Tag Archives: Market Street Bridge

Down by the River: Bridge it and they will come

June 30, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

Illustration by Rich Hauck.

You might say that Harrisburg suffers from an embarrassment of bridge riches.

Six spans cross the Susquehanna River over about a mile, some so close that you might be able to fling a whoopie pie between them.

Some are majestic, crafted of iron or stone, from a time when design and beauty meant something. Others are steel, flat and utilitarian, from a time when it didn’t.

There are vehicle, train and pedestrian bridges. There are active and inactive bridges. Among Harrisburg’s many bridges, there’s something for every taste, style and function.

But there are problems, too. Big ones. In fact, nearly every bridge across the Susquehanna suffers from one major flaw or another.

Now, thanks to the federal infrastructure bill, there’s money to address some of these problems, many longstanding. The regional planning group, the Harrisburg Area Transportation Study (HATS), recently said that its project budget would increase by about one-third, or by about $25 million per year over the next four years, because of the law.

That’s a lot of money. Unfortunately, it’s still not enough to fix everything, especially when you consider that these funds need to be spread out among many road, bridge and multimodal projects. HATS has 153 projects on its to-do list from 2023-26, so choices need to be made.

In my opinion, HATS is making some good ones.

Over the next five years, the immediate Harrisburg area should be buzzing with road and bridge work. Some of these projects fall into the category of deferred or badly needed maintenance, while others will bring significant changes and improvements.

I’m personally looking forward to the “Capital Gateway” project, which will re-design and slim down Forster Street between the Taylor Bridge and N. 2nd Street in Harrisburg for better bike and pedestrian use. Construction, originally set for this year, has been pushed up to 2023.

When it comes to the Susquehanna bridges, I’m generally positive about the plans.

Here, I’m referring to the three, century-plus-old bridges in the middle of Harrisburg’s bridge bounty: the iron-truss, ped/bike Walnut Street Bridge, the stone-arched, auto-centric Market Street Bridge and the long-dormant, concrete-arched CAT (Cumberland Valley Railroad) Bridge.

Starting downriver, the CAT Bridge is perhaps the most exciting project. Armed with new federal infrastructure money, HATS moved this $22.5 million project from “some day” to “let’s schedule it.” The plan would take the unused railroad bridge and turn it into a bike and pedestrian span, with work hopefully starting in 2026.

Next up the river, the Market Street Bridge is set for major rehabilitation, with a decade-long project estimated to cost $63.8 million. The re-design would repair and widen sidewalks, among other fixes, but recently received blowback following a last-minute proposal by PennDOT to build a horrible utility bridge alongside the graceful stone-arch structure.

Then there’s what I consider to be the visual jewel, perhaps the symbol of Harrisburg—the 132-year-old, wrought iron Walnut Street Bridge. New federal funds also have benefitted this project, with HATS expecting to use about $3.5 million to undertake rehab work of the intact eastern span.

So, there you have it, three old bridges, all within 100 yards of each other, which should be treated as a single set of complementary crossings.

That’s how HATS’ parent, the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, views it, as well.

“We have three bridges up against each other there,” Executive Director Steven Deck told me recently. “We are trying to figure out what the best mix of investments and projects is to accommodate bike, ped and vehicular traffic across there. It will be some combination of those bridges.”

To me, the missing piece of the puzzle is the piece that’s literally missing. The disastrous 1996 flood knocked out two huge chunks of the western portion of the Walnut Street Bridge, leaving a big gap between the west shore and City Island.

Dick Norford of Bike Harrisburg told me that, given the options, the biking community would prioritize rehabbing the walk/bike CAT Bridge over reconnecting the walk/bike Walnut Street Bridge.

That’s understandable. The CAT Bridge is an intact span and is well located for access to both the east and west shores. It might even give a big push to bicycle commuting, he said.

Indeed, I would love to see the CAT Bridge turned into a new bike/pedestrian crossing, but does it need to be either/or?

The last cost estimate, from 2014, to repair the Walnut Street Bridge’s western span was $15 to $20 million, said Andrew Bomberger, Tri-County’s transportation planning coordinator.

That’s no small sum, but maybe funds could be found elsewhere. For example, could the very expensive, prolonged Market Street Bridge project be scaled back?

At the very least, I hope that fixing the Walnut Street Bridge gets back on the radar. In its current state, the bridge is like an otherwise beautiful smile that’s missing a couple of teeth. Harrisburg may never be truly whole until it’s fixed.

In the end, the genteel Walnut Street Bridge is really a walking bridge, a running bridge. The robust, sturdy Market Street Bridge is really a car bridge. And the CAT Bridge would largely be a biking bridge, with an easy connection to the Capital Area Greenbelt.

Three historic bridges, three uses, three modalities, each separate but functioning as a whole, complementing one another as they move bodies across the Susquehanna for another century.

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

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

May 27, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Police Commissioner Thomas Carter and Mayor Wanda Williams swore in five new officers on Thursday.

Happy Memorial Day, Harrisburg. Whether you’re headed to Artsfest or plan to grill with friends, make sure you first get up to speed on this past week’s local news.

Another Round Lemoyne resells professional-grade restaurant wares at a fraction of their original prices, our magazine story reported. Owner Jon Bellem purchased the items from the pandemic wave of closed cafes and restaurants.

Artsfest will return to Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park this weekend from May 28 to 30, our online story reported. The event will feature 150 art vendors, as well as food, music and entertainment.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region received its largest donation ever, our reporting found. Philanthropist Mackenzie Scott awarded the organization $1.1 million. In total, she donated $122.6 million to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, which then allocated a portion of the funds to 38 local agencies.

Dauphin County announced tourism grants for dozens of local programs, projects and organizations, our online story reported. The county will award over $2.3 million in grants to 77 recipients.

Dauphin County Library System opened a new downtown Harrisburg Print Shop, our online story reported. The facility will allow the library to print its own materials, as well as provide affordable services to local nonprofits.

Harrisburg plans to begin a Group Violence Intervention program to prevent gun violence in the city, our online story reported. According to officials, it will only be successful if the community is committed to helping out.

The Harrisburg Police Bureau swore in five new officers on Thursday, our reporting found. They also presented officers with awards of bravery and recognized retirees.

Jeannetta Politis was appointed executive director of the Joshua Group in Harrisburg, filling the shoes of founder Kirk Hallet, who retired. In our magazine story, read more about the organization’s mission to support at-risk youth.

Obesity is a national pandemic that has been exasperated by the COVID-19 pandemic, says George Fernandez, founder of Latino Connection. Latino populations are especially at risk. For tips on how to combat obesity, read our online story.

One13 Social is an upscale, casual restaurant specializing in dishes created with locally sourced ingredients, our magazine story reported. The restaurant is relatively new to Carlisle, but already has dedicated customers.

Once Upon a Pesto, an online blog, showcases unique pesto recipes from around the world. In our magazine story, read about Dauphin County resident Jessica Paholsky’s vision behind the blog and find a few recipes to try.

PennDOT announced that it expects to move forward with a plan to rehabilitate the Market Street Bridge, our online story reported. The project would include adding a new utility bridge.

PennDOT’s proposal for the Market Street Bridge has our editor wondering how one agency could have so many bad ideas. In an editorial, read why he’s opposed to the proposal to add a utility bridge next to the historic structure.

Poets in Harrisburg have found healing and meaning through writing, our magazine story reported. Read about several local poets who not only write to help themselves, but to impact others.

Sankofa African American Theatre Company will premiere “Crowns” this weekend at Open Stage in Harrisburg. In our magazine story, read about the show, which centers the experiences of Black women finding their place in the world.

Sara Bozich has lots of ideas for how to spend your weekend, including Artsfest, Harrisburg Senators games and Memorial Day festivities.

“Saving Our Streets” will honor the families of gun violence victims, as well as educate the youth, on May 28, our online story reported. The event will be held at Italian Lake Park in Harrisburg and feature vendors, community resources and kids’ activities.

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Burg View: Limited Utility

May 25, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

PennDOT’s rendering of the Market Street Bridge, with the proposed utility bridge alongside it.

How can one agency have so many bad ideas?

A few years ago, the PA Department of Transportation proposed doubling the width of I-83 through Harrisburg, destroying yet more of the city, 1950s-style. That proposal was later slimmed down, slightly, to no one’s satisfaction.

Then there’s the tolling of the South Bridge, a proposal now temporarily halted by the Commonwealth Court following near-universal condemnation by local and county governments.

And I’ve certainly slammed PennDOT enough times in this space for refusing to slim down the lower portion of Forster Street, which is dangerously overbuilt.

Well, now, we have a scheme to build a hideous utility bridge next to the historic, majestic Market Street Bridge.

Truly, it’s mind-boggling.

Last January, PennDOT held a public meeting to present proposals for the Market Street Bridge rehabilitation. Three options were offered, none of which included the unsightly utility bridge.

Evidently, that got dreamed up sometime between then and now, foisted upon us with no warning. PennDOT’s reasoning: it will cut the bridge rehab project from an estimated 10 years to five to six years.

I’m all for reducing the timeframe, since I’d like to see the project completed during my lifetime.

However, it seems uniquely shortsighted to mar a historic bridge—for decades, a century, more—in order to save a few years on the front end. And, besides, aren’t there any better options?

Perhaps the utilities now beneath the Market Street Bridge sidewalk could be re-located to the nearby CAT Bridge, which is slated to become a pedestrian/bike bridge.

Perhaps the overbuilt, four-lane Market Street Bridge configuration could be reduced to three lanes.

Perhaps the Market Street Bridge rehab plan, which is doing backflips to accommodate wider pedestrian/bike lanes, could be simplified and combined with rebuilding the missing western spans of the pedestrian/bike-only Walnut Street Bridge.

These are just a few quick ideas, some of which were suggested by our thoughtful readers. I’m sure there are other better, more creative and perhaps more cost-effective options than building an entirely new, horribly ugly utility bridge running the length of the stately Market Street Bridge.

PennDOT will take public comments on its current proposal, which it calls “modified option 1,” through June 17. My comment is—let’s go back to the drawing board.

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

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PennDOT closer to Market Street Bridge rehab plan, adds separate utility bridge

May 20, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

The Market Street Bridge, from Harrisburg

The future of the Market Street Bridge appears to be coming into focus, as the PA Department of Transportation seems to be settling on a rehabilitation plan.

On Friday, PennDOT stated that it expects to move ahead with “modified Option 1,” which adds a new utility bridge to the previously announced plan.

“PennDOT has selected to proceed further with the design and environmental clearance based on a modified Option 1 with the addition of a separate utility bridge to relocate all utilities to reduce the overall construction time” according to the department’s announcement.

Last January, PennDOT unveiled three possible plans for the $63.8 million, multi-year project and asked for public comment. The plan now proposed came about as a result of that comment, PennDOT said.

Option 1 maintains the current, four 10-foot lanes for both the “eastern” bridge, which spans the Susquehanna River from Harrisburg to City Island, and the “western” bridge, from City Island to the west shore.

Smoother sidewalk surfaces would be provided for each bridge. Metal hatches would be removed from the sidewalk areas, and the sidewalks will be replaced.

For the western bridge, two 7-foot sidewalks, along with 2-foot shoulders, would be constructed, which would provide additional space for bicyclists and a buffer area between vehicles and pedestrians on the sidewalks. Additional bicycle signage and pavement markings, such as sharrows, would also be added from the west shore to the east shore.

PennDOT said this option would allow it to have the flexibility to re-stripe the roadway in the future to take out a lane and add additional bike/pedestrian space if needed.

A diagram shows proposed changes to the west part of the Market Street Bridge. The bridge’s current configuration is at the top and proposed configuration at the bottom. Courtesy: PennDOT

Notably, this plan calls for the addition of a narrow utility bridge next to the Market Street Bridge. Currently, utilities, including include gas transmission lines, multiple fiber optic telecommunications lines and a sewer line, run beneath the sidewalks of the bridge.

According to PennDOT, building a separate bridge for the utilities will shorten the construction period from about 10 years to five to six years. Construction is slated to begin in 2024.

A rendering of the Market Street Bridge, with the construction of a separate utility bridge. Courtesy PennDOT

The project would proceed in three phases:

Phase 1 – Construct the utility bridge and relocate all utilities from Market Street Bridge to the new utility bridge. Existing travel lanes will be maintained except for short-term lane closures with flagging to accommodate utility reconnections.

Phase 2 – Construct the westbound (upstream) side of the bridges. One eastbound lane will be maintained with all westbound traffic being detoured via Harvey Taylor Bridge. Access to City Island will be from the eastbound ramp.

Phase 3 – Construct the eastbound (downstream) side of the bridge. One eastbound lane will be maintained on the upstream newly constructed side with all westbound traffic being detoured via Harvey Taylor Bridge. Access to City Island will be from the westbound ramp.

Information, including a project overview, project displays, and methods to provide comment, can be viewed on the project website at Market Street Bridge. An in-person open house plan display will be held on Thursday, June 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kinsley Hall, 20 Market St., Wormleysburg.

Comments will be accepted through Friday, June 17.

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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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PennDOT brings Market Street Bridge plans to community; activists, business owners raise concerns

January 18, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Community members talk to engineers about the Market Street Bridge project at an open house held by PennDOT.

On Tuesday morning, people filed into the Wormleysburg Borough Office with questions about a major bridge rehabilitation project proposed for Harrisburg.

With informational poster boards and engineers placed around the room, PennDOT welcomed the public to comment on its plan to make major improvements to the Market Street Bridge.

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

Late last year, PennDOT announced its $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 they plan to address.

The project will include work on both the east side of the bridge, which connects Harrisburg to City Island, and the west side, which connects City Island to Wormleysburg. Under the plan, PennDOT will rehab the historic arches of the near 100-year-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.

All of this work will address the structural issues that the bridge has and “maintain a safe and efficient way to cross the Susquehanna River,” according to PennDOT.

This is what PennDOT wants input on, and on Tuesday, Harrisburg area residents showed up to voice their opinions.

Kevin Kulp, president of the Harrisburg Senators, was one of those people. He heard about the project and was concerned about how it would affect traffic to City Island, where FNB Field, the Senators’ stadium is located.

“I’m really glad I came,” he said. “Seeing the options, it’s certainly important for us to stay informed.”

PennDOT is presenting three options to the public:

Option 1: Keep four lanes of traffic and two sidewalks on each side of the bridge, improving sidewalk surfaces. Only on the western side would sidewalks expand and 2-foot shoulders would be added to provide space for bicyclists. With this option, PennDOT would have the flexibility to re-stripe the roadway in the future to take out a lane and add additional bike/pedestrian space if needed.

PennDOT’s proposal for Option 1

Option 2: Keep four lanes of traffic on each side of the bridge. Eliminate the upstream sidewalk on both to make room for a widened, near 10-foot, downstream sidewalk. This would be shared use for both pedestrians and bicyclists. Two 1-foot-wide shoulders would be created on the western side and one on the eastern side for additional space for bicyclists.

PennDOT’s proposal for Option 2

Option 3: Reduce to three lanes of traffic, eliminating one. PennDOT would make a wider upstream sidewalk for pedestrians and a wider, 10-foot downstream sidewalk for shared use. They would also add 2-foot shoulders between vehicle lanes and raised sidewalks—additional space for bicyclists.

PennDOT’s proposal for Option 3

According to Mertz, the Market Street Bridge sees “plenty” of pedestrian and bicycle use, warranting the multimodal upgrades.

David Morrison, executive director of Historic Harrisburg Association, has his concerns.

“I applaud them for the restoration of the historic eastern bridge,” Morrison said. “But they could just restore this as is and not try to make it a 21st-century recreational bridge.”

Morrison doesn’t see bicyclists using the bridge as much as PennDOT thinks they will. He pointed out what he sees as an unsafe crossing area once riders cross the bridge onto Front Street in Wormleysburg. He also cited the Harvey Taylor Bridge as an example of a failed multimodal attempt, saying how the pedestrian walkways, added in the early 2000s don’t get much use.

“I’m afraid we will get the same result,” Morrison said. “I’m afraid it’s going to be a waste of money.”

Morrison proposed that PennDOT explore an alternate option–restoring the western span of the Walnut Street Bridge and making that the primary non-vehicular passageway for cyclists, runners and pedestrians.

A few bicyclists showed up at the open house, including Dick Norford, a Capital Area Greenbelt Association (CAGA) board member. Norford thinks the pedestrian and bike lanes proposed for the Market Street Bridge will be used.

“There’s an ever-increasing number of people commuting on bicycles,” he said.

Norford had concerns about the safety of option two, which only has one shared sidewalk for bikers and pedestrians. But overall, he favored the idea of increasing access for bikers on the bridge.

“If we make it more inviting for bicyclists, they will use it,” he said.

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

There is a possibility of that timeline changing depending on what happens with the South Bridge of I-83, which PennDOT has proposed widening and beginning to toll, Mertz explained. According to Mertz, they wouldn’t have construction taking place on both at the same time.

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

Kulp is nervous about the construction’s impact on allowing visitors easy access to the island’s amenities, including Senators games.

“We have to make sure people are going to be able to get to the island and get home in an efficient manner,” he said. “I want to look out for the interest of all the vendors on City Island.”

PennDOT is accepting public input on the Market Street Bridge project through Feb. 11. An additional open house will be held on Jan. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Wormleysburg Borough Office, Knisley Hall. Comments can also be made online.

For more information about the Market Street Bridge rehabilitation project, visit PennDOT’s website.

Updated on 1-20-22 to include a statement from David Morrison.

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PennDOT adds second time to next week’s open house for Market Street Bridge project

January 11, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda

The Market Street Bridge in Harrisburg

The PA Department of Transportation has added a second time slot for an open house slated for next week for its planned Market Street Bridge rehabilitation project.

The in-person event now will take place at 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Jan. 18, in addition to 6 to 8 p.m. on that day.

The open house will take place at Kinsley Hall, 20 Market St., Wormleysburg.

According to PennDOT, the second time was added due to COVID-19 concerns to reduce in-person traffic and to offer more space for attendees.

PennDOT plans to rehabilitate the historic arches of the bridge. The agency will also replace the deck and sidewalks on the eastern bridge and construct a new deck and beams on the western bridge.

According to PennDOT, the purpose of the $63.8 million project is to maintain a safe and efficient way to cross the Susquehanna River between Harrisburg and the west shore. The Market Street Bridge is one of four main river crossings in the Harrisburg area.

A project overview, displays and plans are available on PennDOT’s website for the public to view. The community also can offer feedback through a comment form.

The purpose of both the online plan display and the open house is to introduce the project, depict the preferred alternative, and receive public input regarding any questions or concerns with the project, PennDOT said.

PennDOT originally had planned the open house to take place in early December and end the public comment period later in the month. It then pushed the open house into January, and the public comment period has been extended until Feb. 11, according to PennDOT.

The department expects to begin the bridge rehabilitation project in 2024.

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December News Digest

November 30, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Wanda Williams Elected Harrisburg Mayor

Wanda Williams will be the next mayor of Harrisburg, as the City Council president handily beat back a write-in challenge from the incumbent mayor.

Williams, the Democratic nominee, received 4,429 votes compared to 1,920 votes for “write-in candidate 1,” who is presumed to be two-term Mayor Eric Papenfuse. Republican candidate Timothy Rowbottom received 470 votes.

At an election celebration in Uptown Harrisburg, Williams promised to be a “visible leader,” implicitly contrasting her style with that of Papenfuse.

“The residents of Harrisburg finally have an authentic leader, and that’s me—who’s rooted in the community and is going to take input from the community,” she said, before a crowd of cheering supporters.

Williams and Papenfuse also competed in May in a crowded, five-candidate Democratic primary, with Papenfuse losing the nomination for a third term by just 46 votes. In September, he declared that he would run as a write-in candidate.

Williams, who has served on City Council for four terms, will take office in early January. In the meantime, she said that her first priorities are to hire staff, speak with city residents over how to best spend federal pandemic relief money and confer with City Council members.

“It feels wonderful,” Williams said, following her victory. “I want to get in there and get started.”

In the race for Harrisburg City Council, four Democrats won after running unopposed for four, four-year seats. They are council veterans Ausha Green and Shamaine Daniels and newcomers Ralph Rodriguez and Jocelyn Rawls.

For city school board, Democrats Brian Carter, Danielle Robinson, Roslyn Copeland and Jaime Johnsen all won four-year seats. Democrats Terricia Radcliff and Ellis R. “Rick” Roy won two-year seats on the board.

Running unopposed, incumbent Charlie DeBrunner will serve another term as city controller.

In Dauphin County, Republican Mary Bateman won a two-year seat for county controller, defeating Democrat Eric Epstein in a close race. For prothonotary, Republican incumbent Matt Krupp defeated Democrat Anju Singh. Running unopposed, long-time county coroner Graham Hetrick will serve another term.

In the hotly contested race for an open judgeship on the Court of Common Pleas, Republican Jeff Engle defeated Democrat La Tasha Williams.

Market Street Bridge Rehab Planned

A major Harrisburg bridge connecting the east and west shores is slated to undergo rehabilitation.

PennDOT last month began seeking community input on a project that will make improvements to the historic Market Street Bridge.

The bridge spans the Susquehanna River, connecting Harrisburg to Wormleysburg, as well as City Island in between.

PennDOT plans to rehabilitate the historic arches of the bridge. The state transportation agency will also replace the deck and sidewalks on the eastern bridge and construct a new deck and beams on the western bridge.

A project overview, displays and plans are available on PennDOT’s website for the public to view. The agency hopes to receive feedback from the community through a comment form.

There will also be an in-person open house plan display held on Dec. 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kinsley Hall, 20 Market St., Wormleysburg.

PennDOT is accepting comments on the project until Dec. 22. They anticipate starting construction in 2024.

“It is an important project for commuters and pedestrians, and we strongly encourage everyone to visit the project website or join us for the open house to learn about the preliminary plans to rehabilitate the bridge and maintain safety and multimodal access over the Susquehanna,” said PennDOT Acting District Executive Chris Drda.

Pet Store Opens in Kline Plaza

Harrisburg’s four-legged residents now have a place in the city that’s stocked with items just for them.

Butler’s Pet Feed & Supplies opened last month in the Kline Plaza shopping center on S. 25th Street. The store carries dog, cat, fish and turtle food and supplies.

“We are providing for residents what they are tired of traveling out of the city to get,” said Darryl Butler, who owns the store with his wife Celia. “These are high-quality products that no other local pet store has.”

Butler has over 20 years of experience in dog breeding and training, he said. He specializes in breeding German shepherds. Opening his own pet store has been a dream for the past 10 years and, finally, his wife Celia pushed him to make it happen, he said.

Butler plans to use his experience and knowledge to offer advice and education to customers.

“It’s difficult to know what quality dog food is,” he said. “We are here to educate.”

Butler’s carries over 10 brands of dog food and over five brands of cat food, he said. Additionally, their shelves are stocked with items like leashes, treats, food bowls, litter boxes, pet beds and toys.

Butler also mentioned that they have a scale for customers to weigh their pets and make sure they’re healthy.

“It’s not just about the business side,” he said. “It’s about the passion.”

Grocery Debuts in Uptown Harrisburg

Uptown Harrisburg has a new grocery store, as Market Fresh on N. 6th Street opened its doors for customers.

“This area didn’t have a lot of fresh vegetable and fruit options. We wanted to supply that for the community,” said Camila Contreras, who runs the store with her father Ramon Contreras and his wife Yamelyn Vargas.

Ramon, originally from the Dominican Republic, isn’t new to the grocery industry. He’s owned a handful of corner stores over the past 30 years. Market Fresh is his biggest store yet, he said.

After conducting a market study, the family settled on their Uptown location, noticing the need for a grocery store in the neighborhood, Camila said.

“We realized everything was really far away,” she said. “He [Ramon] saw it as an opportunity to grow and help the community out.”

In addition to fresh meats and produce, the store has aisles full of frozen and packaged items. Camila pointed out the large number of Goya and other Latino food products.

“Because the area is really mixed [culturally], we tried to supply food that catered to everyone in the community,” Vargas said.

Ramon said that he plans to get a sense of what the community would like to see at Market Fresh and is open to taking suggestions from customers.

“It may take awhile to figure out what items people like,” he said. “I hope the community supports me.”
It took the family two years to transform the space on N. 6th Street into what it is today, as the pandemic delayed its opening. Ramon said that he’s proud of his new shop and now sees how far he’s come through three decades in the grocery business.

“I’m really happy,” he said. “Now that I see it done, I feel great. My hope is to offer the best services and quality to the community.”

Surf’s Up, as Beach Club Opens

The Harrisburg Beach Club opened for business last month at the point on City Island.

The beach club is an outdoors venue, with a bar and tables located just outside of the city’s historic bathhouse, near the banks of the Susquehanna River. For the cold-weather season, owners Bryan Donovan and Adam Maust have deployed heaters and fire pits.

The century-old bathhouse, which had been shuttered for decades, is also part of the project. Before it could re-open to the public, the Tudor-style structure required extensive restoration, including renovating the first-floor bathrooms and changing areas.

The owners also made extensive improvements to the outdoor space, including lighting, landscaping and construction of a large bar.

The owners announced their venture in late May, hoping to open in early July. However, various delays pushed the opening into early November.

In order to serve alcoholic beverages, the beach club employs a satellite liquor license from Hidden Still Spirits, a Hershey-based distillery. The beach club also features beer and wine from PA-based producers, as well as coffee from Harrisburg-based Good Brotha’s. The bar has a 10-tap system.

“We’re really excited to showcase the space,” Donovan said. “We’ve put a lot of hard work into it, so we’re eager to show everyone what we’ve done.”

Hours are Thursday and Friday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit www.harrisburgbeachclub.com.

Home Sales Dip, Prices Jump

October home sales in the Harrisburg area were modestly lower but prices moved higher, according to the latest report on previously owned homes.

For the three-county region, sales totaled 741 housing units, down from 805 units in October 2020, but the median price increased to $229,500 from $209,900, stated the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

In Dauphin County, sales dipped to 376 units from 385 a year ago, but the median price surged to $210,000 compared to $185,000 the prior October, GHAR said.

Cumberland County saw sales of 330 homes versus 383 in October 2020, but the median price increased to $259,750 compared to $235,000 last year, according to the association.

In Perry County, sales fell slightly to 35 units, a drop of two compared to last October. However, the median price shot up to $239,900 versus $195,700 in the year-ago period, GHAR stated.

Houses also were selling faster than last year, as the “average days on market” dropped to 20 days, compared to 31 days in October 2020, according to GHAR.

So Noted

Church World Service will open a new Harrisburg office to help resettle Afghan refugees locally, it was announced last month. Services will include case management, basic needs support, cultural orientation, health access assistance and job preparation and placement help.

Fltbys opened last month in Midtown Harrisburg, offering a variety of streetwear and branded merchandise. The opening of the shop at 263 Reily St. coincided with a concert by owner and musician KOTA the Friend at H*MAC.

Foose School last month cut the ribbon on its Little Free Library, which allows people to access books 24/7. Students across five classrooms brainstormed ideas for the design, made small models and helped paint the little library, which was then stocked with donated books.

Harrisburg University last month held a signing ceremony to “top off” its under-construction academic building at S. 3rd and Chestnut streets in Harrisburg. The 11-story building, which will house health science and other classrooms and facilities, is slated to open by 2023.

James M. MacLaren was inaugurated as the new president of Lebanon Valley College in late October. He is LVC’s 19th president in its 155-year history, according to the college.

Mark Walsh and Michael Yan are the new co-owners of the Budget Blinds franchise for Harrisburg, Hershey and Carlisle. Shoppers can visit the showroom at 4915 Jonestown Rd., Harrisburg, call 717-657-6110 or visit www.budgetblinds.com.

The Manor on Front Bed & Breakfast last month expanded to the building next door, the historic Mary Sachs mansion. The B&B, located on the 2900-block of N. Front St. in Harrisburg, now includes two neighboring, century-old buildings—“The Mary Sachs,” named for the famed clothier who lived there, and the original “Ledgestone.”

WITF, Hamilton Health and PNC Bank last month opened a new “Family Play and Learn Space” in Hamilton Health’s building in Allison Hill. The play space is intended to benefit low-income families in the Women Infants and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program.

In Memoriam

Kathy Possinger died suddenly on Oct. 22, following an accident at her Harrisburg home. Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., Possinger, 44, spent most of her career working in the fields of fair housing and community support, including as executive director of Tri County Community Action in Harrisburg from 2010 to 2015. Afterwards, she held several positions in state government, most recently as a special advisor to Meg Snead, the acting secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. To honor Kathy’s life, her family asks for donations to be made to Tri County Community Action, www.cactricounty.org.

Changing Hands

Bartine St., 1331: F. Rigel to Capital Acres LLC, $85,000

Bellevue Rd., 1911: A&K Investments Partnership LLC to F. Paulino, $125,000

Bellevue Rd., 1956: Equity Trust Co. FBO K. Mangan & E. Peak to M. & P. Pierce, $98,000

Bellevue Rd., 2011: M. Feldman to A. & J. Brown, $80,000

Berryhill St., 1616: A. Reeves to Rivera Realty LLC, $40,000

Berryhill St., 2253: L. Tran & L. Vo to T. Dieu, $58,000

Berryhill St., 2332: J. Mayhew to S. Hoch, $105,000

Berryhill St., 2475: N., A. and K. Williams to L. & B. Reed, $73,000

Boas St., 1509: J. Tracy to A. Trueitt, $32,000

Boas St., 1853: F. & N. Pimentel to L. Portes, $35,000

Briggs St., 1616: W. & M. Snow to D. Chegar & A. Elkhadir, $35,000

Crescent St., 323: C. Patel to M. Olano, $40,000

Dauphin St., 632: L. & L. Gustin to NA Capital Group LLC, $30,000

Derry St., 1252, 1254, 1330, 1627, 1629, 1631 & 1633 and 225 S. 13th St.: A. Himalaya PA Properties LLC & SLK Global Solutions America to 1252 Derry PA LLC, $557,832

Derry St., 1312: A. Himalaya PA Properties LLC & SLK Global Solutions America to 1408 Vernon PA LLC, $739,464

Derry St., 1408: D. Judge to J. DeJesus, $37,000

Emerald St., 217: A. Spinicelli to M. Mtere & F. Laoukili, $94,000

Emerald St., 519: C. Aumuller & P. Carcione to PACC Homes & Development LLC, $52,000

Girard St., 746: B. Simmons to SPG Capital LLC, $57,000

Green St., 1603: T. Moberg to 1603 Green LLC, $210,000

Green St., 1902: B. Garner to M. Richards, $217,500

Hale Ave., 442: C. & C. Terrell to Neidlinger Enterprises LLC, $63,500

Herr St., 1001: Herr Street Investments LLC to 1001 Herr Street Holdings LP, $12,800,000

Hillside Rd., 212: S. Geary to S. Penn, $207,000

Holly St., 1912: Super Fun Real Estate Yes LLC to L. Konrad, $120,000

Jefferson St., 2631: R. & C. Johnson Trust to D. Boyle, $35,000

Kelker St., 315: C. Clymire to C. Nicassio, $120,000

Kensington St., 2249: N. Doan to K. Russ, $120,000

Kensington St., 2328: S. Henry to A. Ryabukha, $72,000

Kensington St., 2433: X. Nguyen to HT Properties LLC, $65,000

Lexington St., 2622: EAM LLC to SPG Capital LLC, $51,500

Lexington St., 2628: C. Stoute to SPG Capital LLC, $52,000

Liberty St., 1430: Ten Point Corp. to D. Boyle, $47,000

Logan St., 1733: D. Dougherty & K. Lyons to J. Wagoner, $140,000

Mercer St., 2453: L. Rossum to D. Silva, $79,900

Mulberry St., 1913: CRS Housing LLC to N. Martinez, $45,000

Naudain St., 1518: W. Kirchenbauer to A. Fulp, $43,000

North St., 259: L. Kirkhuff & J. Carfagno to Pine Asset Management LLC, $165,000

North St., 1850: C. Parkison to E. Locke, $32,405

N. 2nd St., 801: M. Slobodian to D. Jackson, $300,000

N. 2nd St., 1104: J. & M. Bradley to S. & J. Toole, $140,000

N. 2nd St., 2412: J. Wagoner to C. Ruffing, $199,000

N. 2nd St., 2746: D. Dilks & E. Moffit to A. Rao, $309,000

N. 2nd St., 2830: J. Davis to D. Lopko & E. Torres, $199,900

N. 2nd St., 3010: J. McLaughlin & C. Powers to L. Fortini, $180,100

N. 3rd St., 1804: M. & J. Robinson to D. & D. Evans, $201,000

N. 3rd St., 2451: Hornby Zeller Properties LLC to F. Clark, $150,000

N. 3rd St., 3021: D. Ortiz to Innovative Assets LLC, $65,000

N. 4th St., 1923: L. Newton to TKO Rental Properties LLC, $60,000

N. 4th St., 2240: THG of MD LLC to SPG Capital LLC, $45,000

N. 4th St., 3105: S. Diehl to S. Eldredge, $165,000

N. 4th St., 3219: S. Hertzler to B. Chavez, $168,000

N. 5th St., 2610: E. Chattah & Y. Guhl to K. Kaseem, $55,000

N. 6th St., 2713: CC&J LLC to X. Weng, $43,000

N. 14th St., 1201: S. & J. Willoughby to Doceuno LLC, $60,000

N. 16th St., 707: G. Thompson to D. Roebuck, $88,000

N. 16th St., 817: W. & B. Napper to T. Brantley, $92,000

N. 17th St., 705: E&T Enterprises LLC to A. Fergusson, $60,000

N. 19th St., 28: House Cash LLC to H. Rosario, $62,000

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 602: R. Hostetter to LE Real Estate Trust, $350,000

N. Front St., 3109: J. McCarthy to 3109 North Front MB LLC, $157,000

Oxford St., 608: L. Korn to Rich Steel Realty LLC, $50,342

Oxford St., 621: M. Goldberg to K. Cooke, $55,000

Park St., 1820: AMR Ventures LLC to Tinhel LLC, $38,000

Park St., 1821: C. Asare to D. Boyle, $49,000

Park St., 1931: D. Leon to A. Figuereo, $40,000

Penn St., 915: J. Craig & F. Combs to 915 Penn LLC, $107,500

Penn St., 1511: D. Houser & M. Gamber to V. Jones Sr., $192,000

Penn St., 1519: L. Rynard to H. Witwer, $190,000

Penn St., 1807: Wheatland Restore LLC to S. & N. Haverl, $205,000

Penn St., 2147: Meier & Simone LLC to Morbucks Enterprise LLC, $49,000

Penn St., 2315: M. Magaro & R. Barbush to SPG Capital LLC, $51,000

Penn St., 2327: I. Rodriguez to SPG Capital LLC, $60,000

Pennwood Rd., 3228: Stelvid Properties LLC to Equity Trust Company Custodian, $108,000

Raleigh St., 2422 & 2430 and 2419 Ellersie St.: General Electric Service Co. Inc. to Church of God & Saints of Christ, $100,000

Randolph St., 1620: P. King to Venus Properties LLC, $46,000

Reel St., 2619: E. Buckwalter c/o City Limits Realty to Realch LLC, $53,000

Rolleston St., 1140: M. Gonzalez to C. Thompson, $150,000

Rolleston St., 1318: K. & P. Ducarme to G. & A. Ortiz, $140,000

Rumson Dr., 2942: T. Runkle to H. Senat, $116,000

Seneca St., 523: Wofford Enterprises Ltd. to M. & G. James, $88,000

S. 14th St., 312: B. Zimmerman to D. Boyle, $37,000

S. 15th St., 16 & 18: C. Peters to O. Adegoke, $82,900

S. 17th St., 328: S. Atiyeh to M. Sanchez & E. Perez, $75,000

S. 17th St., 1012: C&H Holdings LLC & P. Hollinger to T. Hodge, $175,000

S. 19th St., 1129: T. Stackfield to M. Montano, $129,000

S. 21st St., 960: Y. Casiano & O. Morales to S. & R. Mercado, $64,000

S. 26th St., 808: AIS Property Management LLC to Star Harrisburg LLC, $1,700,000

S. 27th St., 701: J. Frantz to J. & T. McHugh, $200,000

S. Front St., 547: V. & Y. Browning to B. Ward, $140,000

State St., 1849: S. Walwyn to E. Hunt, $65,000

State St., 1918: J. Ward to Dreamland Investors LLC, $60,000

Susquehanna St., 1338: J. Grubbs to Green Scapes Investments LLC, $156,000

Swatara St., 2140: Equity Trust Co. to S. Ginder, $55,000

Vernon St., 1333 & 1408: A. Himalaya PA Properties LLC & SLK Global Solutions America to 1408 Vernon PA LLC, $772,992

Walnut St., 1822: E. Morales & A. Ayala to R. Almonte, $55,000

Wayne St., 1609: D. & J. Shertzer to M. & M. Swart, $88,000

Whitehall St., 1849 & 1851: A. & M. Reuveni to Best By LLC, $250,000

Whitehall St., 2050: M. Murphy to Wheatland Restore LLC, $51,000

Woodlawn St., 2710 & 2712: Fruition Holdings LLC to Preferred Residential LLC, $240,000

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

November 12, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Co-owner of The Fix Café in downtown Harrisburg, Liz Albayero, is collecting Christmas gifts for children in need.

It’s that time of the month—TheBurg Podcast is out! Grab your earbuds and tune in as our host discusses some Harrisburg happenings. Before you hit play, catch up on the local news from this week.

First-grade students at Foose Elementary School cut the ribbon on a “Little Free Library” that they helped design and create, our online story reported. According to teachers, the library offers a way for community members to access books, filling a gap.

The Fix Café is hosting a Christmas toy drive for low-income families in Harrisburg, our online story reported. Co-owner Liz Albayero sees this as an opportunity to give back to the community that supported her during the pandemic.

Gamut Theatre’s rendition of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass” is a dive into the twisted time and space of Victorian England that holds true to the original books, says our theater reviewer. The family-friendly show runs through November.

Harrisburg-area physician Dr. Rodrigue Mortel knows the impact that education had on his own life. That is why he started the Mortel Foundation to raise money to build schools for the children of Haiti, his native country, our magazine story reported.

Home sales dipped in October, but prices increased, our online story reported. Find out the specifics for Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties, here.

KOTA The Friend, a hip hop artist from New York City, opened a streetwear store in Midtown Harrisburg, our reporting found. He also will headline a concert at H*MAC this weekend.

Local businesses are looking for ways to work around supply shortages this holiday shopping season. In our magazine story, hear from Elementary Coffee Co., Cocoa Creek Chocolates and others on how they’re making it work.

The Manor on Front cut the ribbon on a second bed and breakfast in Harrisburg this week, our reporting found. The owners renovated and restored the building, a historic property that was formerly owned by Harrisburg clothier Mary Sachs.

Mountain biking in central Pennsylvania has become its own subculture. In our magazine story, read about the Susquehanna Area Mountain Bike Association and its mission to support bikers.

PennDOT announced that it will rehabilitate the Market Street Bridge in Harrisburg, our reporting found. Officials are encouraging the public to share their thoughts on the project.

Sara Bozich wants to help you make this weekend a great one. In her Weekend Roundup, find ideas for events, restaurants and shows to enjoy.

The Singer’s Lounge has been a platform for budding local R&B artists in Harrisburg since 2016, our magazine story reported. Founder Airis Smallwood hopes her passion will grow an appreciation for indie soul singers.

On Veterans Day, we shared the story of 96-year-old World War II veteran Glenn W. Bushey of Camp Hill. He reflects on his long life and recounts his time in the service. Read about it, here.

Volunteers helped clean up the site of a future tiny home village for homeless veterans on Veterans Day, our online story reported. The organization behind the project, Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania, will build the village and a community center on S. Front Street.

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PennDOT announces rehab of Market Street Bridge, seeks community input

November 10, 2021 | by Maddie Gittens

The Market Street Bridge

A major Harrisburg bridge connecting the east and west shores is slated to undergo rehabilitation.

PennDOT is seeking community input on a project that will make improvements to the historic Market Street Bridge.

The Market Street Bridge spans the Susquehanna River, connecting Harrisburg to Wormleysburg, as well as City Island in between.

PennDOT plans to rehabilitate the historic arches of the bridge. They will also replace the deck and sidewalks on the eastern bridge and construct a new deck and beams on the western bridge.

A project overview, displays and plans are available on PennDOT’s website for the public to view. They hope to receive feedback from the community through a comment form.

“The Market Street Bridge connects our east shore and west shore communities and is the main access point to City Island,” said PennDOT Acting District Executive Chris Drda. “It is an important project for commuters and pedestrians, and we strongly encourage everyone to visit the project website or join us for the open house to learn about the preliminary plans to rehabilitate the bridge and maintain safety and multimodal access over the Susquehanna.”

There will also be an in-person open house plan display held on Dec. 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kinsley Hall, 20 Market St., Wormleysburg.

PennDOT is accepting comments on the project until Dec. 22.

They anticipate starting construction in 2024.

While PennDOT has not determined how they will maintain traffic, they stated that access to City Island will be possible throughout construction.

PennDOT can make the project documents available in alternative languages or formats if requested. For this service, or for additional concerns, contact Heidi Mertz, PE, Project Manager, at (717) 787-3324, or email at [email protected].

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