event closes down a portion of N. 2nd Street for free ice skating in the street, children’s activities, music, food trucks, fire dancers and other fun events, capped off by a dozen or so ice sculptures.

Two weeks later, on March 21, downtown again will spring to life with a number of St. Patrick’s Day events.

Activities begin at noon for what’s become the start of the long race season in Harrisburg, with the Lucky Charm 5K/10K. At 2 p.m., the run becomes a slow walk as the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade begins to wind its way through the downtown.

The parade will feature six Irish pipe and drum bands, fire trucks, floats, Irish dance groups and other entertainers, in addition to numerous food trucks.

“We are pleased to be hosting this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade and are excited to show off more of our downtown business community,” said Todd Vander Woude, executive director of the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District. “We invite you and your family to join us for a great day downtown.”

Several downtown streets will close for the Ice and Fire Festival and St. Patrick’s Day events, which both occur on Saturdays. Four hours of free parking are available in downtown metered spots by using the Parkmobile app with code “LUVHBG.”

Home Sales, Prices Up

Harrisburg area home sales and prices rose significantly in January, with strong sales data from both Dauphin and Cumberland counties.

Overall, housing sales in the three-county region climbed to 494 units versus 350 in January 2019, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR). The median sales price increased to $182,000, up by 7.1 percent year-over-year.

In Dauphin County, sales surged to 240 housing units compared to 179 in the year-ago period, while the median sales price rose to $171,000 versus $152,500, said GHAR.

Cumberland County also had a strong month, with sales rising to 229 units versus 154 in January 2019, according to GHAR. The median sales price increased to $196,900 from $182,500 in the year-ago period.

In Perry County, sales also were up, totaling 25 units versus 17 a year ago, but the median sales price decreased to $138,000 from $170,000, GHAR said.

According to GHAR, average days on the market in its coverage area dropped substantially, standing at 42 days in January, down 28.8 percent from the year-ago period.

So Noted

Downtown Harrisburg last month was hit by a substantial water main break. About 200 customers were either without water or had to boil their water for several days after a large crack developed in an 82-year-old pipe.

Harrisburg University has announced two more major outdoor concerts in Riverfront Park. Alt-rockers Cage the Elephant are slated to play on June 18 and DJs Steve Aoki and Deorro on June 26. In January, HU said that Riverfront Park also will be the site of a June 4 concert by the Icelandic band, Of Monsters and Men.

Just Baked Cakes & Pies held its grand opening last month inside of Midtown Scholar Bookstore in the former space of P&R Bakery. Owner Tammy Worthy-Jones heads up the eatery, which specializes in cheesecakes and also offers cookies, puddings, pies, sandwiches, soups and breakfast items.

Matthew Herren last month was named the new executive director of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra. Herren, originally from Lancaster, will replace Jeff Woodruff, who is retiring after 17 years in the position. Most recently, Herren served as executive director of the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas.

Changing Hands

Boas St., 221: R. Sabo to S. Hart, $119,000

Briggs St., 221: G. Dori to D. Thomas, $187,000

Chestnut St., 2015: A. & G. Griffith to SPG Capital LLC, $45,000

Chestnut St., 2312: P. & J. Vander Kraats to A. & L. Myers, $140,000

Croyden Rd., 2968: A. Snyder to M. Cabrera & R. Gonzalez, $70,000

Derry St., 2345: Charles A. Sterret Investments & W. Klinger to SNB Real Estate Solutions LLC, $42,000

Derry St., 2503: S. & A. Cornick to J. Cornwall, $50,000

Division St., 507: H. Fox Jr. to A. McKonly, $44,500

Duke St., 2435: J. Smith & Genesis Opportunity Development Corp. to Genesis Opportunity Development Corp., $45,000

Emerald St., 231: Federal National Mortgage Association to H. & B. Reyes, $72,000

Forster St., 1927 & 1929: R. Mosley to K. Santamaria, $75,000

Girard St., 745: American Escrow & Closing Co. to SPG Capital LLC, $47,500

Green St., 910: J. Foreman to D. & L. Williams, $197,000

Green St., 1615: J. Scott to B. Kerstetter, $150,000

Green St., 1910: C. Reinhold & K. Hurst to D. Greenstein & M. Feldman, $219,900

Green St., 1928: J. Hardie & T. Craven to M. Stilegman, $225,000

Hale Ave., 453: KDW Real Estate Holdings LLC to Z. Garba, $31,000

Harris St., 236: Hari Group LLP to K. Kinyua, $135,000

Herr St., 1408: L. Proctor to E. Canchani, $45,000

Kensington St., 2357: J. Liddick to J. & M. Ranck, $58,700

Linden St., 109, 111, 113, 115, 117, 117½, 119, 119½ and 100 & 112 N. 13th St.: CPenn Patriot Properties Midtown LLC to G. Radon, $135,000

Lewis St., 210: T. Keller to Smith Della Porta Investments LLC, $72,500

Logan St., 2247: D. Mitchell to CR Property Group LLC, $30,000

North St., 2022: FBTB Group to D. Watson, $60,000

N. 2nd St., 817: HCH Investments LP to N&R Group LLC, $180,000

N. 2nd St., 1013: M. Weiss & M. Marsico to V. French, $105,000

N. 2nd St., 1503: J&S Estates LLC to C. Carlsen, $184,000

N. 2nd St., 1622: J. & M. Quigley to Three Bridges Holdings LLC, $67,500

N. 2nd St., 1624: J. & M. Quigley to Three Bridges Holdings LLC, $67,500

N. 3rd St., 1116: Tang & Perkins Property Management LLC to Capozzi & Ehring Realty LLC, $330,000

N. 3rd St., 2317 & 2319: Sam Hill Properties to DAG EKG Properties LLC, $187,000

N. 3rd St., 2333: 2333 N. 3rd Street LLC to S. Linder, $133,000

N. 3rd St., 3115: M. Bhatti to Equitable Rentals LLC, $97,000

N. 3rd St., 3200: Riverside Methodist Church to Kesher Israel Congregation of Harrisburg Pennsylvania, $176,000

N. 5th St., 2630: CitiMortgage Inc. to D&F Realty Holdings LP, $45,600

N. 13st St., 116: C. Castagneto to T. Gilmore, $35,000

N. 18th St., 73: B. Boyer & J. Hoover to E. Morris & C. Perez, $38,000

Norwood St., 919: H. Greene to D. De Jesus, $85,000

Park St., 1939: K. Lewis to L. Long Jr., $60,000

Paxton St., 1621: E. & Q. Rivera to L. & L. Morales, $35,000

Penn St., 1707: M. Carson to J. Becker & K. Talada, $126,900

Penn St., 2231: O. & N. Banting to T. Astuto, $105,000

Radnor St., 403: BJ Cvetko to T. Brown, $110,000

Radnor St., 630: 630 Radnor Street PA LLC to T. Gassert, $30,000

Radnor St., 631: H. Yellets Jr. to J. Fernandez, $32,000

Rudy Rd., 2130: Derry Street Evangelical Church to G. Brown, $100,000

S. 15th St., 922: PA Deals LLC to S. Chatman, $118,000

S. 19th St., 231: P. Trustey to HBK Properties 1 LLC, $41,000

S. 24th St., 608: D. & A. Hoyt to S. Welch, $160,000

S. 25th St., 438: CR Property Group LLC to M. Anwar & B. Sakina, $82,500

S. 25th St., 640: D. Hoffman to J. Regalado, $42,000

S. 27th St., 661: R. Bowser to SPG Capital LLC, $85,000

Susquehanna St., 1330: Frog Hollow Associates LLC to Green Scapes Investments LLC, $55,000

Verbeke St., 208: C. Malloy & K. Sica to J. & J. Weaver, $99,900

Vernon St., 1409: Tang & Perkins Property Management LLC to Green Book Enterprise LLC, $107,999

Woodbine St., 222: I. Sweets to K. Robinson, $36,000

Woodlawn St., 2201: Harrisburg Lodge 12 Order of Elks Assoc. to Full Circle Music Inc., $230,000

Harrisburg property sales for January 2020, greater than $30,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

Big donations advance monument honoring voting rights, Harrisburg’s old 8th ward

February 18, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

TFEC’s Janice Black presents a check to Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse and the Commonwealth Monument Project’s Lenwood Sloan.

A monument honoring voting rights and Harrisburg history is a step closer to reality, as the project today received more than $100,000 in new funding.

At a city hall press conference, the Commonwealth Monument Project received several large checks and pledges that will enable work to begin on critical aspects of the multi-part statue.

“It’s a wonderful and incredibly important day,” said Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse. “The monument, which has been a vision for so long, will become a reality.”

In its 2020 budget, the city pledged $25,000 to help build the base of the monument if organizers could raise a $25,000 matching grant. Today, TFEC provided that match.

The $360,000 monument, called “A Gathering at the Crossroads,” consists of three distinct aspects, all crafted by Lancaster-based A.R.T. Enterprises.

The first, the “orator’s pedestal,” depicts scenes of Harrisburg’s old 8^th Ward, which was demolished to expand the Capitol complex. It already has been completed (pictured).

In addition to honoring the demolished 8^th Ward, the monument is a tribute to voting rights—specifically, the U.S. Constitution’s 15^th and19^th amendments, which secured the vote for African Americans and for women, respectively.

The project’s third aspect is the base of the monument, which today’s $50,000 donation will fund.

President and CEO Janice Black said that TFEC made the gift as part of its commitment to fund community projects in connection with the charitable organization’s 100^th anniversary.

“Because of our anniversary, we are honored to provide this money to help with the city’s match,” Black said.

Grove, who had already helped fund the monument’s pedestal, then announced additional support by the Grove Family Fund for two of the four statues.

“This bronze monument and what it signifies . . . for all people of color, for women, for all the disenfranchised people who have had to fight for the vote, all these many years–that’s what this really represents,” Grove said.

Besides raising money, the monument’s executive committee has succeeded in receiving legislative approval to site the monument on the grounds of the Capitol complex.

Today’s funding announcement allows the monument to stay on schedule, said Lenwood Sloan, the project’s executive director. A groundbreaking is slated for late March, with a June 15 unveiling.

The event concluded with an appeal for additional funds to close the remaining gap.

“I’m asking our community to make donations so we can complete this project,” said Kelly Summerford, executive committee treasurer. “Those with deep pockets, go deep, and those without such deep pockets, do what you can.”

Click here to contribute to the monument initiative. The Commonwealth Monument Project is an initiative of the IPTT Harrisburg Peace Promenade, a project of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC), fiscal sponsor.

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

February 14, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Capital Region Water workers went deep to fix a crack in a water main in downtown Harrisburg.

Water was the word this past week around Harrisburg, as a massive water main break disrupted service to hundreds of downtown residents and businesses. But there were other things going on, as well, and we had it covered on a daily basis. If you missed any of our stories, we have them summarized and linked below in our weekly recap.

CASA is moving on up—to the third floor of Strawberry Square. The Capital Area School for the Arts recently signed a lease to expand its space significantly, allowing it to consolidate its learning spaces. Read our online story to learn what’s happening.

Harrisburg is gearing up for a busy March, with several annual celebrations planned for downtown. There’s something for everyone, whether you like your festivals ice cold or with a touch of Irish. Check out our online story for what to expect.

Harrisburg area home sales continued to be strong in January, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors. We have the latest data for you in our online story.

Midtown Cinema seems to always have something fun and quirky playing—to wit, a satire called “Greed.” Check out our monthly movie review to see if “Greed” will be good for you.

Midtown Scholar Bookstore is bringing two of the country’s most popular podcast hosts to Harrisburg for a book and politics talk. The big event takes place for 3^rd in the Burg next Friday, and you can find out all the details here.

Sara Bozich has the rundown of all the events for this Valentine’s Day weekend, with plenty of non-romantic options tossed in, as well. Check out her extensive list of fun things to do.

Strawberry Square Arcade seems like an odd thing to own—but someone has to be responsible for it. Currently, Harrisburg city owns it, but council members were asked this past week to transfer possession to a private entity. Read all about it in our online story.

Valentine’s Day in Harrisburg comes with one certainty—a beautiful bouquet from Mike and Hari’s Flowers. Despite a brisk winter day, the line of eager buyers stretched down 3^rd Street. Get to know your flower guy by reading our magazine feature story.

Water main break dominated much of our news coverage this past week, as some 200 downtown residents and businesses either had no water or had to boil it. We followed the story daily, from the initial break and closed businesses to the repair and the happy conclusion.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, subscribe here!

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