Tag Archives: Harrisburg School District

At first in-person board meeting in years, Harrisburg School District officials discuss staffing shortages, violence

March 22, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

The Harrisburg School District board met on Monday.

On Monday, a crowd of Harrisburg School District staff and community members filled the Lincoln Administration Building for a board meeting—something that hasn’t happened in years.

At the first in-person school board meeting since the beginning of the pandemic, district officials and teachers brought up concerns over staffing issues and violence.

At the meeting, district Receiver Dr. Lori Suski officially approved a schedule change that shortens school days at Rowland Academy, a shift that took place on March 7. According to the district, the change resulted from district-wide staffing shortages.

“It’s not something that’s just happening in Harrisburg,” Superintendent Eric Turman said. “We are going to be aggressive in our approach to try to recruit.”

According to Turman, the district is hoping not to have to change schedules for any of its other schools. They are putting additional efforts into recruiting, even out of state, he said.

Additionally, the district recently increased its pay rate for substitute teachers in an effort to attract more educators to its buildings, Turman said.

At Monday night’s meeting, many district teachers attended the meeting, a few stepping to the microphone to raise concerns over staffing shortages and their effects.

“We don’t have enough staff to be able to teach the classes,” said Michele Rolko, a teacher at Harrisburg High School–John Harris campus. “I’m looking at these resignations and I think, yeah I understand. We’ve had so much violence in our schools.”

Rolko explained how incidents of violence and fighting are affecting teachers and students. She believes that, coupled with the effects of the pandemic, teachers are leaving the district.

“This is affecting our mental health, our physical health and our socio-emotional health,” Rolko said. “If we don’t do something now […] then this district is going to implode.”

While Turman said that the district has begun several initiatives to combat violence by addressing mental health issues, finding solutions hasn’t been easy.

“That’s been very challenging for the district—to try to come up with something that’s a solution that’s going to solve the problem,” he said. “We have taken steps to put things in place, but we’re just not to a point where we’ve been able to see a drastic change.”

Solving the staffing shortage issue may prove challenging, as well, as Turman believes that a lack of young people entering the education field will make filling empty positions difficult.

For more information, visit the Harrisburg School District’s website.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

February 25, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Development group Vice Capital purchased this block of N. 6th St. They plan to demolish existing buildings and build a new apartment building.

This week brought lots of stories of new local businesses, development projects and exciting partnerships between organizations. If you missed any of our coverage from this week, or need a new restaurant, brewery or art gallery to check out, look no further.

Chef Nadine Graham has always dreamed of opening her own restaurant, our magazine story reported. While she has operated Porters House in the Broad Street Market for years, she just recently opened her first standalone shop on N. 6th Street in Harrisburg.

Dauphin County awarded its annual gaming grants to local businesses and nonprofits this week, our reporting found. Over $8 million was allocated to local infrastructure, emergency services, health and public safety and public interest projects, among others.

Development group Vice Capital recently purchased a block of N. 6^th Street near the under-construction federal courthouse, our reporting found. The firm plans to build a 40-unit apartment building and startup business workspace for minority entrepreneurs.

The Frederick Douglass Driving Tour is not only educational, but also timely, given that it’s Black History Month. In our magazine story, find ideas for a road trip through Maryland with a focus on Black history.

The Harrisburg School District named a new assistant superintendent, Dr. Marisol Craig, at a board meeting on Tuesday, our online story reported. Craig previously served as the district’s director of virtual learning.

The High Road Brewing Co. taproom recently opened in Mechanicsburg, featuring IPAs, pilsners, lagers, stouts, etc., from a variety of area breweries, our magazine story reported.

Italian Lake is undergoing a dredging process, which will remove built-up sedimentation and waste, our online story reported. According to the city, portions of the lake may be closed off to the public during the two-week operation.

Nyeusi Gallery recently opened in Midtown Harrisburg featuring Black art. In our magazine story, read about how the gallery has become a gathering place for the community.

Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding visited Good Brotha’s Book Café in Harrisburg to discuss food insecurity and racial injustice, our online story reported. Redding said that the department is prioritizing initiatives to increase access to fresh food for urban communities.

Philadelphia author Kareem Rosser visited Harrisburg on Thursday for a book signing and virtual discussion, our online story reported. In his book, “Crossing the Line: A Fearless Team of Brothers and the Sport that Changed Their Lives Forever,” Rosser shares his story of growing up in the inner city of Philadelphia and becoming a national polo champion.

Sara Bozich has lots of fun on tap for this weekend in Harrisburg. In her Weekend Roundup, find local events, restaurants, and entertainment.

UPMC and Harrisburg University announced a partnership to address the national shortage of nurses, our online story reported. They will open the UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing at UPMC Harrisburg, which will feature an accelerated, 16-month degree program for registered nurses.

Wendy Allen has dedicated her entire career to painting one subject: Abraham Lincoln. The artist has painted the former president over 500 times, in different colors, angles and styles, according to our magazine story.

Wrestling has been hot in central Pennsylvania for years, with District III fielding strong representation in the state tournament each year, our magazine story reported. A newer phenomenon, however, is that high school wrestlers now have a way to turn their success into longer careers through Mixed Martial Arts.

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Harrisburg School District names new assistant superintendent, announces return to in-person board meetings

February 22, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg School District Administration building

The Harrisburg School District has seen a lot of recent change in leadership, and on Tuesday, a few new officials were appointed.

Leading her first school board meeting as the district’s new court-appointed receiver, Dr. Lori Suski approved Dr. Marisol Craig as assistant superintendent of schools.

Craig previously served as the district’s director of virtual learning.

In her new role, Craig will serve as second-in-command to Superintendent Dr. Eric Turman, who took his position in July. Her term of appointment begins on Feb. 23 and extends through June 2026 at an annual salary of $151,000.

Suski was chosen in January by the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas to take the place of Dr. Janet Samuels, who resigned her post.

Also on Tuesday, Suski approved Kevin Deane as the new assistant principal of Harrisburg High School-John Harris Campus. Deane takes the position that was left empty by Michelle Felton who was promoted to principal of John Harris in August.

Also, earlier this year, Dr. Marcia Stokes took the role of business administrator for the district.

In other news, next month, the district will hold its first in-person school board meeting after two years of virtual gatherings due to the pandemic. The next meeting will be held on March 21.

For more information, visit the Harrisburg School District’s website.

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Court names Dr. Lori Suski as new receiver for Harrisburg School District

January 28, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

Dr. Lori Suski, the new receiver for the Harrisburg School District

The Harrisburg School District has a new court-appointed receiver, as the district’s chief recovery officer has been named to the top position.

On Friday night, the district announced that the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas has appointed Dr. Lori Suski as receiver, effective Jan. 29.

“The bar has been set high, and I intend to continue moving the Harrisburg School District in a positive direction in collaboration with the new Superintendent, Mr. Eric Turman, and the administration, faculty, and staff of the district,” Suski said, in a statement.

The position was open due to the departure of Dr. Janet Samuels, who served as receiver for about 2½ years, following her court appointment in June 2019.

As receiver, Suski will be able to make most policy decisions unilaterally, without the approval of the elected school board. Currently, the three-year receivership is slated to expire in June.

According to the district, Suski has 32½ years of experience in public education, including as a teacher and assistant principal in the Central Dauphin School District and as a principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent of schools for the Middletown School District.

The state Department of Education appointed Suski as the Harrisburg district’s chief recovery officer in September, upon her retirement from Middletown. She also has served on the Dauphin County Drug & Alcohol Advisory Board and the Penn State Harrisburg board of advisors, according to the Harrisburg district.

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February News Digest

January 28, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Williams Sworn in as Harrisburg Mayor

Harrisburg’s new Mayor Wanda Williams vowed to be an “authentic leader” as she officially took office early last month.

Commonwealth Court Judge Lori Dumas swore in Williams as the city’s 39th mayor, along with Harrisburg City Council member Ausha Green, at an inaugural ceremony held at Whitaker Center.

Williams, a Democrat, won the November municipal election, dethroning previous two-term mayor Eric Papenfuse, who launched a write-in campaign after narrowly losing to Williams in the primary election.

Also in November, Green won re-election, along with incumbent council member Shamaine Daniels. Newly elected were Ralph Rodriguez and Jocelyn Rawls. Daniels, Rodriguez and Rawls were sworn in on separate occasions.

At the swearing in, Williams explained her inauguration as a new beginning for Harrisburg. She noted that, while the general election season was taxing as she battled Papenfuse and lost both of her parents, she was ready to get to work.

“I hope today that I made [my parents] proud,” Williams said. “We are here today because we came together and said that it’s time for a new dawn in Harrisburg.”

Williams, a lifelong resident of Harrisburg, had served on city council since 2006 and as council president for her last two terms.

At a reorganization meeting last month, council voted for member Danielle Bowers to take Williams’ former seat as council president. Green was chosen to serve as vice president.

Assuming her new role, Williams noted that some of her priorities as mayor will include building affordable housing, creating youth programming, improving infrastructure and fixing the city’s outdated sewer and stormwater systems.

“Now is the time to turn away from politics and focus on the real work that we must do together,” she said. “As we begin our new dawn, we must get back to the basics. Good enough is not good enough anymore.”

Much of the inaugural ceremony centered around Williams’ Christian faith, with local pastors and musicians offering blessings, prayers and song.

Family members also participated. Williams’ grandchildren led the Pledge of Allegiance, and her husband Jerome Williams held the Bible as she was sworn in.

Additionally, a few of Williams’ supporters took to the microphone.

“Wanda has great experience, she’s learned a lot, and I think she’s got the knowledge and experience to lead our city,” said Harrisburg Treasurer Dan Miller. “I, for one, am excited about the change in leadership.”

Samuels Leaves School District

The Harrisburg School District lost its top official last month.

Receiver Dr. Janet Samuels announced her resignation from her role then officially departed on Jan. 29.

In a news release, the district did not specify why Samuels was leaving at this time.

In 2019, the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas placed Harrisburg under the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s control, selecting Samuels as the receiver of the district. The previous year, she served as chief recovery officer for the district.

With the appointment of Samuels, the school board was stripped of most of its power, with Samuels the sole vote on administrative proposals.

The receivership period was set for three years and is due to expire in June. However, according to the district, Samuels only committed to serve for one year and agreed to update the district’s Amended Financial Recovery Plan. In July 2021, the update was approved by the county court.

“I am honored to have had the privilege of serving the Harrisburg School District, and I am extremely proud of the work completed since my appointment as receiver, especially in the area of the finance,” Samuels said. “Although there is still much work to be done, I am confident the recently approved Amended Financial Recovery Plan, now in place, will serve as a framework to continue the positive trajectory of the Harrisburg School District.”

Samuels thanked the district’s staff, administrators and community stakeholders, along with the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit team, for the work they will continue in the district.

Under Samuels, the district has put a new leadership team in place, headed by Superintendent Eric Turman and Dr. Lori Suski, the district’s recently appointed chief recovery officer.

Bridge Project Details Revealed

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation last month gave the public details of a major bridge project proposed for Harrisburg.

At the Wormleysburg Borough Office, PennDOT welcomed the public to comment on its plan to make improvements to the Market Street Bridge.

“We want to know what the public wants,” said Heidi Mertz, the project manager. “We are willing to listen and to see what we can come up with.”

Late last year, PennDOT announced a $63.8 million plan for the bridge, which spans the Susquehanna River, connecting downtown Harrisburg to Wormleysburg, as well as City Island in the middle.

According to PennDOT, the bridge is in “fair to poor” condition with cracking, rusting and drainage issues that must be addressed.

The project will include work on both sides of the bridge. Under the plan, PennDOT will rehab the historic arches of the century-old east portion and replace the deck and cracking sidewalks. They also plan to construct a new superstructure (deck and beams) on the western side.

But there’s a lot more to the project, changes that would impact the users of the bridge, as well as the businesses around it. The project could include cutting out lanes, creating new bike lanes or widening sidewalks.

PennDOT plans to begin construction in 2024. Mertz said that construction could take two to three years, plus additional time for the movement of utility lines under the sidewalks.

This timeline could change, depending on what happens with a proposed I-83 bridge project nearby. According to Mertz, construction on both bridges would not take place at the same time.

Throughout the Market Street Bridge construction, there will be access to City Island, PennDOT stated. They are still seeking public input and deciding how traffic will be maintained and detours employed.

For more information on the project, visit PennDOT’s website. Public comment will be accepted until Feb. 11.

Apartment Plan for “The Plum” Building

One of downtown Harrisburg’s oldest stores has closed up shop, and now its landmark building is slated to become a boutique apartment building.

Last month, Harristown Enterprises said that it had bought the red-brick, Victorian-style building that long housed The Plum, a downtown clothing and accessories store.

The building, at the corner of Locust and N. Court streets, will become a three-unit apartment building, according to Harristown.

“We are delighted to preserve this amazing building, which was built in 1900, and renovate it into three unique and desirable apartments in the heart of downtown,” said Brad Jones, president and CEO of Harristown, which will undertake the project with construction partner, Don Mowery. “Because this was the home of The Plum for more than half a century, purchasing and renovating this building has special meaning.”

Since 1967, The Plum has operated at this location by Isaac Mishkin and, later, with his daughter, Kirsten. The Mishkins put the building up for sale late last year.

“We are happy to see that the building will be preserved,” Isaac Mishkin said. “Having served on the Harristown board of directors for many years, it pleases me to know that they will take care of this historic structure.”

Harristown will renovate the 3,300-square-foot building into three, two-bedroom units, Jones said. He expects the work to begin in February and be completed in the fall.

In recent years, Harristown has converted numerous empty and under-used buildings in downtown Harrisburg from commercial to residential use.

The Plum still operates its store on the west shore, located at 3801 Old Gettysburg Rd., Camp Hill.

Uptown Resource Center Opens

Harrisburg-based nonprofit Breaking The Chainz, Inc. last month cut the ribbon on a new resource center in the Camp Curtin neighborhood.

“We are looking forward to helping people,” said co-founder Kevin Dolphin. “I try to give men and women the chance they need.”

The resource center, located at 2134 N. 6th St., is a place for community members to seek help in areas such as trauma, substance abuse, housing, employment, re-entry and financial literacy, among other issues. It’s a one-stop shop for community members in need, Dolphin explained.

Breaking The Chainz provides counseling and mentoring services, as well as adult and youth educational courses. For services that they don’t provide in-house, staff and volunteers will refer clients to partner organizations.

“It’ll bridge the gap between different organizations and bring us all closer,” said Dorothy Scott, the organization’s co-founder and chief officer of finance and operations.

Scott said that they acquired the building, which was previously a small restaurant, in 2020 and renovated the first floor into an office and meeting space. Funds from a Dauphin County gaming grant assisted in the renovations.

On an upper level of the building are four apartment units. Scott said that they plan to use those as housing for mothers and children fleeing abusive situations.

Also attached to the property is a large garage space that they plan to convert into community meeting rooms and a music studio in the future, Scott said.

Home Sales, Prices Tick Up

Harrisburg-area home sales and prices both ticked higher in December, ending a strong year for previously owned houses.

In the three-county region, 774 homes sold compared to 761 in December 2020, while the median sales price rose to $229,900 versus $219,000 in the year-ago period, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, sales totaled 385 housing units, compared to 348 the prior December, as the median sales price rose to $205,550 versus $185,000 last year, GHAR said.

In Cumberland County, 333 houses sold, a decrease of 20 units from the prior December. However, the median sales price rose to $255,900 from $244,820 a year ago, according to GHAR.

Perry County had 46 home sales last month, an increase of six units compared to the prior December, as the median price rose to $190,500 versus $179,900 last year.

Houses in the area were also selling quickly, as the “average days on the market” dropped to 21 days last month compared to 26 days in December 2020, said GHAR.

So Noted

Bill DeVinney last month was named the new chief operating officer of The Englewood, a music venue, restaurant and brewery located just outside of Hershey. Previously, he served as director of operations at Dallastown, Pa.-based Wyndridge Farms and, before that, as regional manager with Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant, according to The Englewood.

The Foreign Policy Association of Harrisburg last month changed its name to the Foreign Policy Association of Central Pennsylvania. The 72-year-old educational organization made the change to better reflect the regional nature of the group, according to the organization.

Goodwill Keystone Area last month appointed Ed Lada as its new president and CEO. Previously, Lada served as president and CEO of MoKan Goodwill and as vice president of contracts and facility management services for Goodwill of Southeastern Louisiana.

Harrisburg University last month announced a $1 million donation from The GIANT Company for a proposed Center for Advanced Agriculture and Sustainability, a 23,000-square-foot building planned for Harrisburg. The educational and research center will focus on sustainability, controlled environment agriculture and clean water initiatives, according to HU.

Harrisburg University Presents last month announced that it will bring back outdoor concerts this summer to Riverfront Park, with the indie band Lord Huron slated for Aug. 20. Additional shows will be announced soon, according to HU Presents.

Jade Honey last month was named the 2022 board president of Harrisburg Young Professionals (HYP). Honey takes over from Sydney Kyler, who completed her one-year term. In addition, the HYP board named Monika Kohli and Olivia Edwards-Rindfuss as co-vice presidents, Iqbal Singh as treasurer and Allison McFadden as secretary for 2022.

Changing Hands

Adrian St., 2237: M. Wise & C. Bowling to A. Springs, $60,000

Adrian St., 2260: V. & R. Caraballo to C. Austin, $89,250

Balm St., 60: OJK Enterprises to Zion Management LLC, $120,000

Bellevue Rd., 1954: K. Becker to E. Alcantara, $45,500

Benton St., 624: K. & M. Sullivan to S. Ewings, $60,500

Berryhill St., 1627: Lynn & Ryan Investment Properties LLC to GM Estate LLC, $80,000

Berryhill St., 2150: B. Nguyen to Pledgestone Partners LLC, $70,000

Boas St., 220: P. & P. Patel to L. Fee, $107,500

Briggs St., 1909: K. Tasker to SPG Capital LLC, $54,000

Briggs St., 1939: J. Hardman to SPG Capital LLC, $52,500

Brookwood St., 2444: E. McPherson to L. Thomas, $102,000

Calder St., 266: J. & M. Robins to T. Gibson, $139,250

Camp St., 615: T. Fletcher to S. Warren, $69,900

Chestnut St., 1621: A. Bouhach to S. Salmoran, $95,000

Crescent St., 257: E. Seyoum & T. Dessalegn to F. Ahmed, $69,500

Crescent St., 347½: P. & E. Peffley to Medallo Real Estate LLC, $100,000

Derry St., 1137: C. Bennett to P. Novas, $40,000

Derry St., 1151: J. Vogelsong to Porch Time Property LLC, $40,000

Derry St., 1217: J. Vogelsong to P. Novas, $49,900

Derry St., 1219: J. Vogelsong to P. Novas, $49,900

Derry St., 1941: Harrisburg RA Owner LLC & Net Lease Capital Advisors LLC to S. & N. Gandhi, $2,440,000

Derry St., 2131: J. Hardman to SPG Capital LLC, $57,500

Derry St., 2339: R. & M. Malachowski to SNB Real Estate Solutions LLC, $42,500

Derry St., 2517: C. Huynh to E. & C. Saunders, $65,000

Ellersie St., 2340: O. Hernandez to R. Kehinde, $105,000

Emerald St., 245: JTA Consulting Group LLC to B. Moore, $164,300

Evergreen St., 121: SBN VII REO LLC to D&F Realty Holdings LP, $100,000

Green St., 811: J. Zimmerman to W. Hoover, $117,000

Green St., 1007: J. & C. Nunley to R. Hay, $170,000

Green St., 1312: J. & M. Robins to I. Pereira, $134,900

Green St., 1716: M. Hochstetler & J. Crossett to K. & A. Nichols, $174,900

Green St., 1946: P. Sosik to N. Luong & N. Nguyen, $165,000

Green St., 2116: M. & C. Stouffer to Crestmont Consolidated LLC, $130,000

Green St., 2237: JYess Investments LLC to J. Compton, $71,050

Green St., 2941: L. & F. Feinerman to J. & K. Pianka, $365,000

Greenwood St., 2101: B. Miller to O. Thomas, $80,000

Hamilton St., 430: C. Stoute to T. & L. Sneidman, $148,500

Harris St., 203: T. Burke to C. Emig & K. O’Connor, $242,500

Harris St., 441: R. & L. Derr to Legacy Auto Exchange LLC, $56,000

Harris Terr., 2459: T. Tran to M. Phan, $90,000

Harris Terr., 2477: N. & C. Gonzalez to G. Kroschel and K. & R. Becht, $97,000

Herr St., 300: L. Warfel to R. & C. Steele, $120,000

Herr St., 1721: R., V. & D. Fountain to A. Diaz, $42,000

Holly St., 2006: SCC Ward Inc. to SPG Capital LLC, $55,000

Hummel St., 415: J. Vogelsong to Porch Time Property LLC, $40,000

James St., 1321: J. Deya to PA Deals LLC, $80,000

Jefferson St., 2155: B. Torres to 2155 Jefferson Street Harrisburg PA LLC, $60,000

Jefferson St., 2516: M. Waithe to Sulpven LLC, $55,000

Kelker St., 327: G. & P. Eby to 34 Construction Group, $85,000

Kelker St., 429: P. Ryabikin to C. Fee, $105,000

Kensington St., 2034: V. Wisman to J. Prol & A. Seroskie, $41,000

Kensington St., 2105: MidAtlantic IRA, K. Derenzo IRA, N. Potocki IRA to D. Dowling, $64,450

Kensington St., 2200: Lansanah Home Services Group to V. Torres, $110,000

Kensington St., 2309: S. Betcke to D. & S. Dowling, $72,860

Lewis St., 309: J. Laing to D. Cruz, $149,900

Lexington St., 2625: J. Fasciglione to Bridger Investments LLC, $43,500

Linden St., 131: S. Wilkerson to Bridger Investments LLC, $55,000

Manada St., 2003: Henderson & Sons LLC to E. Perez & M. Sanchez, $120,000

Market St., 1203: Corona Enterprise Group to True Sanctuary LLC, $85,000

Market St., 1909: M. & M. Stephens to 6030 Properties LLC, $86,500

Market St., 1912: CPenn Patriot Properties Midtown LLC to SJL Rentals 2 LLC, $150,000

Melrose St., 732: M. & D. Kovalchick to Harrisburg Strong LLC, $56,000

Naudain St., 1527: Vogelsong Investment Properties LLC to Porch Time Property LLC, $40,000

North St., 1942A: R. Speece to B. Wargo, $57,400

N. 2nd St., 1110: MC Investment Properties LLC to PDI Properties LLC, $132,000

N. 2nd St., 1317 & 1709: CPenn Patriot Properties to SJL Rentals 2 LLC, $300,000

N. 2nd St., 2209: M. Luft & J. Schultz to J. & C. Nunley, $262,900

N. 2nd St., 2233: B. Solimeo to Keystone Property Group LLC, $185,000

N. 2nd St., 2650: A. Delmonte to D. & C. Fasching, $259,900

N. 2nd St., 2964: D. & N. Schertz to Invariant Real Estate III LLC, $65,000

N. 2nd St., 3125: D. McCamant to M. Kenz, $99,000

N. 3rd St., 1715: B. Allatt to J. Jacobs & J. Van Leeuwen, $170,000

N. 3rd St., 2020 & 1620 N. 2nd St.: CPenn Properties-Old Uptown LLC to SJL Rentals 2 LLC, $900,000

N. 3rd St., 2110: J. & K. Ginter to Lynn & Ryan Investment Properties LLC, $50,000

N. 3rd St., 2250: T. Bergman to J. Carter, $209,850

N. 3rd St., 2532: D. Tamang & P. Moti to P. Kamba, $190,000

N. 4th St., 1336 & 321 Calder St.: 1037 Maclay St LLC to SJL Rentals 2 LLC, $350,000

N. 4th St., 1905: A. Adesubokan to S. Thorne, $120,900

N. 4th St., 2318: RNR Remodeling to M. Roark, $58,000

N. 4th St., 3119: T. Gottshall to A. Johnson & A. Taylor, $155,900

N. 5th St., 2538: E. Miller to AAA Bouslama Property LLC, $55,000

N. 6th St., 1612: Church of the Living God to Timely Investments LLC, $140,000

N. 6th St., 2227: Meier & Simone LLC to Peace Casa LLC, $40,000

N. 6th St., 2537: Tang & Perkins Property Management LLC to F. Reyes, $90,000

N. 7th St., 2322: M. Goldberg to DAP 7 Curtin LP, $925,000

N. 7th St., 2612: R. Martinez & R. Rasmussen to Q. Nguyen & T. Chu, $86,400

N. 12th St., 33: B. & L. Young to A. & E. Rhon, $47,000

N. 13th St., 116: T. Gilmore to J. Gilmore, $80,000

N. 13th St., 131: T. Patches to F. Contreras, $86,000

N. 15th St., 221: RNR Remodeling to M. & A. Reuveni, $47,825

N. 15th St., 1314: John W. Spencer IRA Equipty Trust Co. Custodian to Neidlinger Enterprises LLC, $41,500

N. 17th St., 717: C. & D. Bacallao to D. Bacallao, $105,000

N. 18th St., 38: D. Boyle to J. Jimenez, $40,000

N. 18th St., 616: E. Green to A. Pierre, $89,000

N. 19th St., 49: Carters Clean Up LLC to 49 19th Street LLC, $70,000

N. 19th St., 719: J. Hardman to SPG Capital LLC, $52,500

N. 19th St., 721: J. Hardman to SPG Capital LLC, $52,500

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 314: A. Winch to T. Yun, $110,000

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 508: A. Breneman to R. Shenoy, $196,000

Park St., 1832: D. Letterlough to D. Boyle, $43,000

Paxton St., 1712: Twin House Real Estate Associates LLC to P. DeJulian & J. Beltre, $125,000

Peffer St., 223: P. Baillie to C. Goff & E. Horne, $154,900

Penn St., 1625: W. Yankey to S. Blank, $215,500

Penn St., 2151: R. Rammouni to R. Estrella, $55,000

Reel St., 2627: J. & A. Robinson to Neidlinger Enterprises LLC, $46,000

Regina St., 1813: Sunshine ABQ Real Estate Investment LLC to M. Camacho, $60,000

Rolleston St., 1143 & 1145: J. Gregorits to A&K Investments Partnership LLC, $75,000

Ross St., 626: J. Vogelsong to WiseChoice USA LLC, $43,000

Rudy Rd., 1955: N. & R. Pierce to A. Miller, $84,900

Rudy Rd., 2221: W. & M. Allen to Top Notch Homes LLC, $107,500

Rumson Dr., 2578: F. Ibohim & L. Gom to R. Rodriguez, $120,000

Seneca St., 331: 2013 M&M Real Estate Fund LLC to M. Vines, $90,000

S. 13th St., 328: C. & K. Epp to K. Alvarez & E. Martinez, $56,000

S. 16th St., 11: J. & K. Ginter to Lynn & Ryan Investment Properties LLC, $50,000

S. 19th St., 1204: O. Banks to G. Pichardo, $65,000

S. 20th St., 214: M. Aljibory to J. Roxbury, $43,500

S. 25th St., 600: D. Pham to G. Diaz, $124,900

S. 25th St., 614: Landmark Holdings Group LLC to T. Tran, $40,000

S. 25th St., 707: US Bank Trust National Assoc. LB Igloo Series IV Trust, SN Servicing Corp., E. Glover & H. Glover to R. Richardson, $85,900

S. Front St., 573: B. & K. Crews to R. English & B. Mackley, $160,000

Spencer St., 1837: L. Lewis to E. Ayala, L. Hernandez & N. Vogt, $52,000

State St., 1829: R. & N. Daniels to R. & M. Welch, $75,000

State St., 1915: L. Hill to A. Elnigoumi, $42,000

State St., 1918: Dreamland Investors LLC to D&A Homes LLC, $79,100

Susquehanna St., 1825: M. Manley to A. McFadden, $150,000

Susquehanna St., 2136: E. & R. Killeen to Embass Investments LLC, $119,500

Swatara St., 2014: H. Chisolm & M. Patterson to Neidlinger Enterprises LLC, $51,000

Verbeke St., 220: J. Sklarosky & M. Palermo to C. Long & N. Kurish, $150,000

Waldo St., 2627: S. Henry to N. & B. Joerger, $85,000

Waldo St., 2632: D. Hargrove & D. Surbrena to SPG Capital LLC, $49,500

Woodbine St., 320: J. & K. Block to J. & J. Mangan, $145,900

Harrisburg property sales for December 2021, greater than $40,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

January 21, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

At an open house, Harrisburg residents and activists voiced concerns to PennDOT about a Market Street rehab project.

We are in the thick of winter here in Harrisburg with temperatures that seem to just keep dropping. This weekend, stay warm and stay up to date on local news, which is listed and linked, below.

Arepa House recently opened in downtown Harrisburg, bringing authentic Venezuelan food to the area, our magazine story reported. The restaurant offers various types of arepa sandwiches to choose from, each featuring a varied combination of meat, cheeses, beans, plantains, avocados and/or veggies.

Blogger Bob shares last year’s highlights from the local art world in this first installment of a two-part blog. Take a look at the best exhibits of 2021, here.

Our Burg Review featured Narcisse Theatre’s new show “Kill Keller.” In the play, writer Paul Hood reopens wounds and bares his painful childhood.

Capital Blue Cross has some tips for how to handle stress and strengthen mental health. Find ways to lower stress levels, here.

Carolina Harvey of Susquehanna Township became the first Latina to host the long-running A&E television network series, “Hoarders” in 2021, our magazine story reported. On a day-to-day basis, Harvey helps clients tidy their homes through her business, Cure The Clutter.

The Central PA MLK Day of Service was held mainly on a virtual format due to the snow, our online story reported. The committee still had plenty of ways for the community to celebrate the holiday through live-streamed seminars and activities.

The Harrisburg Heat soccer team has returned to the pitch for a new season. In our magazine story, read about the team that’s been kicking it for years.

The Harrisburg School District announced that it would move to a virtual format this past week due to a rise in COVID cases, our online story reported. That was the second week in a row that the district has opted for virtual learning.

The Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra cancelled its weekend concerts due to the current spike in COVID cases, our online story reported.

A high-volume COVID testing site is planned to open soon at the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, our online story reported. The Department of Health has not yet released details on when the site will open.

Kesher Israel has moved from its long-time location to a new building on the 3000-block of N. 3^rd Street, our reporting found. The location provides a more modernized and centralized place for the synagogue.

Midtown Cinema is hosting a meet and greet with “The Room” star Greg Sestero this weekend. In our magazine story, read about the movie that has become a cult classic because of how bad it is.

PennDOT presented its plans for the Market Street Bridge renovation at a community open house, our online story reported. Many business owners and activists showed up to ask questions and voice concerns.

The People’s Budget team surveyed Harrisburg residents to find out what they wanted prioritized in the city’s 2022 budget, our online story reported. Results showed that people favored investment in housing, roads and infrastructure, among other items.

Sara Bozich has lots of fun ideas for your weekend, despite the cold weather. Take a look, here.

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Harrisburg School District will move to virtual learning for second week in a row, citing COVID cases

January 14, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg High School-John Harris Campus

Harrisburg students will be back at the computer for another week of school.

Following a week of remote learning, due to a surge in COVID cases, the Harrisburg School District announced on Friday that it would remain virtual for another week.

“We know this is not ideal, but we truly must prioritize student and staff safety,” Superintendent Eric Turman said in a statement. “Infection rates in Dauphin County are extremely high, and we simply cannot safely deliver in-person instruction at this time.”

Turman said that the high number of staff and students who are either sick or quarantined is cause for continuing the online model.

Remote instruction will take place from Jan. 18 through 21. Schools are closed on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The district will decide next week if schools will return for in-person learning the following week, Turman said.

Free grab & go meals will be provided for students on Tuesday. Pickup is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at John Harris Campus (Kimber Gym Entrance), Rowland Academy, Foose School, Ben Franklin School, Downey School and Camp Curtin Academy.

For more information, visit the Harrisburg School District’s website.

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Harrisburg School District’s top official, Receiver Janet Samuels, announces her resignation

January 5, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

File photo of Dr. Janet Samuels, 2019

The Harrisburg School District is losing a top official come the end of this month.

On Wednesday, district Receiver Dr. Janet Samuels announced her resignation from her role, as of Jan. 29.

In a news release, the district did not specify why Samuels was leaving at this time.

In 2019, when the school district failed to meet academic objectives outlined in previous recovery plans for the district, the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas placed Harrisburg under the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s control. The court chose Samuels as the receiver of the district. The previous year, she served as the chief recovery officer for the district.

With the appointment of Samuels, the school board was stripped of most of its power, leaving Samuels as the sole vote on administrative proposals.

The receivership period was set for three years, and the district is currently about two-and-a-half years in. However, according to the district, Samuels only committed to serve for one year and agreed to update the district’s Amended Financial Recovery Plan.

In July 2021, the update was approved by the county court, the district confirmed.

“I am honored to have had the privilege of serving the Harrisburg School District, and I am extremely proud of the work completed since my appointment as receiver, especially in the area of the finance,” Samuels said. “Although there is still much work to be done, I am confident the recently approved Amended Financial Recovery Plan now in place, will serve as a framework to continue the positive trajectory of the Harrisburg School District.”

Samuels thanked the district’s staff, administrators and community stakeholders, along with the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit team for the work they will continue in the district.

Under Samuels, the district has put a new leadership team in place, headed by Superintendent Eric Turman and Dr. Lori Suski, the district’s recently appointed chief recovery officer.

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News at the Top: What were the top Harrisburg news stories of 2021? Our editor is back with his annual list

December 29, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

Is it January already?

Each year, I find myself surprised that, once again, it’s time for my annual review of the top 10 Harrisburg news stories. This year marks a decade for this self-imposed punishment—um, I mean, tradition—an exercise that I share with my long-suffering illustrator, who is the real hero here (sorry, Rich).

So, without further delay, here’s my totally subjective ranking of 10 Harrisburg news stories of 2021. You may agree; you may disagree; you may decide to move out of town. OK, I hope you don’t move out of town.

10. Mega Murals

Each year, I try to start this list out on a positive note—before I lower the boom. It’s a custom that I’m happy to continue this year. Back in May, Sprocket Mural Works launched its third Harrisburg Mural Festival with a planter-painting project on Allison Hill then just kept on painting the town. By fall, Sprocket had marked its 50th Harrisburg-area mural over the past seven years, including its largest project to date—a vibrant linear painting lining the Mulberry Street Bridge. Thanks to Sprocket, our little city on the Susquehanna is now so mural-rich that it’s tough to fling a hand-knotted pretzel without hitting a beautiful piece of public art.

9. Housing Is Hot

The residential market has been red-hot all year, both in the city and the suburbs. In recent months, our regular market updates have shown that sales have dipped, but prices continue to climb, indicating that supply may be constrained. As I wrote in a column last year, Harrisburg needs more housing at every price point. In May, City Council took action to help address this need, passing the city’s first-ever affordable housing statute. This legislation attempts to walk a fine line, urging builders to include affordable housing in their projects without making it a mandate. Since then, some developers have said they would comply while others seemed reluctant. The coming year may test the gentle balance between encouraging affordable housing while not discouraging new development.

8. 2nd Time Around

Back in the 1950s, cities around the country engaged in a bizarre form of self-destruction, undertaking major road projects that wrecked their own urban fabrics and quality of life to benefit the suburbs. Harrisburg was no exception. As the city emptied out, leaders soon realized that they had made a big mistake, and, by the 1970s, already began contemplating how to undo the damage, especially to the main thoroughfare of 2nd Street. Well, it took decades, but it finally is happening. In the spring, the city embarked on a project that will remake much of N. 2nd Street into a more pedestrian-friendly, two-way neighborhood road, as opposed to the high-speed hellscape it’s been for 60-plus years. In this writer’s opinion—one big Harrisburg street down, several more to go.

7. Bond Battle

Municipal bonds—boring, right? On the surface, sure, but Harrisburg, of course, managed to turn the mundane into the dramatic. This salvo in the years-long council v. mayor wars began in May with an administration plan to retire a chunk of debt and refinance the remaining bonds. Council members introduced the plan, but then quickly turned against it. Fair enough—disagreements happen. But the conflict soon spiraled into another he said/she said fight, like so many other feuds over the past eight years. The result ended up positive enough anyway. Council basically got its way, with the city accepting two-thirds of a deal that the administration had reached with its bond insurer. Mayor Eric Papenfuse didn’t get the refinancing he wanted, but Harrisburg shed a big hunk of debt and set itself up for possibly retiring its remaining bonds over the next few years.

6. Class Act

After last year’s virtual experiment, Harrisburg school district students returned to the classroom in August. Masks were mandatory, but there was no real organized opposition to the requirement. Thus, Harrisburg was spared the nasty “school board wars” that have engulfed so many districts nationwide. Otherwise, the district set itself up for casting aside three years of state oversight by appointing a new superintendent, Eric Turman, and a new chief recovery officer, Dr. Lori Suski. Unless the court renews the receivership, which seems unlikely, the Harrisburg district should be self-governing again by June.

5. Deaths Decline

In 2020, Harrisburg’s homicide rate surged, as it did all over the country, hitting a multi-decade high. Last year, the rate returned to near its historical average for the past decade or two, substantially lower than the pandemic-fueled spike. Within this data, of course, were many personal and family tragedies, including several unintended and innocent victims. These include the late-year shooting of Jamie Bey, who was a bystander to a bar fight, and of 14-year-old Malachi John, who police believe was shot accidentally.

4. Developmental Delay

On last year’s list, I mentioned how remarkable it was to have so many new building proposals in the midst of a pandemic. I may have been premature. A few smaller projects, such as the expansion of the McCormick Riverfront Library, did begin, but most of the big boys, like the large residential proposals along the Reily Street corridor, spent 2021 stuck in the planning and approval phases. For 2022, I expect another active year on the development front. Several large projects, including the new federal courthouse, will be completed or nearing completion, as will some historic renovations and residential conversions. However, it remains to be seen if dirt will get turned between 3rd and 6th streets or, if a year from now, the area will retain the same vast surface parking lots and weed-strewn fields that have marred the corridor for so many decades.

3. Delta Doom

Last year, one story faced no competition for first place on my annual list, as the coronavirus pandemic impacted nearly every aspect of our lives. This year, it fell to number three. So, that’s progress, right? After a deadly mid-winter spike, the case count dropped like a stone, especially as vaccinations ramped up in the spring. We ripped off our masks, breathed deep of the fresh air and prepped for a hot vax summer. Or so we thought. Something called the “delta variant” stopped our progress cold, making us unsure exactly what to do. Travel or don’t? Mask or not? Locally, perhaps the greatest impact was the on-again, off-again plan of the commonwealth to return its people to their offices. Many local businesses took yet another hit as state workers dribbled in, then dribbled back out again. We now enter pandemic year No. 3 with renewed hope that the current plan to repopulate the Capital Complex won’t be another head fake.

2. Semi Normal

Some news stories are complex beasts, and the COVID-19 pandemic may be the most layered and nuanced of my long career. So, while the delta variant prolonged our collective nightmare, life in 2021 returned to quasi-normal for many, and that could be seen locally. Most businesses dropped their mask mandates, people began to dine indoors again, folks attended concerts, and students returned to their classrooms. Over the course of the year, we made some sort of peace with the virus, but it was an uneasy peace. I personally know more people who got sick, often very sick, than the year before, and our hospitals’ COVID wards remained crowded. Yet on a beautiful day, strolling through Riverfront Park or dining al fresco, you could almost touch life from the before times, and, wow, did it feel good.

1. Who’s Your Mayor?

I’ve created this annual list for a decade and, some years, have struggled with what should be the number-one Harrisburg news story. Not this year. The Harrisburg mayor’s race wins going away. Five candidates sought the Democratic nomination in May, including strong campaigns from relatively new faces in city politics. The crowded field resulted in a split electorate, with four of the five finishing with more than 20% of the vote. In the end, City Council President Wanda Williams squeaked by incumbent Mayor Eric Papenfuse by 46 votes. With that settled, we could all relax and move on with our lives, right? Nope. Papenfuse disappeared from view for a few months only to re-emerge in mid-September to declare a long-shot write-in campaign for the general election. He ran vigorously, but this sudden burst of energy, which might have put him over the top in the primary, made no difference in the general, except to delay the transition. Williams trounced Papenfuse and, therefore, will be sworn in this month as Harrisburg’s new mayor.

So, Harrisburg begins 2022 with new leadership and, given all the recent high-level departures from city hall, with almost an entirely new team in place. I wish them the best and feel confident that a few issues they’ll deal with will wind up on this list a year from now.

I’d like to leave my annual top-10 list with a dose of unsolicited advice for future city politicians. Our recent election marked the third straight Harrisburg mayor’s race in which a leading Democratic candidate lost the primary but then refused to accept the result, running again in the general—and losing again.

These efforts served no productive purpose. They prolonged the city’s angst, exacerbated its divisions and heightened the turmoil inside city hall. In other words, they were harmful to the city, not helpful. Thus, my advice: If you lose in the primary, please graciously accept your defeat. There’s always next time.

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

Illustrations by Rich Hauck.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

December 17, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg City Council approved a 2022 budget on Tuesday.

Only one more week until Christmas, Harrisburg! Finish wrapping those gifts and icing the cookies. While you wait on Santa’s arrival, catch up on this week’s local news.

Bob’s Art Blog previewed the last 3rd in the Burg event of the year. Two of the longest-standing civic institutions in Harrisburg will participate and offer two different looks at identity.

“C’mon C’mon” is a black and white film that takes you on a journey through the allure of introspection and vulnerability, our magazine story reported. The film debuted this month at Midtown Cinema in Harrisburg.

Dauphin County commissioners passed a $278.5 million budget, which is 2.5% less than the 2021 budget, our online story reported. The county will hold the line on property taxes once again.

Harrisburg City Council approved a 2022 budget that will serve as a placeholder until Mayor-Elect Wanda Williams takes office and likely reopens the spending plan, our reporting found. Council also approved two substantial development projects in Midtown and Uptown.

The Harrisburg School District announced its plans to use federal COVID relief money, our online story reported. Superintendent Eric Turman said that they hope to reopen William Penn School and Steele Elementary.

Harrisburg University Professor Steven Jasinski has participated in naming and describing two newly discovered dinosaurs within the past year, our magazine story reported. The Sierraceratops turneri is the seventh dinosaur species he has named, on his own or as part of a team.

Holiday events are on display this weekend as we round the corner to Christmas. Sara Bozich has all the festivities, here.

Home prices were strong even as sales overall were flat in the Harrisburg area in November, according to the latest report from the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors. Find data specific to your county in our online story.

The Lancaster Symphony Orchestra has a lot on its plate as it recovers from the pandemic, our magazine story reported. This season marks the orchestra’s 75th anniversary and it is in the search process to identify a new conductor.

Mifflinburg’s Christkindl Market just finished its 32^nd year as a staple holiday tradition. In our magazine story, read about the history behind the popular outdoor market that draws crowds of up to 10,000 people.

MLK Day will be full of ways to serve the community this year, our online story reported. The Central Pennsylvania MLK Day of Service committee will spotlight the need for affordable housing and accessible healthcare through its volunteer opportunities.

The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program serves underprivileged children in many areas within Dauphin County, as well as Camp Hill and Mechanicsburg in Cumberland County, our magazine story reported. The program is based in Uptown Harrisburg at the Echo Co., 2nd Battalion Marine Reserve unit headquarters on N. 2nd Street.

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