Tag Archives: Harrisburg School District

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

June 28, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Fleet Foxes performed last weekend as part of Harrisburg University Presents’ Summer Concert Series in Riverfront Park.

Our July issue of the magazine came out this week with a special focus on our furry friends. Make sure you grab a copy and check out all of our pet features, as well as lots of summer and community stories. But first, find all of our news from the week, here.

Fleet Foxes performed in Riverfront Park last weekend as part of HU Presents’ summer music series. Our reviewer shares her thoughts on the concert, here.

Harrisburg School District passed its 2024-25 budget of $211.7 million this week, our online story reported. The budget does not include a property tax increase for city residents.

Harristown Enterprises announced that it would renovate 104 and 106 Walnut St., which have long been vacant, and transform them into four new apartments, our online story reported. The new units, called Charming on Walnut, will each include two bedrooms and two baths.

July Fourth festivities will take place in Harrisburg next week, featuring food trucks, music and fireworks, our online story reported. The city will also kick off its free July Music Series next week, with events throughout the month at Reservoir Park.

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis hosted a roundtable conversation to discuss gun violence, with local officials and community members commenting on the initiatives they’re taking to find solutions. Click here to read about the statewide and local grants and projects to address the issue.

Mt. Gretna’s Outdoor Art Show is celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year with special programming throughout the summer, our magazine story reported. The outdoor art show itself will take place in August.

The Ned Smith Center has a full slate of summer concerts lined up with special activities to celebrate the 10^thanniversary of its DeSoto Amphitheater, our online story reported.

A park planned for a vacant, blighted lot in Allison Hill has garnered support from neighbors, along with some concern from city officials, our magazine story reported. Community members have joined with the city and nearby nonprofits to create the park, which will include native plants and rain gardens.

PennDOT announced that the 29^th Street bridge, spanning I-83, will close from the evening of July 8 through Nov. 12, 2025, as work is done to replace it. Read our online story to find detour information.

Our publisher introduces our July issue of the magazine in his Publisher’s Note. Read what he has to say about the pet-filled issue, here.

Purple Lizard maps are crawling with ideas on everything from a hiking or biking trail to a boat launch ramp to a picnic or campsite area. The maps offer a physical alternative to phone apps like Google Maps, our magazine story reported.

Sara Bozich has a list full of recommendations for ways to spend your weekend, here.

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Harrisburg School District passes 2024-25 budget with no tax hike

June 27, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg School District’s Lincoln Administration Building

School property taxes will not increase for Harrisburg residents this year.

At a board meeting on Thursday, the Harrisburg School District passed its $211.7 million 2024-25 budget, a spending plan that does not include a tax increase.

Taxes will remain at 30.78 mills, as the school board voted to approve the tax structure. School property taxes are the only matter that the district’s board votes on while under receivership.

Dr. Marcia Stokes, the district’s chief financial officer, noted that, while the rate will stay the same, Harrisburg taxpayers who qualify for the Homestead Exemption may actually see a decrease on their tax bill in the coming year. This is due to an expected increase in state tax relief funds for the district.

The largest expenditures in the budget include salaries and benefits for employees, debt payments, charter school tuition costs and renovations and HVAC replacements.

This year’s budget is lower than the previous year’s budget of $222.8 million, mostly due to fewer federal COVID-relief funds available to the district this year. The 2024-25 budget includes $8.5 million total in federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, the last bit of that funding that the district has left.

Also on Thursday, receiver Dr. Lori Suski approved a contract with North Carolina-based Cross Safe to provide crossing guard services for the upcoming school year at a cost of $31.78 per hour. This contract includes hiring 12 school crossing guards at an estimated cost of $33,750 per month for 10 months, or $337,503 total.

In August 2023, Suski approved entering into an agreement with Harrisburg to employ school crossing guards, with the city funding 40% of the cost of their salaries and the district supporting 60%. However, the city has not offered funding again this year, and the district has struggled to recruit and hire crossing guards, district officials explained.

Suski also shared that the district’s Chief Recovery Officer Travis Waters’ two-year term with the district ends this month and that Yvonne Hollins would take over the role. The part-time position is appointed by the Pennsylvania secretary of education and contracted by the Department of Education for a set period of time.

Hollins was a teacher and later principal in the Harrisburg School District for many years, and served as the assistant superintendent for secondary schools for the Central Dauphin School District, among other positions.

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

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July News Digest

June 27, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Names New Officials

Harrisburg has two new top officials, replacing recently departed city employees.

Gloria Martin-Roberts, a former City Council president, last month became the interim director of the Building and Housing Development and Economic Development Department, following the departure of former Director Dennise Hill.

Additionally, Harrisburg recently hired Joel Seiders as the city engineer, filling a position that was left vacant when former engineer Dan Snow departed in March.

Martin-Roberts will retain the interim position until Harrisburg hires a new director, she said. In her role, she will help administer federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for affordable housing projects, as well as federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.

She previously served as a Harrisburg council member for eight years and as council president for two years. She has also held positions as the director of prevention in the state’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, the director of preventative health programs in the state’s Department of Health, the chief operating officer at Hamilton Health Center and as a workforce development and drug and alcohol consultant.

“Building and housing and economic development are things I’ve been consistently involved in,” Martin-Roberts told TheBurg. “These were major priorities for me.”

Seiders, a Perry County native, began as city engineer on May 20. He previously worked as a PA bridge manager for Camp Hill-based Volkert, Inc., as a civil engineer consultant for the state’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and as a civil engineer consultant for PennDOT, among other positions.

Seiders said that he took the position to help make a difference in the city and to bring together his various engineering experience and skills into one role. His priority is to continue ongoing road projects and promote additional safety improvements, he said.

Hill, the former housing department head, became the most recent Harrisburg official to resign in recent months, following the departure of Snow and of city Business Administrator Dan Hartman.

School District Seeks Superintendent

The Harrisburg School District last month named a temporary superintendent while it searches for a new top official.

Receiver Dr. Lori Suski appointed Dr. Marcia Stokes, the district’s chief financial officer, as acting superintendent, following former superintendent Eric Turman’s resignation.

Turman announced in May that he would step down and take a position as superintendent of Central Dauphin School District.

Stokes will fill in as acting superintendent starting July 1, until the district finds someone to fill the role.

The district shared that it will accept applications through July 8, expecting to appoint a new superintendent in August.

According to a statement, the district is looking for a candidate who has an aptitude for working in a culturally diverse environment and has skills in school finance and budgeting.

“Harrisburg School District appreciates Eric Turman’s leadership during his tenure with the district,” Suski said, in a statement. “We look forward to beginning our search for a well-rounded candidate who will work collaboratively with the receiver, elected school board and community and keep our students’ academic success at the forefront of their work.”

New Bicycles, Stations in Harrisburg

Harrisburg has some shiny new bikes, providing an inexpensive, accessible and healthy way to get around the city.

SusqueCycle, Harrisburg’s bike share program, announced that it has upgraded its bike inventory, replacing 60 bicycles with brand new ones and donating its old bikes to local nonprofit, Recycle Bicycle.

SusqueCycle, which is operated by Tandem Mobility and administered by Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, is in its second season, with 10 stations in Harrisburg and one in Hummelstown.

“The idea is to give people in and around Harrisburg an inexpensive and healthy way to get around,” said Steve Deck, executive director of the commission.

The organization recently upgraded bicycles to newer models with more comfortable seating and sleeker designs for a better, easier ride, Deck said.

SusqueCycle is also adding new stations, including one at the TransitPark lot at 10th and Market streets, with another one set to be installed near the state Capitol at Commonwealth and North streets.

Additionally, the new bikes include a GPS system that tracks riders’ routes to gain data for future planning and to see where bike lanes and bike facilities are most needed.

Recycle Bicycle will donate the old bikes that are in good condition to residents in need and use parts of the more worn bikes to build new ones.

“Harrisburg is a great biking city,” Recycle Bicycle founder Ross Willard said. “And a lot of people can’t afford a car, so we help them get an affordable, sustainable basic transportation method.”

Home Sales, Prices Higher

Harrisburg-area home sales and prices both popped higher in May, according to the latest report on the market for previously owned houses.

For the three-county region, 616 houses sold compared to 533 in May 2023, as the median sales price increased to $284,950 from $264,000, said the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, 300 houses sold in May versus 258 in the year-ago period, as the median sales price jumped to $265,000 from $234,200, GHAR stated.

Cumberland County had 275 home sales, up from 240 a year ago, as the median price rose to $314,900 from $299,950, according to GHAR.

In Perry County, 33 houses sold, an increase of two homes compared to the prior May, as the median price increased to $285,000 from $217,841, GHAR said.

The pace of home sales was steady in May, as “average days on market” held at 25 days year-over-year, GHAR stated.

So Noted

Harrisburg has hired city-based Alexander Building Construction Co. to serve as construction manager for the rebuilding of the Broad Street Market’s brick building, which was partially destroyed in a fire last July. City Council narrowly reversed a prior vote in a move to support Alexander for the position.

Harristown Enterprises last month completed a streetscaping project for the SoMa (South of Market) district, the location of new retail shops and summer block parties. These improvements include permanent brick pavers, bike racks, planters, bollards, logos and, as a centerpiece, a massive, lighted “Welcome to SoMa” sign.

Imaginary Friends has debuted as the newest attraction in Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg. Two shows will run throughout the summer, thanks to owner and production designer Bill Kassay and a troupe of puppeteers and performers.

Julia Mallory last month cut the ribbon on her new studio, Ten Oh! Six, located at 1006 N. 3rd St. in Harrisburg. Her new studio will showcase some of her art and the apparel and paper goods that she creates and sells, as well as serve as a creative meeting place for the community, she said.

Karen Roland last month was named senior vice president of marketing for Members 1^st Federal Credit Union. Most recently, Roland served as an associate executive vice president with State Employees Credit Union (SECU) in North Carolina and, before that, held executive roles with both Members 1^st and PSECU.

Lidl last month debuted its newest area store, located at 5125 Jonestown Rd. in Lower Paxton Township. Lidl, which began as a small grocery store in Germany in the 1970s, now has around 12,000 stores in over 30 countries, including locations in York, Lancaster and Reading.

TheBurg won 26 total awards, including the Sweepstakes award, in the 2024 Keystone Media Awards, an annual contest sponsored by the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Foundation. TheBurg won awards in many categories, including for reporting, column writing, illustration, page design and photography. Assistant Editor Maddie Gittens won the special Distinguished Writing Award, a single, statewide award that honors high achievement in the craft of news writing.

Tri-County Regional Planning Commission (TCRPC) last month moved its offices to the third floor of Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg. For the past 40 years, TCRPC was located in the Veterans Memorial Building on the first block of Market Street. The move was required due to the sale of that building and plans for its conversion into apartments.

Veterans Outreach of Central Pennsylvania has cut the ribbon on its tiny home village, which will house homeless veterans in a riverfront location in south Harrisburg. Veteran’s Grove includes 15 tiny homes and a community center and will function as a transitional living community for men and women who are homeless and in need of assistance.

Winding Hill Park North in Upper Allen Township last month unveiled a Celebration of Nature—a new sensory garden that contains a variety of plants, each targeting a specific sense. The site features different kinds of flowers, plants and shrubs, as well as berry plants and fruit trees, among other elements.

Changing Hands

Bailey St., 1237: C. Peralta to A. Griggs, $95,000

Barkley Lane, 2519: T. Truong & K. Ngo to Richmond & Richmond LLC, $126,000

Bellevue Rd., 1902: D&L Development Group Inc. to PACC HBG 2 LLC, $120,000

Bellevue Rd., 2007: SPG Capital LLC to R. Suriel, $170,000

Benton St., 516: P. Goodman to N. Eras and M. & E. Ordonez, $175,000

Boas St., 257: R. Lowery to M. & J. Rivino, $200,000

Briggs St., 1912: C. Shomper to B. & V. Doan, $102,000

Brookwood St., 2462: R. Kumar to J. Dodson, $124,000

Chestnut St., 2045: Q. & C. Hazelton to R. Bravo, $169,900

Emerald St., 520: First Choice Home Buyers LLC to Mau Properties LLC, $100,000

Evergreen St., 11: Meridian Realty Holdings LLC to Golden Triangle Investment LLC, $80,000

Evergreen St., 32: D&L Development Group Inc. to PACC HBG 2 LLC, $120,000

Forster St., 412: D&D LLC to A&N LLC, $260,000

Green St., 1930: I. Bailey to T. Lewis, $280,000

Green St., 2138: Round Rock Investments LLC, SHG Investment Fund & Chad Gallagher LLC to G. Weaver, $230,000

Herr St., 1625: A. Tumer to C. Smith, $158,000

Hummel St., 240: Tri County HDC Ltd. to L. Roth, $124,900

Hummel St., 242: Tri County HDC Ltd. to T. Adekola, $124,900

Hummel St., 244: Tri County HDC Ltd. to S. Nahomy, $124,900

Hummel St., 341: G. & B. Hoerner to M. Bonetti, $77,320

Kelker St., 638: Buonarroti Trust to B. Jarkow & R. Reuveni, $90,885

Lenox St., 1901: B. Bentz to Cheema Ranvir LLC, $325,000

Logan St., 1933: V. Pillich & G. Cruz to RKE Investments LLC, $55,000

Logan St., 2431: J. & J. Austin to G&W Rentals LLC, $65,000

Maclay St., 249: R. & D. Requa to Dreams2Reality Services LLC, $215,000

Market St., 305: L. & D. D’Antuono to 305 Market Pizza LLC, $280,000

Muench St., 202: PD Estate Properties LLC to D. Leaman, $133,000

Mulberry St., 1924: J. Dukes & R. Sumpter to M. Abapoli, $139,900

Nagle St., 106: J. O’Handly to T. Edwards, $80,000

North St., 1934: O. Blanco to Cofield Group LLC, $110,400

North St., 1942A: B. Wargo to J. Pavana, $63,000

N. 2nd St., 1631: J. & K. Morgret to Green Street Properties Ltd., $170,000

N. 2nd St., 1801: S. Basore to A. Danks, $250,000

N. 2nd St., 2321: Central PA Buyers LLC to Elite Remodeling Realty LLC, $117,000

N. 3rd St., 3028: C. Jones to L. Reapsome & A. Labs, $205,000

N. 4th St., 1418: A. Manana & S. Morel to A&W Homes LLC, $117,000

N. 4th St., 2144: Saheeb & Inez Affordable Homes LLC to Mau Properties LLC, $71,000

N. 4th St., 2215: K. Torres to Prime Realty Solutions 4U LLC, $76,000

N. 5th St., 1600: First Choice Home Buyers LLC to C&C Homes LLC, $110,000

N. 5th St., 2524: B. Debeljak to A. Louis, $175,000

N. 5th St., 2705: M. Suriel to F. Zaman, $210,000

N. 5th St., 3118: Willowscott Investments LLC to J. Millard, $145,000

N. 6th St., 3103: K. Malinoski to A. Couch, $164,000

N. 6th St., 3129: E. Ewing to MS AM Properties Inc., $135,000

N. 6th St., 3140: M. Kennedy to TKO Rental LLC, $95,000

N. 7th St., 1010: Pennsylvania State University to Harrisburg School District, $3,100,000

N. 12th St., 47: E&K Homes LLC to Wright Restoration Properties LLC, $91,000

N. 13th St., 126: S. Samuel & K. Lucas to C. Teel, $125,000

N. 15th St., 517: J. Sherman to Golden Triangle Investment LLC, $65,000

N. 15th St., 1521: R. & L. Ravenel to D. Baylor, $50,000

N. 16th St., 1004: C. & S. Orellana to K. de Estevez, $169,000

N. 17th St., 53: L. Malik to J&V Investment LLC, $150,000

N. 18th St., 47: T. Paul to Cooper Hawk LLC, $76,000

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 401: A. Witte to C. Wood, $230,000

N. Front St., 2743: Alternative Rehabilitation Communities Inc. to First Choice Home Buyers LLC, $250,000

N. Summit St., 116: T. Johnson to M. Sacasari, $80,000

Park St., 1822: 1822 Park LLC to J. Bailey & M. Wright, $58,300

Penn St., 2132: M. & W. Eisenstein to E. & A. Ho, $84,000

Pennwood Rd., 3208: L. Harris to S. Morris, $180,000

Reel St., 2468: D. Boyle to F. Solorin, $60,000

Revere St., 1618: A. & R. Burgos to E. Mejia, $140,000

Rolleston St., 1243: V. & J. Athens to Equitable Builds LLC, $90,000

S. 12th St., 1516: D. Dhahir to P. Diaz & J. Sanchez, $155,000

S. 13th St., 36: 513 South Shippen Street to NM Penn Group LLC, $270,000

S. 16th St., 564: M. Dones to S. Arzuaga & D. Ware, $90,000

S. 16th St., 922: R. Haines & D. Siegel to Landaff Enterprises LLC, $150,000

S. 17th St., 600: South Seventeenth LLC to 791 Flory Mill Road LLC, $3,556,000

S. 18th St., 8: Kabir Holdings Inc. to T. & H. Hoto, $165,000

S. 24th St., 628: A. & M. Medina to Central PA Buyers LLC, $117,000

S. Cameron St., 425: Queen Street LLP & H. Sugarman to D. Tran, $150,000

State St., 1915: Sego Realty LLC to C. Anderson, $275,000

State St., 1924: CLR Holdings LLC to H&K Rental Properties LLC, $645,000

Susquehanna St., 1737: L. Reapsome to H. Pham, $182,900

Vernon St., 1433: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to Val de Vie Estate Investment LLC, $51,000

Vernon St., 1435: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to Val de Vie Estate Investment LLC, $51,000

Vernon St., 1513: J. & C. Peters to C. Monje & E. Shirk, $130,000

Walnut St., 1804: Tender Loving Care Health Care Services LLC to Briony Spaces LLC, $151,000

Wiconisco St., 505: Divine Nest LLC to A. & S. Glick, $410,000

Woodbine St., 237: Penn Properties LLC to J. & J. Amway, $250,000

Woodbine St., 344: PA Deals LLC to C. Risser, $130,000

Zarker St., 1913: Bedrock Capital Management Inc. to C. Foltz, $52,000

Harrisburg property sales, May 2024, greater than $50,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

June 14, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Officials cut the ribbon on the new Lidl store in Lower Paxton Township.

It looks like the summer heat will get cranked up in Harrisburg this coming week, making it the perfect time to park yourself under a shade tree or near the AC unit and catch up on all of your Burg reading. You can start, below.

Harrisburg School District Receiver Dr. Lori Suski appointed an interim superintendent, following Eric Turman’s announcement that he would resign, our online story reported. The district has also begun its search for a new official for the position.

Harrisburg Young Professionals (HYP) opened nominations for its annual “20 in their 20’s” awards. Read our story to find out how to nominate a local young person.

Home sales in the Harrisburg area have risen, along with prices, in the last month. In our story, find out specific data for Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties.

Hoop It Up Harrisburg 3×3 Street Fest basketball tournament will return to City Island this summer on Saturday, July 27, our online story reported. The event welcomes people of all ages and abilities to play and compete for a cash prize.

HU Presents’ Summer Concert Series is back with a diverse selection of headliners, our magazine story reported. Our writer spoke with artist Jenny Lewis, who will perform this month, about her creative process and recent music.

Kayaking offers a fun way to spend time together as a family this summer. In our magazine story, find out ways to introduce your kids to watersports, including safety education.

Lidl, a European-based discount grocery store, cut the ribbon on its location at 5125 Jonestown Rd. in the Paxton Towne Centre, officially opening the store to the public, our online story reported.

Police presence in the city will be bolstered in the wake of several recent shootings, Harrisburg officials shared at a press conference. They also announced an upcoming gun buy-back program.

Sara Bozich has found all of this weekend’s best events. Find out what’s happening in the Harrisburg area, here.

SoMa has some new decorative additions along its streetscape, our online story reported. Harristown Enterprises shared that it made improvements including adding permanent brick pavers, bike racks, planters and bollards.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation formally announced its proposal to build a “veterans village” in South Harrisburg for those who are experiencing homelessness, our online story reported. The proposal received an approval from the Harrisburg Planning Commission last week at a meeting where board members brought up questions about the future of a part of the Greenbelt, which runs through the project site.

Winding Hill Park North has a new sensory garden that contains a variety of plants, each targeting a specific sense, our online story reported. Upper Allen Township officials cut the ribbon on the green space this week.

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Harrisburg School District appoints acting superintendent, begins search for top official

June 11, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Dr. Marcia Stokes. File photo.

The Harrisburg School District has named a temporary superintendent while it searches for a new top official.

Receiver Dr. Lori Suski, at a board meeting on Tuesday, appointed Dr. Marcia Stokes, the district’s chief financial officer, as acting superintendent, following former superintendent Eric Turman’s resignation.

Turman announced in May that he would step down and take a position as superintendent of Central Dauphin School District.

Stokes will fill in as acting superintendent starting July 1 until the district finds someone to fill the role.

The district shared that it officially began the hiring search on Tuesday and will accept applications through July 8, with hopes to appoint a superintendent in August.

According to a statement, the district is looking for a candidate who has an aptitude for working in a culturally diverse environment and has skills in school finance and budgeting. The superintendent would be responsible for leading the implementation of the district’s Amended Recovery Plan.

“Harrisburg School District appreciates Eric Turman’s leadership during his tenure with the district,” Suski said, in a statement. “We look forward to beginning our search for a well-rounded candidate who will work collaboratively with the receiver, elected School Board and community and keep our students’ academic success at the forefront of their work.”

The community can provide input regarding the next superintendent in a survey, which is open until July 8.

The district will partner with the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA), which will offer help with surveying, advertising, recruitment and candidate screening during the process.

Candidates can click here for additional information and to apply. A cover letter, resume and application are required.

For more information, visit the district’s website.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

May 31, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Veterans Outreach of Central Pennsylvania and local officials cut the ribbon on Veteran’s Grove.

This week may have been shorter due to the holiday, but there was still plenty of news in Harrisburg. Find all of our local coverage, below, and make sure you snag a copy of our June issue of the magazine, which dropped this week.

Artist Julia Mallory cut the ribbon on her new studio and community gathering space, Ten Oh! Six, our online story reported. She plans to host creative workshops and classes, as well as featuring local artist’s work.

Broad Street Market board members and vendors are asking the community to help name the new temporary structure, our online story reported. Community members are invited to reflect on what the market means to them and submit a creative name for the tent, through June 22.

City Council member Crystal Davis announced that she would reconsider her previous vote rejecting the city’s selected construction manager for the Broad Street Market, our online story reported. Later, another member of council, Ralph Rodriguez shared the same sentiments in a press release.

Harrisburg City Council re-voted on its decision to reject the city’s chosen construction manager for the Broad Street Market and approved the contract, our online story reported. Many community members spoke publicly during the meeting, as well as several council members who still opposed the resolution, saying the selection process was unfair.

The Harrisburg School District proposed its 2024-25 budget of $211.7 million, our online story reported. The budget did not include a property tax increase.

High school students from Dauphin County Technical School, along with Brethren Housing Association, built a house for a family transitioning out of homelessness, our online story reported. The project not only helped students gain hands-on experience, but helped provide affordable housing in Uptown Harrisburg.

June events will be kicking off soon in the Harrisburg area. Find all of this month’s happenings, here.

Our publisher introduces the June issue of the magazine, highlighting the Juneteenth-focused cover image, the new Family Time section and the many summer fun stories, in his Publisher’s Note.

A puppet show theater, Imaginary Friends, opened in Strawberry Square in Harrisburg this week, our online story reported. The theater will host shows during the summer months.

Sara Bozich’s Weekend Roundup includes the best music, arts and food events happening in the Harrisburg area.

SusqueCycle, Harrisburg’s bike share program, replaced many of its bikes with new ones, our online story reported. The organization will donate its old bikes to local nonprofit Recycle Bicycle.

Veterans Outreach of Central Pennsylvania cut the ribbon on its tiny home village, Veteran’s Grove, for homeless veterans, our online story reported. The project, which has been years in the making, features 15 tiny homes and a community center in south Harrisburg.

White House official, Tom Perez, director of intergovernmental affairs for President Joe Biden, visited Harrisburg this week to tour recently built affordable housing developments, our online story reported. While visiting, with Mayor Wanda Williams, he touted the federal government’s efforts to increase housing opportunities across the country.

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Harrisburg School District proposes 2024-25 budget, contains no tax increase

May 30, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg School District Lincoln Administration Building

School property taxes will likely remain the same for Harrisburg residents in the coming year.

The Harrisburg School District proposed its $211.7 million 2024-25 budget this week, a spending plan that does not include a tax increase.

Since taxes would not rise, they would remain at 30.78 mills. The last time the district hiked taxes was in the 2022-23 year, bumping them up by one mill.

Stokes noted that Harrisburg taxpayers who qualify for the Homestead Exemption may actually see a decrease on their tax bill in the coming year, as the district expects to receive increased state tax relief funds.

This year’s budget is projected to see a decrease from the 2023-24 actual budget of $222.8 million, mostly due to the district having fewer federal COVID-relief funds to spend this year, said Dr. Marcia Stokes, the district’s chief financial officer.

Within the district’s budget, the largest expenditures would be spent on salaries and benefits for employees, debt payments, charter school tuition costs and renovations and HVAC replacements, the last of which are largely funded through the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds.

The district has estimated that it would pay $29.1 million to charter schools this year.

Stokes highlighted the fact that Gov. Josh Shapiro has proposed legislation that would put a cap on the price that districts pay to charter schools. While Stokes said that the district didn’t factor that into the budget because of the very low likelihood of passage, if approved, it would mean a $7 million savings for the district.

The proposed budget would use $8.5 million total in ESSER funds. This would likely be the last year that those funds are available to use in the budget, Stokes said.

The district is slated to vote on the final budget at a meeting on Thursday, June 27.

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

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June News Digest

May 30, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Temporary Market Structure Opens

The Broad Street Market’s temporary tent opened last month, more than 10 months after the market’s brick building was devastated by fire.

On opening day, Leon Glick, owner of Two Brothers BBQ, said that, by 8:45 a.m., he had more customers visit his stand than he did at his old spot in the brick building.

Glick, like many other vendors, waited for months to reopen in the structure that Harrisburg created for displaced brick building vendors, enduring numerous construction delays.

“We’re really excited,” he said. “I think it’s a very good opportunity. Our customer base is great.”

In total, eight vendors are open in the market tent. This includes former brick building vendors Doggie Delights, Lil’s Pretzels, Peach Ridge Produce, Two Brothers BBQ and Fisher’s Delights, as well as new vendors, Cherished Treasures, Diaspora and Taylor Chip.

City and market officials have estimated that a rebuild of the market’s brick building may take two years or more.

Harrisburg communications director Matt Maisel said that he was happy to see customers supporting the vendors who “have been so resilient.” However, he noted the “shadow” cast by the stalled reconstruction of the brick building. Last month, City Council rejected the administration’s choice for construction manager, which could delay the start of the project for months.

And while the fire-damaged building continues to sit untouched, vendors and customers said that they, at least, feel grateful that the temporary structure has finally opened.

Schools Chief to Leave Harrisburg District

The Harrisburg School District will begin the search for a new top official. 

Last month, the district shared that Superintendent Eric Turman was appointed as the superintendent of Central Dauphin School District and will leave Harrisburg.  

In a release, district receiver Dr. Lori Suski congratulated Turman and said that the district would begin looking for a new superintendent. 

“I am committed to a very thorough and transparent search process for a new superintendent that will include a considerable amount of employee, parent and community stakeholder input and involvement,” Suski said.  

Suski also noted that she will consider appointing an interim superintendent while the search process takes place.  

Turman’s leaving may also impact the district’s reconfiguration, which is slated to begin this coming school year and involves closing some school buildings, opening others and shifting some grades to new buildings, Suski said.

“Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time of transition,” she said. “We are firmly committed to supporting our students and staff and look forward to a positive end to the school year.” 

Top City Official to Depart

A top Harrisburg official plans to leave his post this month.

City Business Administrator Dan Hartman told TheBurg that he has informed city leaders of his intention to leave the job. 

Hartman began in his role when Mayor Wanda Williams took her post in January 2022. He also served as part of Williams’ transition team in the months prior. His hiring was officially approved by City Council that February. 

In Harrisburg, the business administrator is a top position, responsible, along with the mayor, for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the city. His last day will be on June 7. 

According to Hartman, he is leaving the city to go back to working for the state government, from which he received a “fantastic offer.” 

The city has already begun looking for a new business administrator, said Matt Maisel, the city’s communications director. Hartman is aiding in the selection process, as well.

“Dan is making sure whoever fills his large shoes is someone who is capable,” Maisel said. 

School District Buys Administration Building

The Harrisburg School District soon will have a new home base for operations. 

Last month, the district purchased the former Penn State Harrisburg Eastgate Center for $3.1 million.

Previously, receiver Dr. Lori Suski had approved the purchase of the 48,704-square-foot building at 1010 N. 7th St. for use as the district’s new administration building. 

In February, the district decided to reconfigure several of its school buildings, moving some grades to different buildings and closing others. As part of the plan, the current Lincoln Administration Building on State Street will become an elementary school. 

Separately, Suski has approved an agreement with local nonprofit Ngozi, Inc. to serve as the fiduciary for a new program aimed at helping to improve student behavior. 

In March, Suski approved a proposal to create a new Safe Passages Program that will be operated by local nonprofit Concerned About the Children of Harrisburg (C.A.T.C.H.) at the Harrisburg High School-John Harris Campus. As part of the program, nine adults will be present in the school during lunch and school dismissal to help diffuse student behavioral issues. 

Participants will be paid, through Ngozi, Inc., an hourly rate of $15 for up to three hours per day. 

Stallions Nightclub to Become “Karma”

A longtime Harrisburg nightclub will get a fresh remix as new owners plan to make substantial updates. 

Stallions nightclub downtown will become “Karma” as a Harrisburg couple is purchasing the club, which has for decades served as a hub for nightlife in the LGBTQ+ community. 

“We want to bring to Harrisburg more of a diverse and dynamic nightlife experience,” said Nelson Mena, who will be the managing partner of Karma and co-owner with his partner, George Fernandez, CEO of Harrisburg-based Color & Culture and Latino Connection. 

Mena, who is a Dominican Republic native, is hoping to bring new life to the club, which has operated on N. 3rd Street since 1985, while also preserving it as a community establishment.  

“We are aware that it has become a fixture in Harrisburg,” he said. “They’re iconic, and we don’t want to erase the legacy. But we want people to receive a breath of fresh air.” 

Stallions will remain open as the club transitions leadership and names, with a planned opening as Karma in July, Mena said. The club will at no time be closed. 

Mena said that Karma will offer an “elevated” experience with dancing, live music, DJs, cocktails and entertainment.

The couple plans to freshen up the building with light renovations to modernize the style. They will begin by keeping the first floor and basement space open, while doing work on the second and third floors and in-house chef’s kitchen.  

“People are going to walk in and see amazing updates,” Mena said.  

More Pizza for Midtown

Two long-time Harrisburg restaurateurs are joining forces on a new pizza and sub shop in Midtown.

Judd Goodman of Federal Taphouse and Ozzie Cabrera of Niko’s Pizza and Tonino’s Pizza plan to open Slice of Midtown at 1100 N. 3rd St., according to the pair.

The shop, slated to debut this month, will offer pizza, cheesesteaks, hoagies, grinders, wings and some Italian dinner entrees, Goodman said.

“The void of pizza, cheesesteaks and salads at an affordable price to that area was the deciding factor (in opening),” he said. “We are also catering to the late night crowd on Friday and Saturday to satisfy the live music and late night enthusiasts.”

Another positive is the restaurant’s proximity to major employment centers in Harrisburg, such as the state Capitol Complex and the federal courthouse, Goodman added.

The building is located at the corner of N. 3rd and Herr streets, which last housed Sushi Yatta, a short-lived business that closed in 2022. Before that, a convenience store and various shops occupied the first-floor retail space.

Slice of Midtown will build on Cabrera’s recipes, with all breads, rolls, pizza dough, sauces and dressings made from scratch, according to the owners.

The eatery will be takeout-only, as the snug space doesn’t permit seating, Goodman said. There also will be delivery and pick-up options via an app.

Home Sales, Prices Higher

Harrisburg-area home sales and prices both moved higher in April, according to the latest report on previously owned houses.

In the three-county region, 496 homes sold in April, compared to 448 in April 2023, as the median sales price rose to $255,000 from $245,000 over the period, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, 227 houses sold, a drop of six from the year-ago period, though the median price increased to $230,000 from $213,900, GHAR stated.

Cumberland County had 227 home sales versus 193 a year ago, while the median price rose slightly to $287,600 from $285,000, GHAR said.

In Perry County, 35 houses changed hands compared to 19 in April 2023, as the median sales price inched up to $220,000 from $219,000, according to GHAR.

The pace of sales picked up in April, as “average days on market” dropped to 26 days versus 34 days the prior April, GHAR said.

So Noted

Angie Singer Keating has been appointed board president of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern PA. According to the State College-based organization, Keating has over two decades of experience in information systems, project management and engineering.

Goodwill Keystone Area, Reworld and the PA Department of Environmental Protection last month announced a new, free e-waste recycling program at the Goodwill Keystone Area Store and Donation Center, 1200 Market St., Lemoyne. This initiative is set to increase electronic waste recycling capacities across 22 counties in central and southeastern Pennsylvania, ensuring no-cost disposal options for residents.

Knead Pizza is reopening, nearly two years after shuttering amidst a controversy over an employee unionization effort. The small pizza shop, located at N. 3rd and Boas streets in Harrisburg, plans to open only on Thursdays and Fridays, operated only by Knead’s owners.

Ryan McCrory last month was named the new executive director of the Dauphin County Library System. McCrory holds an MLIS degree from Clarion University and has over 25 years of library experience, according to DCLS. He replaces Karen Cullings, who retired last year.

The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) last month received the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, a nonprofit dedicated to improving philanthropy transparency and effectiveness. The award helps assure donors and community members that their contributions are managed with integrity and are used to drive substantial, measurable impact in our region, according to TFEC.

Tri County Housing recently received the Pyramid Award for “Best Affordable Housing—Multi-Family Project” from the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg. The Harrisburg-based housing nonprofit received the award for its Hummel Street revitalization project, which includes 10 new affordable townhouses over the past two years.

Changing Hands

Balm St., 144: D&L Development Group Inc. to E. Sanchez, $149,900

Bellevue Rd., 1920: KMZ LLC to JG Family Trust, $100,000

Bellevue Rd., 1942: KMZ LLC to G. Valera, $89,900

Benton St., 627: D. Myers to D. Darden & C. Sepulveda, $195,000

Benton St., 704: First Choice Home Buyers LLC to V. Okuneye, $125,000

Briggs St., 1824: S. Zunun to I. Yushawu, $145,000

Burchfield St., 315 & 317: Greenbrook Enterprises LLC to Zook Rentals LLC, $240,000

Chestnut St., 1607: H. Hoffman & D. Yorty to Meridian Realty Holdings LLC, $110,000

Crescent St., 455: Val de Vie Estate Investments LLC to C. Scott, $112,000

Croyden Rd., 2927: L. Harris to J. Bosley & M. Wesolowski, $142,000

Cumberland St., 214: C. Anderson to Z. Hoopes, $210,000

Derry St., 1333: Paramount Sol LLC to S. Flores, $1,470,000 ?????

Derry St., 2711: R. Tonkin to Vertical Capital LLC, $110,000

Division St., 609: M. Della Porta to 6th Street Liquor LLC, $2,700,000

Emerald St., 219: M. Goldthwait & L. Witmer to B. Pardoe, $230,000

Emerald St., 226: HBG Rents LLC to L. Miller, $265,000

Evergreen St., 121: 101 S. 17th Street LLC to Bloom Estate Investment LLC, $275,000

Forster St., 2025: Laurel Associates LLC to MAT Holdings LLC, $80,500

Fulton St., 1704: E. Hummel & B. Higgins to L. Young, $224,500

Fulton St., 1723: S. DeLong to J. Polanco, $210,000

Green St., 1318: G. & E. Gibeau to O. Pierce, $142,000

Harris St., 220: R. Perez to LA Squared Rental LLC, $274,900

Harris St., 443: Green Book Enterprises LLC to Keystone Properties Solutions LLC, $206,000

Herr St., 1727: M&N Prestige LLC to C. Burgos & R. Gutierrez, $101,000

Hoerner St., 129: C. Early to C. Smith, $102,000

Howard St., 1321: M. Nichole to Mau Properties LLC, $50,000

Kensington St., 2237: C. Tran & H. Lan to K. Dieu, $95,000

Kensington St., 2239: R. Cash to C. Koehn, $130,000

Lexington St., 2614: S. Washington to G&W Rentals LLC, $62,500

Liberty St., 1404: R. & D. Requa to Balaci Properties LLC, $95,000

Logan St., 1627: Toolbox of Life Inc. to Culcay Remodeling Guagua Remodeling LLC, $62,000

Mercer St., 2423: E. Green to S. German, $146,000

Mercer St., 2428: W. Fisher to K. Guerrero, $132,000

Mercer St., 2465: M. Mast to S. Esayas, $78,000

North St., 1912½: E. Hevner to Berger 1912 LLC, $92,000

N. 2nd St., 2321: R. & P. Higdon to Central PA Investment Group LLC, $54,500

N. 2nd St., 3105: J. Long & A. Carr to E. Knerr, $215,000

N. 3rd St., 1906: C. Chapman to C. Spoonhour, $170,000

N. 3rd St., 2336: L&C Holdings LLC to Sri Balaji LLC, $675,000

N. 4th St., 2319: Berrospi Properties LLC to Prime Realty Solutions 4U LLC, $115,000

N. 5th St., 1600: C. Henson to First Choice Home Buyers LLC, $58,500

N. 5th St., 3014 & 3016: L. Busko to A. Jackson & A. Nornhold, $202,000

N. 6th St., 2101; 2120, 2124, 2128, 2130 Jefferson St.; 606, 608, 610, 612 & 620 Maclay St.; 2119 Elizabeth Alley: Mighty Group Holdings LLC to Pennsylvania Social Equity Land Trust Inc., $14,500,000

N. 6th St., 2667: SPG Capital LLC to NFN LLC, $175,000

N. 12th St., 60: A. Bouhach to T. Kea, $110,000

N. 14th St., 63: P. Sisemore to E&R Realty Legacy LLC, $144,000

N. 16th St., 912: C. Van Den Hazenkamp to J. Lopez, $180,000

N. 17th St., 803: Rosaruth Properties LLC to R. Pollard, $185,000

N. 18th St., 902: Old Cellar Creek Ventures LLC to D. Ward, $75,000

N. 18th St., 917: R. & D. Requa to MAT Holdings LLC, $80,000

N. Front St., 1121: R. & A. Kinch to Cummings Real Estate LP, $475,000

N. Front St., 1335 & 1309 Bartine St.: PA Chiropractic Association to LE Trust, $350,000

Park St., 1929: First Choice Home Buyers LLC to Mau Properties LLC, $80,000

Paxton St., 1801: MMLM Realty LLC to Nilkanth Real Estate LLC, $170,000

Penn St., 1405: C. Halpert to Gallick Redevelopment Group LLC, $62,000

Penn St., 1922: A. Hibbard to A. Geise 2005 Trust, $285,000

Penn St., 2329: R. Memmi to Twelfth Roof LLC, $109,000

Pennwood Rd., 3125: J. Ritchey to New Ventures Investments LLC, $145,000

Reel St., 2456: D&F Realty Holdings LP to A. Abubakari, $155,000

Reel St., 2713: M. Rodriquez to Y. Luna, $140,000

Regina St., 1845: M. Lehman to Mau Properties LLC, $80,000

Reily St., 213: E. Brantner to L. Bennett & M. Reutinger, $192,000

Reily St., 215: Big Leaf Properties LLC to Calders Street Development LLC, $265,000

Rudy Rd., 2155: C. Lopus to J. Keating, $210,000

Rumson Dr., 2856: S. Aiken to K. Deininger, $135,000

S. 15th St., 11: J. Shaulis to S. Cyprys, $135,000

S. 15th St., 25: 1822 Park LLC to Anneliese Enterprise LLC, $85,000

S. 17th St., 427: B. Debeljak to D. Villanona, $145,500

S. 18th St., 1235: Glanzair Properties LLC to R. & E. Nartey, $220,000

S. 29th St., 726: T. Schiffhauer to M. Madrid, $127,800

S. Front St., 547: B. Ward to 2nd Level Management LLC, $90,000

Spencer St., 1837: E. Ayala, L. Hernandez & N. Vogt to J. & C. Peterson, $85,000

State St., 1340: R. & D. Requa to Kermon Home Solutions LLC, $100,000

State St., 1404: M. Henson to C. & M. White, $110,000

Swatara St., 1519: Tri County HDC Ltd. to Y. Feliz, $99,900

Swatara St., 2123: L. Brown to R. Washington, $110,000

Verbeke St., 212: L. Fee to A&W Homes LLC, $147,000

Verbeke St., 232: M. Meyer to A. O’Brien, $229,000

Walnut St., 1420: D. Pittman to 1420 Walnut LLC, $157,500

Whitehall St., 1851: Best By LLC to YT Harrisburg LLC, $265,000

Woodbine St., 526: S. Ratliff & J. Grier to C. Asong & R. Folefac, $69,000

Yale St., 217: J. & G. Proctor to Q. Demiri, $50,000

Zarker St., 1910: Z. Wiest & PA Deals LLC to Crummel Insurance Agency LLC, $124,900

Harrisburg property sales, April 2024, greater than $50,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

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Harrisburg School District superintendent may leave, become top official at nearby district

May 17, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Superintendent Eric Turman at a March press conference

The Harrisburg School District may soon lose one of its top officials.

Superintendent Eric Turman announced on the district website on Friday that he may be leaving his post, as he is the finalist to become the superintendent of Central Dauphin School District.

“It has truly been my great honor to work in the Harrisburg School District over the last three years,” Turman said in a statement. “While I am excited about new professional opportunities, it’s very difficult to consider leaving a school community like Harrisburg that cares so deeply for its students.”

Turman was appointed to his role in June 2021 by the previous district receiver Janet Samuels. Turman had formerly served as the principal of Reading High School for 10 years.

The Central Dauphin school board is slated to vote on its appointment for superintendent at a meeting on Monday, May 20.

If Turman is appointed at Central Dauphin, Harrisburg Receiver Dr. Lori Suski will share a leadership transition plan in the coming weeks, including a timeline, Turman said.

During Turman’s three years in Harrisburg, the district navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and virtual learning, moved forward with a school reconfiguration plan, decided to reopen Steele Elementary School and held meetings to determine the future of the William Penn building, which the district ultimately decided to save instead of demolish.

Additionally, the district was set to exit its three-year state receivership in 2022, but the state control was ultimately extended through 2025 by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

“I have been touched by the commitment and passion of our faculty, staff, and community to providing the best possible education and support for our young people,” Turman said. “I know the entire administrative team is deeply driven to do all we can to support them. Our administrative team is strong and shares many responsibilities for the daily work of our school district. I am very confident that we will continue to work together to support our schools and students.”

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

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

April 26, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Local officials celebrated Earth Day at a press conference in Reservoir Park this week.

The weather looks like it’ll be heating up this weekend in Harrisburg. Get outside for a stroll in the sun and support some of our city’s great local businesses. Make sure you also find some time this weekend to catch up on this week’s news, below.

Bike Month is in May and local cycling groups have lots of festivities and educational events planned, our online story reported. Also during the month, there will be a Ride of Silence to honor cyclists who were killed or injured on the road.

Deborah and Scott Hershey showcase both of their passions in their storefront in Carlisle, our magazine story reported. Up front is Hershey Violins, Scott’s space, and closer to the back is where Deborah’s art is displayed.

Earth Day was this week and city and local officials celebrated by highlighting environmental initiatives, our online story reported. One of those programs is Lights Out Harrisburg, which aims to help save migrating birds.

Frederick, Md., has a vibrant arts scene and our arts writer Bob MacGinnes took a trip to explore it. Read his story to find out about all the best galleries and shops to visit.

The Harrisburg School District is slated to purchase a large office building on N. 7th Street for the district to use as its new administration building, our online story reported. The current admin building on State Street will become an elementary school, as part of the district’s reconfiguration plans.

Jim Doyle has been dedicated to the ancient art form of Bonsai for over 50 years, our magazine story reported. At Nature’s Way Nursery in Linglestown, Doyle shares his passion with the community.

Knowledge is power, according to healthcare professionals at Capital Blue Cross. Knowing your family health history can help you identify areas of potential concern and reduce your risks.

The Market Street Bridge will close for two nights in May in order for PennDOT to conduct a lighting study related to the bridge rehab project. Read our story for more information and to find detour routes.

PA primary election results came in this week and Democrat Janelle Stelson will face long-time incumbent Rep. Scott Perry in the Harrisburg area’s 10th congressional district race. To find out who won other local nominations, click here.

Sara Bozich has gathered up all of this weekend’s best events in the Harrisburg area. Find her list, here.

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