Tag Archives: Mayor Eric Papenfuse

Black is Beautiful Expo to give platform to Harrisburg-area Black-owned businesses

February 26, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

A vendor at the November “Black is Beautiful Expo”

To celebrate Black History Month, one local entrepreneur is giving the Harrisburg area’s minority-owned businesses a platform to promote themselves.

For the second time, Bradley Wainwright of Urban Revolution Marketing & Branding is holding the “Black is Beautiful Expo” to assist these businesses, many of whom are struggling during COVID.

“A lot of these minority-owned businesses that typically operate on a face-to-face basis haven’t been able to,” Wainwright said. “This expo allows them to.”

On Friday and Saturday, around 30 businesses will set up at the Crown Plaza in downtown Harrisburg to network and sell their products. The event is free to the public.

Speakers include Karl Singleton of the Pennsylvania Diversity Coalition, Dr. Kimeka Campbell of Young Professionals of Color-Greater Harrisburg, Mikell Simpson of Capital Rebirth, and others.

Additionally, Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse and mayoral candidates Dave Schankweiler and Otto Banks will attend. Some candidates for other city government positions will be there, as well.

“We want to show the community they have the support of these different leaders that are running for office,” Wainwright said.

Schankweiler is also a main sponsor of the expo, along with Harrisburg-based law firm McNees, Wallace and Nurick LLC.

“We need to put new and existing business ideas on a fast track to opportunity,” Schankweiler said in a statement. “This Expo is a major step toward highlighting the successful minority-owned businesses right here in Harrisburg.”

At the expo, McNees will announce the winning businesses for its Legal Equity Advancement Program (LEAP), which offers free legal services to Black-owned businesses for a year.

Wainwright expects an even larger turnout at this expo than the first in November. Social distancing, mask-wearing and temperature checks will be enforced, he said.

“I’m excited for the increase in attendees so that these businesses can make more money,” he said. “This is all for our community.”

The “Black is Beautiful Expo” is on Feb. 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Feb. 27, from 5 to 8 p.m. For more information or to register, visit their website.

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March News Digest

February 26, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley Gittens

Harrisburg Proposes Affordable Housing Bill

Affordable housing has been a long-debated topic in city hall, but now it seems that words are translating into action.

Harrisburg proposed a package of affordable housing legislation last month that would incentivize developers to incorporate affordable rental units into their building plans.

“I am very excited about this,” said Nona Watson, director of economic development for the city. “We are well on our way to establishing our affordable housing program.”

The package consists of several bills designed to encourage affordable housing through the use of incentives like tax abatement and zoning relief. Additionally, the city will satisfy street vacation application requirements, if needed.

Other incentives to developers may include density bonuses, which would permit developers to build more units than allowed by right on a property, explained Geoffrey Knight, the city’s director of planning. Incentives may also include reducing parking requirements. Knight explained that research has found that lower-income households are less likely to own a car.

Developers who apply and receive a Certificate of Qualification will have a set of rules they must follow in order to receive benefits.

According to the proposed bill, developers must provide 20% of their units as affordable for low-income households, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The units must be made available to rent at a price that does not exceed 30% of a household’s monthly income.

Additionally, developers need to keep the units at an affordable rent for at least 10 years.

The requirements also state that units must look the same and include the same heating and cooling systems and other improvements as the market-rate units. Affordable housing units must be made available for rent at the same time as market-rate units.

“We want to make sure that what we put out there is actually going to work,” Watson said.

Harrisburg to Buy Former Bank Building

Harrisburg is set to expand its office footprint, adding a new building in Midtown for city workers.

At a virtual legislative session last month, City Council unanimously voted to allow the city to purchase the former M&T Bank building on N. 7th Street to transform into offices for its engineering and traffic departments.

“This is a space that is needed due to the requirement of additional space for the public works engineering department,” said council member Ben Allatt.

In November, council voted to reallocate 2020 funds to purchase the building for $375,000, which Mayor Eric Papenfuse touted as a good deal since it was appraised at $675,000.

Papenfuse said that the $300,000 reduction in purchase price constituted a donation by M&T to the city.

“We’re greatly thankful to M&T for their continued support,” he said.

The ATM machine currently at the building will remain on-site as part of a lease agreement with M&T Bank.

At a prior council session, Papenfuse explained that, as part of PennDOT’s I-83 expansion project, part of the city’s Department of Public Works building on Paxton Street will be lost to eminent domain, requiring the traffic bureau to move. City Engineer Wayne Martin added that the growing department also needs more space.

The traffic bureau likely will share the building with the city’s engineering department, which currently is spread out among different office locations, Martin said. Many engineering employees will move out of the public safety building downtown, freeing up space for the expanding community policing team.

Renovations and remodels of the building are included in Harrisburg’s 2021 budget. It will likely cost around $192,000 for demolitions, renovations, HVAC replacement and security additions, among other items, Papenfuse said. He estimated that the annual cost of utilities and maintenance for the building would be around $60,200.

HHA Announces “Preservation Priorities”

One of Harrisburg’s oldest structures is a top preservation priority for 2021, the city’s principal historic preservation organization has announced.

At a virtual presentation, Historic Harrisburg Association unveiled its top five preservation priorities for the year.

The list includes Balsley House, a dilapidated, double building located downtown at 220 N. 2nd St. Dating back almost two centuries, Balsley House is one of the few remaining federal-period buildings in Harrisburg.

“It’s one of the oldest structures still standing in Harrisburg,” said Sara Sweeney, chair of HHA’s preservation committee. “It’s deteriorating. It’s in very bad shape, especially if you go around to the back.”

The 2,590-square-foot building, owned since 2006 by Dusan Bratic of Mechanicsburg, has housed many different businesses over its lifetime, but has sat empty and increasingly blighted for a number of years.

“We’re hoping to really raise awareness of this property over the next year,” Sweeney said. “With the revitalization that Harrisburg is really primed for, hopefully we can make some strides to bringing this building back to life before we lose it.”

The other properties on the 2021 list are:

William Penn High School, Uptown Harrisburg
Camp Curtin Memorial Mitchell UMC, Uptown Harrisburg
Harrisburg State Hospital campus, Harrisburg/Susquehanna Township
Prospect Hill Cemetery Gate House, Allison Hill/city line

William Penn, Camp Curtin UMC and the Harrisburg State Hospital campus are all on the market for sale. Prospect Hill Cemetery Gate House was severely damaged last year when it was struck by a car.

Balsley House, William Penn, Camp Curtin UMC and Harrisburg State Hospital all appeared on the 2019 list, as well.

Sweeney also noted several Harrisburg buildings that have been restored in recent years, calling them “wins.” These include the former Mary K mansions on Front Street, the former Fox Hotel in Shipoke, Locust Street houses downtown and the former Moose Lodge in Midtown.

Eviction Ban Extended

Harrisburg residents behind on rent due to the pandemic can take a deep breath once again.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse announced last month that he would extend the city’s ban on evictions for another 30 days into mid-March.

“It is important that we continue this eviction moratorium for the health and safety of our residents during these difficult times,” Papenfuse said.

This is the second extension the mayor has enacted since the original eviction moratorium declaration on Dec. 16. The first extension took place on Jan. 16.

Under the moratorium, no resident can be evicted for non-payment of rent or lease expiration. This does not include eviction for other reasons, such as property damage or criminal activity.

“We don’t want to make a homelessness situation worse,” Papenfuse said. “We don’t want to make it harder for people to have safe and reasonable shelter in the midst of a pandemic.”

The original order was adopted after city officials found that there likely would be hundreds of people facing eviction at the start of 2021, since the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s moratorium was set to expire on Dec. 31, 2020. They predicted that there would not be enough shelter space for the increased number of homeless residents. The CDC’s order has since been extended until March 31.

Harrisburg’s declaration gives the city the power to fine non-complying landlords up to $10,000 or 90 days in jail.

Homes Sales Flat, Prices Up

Home sales were generally flat in January in the Harrisburg area, though price appreciation continued to be strong.

For Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties, home sales totaled 502 units, a small decline from 515 units in the year-ago period, but the median sales price shot up to $194,700 versus $179,900 a year ago, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).

Dauphin County saw a slight bump in sales, which totaled 240 homes versus 238 in January 2020. The median price increased to $174,900 from $169,900, GHAR said.

In Cumberland County, sales declined to 221 residential units versus 228 the prior year, but the median price rose to $224,950 from $195,450, GHAR stated.

Perry County had 29 home sales in January compared to 25 a year ago, as the median price increased substantially to $174,900 versus $141,500 in January 2020, according to GHAR.

Homes were also selling faster in January. The average days on the market dropped to 31 days compared to 42 days a year earlier, GHAR said.

So Noted

Dauphin County Library System won a Dauphin County “Premier Project Award’’ from the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission for its “Your Place to Belong” campaign. The campaign focused on expanding the McCormick Riverfront Library with the restoration and linking of an adjacent historic townhome.

DTLR/Villa has made a temporary move to 309-311 Market St., the former location of Rite Aid. The clothes and athletic wear store will return to its permanent location at 333 Market St. later this spring following an extensive renovation and expansion of that space.

Harrisburg University and Lackawanna College have signed an agreement that will make it easier for Lackawanna College students to continue their education at HU. Under the agreement, qualified students who earn an associate of science degree in cyber security from Lackawanna College will be able to transfer into HU’s bachelor of science in cyber security operations and management program at junior level standing.

Harry’s Bistro has opened in a classic steel diner at 1933 Herr St. in Harrisburg, serving breakfast and lunch. The father/daughter duo of Lou and Anna Vazquez named their business for the venerable Allison Hill tavern that operated for five decades, modeling some of their menu after classic Harry’s dishes.

“Ice in the Burg” takes place this month at locations around Harrisburg. The three-day festival starts March 5 with a drive-through ice sculpture display on City Island. It continues on March 6 and 7, when over 40 small and large sculptures will be placed at locations around the city.

New Cumberland Food Truck & Restaurant Rally kicks off for the season on March 11, held each second Thursday through December at Market Square in New Cumberland. The event, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., will feature numerous food trucks, and some local businesses and restaurants also will host specials and entertainment.

Changing Hands

Allison Ct., 4: Lemoyne Land Corp. Inc. to F. Hench, $96,200

Berryhill St., 2410: J. Washington to J. Anthony & D. Hill, $64,900

Brookwood St., 2436: E. Noon to C. Austin, $73,000

Calder St., 268: B. Roller to S. Elias, $138,000

Chestnut St., 1955: P. Trustey to A. Luchansky, $62,500

Chestnut St., 2306: M. O’Donnell, A. Sullivan & C. Walsh to N. Etter, $173,000

Emerald St., 317: PNC Bank to C. Brown, $47,500

Forrest St., 603 & 605: B. & C. Rucker to Neidlinger Enterprises LLC, $59,000

Greenwood St., 2712: P. & Q. Ritter to G. Burke, $85,000

Hamilton St., 279: W. Hoover to J. Eaton, $220,000

Herr St., 415 & 426 Snipe Alley: K. Baran & R. Gillis to D. & H. Bliss, $120,000

Holly St., 1805: BSR Rental Trust to Fine Line Real Estate LLC, $56,000

Hummel St., 210: ICE Properties to Brethren Housing Association, $85,000

Kensington St., 2006: D., S. & B. Zimmerman to S. Carr, $60,000

Kensington St., 2436: L. Sim to C. Zapata, $64,000

Lewis St., 313: S. & B. Ballenger to R. Freeman, $96,500

Liberty St., 1415 & 1417: L. Wigington to Blue Door Management LLC, $40,000

Logan St., 2347: RT Propertiez LLC to S. Maurer, $30,500

Lowell St., 1309: C. Lindberg to Dinh Investments, $40,000

Luce St., 2324: CR Property Group LLC to Ryan Randall Properties LLC, $121,000

North St., 1511: Y. Reuvenny to S. Gross, $56,000

North St., 1827: W. Cajina to G. Osborne, $89,900

N. 2nd St., 1211: Mussani & Co. to N&R Group LLC, $240,000

N. 2nd St., 1430: J. Rotegliano to Harrisburg Apartments LLC, $135,000

N. 2nd St., 1615: S. & D. Miller to MR RE LLC, $128,000

N. 2nd St., 2009 and 2000 & 2002 Penn St.: L. Rotegliano to HBG Apts LLC, $110,000

N. 2nd St., 2343: S. & T. Dunford to I. Stubblefield, $180,000

N. 2nd St., 2802: S. Gallagher & C. Prestia to P. Kessler, $200,000

N. 3rd St., 1626: C. Grilli to D. & M. Soisson, $150,000

N. 3rd St., 1910: Integrity First Homebuyers LLC to D. Roa, $35,000

N. 4th St., 2033: J. Frey to SPG Capital LLC, $62,000

N. 4th St., 2543: L. Deatrick to Neidlinger Enterprises LLC, $55,000

N. 5th St., 2546: TKO Rental Properties LLC to A. & A. Volk, $86,000

N. 6th St., 2001: Jamil Karimm LLC to D&F Realty Holdings LP, $300,000

N. 6th St., 3152: Neidlinger Enterprises to K. Scheurer, $115,000

N. 19th St., 43: Equity Trust Co. Custodian Julie Burns IRA to D. Boyle, $34,250

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 412: H. Garner to M. Colton & K. Tennis, $160,000

Norwood St., 925: M. Archie to T. Higgins & S. Owens, $145,000

Park St., 1837: KBR Group LLC to AP Properties Services LLC, $30,000

Parkway Blvd., 2437: KMM Development LLC to T. Washington, $179,500

Penn St., 1616: P. Bayer to Veso Properties LLC, $45,000

Penn St., 2322: BSR Rental Trust to D. Nguyen, $50,000

Rolleston St., 1244: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to Whitestone Development LLC, $109,995

Rumson Dr., 361: H. & M. Miller to M. DePasquale, $44,000

Rumson Dr., 2970: D. Myers to S. Russell, $106,000

S. 13th St., 1413: C. Littles to Integrity Home Buyers LLC, $40,500

S. 13th St., 1466: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to 1466 S. 13th LLC, $100,000

S. 18th St., 317: M. & M. Perry to F. Ramirez, $40,000

S. 19th St., 10: D. Lightner to J. Gritten, $67,000

Susquehanna St., 1816: R. & C. Steele to M. Bush & S. Anderson, $179,500

Swatara St., 2239: H. Drothler to Fine Line Real Estate LLC, $75,000

Taylor Blvd., 52: V. & S. Vdov to F. de Perez, $120,000

Valley Rd., 2300: M. & R. Lewis to S. & S. Anthony, $269,000

Waldo St., 2618: Midatlantic IRA LLC Cynthia Hampton IRA to F. Sisic, $53,000

Walnut St., 1936: M. Molinar to A. Ryabukha, $87,000

Harrisburg property sales for January 2021, greater than $30,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

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Harrisburg bans evictions for another month, hopes to combat homelessness during COVID

February 16, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

A sign on N. 3rd and Kelker streets.

Harrisburg residents behind on rent due to the pandemic can take a deep breath once again.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse announced today that he would extend the city’s ban on evictions for another 30 days into mid-March.

“It is important that we continue this eviction moratorium for the health and safety of our residents during these difficult times,” Papenfuse said in a statement.

This is the second extension the mayor has enacted since the original eviction moratorium declaration on Dec. 16. The first extension took place on Jan. 16.

Under the moratorium, no resident can be evicted for non-payment of rent or lease expiration. This does not include eviction for other reasons, such as property damage or criminal activity.

“We don’t want to make a homelessness situation worse. We don’t want to make it harder for people to have safe and reasonable shelter in the midst of a pandemic,” Papenfuse said on Friday during his weekly “Community Conversations” on Facebook Live.

Harrisburg’s declaration gives the city the power to fine non-complying landlords up to $10,000 or 90 days in jail.

There hasn’t been a situation in which the city had to punish a landlord for non-compliance, mainly because most Dauphin County district justices aren’t processing cases of non-payment of rent, David Patton, codes administrator for the city, said. However, he added that he has received emails from residents voicing concerns related to evictions. He investigates each of those cases, he said.

City Solicitor Neil Grover explained at a City Council meeting in December that the ordinance does not take away landlords’ right to be paid. Residents will be expected to pay any back rent once the string of moratoriums ends.

Organizations such as Christian Churches United of the Tri-County Area’s HELP Ministries are busy providing rental relief for residents in debt. Harrisburg is also in the process of distributing $500,000 in federal Emergency Shelter Grant COVID (ESG/CV) funds to tenants.

During an update from Harrisburg’s Department of Building and Housing Development in January, local landlords said that the city’s rental relief has helped them out, taking off some of the pressure that the moratorium puts on them.

Papenfuse said that the city will continue to extend the eviction moratorium while the public health emergency continues.

“It’s gotten better than when the moratorium went in place, but we are still not through the woods,” he said.

For questions or concerns related to Harrisburg’s eviction moratorium, email [email protected] or call the city’s hotline, 3-1-1.

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Harrisburg will purchase the former M&T Bank building for use as new office space

February 9, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

The former M&T Bank will become Harrisburg city office space.

Harrisburg is set to expand its office footprint, adding a new building in Midtown for city workers.

At a virtual legislative session, City Council on Tuesday night unanimously voted to allow the city to purchase the former M&T Bank building on N. 7^th Street to transform into offices for its engineering and traffic departments.

“This is a space that is needed due to the requirement of additional space for the public works engineering department,” said council member Ben Allatt.

In November, council voted to reallocate 2020 funds to purchase the building for $375,000, which Mayor Eric Papenfuse touted as a good deal since it was appraised at $675,000.

Papenfuse said that the $300,000 reduction in purchase price constituted a donation by M&T to the city.

“We’re greatly thankful to M&T for their continued support,” he said.

The ATM machine currently at the building will remain on-site as part of a lease agreement with M&T Bank.

Papenfuse explained, at a council session in November, that, as part of PennDOT’s I-83 expansion project, part of the Department of Public Works building will be lost to eminent domain, requiring the traffic department to move. City Engineer Wayne Martin added that a growing public works department also necessitates more space.

The traffic department will likely share the building with the city’s engineering department, which is currently spread out among different office locations, Martin said. They will move many engineering employees out of the public safety building downtown, freeing up space for the community policing team, which is hiring for numerous new positions. Papenfuse said that this would also move them closer to Commissioner Thomas Carter’s office.

He estimated that the annual cost of utilities and maintenance for the building would be around $60,200.

Senior Deputy City Solicitor Tiffanie Baldock said that the city will close on the purchase of the building within a week.

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Harrisburg proposes affordable housing incentive program for city developers

February 2, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

A row of houses on Hummel Street in Harrisburg.

Affordable housing has been a long-debated topic in city hall, but now it seems that words are translating into action.

Harrisburg proposed a package of affordable housing legislation on Tuesday night that would incentivize developers to incorporate affordable rental units into their building plans.

“I am very excited about this,” said Nona Watson, director of economic development in the city. “We are well on our way to establishing our affordable housing program.”

The package discussed on Tuesday consists of several bills designed to encourage affordable housing through the use of incentives like tax abatement and zoning relief. Additionally, the city will satisfy street vacation application requirements, if needed.

Developers who apply and receive a Certificate of Qualification will have a set of rules they must follow in order to receive benefits.

According to the proposed Bill 16-2020, which is the heart of the legislation, developers must provide 20% of their units as affordable for low-income households, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The units must be made available to rent at a price that does not exceed 30% of a household’s monthly income.

Additionally, developers need to keep the units at an affordable rent for at least 10 years.

“We want to make sure that what we put out there is actually going to work,” Watson said.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse clarified that the city wouldn’t be forcing developers to include affordable housing, only incentivizing it.

Council member Shamaine Daniels voiced concern over using the HUD affordable housing income threshold, saying it wasn’t specific enough to Harrisburg’s needs and wouldn’t target those who need it most.

“I feel like we are leveraging city resources, so it’s not unreasonable for us to come up with our own numbers,” she said.

However, Knight said getting Harrisburg-specific data could be challenging.

Other council concerns centered around enforcement of the requirements for developers in the program.

Papenfuse assured that participants would receive punishment for failing to comply.

“If a developer were to act in good faith to promise to build affordable housing and then not do it […] then we can revoke the certificate of occupancy for the project,” he said. “Then they’re not going to be able to rent any apartments at that complex.”

According to the proposed bill, they could also receive a fine of up to $1,000.

Council member Danielle Bowers said that the bills are still in the early stages of discussion and will undergo additional work and public comment.

“I would like to ensure this package is very full and robust,” she said.

To watch past Harrisburg City Council meetings, visit the city’s YouTube channel.

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Schankweiler announces run for Harrisburg mayor with a focus on public safety, communication

January 29, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Dave Schankweiler (right) and his wife, Donna, visited “Doggie Delights” at the Broad Street Market on Friday.

On a cold, windy day in the Burg, the city’s mayoral race heated up.

Dave Schankweiler, founder of the Central Penn Business Journal, virtually announced his candidacy on Friday, also stopping at the Broad Street Market and canvassing Allison Hill and Uptown.

Schankweiler released his agenda, which includes an emphasis on decreasing violent crime, increasing accessibility within the administration, supporting the school district and empowering neighborhoods.

“I love this city,” Schankweiler said during a phone call with TheBurg. “The reason I’m running is that I’ve been seeing some things, as have many folks in Harrisburg, that we need to fix.”

Schankweiler will run for the Democratic nomination during the May primary against two-term Mayor Eric Papenfuse. Former city council member Otto Banks is expected to announce his candidacy on Monday at a private event, as well.

The retired business owner has not held a political position before, but believes his former leadership positions qualify him and give him a unique perspective. In addition to overseeing a publishing company, he was a founder and the first volunteer board member of Harrisburg University. Shankweiler also chaired the state-appointed Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority.

In December, Schankweiler launched a survey to hear from residents on their top priorities and said that he received hundreds of responses.

He said that these voices and those of the residents he spoke with in person shaped his platform.

Schankweiler promised that he would address violent crime from his first day in office by holding a Citywide Action Summit on Violence Prevention and adopting community policing efforts. He said that promoting racial and cultural competence is important, as well.

“I, like so many people, am heartbroken about the current violence in the city,” Schankweiler said. “That’s not our city. We have to fix the violent situation.”

He also pointed out the need to work on road infrastructure and street litter, both recurring concerns from those he spoke with.

While the mayor does not have oversight on the Harrisburg School District, Schankweiler said that he would actively work alongside the district to propose safety initiatives around the school buildings and create a task force to assist students with job training.

Due to the pandemic, many city businesses have taken a hit over the past year. Schankweiler said that he has a plan to support struggling businesses by establishing an Office of Minority Entrepreneurship & Small Business Growth to mentor, train and attract businesses to Harrisburg.

On the housing front, Schankweiler said that he plans to address affordable housing and blighted areas of the city by establishing a Commission on Housing and Home Ownership.

On his website, Schankweiler has posted an agenda of issues that he hopes to tackle and, on Friday, said that he believes he can get it all done.

“Let’s put these away once and for all and move on,” he said. “We need to set a new tone in city hall that says we are ready to take on these challenges. It takes something that the city hasn’t had.”

During his stop at the Broad Street Market, Schankweiler spoke with business owners and customers, one being Brielle Glumac of Doggie Delights.

“I know he has already been successful, and I know he will be great,” Glumac, who knows Schankweiler personally, said. “I think he really wants to help the area.”

For more information on Dave Schankweiler and his platform, visit https://daveforhbg.org/.

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Harrisburg’s rent, small business relief programs flooded with applications; city begins to distribute money

January 22, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Gifted Hands Barber Shop is one of the businesses receiving federal CARES funding.

In November, Harrisburg announced a new rental relief program for residents in response to a national and local rise in evictions due to COVID.

To date, an overwhelming 600 renters have applied for the assistance program, said Interim Director of the Department of Building and Housing Development Lillie Williams on Mayor Eric Papenfuse’s Facebook Live conversation today.

“This is a great example of funding being disbursed in a way that is making an impact,” Papenfuse said.

Williams said that they are processing the first 200 applications and have sent out $122,000 of the $500,000 in federal Emergency Shelter Grant COVID (ESG/CV) funds. The average amount each renter is receiving is $2,000 to $5,000, she said, the cap being $5,000 each.

“Landlords have been very receptive and residents also have been,” Williams said.

The Department of Building and Housing Development has also been delegating funds to those in need of utility assistance. So far, they have awarded $19,000 for residents behind on those payments.

“It’s been very helpful,” said Sean Maurer, a landlord in Harrisburg. “The moratorium can put a lot of pressure on, especially on small landlords.”

He said that the funding gives him greater ability to work with other tenants who may be struggling to pay rent, as well.

Williams said that her office is processing checks every two weeks and that applicants can expect to hear from them by Jan. 29. For those who do not receive funds, Williams has hopeful news.

“I do believe there will be a second round,” she said.

She also suggested that residents in need contact the HELP Ministries, which is part of Christian Churches United of the Tri-County Area.

Additionally, around the same time that the rent relief program rolled out, the city announced another round of funding for small businesses in Harrisburg.

The “Neighborhood Business Stabilization Grant” directs funds to businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Money is drawn from federal CARES funding, as well, and is administered in partnership with the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC.

Businesses could apply for up to $10,000 for expenses such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities, payroll, real estate tax and vendor invoices.

Within the first five days after opening the portal on Dec. 1, the Chamber already had received 136 applications, forcing them to close the application window early, said the Chamber’s Vice President of Economic Development Melissa Stone.

They are still working to comb through applications, Stone said. They have awarded 16 grants so far.

Michael Payne, owner of Harrisburg’s Gifted Hands Barber Studio, was one of the businesses awarded funds.

“If we didn’t get the support, we would be closing,” Payne said. “I thank the city for doing what they are doing to help out.”

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

January 15, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Conley Gittens

The West Shore Theatre in New Cumberland is getting closer to renovation.

Much of the news lately has been stressful and, honestly, just a downer. But not all of it has been bad here in the Burg. As you mentally prepare for whatever may or may not come to the city this weekend, catch up on our local news coverage listed and linked below.

The Art Association of Harrisburg debuted a new exhibit last week called “Observations & Experiences.” Our art blogger Bob MacGinnes previews the exhibit that is a commentary “on life and its celebration of,” as seen and experienced by a quartet of female artists.

Harrisburg-area home sales rose considerably last month, our reporting found. For December, home sales totaled 744 units compared to 611 units in December 2019 for the three-county region.

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse announced he will require all city employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, our online story reported. He said that widespread infection would “cripple” the city’s abilities to serve the residents of Harrisburg.

Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC boards of directors announced their board chairs and officers for the coming year, our online story reported. Meron Yemane of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management will serve as board chair for the Chamber, while Mike Funck of Wohlsen Construction will serve as the chair of CREDC.

Harrisburg residents are bracing for possible protests, hunkering down and hoping for safety, our reporting found. The community has witnessed rallies in their neighborhoods for months, but what could be coming this weekend is especially concerning to them.

Harrisburg University sold $100 million in revenue bonds to finance the construction of its 11-story academic building in downtown Harrisburg, our online story reported. HU President Eric Darr said this was a major step for the project.

Jane Elliot, a prominent race educator, will be a panelist at Sankofa African American Theatre Company’s virtual film festival, our reporting found. Executive Artistic Director Sharia Benn said that she hopes the festival will reach a diverse audience and teach people not only how biases are created, but how they can be changed.

Open Stage’s rendition of “Kafka’s Shorts” will take you on a bizarre, frightening ride, according to our theater writer. The play features six of Franz Kafka’s short stories, three of which you may miss if you blink, but all-powerful in the telling.

The PA National Guard plans to deploy troops to Harrisburg in preparation for possible violent protests leading up to the presidential inauguration, our online story reported. Local and state law enforcement said they will be ready for whatever comes their way, with aircrafts, drones and bomb technicians on standby.

Sara Bozich has a list of weekend activity recommendations, including a custom picnic experience and a private screening at Midtown Cinema. Check out the full list, here.

“Voices of the Pandemic” is a recently published anthology written by healthcare workers, educators, writers, entertainers and others, our magazine story reported. Lancaster-based author Don Helin, who edited the book, believes that this will serve as a way to look back on the emotions that accompanied the pandemic.

The West Shore Theatre in New Cumberland is getting closer to opening its doors once again, after being closed for six years, our reporting found. Nonprofit Friends of the West Shore Theatre announced large grants and donations that will fund the renovation project.

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Harrisburg residents brace for possible protests, some fearful for their community

January 15, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

The city closed downtown streets during protests over the summer.

When Kevin Maxson led a Black Lives Matter rally in June at the state Capitol, it was important to him that it was peaceful and centered on unity and healing relationships.

Hearing of a possible armed gathering at the Capitol this weekend, Maxson was disinclined to compare it to the type of event he held.

“These are not really considered protests, in my opinion,” he said. “They’re rebellions. This is an angry mob. Nothing gets done if you react violently and negatively.”

It’s yet to be seen what will happen in the days leading up to the presidential inauguration on Wednesday, but, according to a memo from the FBI, things could get volatile.

The memo stated that evidence led them to believe there would be protests in all 50 states, especially at state capitals, and that some protestors planned to come armed.

For months, Harrisburg has seen protests, one after another, whether it was Black Lives Matter, Reopen PA, or post-election marches. Most were peaceful, though a few had tense moments.

On Thursday, local and state law enforcement officials announced their plans to curb potential violence with the upcoming protests.

Superintendent Jo Jacob of the Capitol police said that special response team members are patrolling the Capitol building. Additionally, he said that there are over 400 PA National Guard troops ready to be sent throughout the state. Pennsylvania State Police Deputy Commissioner of Operations Scott Price said that aircrafts, drones, mounted units and bomb technicians will be on standby.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse confirmed on Friday, during a Facebook Live conversation, that the city plans to close 3^rd Street in front of the Capitol, the 200-block of State Street and Commonwealth Ave on Sunday.

“I’m well aware of the anxiety many residents have, including myself,” Papenfuse said. “We will make it through this together.”

Protesters are expected to include far-right extremists, like those who raided the U.S. Capitol last week. However, long-time Allison Hill resident Beau Brown said they are not representative of his party.

“There’s a general depiction that, if you are registered with a certain party, you are in agreement with what’s happening at the Capitol,” Brown said. “But I wholeheartedly disagree with what they are doing.”

Brown said that he is a registered Republican and a gun owner who supports the Second Amendment, yet he believes protesters bringing guns to the Capitol will only do harm.

“Please do not take them; do not inflame this,” he said, speaking to other gun owners. “People in this city are afraid.”

Many residents of Harrisburg, especially those living near the Capitol complex, have experienced fear this year.

Some past rallies, including a Reopen PA gathering in April, bled into the surrounding neighborhoods and gridlocked streets, and, in late May, the initial Black Lives Matter protest saw several clashes between police and people marching through the downtown neighborhood, though later protests were peaceful.

Then, last week, the day the U.S. Capitol was stormed, a group of armed men, some wearing “Proud Boys” jackets, walked the neighborhood streets around the Capitol, chanting slogans that included, “Who’s Streets? Our Streets.”

One person even posted on a Midtown Harrisburg Facebook page on Friday, offering up a spare room in her Mechanicsburg home for anyone afraid to stay in the city.

Pam MacNett, head of the Capitol Area Neighbors group, reflected on protests from the past spring and summer.

“There’s security camera footage from my house of someone walking down the street with an assault rifle,” MacNett said. “This is interfering with all of our livelihoods.”

She also recalled seeing another armed person walking past the elementary school in her neighborhood.

In the coming days, she said she plans to hunker down at home. She advised others to lay low as well.

“I hope people will respect everybody and get through this safely,” McNett said.

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Harrisburg mayor requires COVID vaccine for city employees

January 12, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Harrisburg’s MLK City Government Center

Harrisburg is taking a shot at decreasing the spread of the coronavirus in the city.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse signed an executive order on Tuesday that requires all city employees to get the COVID-19 vaccination.

“It’s crucial that all city staff become vaccinated for COVID-19,” Papenfuse said in a statement. “We need to do whatever is possible to curb the spread of the virus, and the vaccine is the best protection against this disease.”

According to the order, employees must receive and show proof of receiving the vaccine as quickly as they can, in accordance with their phase as designated by the state. Phases are determined by age, profession and pre-existing conditions.

“Widespread infection of COVID-19 amongst management and non-management municipal employees will curtail and cripple the city’s ability to effectively respond to threats of public safety and public health and to provide city services to the residents of the city of Harrisburg,” a section of the order reads.

In the order, the mayor stated that the vaccine is safe and the best way to protect people from the spread of the coronavirus, as stated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the state is currently in the first phase of the vaccine rollout, which includes long-term care facility residents and health care personnel. The city’s first responders, such as members of the police and fire bureaus, will get their vaccines in the next phase. Other employees will likely fall under the last two phases.

For more information, visit Harrisburg’s website.

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