Tag Archives: Harrisburg City Council

Downtown Harrisburg apartment project gets planning approval, moves next to City Council

August 2, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda

A night-time rendering of the proposed Federal Building apartment project (credit: McKissick Associates)

A major downtown Harrisburg apartment project has easily cleared its first significant hurdle, securing an approval of its building plan.

On Wednesday evening, the city’s Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the land development plan for the conversion of the former Federal Building into a 162-unit apartment building.

“I think this is a great project,” said the commission chair, Joe Alsberry. “I do like projects that bring economic development to the city and bring taxpayers to the city. This project appears to be that type of project.”

The vote followed a 30-minute presentation by the New Jersey-based developer, Yasser Hellel, and the project’s Harrisburg-based architect, Vern McKissick, a long-time planning commission member who recused himself from the vote.

Hellel is proposing to construct 146 one-bedroom units, 14 two-bedroom units and two studio units from the 11-story, 196,000-square-foot office building located at N. 3^rd and Walnut streets.

The plan also calls for first-floor commercial space and amenities such as a fitness center, penthouse lounge, shared office space, a rooftop deck, a shared lobby and a limited parking deck.

Until recently, the building housed the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and other federal offices. Court personnel moved in April to a new federal courthouse at N. 6^th and Reily streets, leaving the building nearly empty.

In February, Hellel bought the 55-year-old structure for $13.3 million from Jeremy Etzin, a former diplomat from the island nation of the Seychelles, who purchased the building at auction a year before for $10 million from the U.S. General Services Administration.

On Wednesday, in an interview with TheBurg, Hellel estimated the total project cost to be around $35 million, including acquisition costs.

A rendering of an apartment interior (credit: McKissick Associates)

During the Planning Commission meeting, Hellel and McKissick addressed two significant issues: parking and affordable housing.

Currently, the project includes only about 30 off-street parking spaces.

Harrisburg’s Downtown Center zoning district does not require off-street parking to be included as part of the project. However, Hellel said that they were seeking to address the issue by possibly leasing spaces in nearby parking garages, with a goal of securing one space per apartment.

“Nothing is approved yet, but we’re really deep into a discussion,” he said. “That’s not only for approval purposes but for practical use of the building.”

Hellel also said that he’s aware of the city’s desire that affordable housing be included in new apartment projects.

“We’re prepared to give some serious consideration as part of our application,” he said. “I think we’ll come up with something sensible to present to City Council. We’re studying the economics of it, and we’ll make something happen.”

Next, the land development plan must go before and be approved by City Council before construction can begin.

Hellel said that he hopes to start work in January and believes that the project will take about 18 months to complete.

During the meeting, McKissick cited the potential effect of the project on the downtown economy, now that many workers who once spent their days in downtown offices work primarily from home. He estimated that the building would house 240 to 280 residents.

“It will be a significant impact and a positive one, we hope,” he said.

Click here to read the city Planning Bureau’s case report for the project.

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Harrisburg City Council candidate’s nomination challenged, as plaintiffs cite past criminal convictions

July 24, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Lamont Jones

Months after Lamont Jones celebrated winning a spot on the November general election ballot, his future in public office may be in jeopardy.

A lawsuit filed earlier this month attempts to knock Jones, one of three Democratic nominees for Harrisburg City Council, off the ballot, citing several criminal convictions dating back nearly 20 years or more.

The complaint, which also cites the Dauphin County Bureau of Elections as a defendant, was filed on July 13 by plaintiffs Katherine Knapp and Sherron Roy. They argue that Jones’ past criminal convictions disqualify him from holding public office in the commonwealth.

Jones, a Harrisburg resident, won the third-most number of votes for the nomination for council at the polls during the May primary election. Incumbent council President Danielle Bowers and newcomer Crystal Davis also won Democratic nominations for the three seats. Jones was also endorsed as a candidate by the Dauphin County Democratic Committee.

According to the lawsuit, Jones was convicted in 1997 of false reports to law enforcement, a misdemeanor, and convicted twice, once in 2004 and 2005, with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, a felony.

The complaint states that the convictions fall under what the state classifies as “infamous crimes,” offenses that disqualify someone from assuming office. Plaintiffs requested “equitable relief from this court to substitute Jones on the Democratic ballot […] with a viable candidate who will be qualified to serve on the Harrisburg City Council,” according to the lawsuit.

According to Marco Attisano, an attorney with Pittsburgh-based Flannery Georgalis, who is representing the plaintiffs in the case, Jones misrepresented his eligibility to hold office.

“If Mr. Jones were to win the November election, he is ineligible to serve,” Attisano said.

Jones has publicly shared his history with the criminal justice system and incarceration through his platform as an activist for improved support for those re-entering society after prison. He is the founder of Jones Resources, which helps find jobs for people with criminal backgrounds.

“Lamont has made tremendous advances in changing his life path for the greater good,” the Jones Resources website states. “He has taken his mistakes and made them assets to his life, his family and those he encounters on a daily basis.”

According to his website, Jones also mentors within Pennsylvania state prisons and halfway houses and is a certified life coach and recovery specialist.

Jones was reached by TheBurg, but declined to comment for the story.

In the lawsuit against Jones and the county elections bureau, the plaintiffs requested that the county elections bureau not interfere with the state Democratic Party’s ability to select a substitute for the nomination. If granted, that likely would mean that the party would hold the power to select a replacement nominee.

Attisano said that if Jones were elected to city council and disqualified based on his past convictions, Harrisburg City Council would be tasked with appointing a replacement to fill the seat.

“It’s about advocating that the voters are the ones who get to pick their representative,” Attisano said.

A court hearing on the lawsuit is scheduled for Aug. 8 at noon at the Dauphin County Courthouse.

This story was updated on 7/24/23 at 7:50 p.m. to include a statement from the attorney representing the plaintiffs in the case.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

July 7, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

PennDOT announced changes to its proposed Market Street Bridge rehabilitation project.

The dog days of summer are here. Speaking of dogs, make sure you check out our pet-focused July issue of the magazine, if you haven’t already. While you’re at it, get up to speed on our local news coverage from this week, below.

Developer Fernandez Realty Group will move forward with its proposal to construct affordable housing for seniors in Harrisburg, even as many neighbors oppose the project, our online story reported. The realty group held a community meeting to hear from residents, many of whom expressed concern about the proposal.

The Fringe Festival takes place this weekend in Harrisburg, bringing weird, unique and one-of-a-kind performances to the city, our magazine story reported. Organizers invite the community to come and “see something they wouldn’t ordinarily see.”

Harrisburg City Council voted to use the rest of its federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money, $31.4 million, as replacement for lost revenue during the pandemic, our online story reported. The city will later use that money for several housing, public safety and recreational projects, which council voted on.

July events have begun in Harrisburg, and we have them all listed in our Happenings section. For a few highlighted festivities of the month, check out our Community Corner.

Midtown businesses, Pursuit Coworking, Pastorante and Yellow Bird Café, are celebrating their 10-year anniversaries. In his column, our publisher tries to find out the secrets to their success.

PennDOT revised its proposed design for the rehabilitation of the Market Street Bridge, our online story reported. The newest proposal includes a 14-foot wide bicycle and pedestrian path built on top of a utility bridge that would be constructed along the south side of the bridge.

Sara Bozich features a wide range of events happening in Harrisburg in her Weekend Roundup.

“Second Saturdays in the City” will bring back al fresco street dining, begun during the pandemic, to downtown Harrisburg for three nights during the summer. In our online story, find out which restaurants will participate.

Summer concerts in Harrisburg are heating up with several big names headed to the city this month. In our Musical Notes column, find out which shows you can’t miss in July.

Unleashed Grooming Company recently opened in Harrisburg’s Strawberry Square, our magazine story reported. Owner Alexandra Lauch prides herself on making the salon a healthy, safe environment for pets to enjoy pampering.

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Harrisburg allocates millions in American Rescue Plan funds, supports pool renovation, affordable housing projects

July 5, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

A past Harrisburg City Council meeting

After months of meetings and public hearings, Harrisburg has decided how to employ millions of its federal COVID-relief dollars.

City Council voted on Wednesday night to use $31.4 million of its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for projects like renovating a city pool and supporting affordable housing development.

The vote caps a long decision-making process by Harrisburg to determine how to use its total $47 million allocation from the federal government as pandemic relief. Mayor Wanda Williams first announced her proposal to use the funds in May 2022.

Over a year later, the city has allocated all of its ARPA money. On Wednesday, council voted to allocate the city’s remaining funds, $31.4 million, to replace revenue lost during the pandemic. The money will go into Harrisburg’s general fund. However, the money will be used by the city for specific programs and projects approved by council.

According to City Solicitor Neil Grover, using the money for revenue replacement eliminates some ARPA reporting requirements that would otherwise be mandated when awarding funds to sub-recipients, such as local nonprofits or businesses.

At a meeting last week and on Wednesday, council members voted to make additional changes to the city administration’s original proposal, adding programs to address workforce development for youth, transitional housing support and assistance for nonprofits helping senior citizens, among other things.

The biggest allocations within the spending plan for ARPA funds will support funding affordable housing projects and the renovation of Hall Manor pool, which is currently closed, each receiving an $8 million allocation.

City officials explained at previous meetings that the money for affordable housing can be disbursed to developers as matching funds of direct assistance. Developers would apply for the money and be approved by a board using a scoring rubric.

While Williams originally proposed using the $8 million for the city’s Hall Manor pool to construct a spray park at the site of the pool, council amended the plan to fund the renovation of the pool.

Other allocations within the ARPA plan include $5 million for home repairs for low-income and elderly residents, $1.5 million for creating an ADA-accessible playground and $1.5 million for blighted building demolition. Another $1 million will support financially assisting people with delinquent trash bills, $1 million will create a workforce development/internship program for youth and $1 million will provide funds for residents’ emergency and transitional housing needs.

Additional, smaller allocations will support tree removal services for elderly residents, the purchase of radios for the Fire Bureau and support for nonprofits that assist senior citizens.

Council also amended the plan to include $1 million to create a “Community Matters” grant program to support underserved communities, minority- and women-owned businesses and nonprofits that assist underserved communities. Another $500,000 will create “community connection hubs” at locations in the city to assist with workforce development.

An additional $1.2 million will pay for the city’s administration of the funds.

Council’s vote to spend the $31.4 million in funding means that all of the city’s ARPA money has been allocated. Council already voted in June 2022 to allocate $15.6 million to reimburse the city for lost revenue during the pandemic, for one-time bonuses to uniformed personnel in the Harrisburg Fire Bureau and Bureau of Police and to replace the HVAC system in the city’s Public Safety Building.

“I’m very proud of the work council has done here and I pray that our concern was felt through this process and that we are maximizing the funds for the benefit of the residents now and in the future,” council President Danielle Bowers said.

Under ARPA rules, Harrisburg is required to spend all funds by the end of 2026.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

June 30, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Camp Curtin YMCA officials and new homeowners of four affordable homes in Uptown Harrisburg cut the ribbon on the organization’s housing development project.

July is here and that means two things at TheBurg—our new issue of the magazine just came out and it’s July 4^th weekend! Grab a copy or read online while you enjoy the holiday weekend. To catch up on our local news coverage from the week, look no further. It’s all linked, below.

Camp Curtin YMCA officials cut the ribbon on four affordable homes that the organization built in Uptown, our online story reported. Four first-time homeowners and their families will move in this week.

In Camp Hill, an Allstate Insurance agency houses a charming surprise on its first floor: an art gallery, our magazine story reported. The Gallo’ry on Market, owned by Heather Ebersole, showcases local artists’ work.

The Content Creator’s Collective opened recently in downtown Mechanicsburg, offering space for entrepreneurs to create content for their marketing needs, our online story reported. Photographer Shannon Claire opened the business on the first floor of 1 E. Main St., formerly the home of Glitz Soap Co.

Fourth of July celebrations will return to the riverfront in Harrisburg this Tuesday, our online story reported. The city will host its annual Food Trucks and Fireworks Festival on N. Front Street.

Gettysburg’s new “Beyond the Battle Museum” allows visitors to see, hear and feel what civilians experienced during the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863. In our magazine story, read more about the history center, which contains artifacts and interactive exhibits.

Harrisburg City Council made some changes to Mayor Wanda Williams’ proposed plan to use federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, our reporting found. Council voted to allocate additional money towards assisting seniors, supporting job training and funding emergency housing.

The Harrisburg Police Bureau recently welcomed four new officers to its ranks, our reporting found. The bureau held a ceremony at the State Museum of Pennsylvania to officially swear in the cadets, as well as to promote several other officers.

Harrisburg School District Receiver Dr. Lori Suski approved the demolition of the long-vacant, blighted William Penn School building, our online story reported. According to district officials, the building has faced increasing issues with damage, fires and break-ins.

Havre de Grace is the perfect day trip from Harrisburg, with a less than two-hour drive from the city. In our magazine story, find out what museums, shops and dining the quaint town has to offer.

July is our pet-themed issue of the magazine, and our publisher previews the host of stories featuring furry friends. Read his publisher’s note, here.

Millworks featured artists were the focus of blogger Bob’s latest column. He discusses works by creatives P.D. Murray, Reina “R76” Wooden, and The Huckle Buckle Boys—an explosive trio.

Nour is a café that celebrates diversity and creates a space for all, specifically people with disabilities, our magazine story reported. The shop serves baked goods, lunches and an assortment of coffee and tea beverages.

Sara Bozich has a list full of fun events for your holiday weekend. Find them all, here.

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Harrisburg City Council tweaks proposed use of American Rescue Plan Act funds, approves affordable housing development

June 28, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

A past Harrisburg City Council meeting

At a legislative session on Tuesday, Harrisburg City Council made adjustments to the mayor’s proposal to use a large chunk of federal COVID relief money.

Council voted to make several changes to Mayor Wanda Williams’ proposed allocation of $28.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding—deciding to put money towards assisting seniors, supporting job training and funding emergency housing.

The proposal to use a large portion of the city’s total $47 million from ARPA incorporates major projects such as constructing a new pool facility in the Hall Manor neighborhood at a cost of $8 million and using $8 million to fund affordable housing projects.

Council voted in favor of changing the administration’s original proposal of building a spray park at the site of the Hall Manor pool, which has been closed, to instead replacing the pool.

“Listening to the hundreds of residents throughout our town halls […] it’s clear as day […] a pool is so needed,” council member Ralph Rodriguez.

Most other amendments made by council don’t change the city’s original proposal, but rather propose the use of several million dollars in remaining ARPA funds that Williams had not yet earmarked for use. Council voted in favor of adding to the proposal $1 million for a workforce development/internship program for city youth and $1 million to address short-term and transitional housing needs.

Another $500,000 would go towards creating “community connection hubs” for workforce development at locations around the city and $250,000 would support nonprofits that assist the elderly. An additional $150,000 would support a pilot program for assisting local corner stores in providing fresh produce.

If the final proposal is approved by council, almost all of Harrisburg’s ARPA funds would be allocated. Council already approved the use of $15.6 million in June to reimburse the city for lost revenue during the pandemic, to replace the HVAC system in the city’s Public Safety Building and for one-time bonuses to uniformed personnel in the Harrisburg Fire Bureau and Bureau of Police.

Under ARPA rule, all funds must be allocated by the end of 2024 and spent by the end of 2026.

Council is slated to vote on the final proposed ARPA spending plan on Wednesday, July 5.

In other news, council also approved a land development plan for JMB Gardens, a 41-unit affordable housing project planned for the 2200- and 2300-blocks of N. 6^th Street. The plan includes constructing several rowhome-style buildings on currently vacant lots.

Harrisburg-based Vice Capital, owned by former NFL running back LeSean McCoy, is the developer of the project and officials said that they plan to break ground on the development in August.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

June 9, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania, city and state officials ceremonially broke ground on “Veterans Grove.”

Have you read our June issue of the magazine yet? If not, what are you waiting for? Snag it at one of our distribution locations or view it online. But first, catch up on our news coverage from the week, below.

TheBurg learned this week that we won 24 Keystone Media awards, a peer-reviewed contest sponsored by the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Foundation, our online story reported. This included the prestigious “Sweepstakes” award for the best performance statewide in our category.

Elementary Coffee Co. partnered with the Harrisburg Asian American Pacific Islander (HAAPI) group to release “HAAPI Mornings,” a Vietnamese-inspired coffee, our online story reported. Elementary introduced the coffee in May, in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, and will offer it through June.

Gamut Theatre’s Free Shakespeare in the Park recently kicked off and the theater company delivered an exciting show, our reviewer said. The show, a bloody take on royal history, takes place at Reservoir Park through June 17.

Harrisburg City Council discussed the use of its federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and set a date to vote on the use of the money, our reporting found. Council President Danielle Bowers also responded to Mayor Wanda Williams, who called out council for not yet having voted on the proposal.

Harrisburg crews worked to clean up fallen trees and debris after a destructive storm tore through the city last weekend, our online story reported. According to Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline, the wind and hail storm hit neighborhoods like Uptown and Midtown the hardest.

The Harrisburg School District proposed a 2023-24 budget of $219.8 million, including a 3.25% property tax hike, our online story reported. According to officials, the district hopes to use the increased tax dollars to support the future of its vacant William Penn High School.

The Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra announced its “Summer Series,” five free performances over the July 4 weekend, our online story reported. The shows will take place at outdoor locations in Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry and Lebanon counties.

The Jewish Film Festival will take place over four days in Harrisburg and feature six movies, mostly all produced in Israel. In our magazine story, find out what to expect and why the festival is so important to the community.

June is full of opportunities to see great live music in the Harrisburg area. Find out what artists and bands are headed to the area, here.

Mayor Wanda Williams held a press conference this week to urge Harrisburg City Council to vote on the administration’s proposed use of the bulk of its federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, our online story reported. Williams said that she presented her proposal to council a year ago and is concerned that the city is running out of time to spend the money.

Messiah Lutheran Church in Harrisburg will launch a series of organ recitals to raise funds to restore its 1918 Moller pipe organ, our magazine story reported. Besides garnering money for the organ restoration, the church wants to open their doors and show people the grandeur of the building.

Our publisher has a few Harrisburg-related pet peeves to share, in his June column. Find out what bothers him and see if you agree, here.

Sara Bozich has a long list of ways to spend your weekend in Harrisburg. Click here to find out what’s going on in and around the city.

Summer events will soon kick off in Harrisburg and the city has quite the lineup of activities for adults and kids. In our online story, find out about what’s happening, from silent discos to swimming to live music.

Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania ceremonially broke ground on its tiny home village for homeless veterans in Harrisburg, our reporting found. The organization will construct 15 tiny homes at 1105 S. Front St., along the riverfront past the PennDOT building.

Wellness boutique C.R. Blooms cut the ribbon on its new location at the Shops on 3rd, along the first block of N. 3rd Street in Harrisburg, our online story reported. The boutique will offer facial treatments and wellness products, including teas, silk robes, cleansers, facial masks and more.

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Harrisburg City Council sets date for American Rescue Plan vote, responds to mayor’s criticism

June 7, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

A past Harrisburg City Council meeting

Harrisburg is getting closer to deciding how it will use millions of dollars in federal COVID relief funding.

On Tuesday, Harrisburg City Council discussed using the bulk of its share of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for affordable housing, a spray park and home repair services for low-income and elderly residents, among other uses.

Earlier on Tuesday, Mayor Wanda Williams, at a press conference, called out council for not yet voting on her proposed spending plan.

Council President Danielle Bowers responded at last night’s council meeting, stating that Williams had mischaracterized, at the earlier press conference, how long it had been since council was given the proposal, as well as how many ARPA public meetings Williams and city administration held. At the press conference, Williams said she held seven public meetings, but Bowers said the city only held five.

“That is embarrassing, sharing incorrect information,” Bowers said. “Mayor Williams, we are wide awake and take our responsibility as elected officials in this city very seriously.”

At Tuesday’s meeting, council asked questions of the city administration and discussed a proposal to use $28.1 million of the city’s total $47 million from ARPA.

Council has already allocated $15.6 million for replacing the HVAC system in Harrisburg’s Public Safety Building, providing one-time bonuses to uniformed personnel in the Harrisburg Fire Bureau and Bureau of Police and to reimburse the city for lost revenue during COVID.

An additional, about $4 million has not yet been earmarked for allocation by the city.

Council is slated to vote on the ARPA allocations at its June 27 legislative session.

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“We are tired of waiting”: Harrisburg mayor urges City Council to vote on American Rescue Plan funding

June 6, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams at a press conference on Tuesday

Harrisburg has received millions in COVID relief funds, and now Mayor Wanda Williams said that she wants to see it allocated—and soon.

On Tuesday, Williams held a press conference to call out City Council, which has yet to vote on her proposed plan to spend the bulk of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

“We put a $42.7 million plan in front of council last May,” she said. “And I want to make sure that the residents understand that it’s been a year. All the people of Harrisburg have done is wait.”

Williams first announced her proposed plan in May 2022, which includes allocations for affordable housing, a spray park and home repair and tree removal services for low-income and elderly residents, among other items. She has proposed using $42.7 million of the city’s total $47 million share of funds.

In June 2022, council voted to use about $15.6 million of the ARPA funds to replace the HVAC system in Harrisburg’s Public Safety Building, to give one-time bonuses to uniformed personnel in the Harrisburg Fire Bureau and Bureau of Police and to reimburse the city for lost revenue during COVID.

In March, city officials presented a proposal to council to use another $28.1 for the affordable housing, spray park and other items. In April, council held three town hall meetings to hear from residents on the city’s proposed use of the funds.

“We are tired of waiting,” Williams said. “That’s why I’m calling on council president [Danielle] Bowers to put this American Rescue Plan money up for a vote the first chance she gets.”

Williams said that she receives calls from residents every day asking about the ARPA funds and how to apply for the various programs.

She also expressed concern over the amount of time left to spend the funds. Under ARPA guidelines, the city must allocate the money by the end of 2024 and spend the money by the end of 2026.

“When you consider the months-long process of contracting, consulting and public bidding, we are pushing up against a deadline we never thought we would have to consider,” Williams said.

Council has the ARPA plan on their work session agenda for discussion on Tuesday night. They will then need to add the proposal to a future legislative session for a vote.

For more information, visit Harrisburg’s website.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

June 2, 2023 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Owners of Creative Grounds, which is set to open in Mechanicsburg this weekend.

With Memorial Day behind us, summer is finally here to stay! The sun is out and Harrisburg is feeling the warmth. Find a spot on your porch, at the park or inside with the AC on and catch up on this week’s local news coverage, below.

TheBurg’s June issue of the magazine came out this week and features lots of summer stories. Make sure you grab a copy at one of our many distribution locations and let us know what you think!

Community Corner features an exciting list of June events to kick off the summer in Harrisburg. Our Happenings column has even more to enjoy, from theater to live music and educational events.

Creative Grounds is slated to open this weekend in Mechanicsburg, our online story reported. The creative space will open at the First National Bank building on W. Main Street with Denim Coffee opening on the first floor and an artist and maker space on the second floor.

Free Shakespeare in the Park returns for the summer, starting on Friday, our magazine story reported. This year, Gamut Theatre Group will perform “Richard III” at the bandshell in Reservoir Park in Harrisburg.

Harrisburg City Council decided to reconsider a proposed apartment development that it had previously rejected, our online story reported. On Tuesday approved a resolution that allows them to re-vote on the project, which aims to build a 21-unit apartment building on N. Front Street.

The Harrisburg Police Bureau pledged to address a series of shootings that have been taking place on the 1000-block of N. 3^rd St., our reporting found. Most recently, four people were shot and sustained injuries on Sunday.

A homeless encampment near the Greenbelt trail in Harrisburg was recently given an eviction notice, our online story reported. As the date approached, occupants wondered where to go next. When eviction day came, those living in the encampment packed up and moved on, our reporting found.

June is here and that means this month’s magazine features all things summer fun, says our publisher. He reminds readers that there’s an awful lot to do in the area without needing to hit the highway.

“Poirot Investigates” lets viewers cast their worries aside for an evening of fun, says our theater reviewer. The silly show plays at Open Stage through June 17.

Sara Bozich has a great lineup of events to fill your weekend in Harrisburg. Check them out, here.

Sophia Nelms, owner of Sophia’s at Walden, has released two cookbooks, our magazine story reported. They include guest favorites from the restaurant, like chicken pastina soup and cinnamon roll pancakes, as well as family recipes.

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