Tag Archives: Tri-County HDC

Two affordable housing projects for Uptown Harrisburg receive Planning Commission approval

February 3, 2023 | by Maddie Gittens

Rendering of JMB Gardens, an affordable housing development proposed for Uptown Harrisburg

Two new development proposals aim to bring additional affordable housing to Uptown Harrisburg.

At a Planning Commission meeting on Wednesday night, developers with Harrisburg-based Vice Capital shared their plans to construct lower-income housing on the 2200- and 2300-blocks of N. 6^th Street.

“The Uptown Harrisburg area hasn’t had their fair share of new construction and affordable housing,” said Ryan Sanders, vice president of development for Vice Capital. “We believe the residents deserve to live in homes that are clean and safe.”

The project, named JMB Gardens, would include the construction of five rowhome-style buildings on several currently vacant lots along the corridor. In total, they would feature 41 affordable units, a community center and 21 off-street parking spaces. According to the proposal, units would include a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.

Vice Capital expects the project to cost about $15.7 million, and they hope to break ground in September, according to Sanders.

A vacant lot on the 2300-block of N. 6th St., one of the properties that Vice Capital has proposed for an affordable housing complex.

Vice Capital, which is owned by former NFL player LeSean McCoy, plans to purchase the properties from the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority and the Harrisburg Housing Authority. Sanders said that they will host a community engagement session on Feb. 17, with more details to follow.

The Planning Commission voted to approve a zoning variance and special exception for the JMB Gardens project. Next, this zoning relief will need to gain approval from the city’s Zoning Hearing Board. It then would need to go through the land development process, which will require additional city approvals.

“It seems like a very well-thought-out plan,” said commission member Ausha Green. “Not just in the buildings and the business side of it, but also in the people side of it.”

Additionally, on Wednesday, the commission approved a zoning variance and special exception and land development plan for a proposed affordable housing project on an overgrown lot on the 2100-block of N. 4^th Street.

Harrisburg-based nonprofit Tri-County HDC shared their proposal to construct five, single-family townhomes. According to Executive Director Gary Lenker, the homes would be sold to lower-income families for around $100,000 each. Each 1,500-square-foot home would include three bedrooms and one-and-a-half baths.

Tri-County plans to purchase the land from the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority.

Lenker expects the $1.3 million project to break ground in 2024. It still will need to receive approvals from the Zoning Hearing Board and City Council.

According to Lenker, this would be Tri-County’s first project in Harrisburg outside of Allison Hill, where they have built many affordable homes. With prompting from Mayor Wanda Williams, Tri-County plans to continue expanding to other neighborhoods in the city, Lenker said.

“We’re looking forward to brightening up the neighborhood and providing homeownership opportunities,” he said.

For more information about Vice Capital, visit their website.

To learn more about Tri-County HDC, visit their website.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

June 3, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg residents shared opinions on a State Street project at a public meeting on Thursday night.

Our June issue of the magazine came out this week with a focus on all things summer! Grab a copy at one of our many distribution locations and remember to catch up on our daily news coverage, below.

Anita Harris, a former Harrisburg journalist, shares stories from the city in the 1970s in her new book, “The View From Third Street: Ani and the Harrisburg Independent Press.” The book includes reporting on Hurricane Agnes and the Vietnam War, among other historical events, our online story reported.

The Capital Area Greenbelt has lots of stops and sights to offer, our magazine story reported. There are cultural landmarks, restaurants and coffee shops, historical landmarks and, of course, beautiful nature scenes.

Gamut Theatre’s free Shakespeare in the Park is back with shows in Harrisburg’s Reservoir Park, our magazine story reported. “The Winter’s Tale” runs from June 3 to 18.

Harrisburg presented a new proposal for a State Street project at a public meeting on Thursday, our online story reported. At the meeting, residents viewed the draft plans and voiced their opinions with city officials and engineers.

Highmark Wholecare, Harrisburg Housing Authority and Latino Connection kicked off their Healthy Steps Walking Program with the goal of encouraging people to create healthy habits this summer, our online story reported. The program emphasizes walking, healthy eating and addressing health concerns quickly.

Impact Harrisburg has assisted the city with street repaving, sewer upgrades and grants for businesses during the pandemic, among other initiatives. However, the organization is now at a crossroads. They must either find more funding or suspend services. Read more in our magazine story.

June events are in full swing this month. Find plenty of fun summer activities in our Community Corner and our Happenings sections.

June is our editor’s favorite month for all the warm outdoor activities that it brings. Luckily, this month’s issue of the magazine has numerous stories about ways to spend the summer month, he says in his editor’s note.

The Paxton firehouse in Shipoke may be repurposed as a facility for Harrisburg’s unhoused, our online story reported. Dauphin County and the city are weighing the vacant building as an option for a day center.

Sankofa African American Theatre Company’s “Crowns” spotlights the stories of Black women, our magazine story reported. The show runs through June 26 at Open Stage in Harrisburg.

Sara Bozich has the perfect list of activities for a warm weekend in the Harrisburg area. Find it, here.

Tri-County Housing Development Corporation announced that it will move its office to N. Front Street in Harrisburg, our reporting found. It will also partner with the Pennsylvania Housing Financing Agency (PHFA) to provide homeownership courses to clients.

WB Music Therapy in Harrisburg helps meet clients’ needs through one-on-one sessions, catered to their musical preferences. In our magazine story, read more about the organization and how it impacts patients.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

March 18, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Patty Kim (D-103), along with several other area representatives, spoke out against the proposed tolling of the South Bridge at a Dauphin County commissioners meeting.

Happy St. Patty’s Day weekend, everyone! Whether you’re hitting the parade downtown or the bars, there are fun ways for everyone to celebrate. Grab a beer and read up on all of this week’s local news, below.

The Art Association of Harrisburg is bringing back its annual gala fundraiser, our online story reported. This year’s theme is blue-green and will feature a costume parade, music, food and art.

Arts blogger Bob, this month, pays tribute to Elementary Coffee Co. and highlights shows at Arts on the Square, Art Association of Harrisburg and HIVE artspace.

The Capital Area Greenbelt will see some major improvements, thanks to state grants, our online story reported. The organization received more than $280,000 for environmental infrastructure projects centered on two creeks that run through the 24-mile park and trail system.

Dauphin County Commissioners, along with other local representatives, voiced their opposition to PennDOT’s proposal to toll the I-83 South Bridge, our online story reported. Many expressed concern that the extra fee would bring economic hardship to residents and the area.

D&F Realty, a local development group, shared a proposal to transform a warehouse building in Uptown Harrisburg into apartments, our online story reported. The project would include 22 apartment units in total, ranging in rent from $800 to $900 per month.

The Garden Collective, an art studio in downtown Harrisburg, will open this weekend, our reporting found. The studio comes out of the desire of a group of local artists to create an accessible space for underrepresented artists.

The Great Harrisburg Litter Cleanup is slated to take place on April 23, our online story reported. The annual volunteer day focuses on beautifying the city.

Harrisburg Hoopla will return to City Island on June 4, our reporting found. The daylong event will include plenty of friendly competition through physical and puzzle-like games, organized by the Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC).

Harrisburg’s historic breweries have an interesting story including cutthroat competition, caves and tunnels, and a savvy businesswoman thriving in a man’s world. Intrigued? Read, here.

Harrisburg Keystone Rotary Club is hosting the Capital City Corn Hole Classic on March 26 at Appalachian Brewing Co. in Harrisburg, to raise money for Liberian students’ school tuition. The funds raised will go towards YESLiberia’s “Hop on the Bus” project, our online story reported.

Home sales in the Harrisburg area dipped in February, but the median price rose substantially, our online story reported. For the three-county region, 456 previously owned houses sold during the month, compared to 471 in February 202.

Open Stage theater in Harrisburg has a special exhibit on display, our online story reported. The exhibit shows photographs taken by Anne Frank’s father, Otto, in the years before the family went into hiding from the Nazis.

“Orlando,” a layered, jigsaw puzzle of a play, is showing at Gamut Theatre. Our theater reviewer found the piece complicated, yet satisfying, as it tackled issues of identity and gender fluidity.

Police and other Harrisburg officials held a press conference to address the many recent instances of gun violence in the city, our reporting showed. They urged residents to work with the police in solving and preventing shootings.

Rosemary’s recipe is perfect for this St. Patty’s Day weekend. Click, here to find out how to make a unique soda bread.

Sara Bozich has lots of fun ways for you to celebrate the green holiday weekend. Find a place to grab your next drink, here.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade and race are this weekend, which means several downtown Harrisburg roads will be closed on Saturday. Find out which ones to avoid, here.

Trees that are dead and dying on Market Street in Allison Hill were cut down this week by parks and recreation crews, our online story reported. The city plans to replace the trees with new cherry trees in the coming weeks.

Tri-County HDC showcased their recently completed redevelopment project this week—a single-family townhome at 247 Hummel St, our online story reported. The building is part of the organization’s revitalization efforts in the MulDer Square neighborhood of Allison Hill.

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MulDer Square home sold to low-income Harrisburg family, with more on the way

March 14, 2022 | by Maddie Gittens

Executive Director Gary Lenker, of Tri-County HDC, speaks about the organization’s recently renovated and sold affordable home.

A newly renovated home in Allison Hill soon will provide affordable housing to a local low-income family.

On Monday, officials from Tri-County HDC showcased their recently completed redevelopment project—a single-family townhome at 247 Hummel St.

The three-story building is the fifth rehabbed home by the organization as part of its revitalization efforts in the MulDer Square neighborhood of Allison Hill.

“I am very proud of this project and the fact that all five homes we sold were to low- to moderate-income buyers who are women,” said Gary Lenker, executive director of the organization. “The demand greatly exceeds the supply right now, so we are so happy to be able to add to the supply of affordable housing in a busy market.”

The Hummel Street home was recently sold to a family for $109,900, according to Lenker. The family will pay a mortgage of around $500 per month and will not be required to pay property taxes for at least 10 years, thanks to Harrisburg’s LERTA tax abatement program.

The four-bedroom home required a total rehab, Lenker said. In total, including purchasing and renovating the building, it cost the organization around $200,000.

Tri-County HDC first began the MulDer Square project in 2016, as a partnership with the city, state, Harrisburg Housing Authority and Brethren Housing Association. They have since completed five single-family home renovations, all of which have been sold.

Lenker also pointed out the several empty lots across Hummel Street—the sight of Tri-County’s next phase of the project. Where many blighted buildings once stood before being demolished, the organization will construct five new single-family townhomes and one single-family home. These new residences, which will have addresses from 238 to 246 Hummel St., with the single-family home on Kittatinny Street, will all be designed for homeownership.

To be eligible for homeownership, residents must make no more than 80% of the city’s medium family income.

According to Dennise Hill, the director of the Department of Building and Housing Development for Harrisburg, projects like these are needed in the city.

“Organizations like Tri-County HDC and others in the community are crucial to stabilizing neighborhoods,” Hill said. “They are good partners in the community to really invest in the community and work with the city as we are working on blighted areas.”

For more information, visit Tri-County HDC’s website.

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July News Digest

June 30, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

School District Superintendent Appointed

The Harrisburg School District has a new superintendent.

At a board meeting last month, district Receiver Janet Samuels appointed former Reading High School Principal Eric Turman as the district’s new leader.

“This is a very critical role,” Samuels said. “It encompasses providing our students with the very best, and our students so richly deserve the very best. When we think about the commitment and having a proven leader who excels—Mr. Turman is the leader who exudes those skills.”

Turman served as the principal of Reading High School in Reading for the past 10 years. He had been with that district for over 20 years, starting as a fifth-grade teacher.

After a nationwide search, the district announced Turman as a finalist in May. He began his new position with Harrisburg on July 1 and will serve as superintendent through June 2026. He receives an annual salary of $179,500.

“I’m delighted and humbled to have the opportunity to serve as your superintendent of schools,” Turman said at June’s board meeting. “I can’t wait to get started.”

Acting Superintendent Chris Celmer will help Turman transition into his role, Samuels said. Celmer has been with the district for nearly two years, but officials were looking for a permanent superintendent to fill the role as the district enters its third, and final, year of state-imposed receivership.

HBG Beach Club to Debut

A new destination is coming to City Island, as the Harrisburg Beach Club announced that it would open at the point, near the historic bathhouse.

Area businessmen Adam Maust and Bryan Donovan expect to open this month, offering patrons the opportunity to rent chairs and umbrellas, buy drinks and food, and socialize and relax. The city currently does not allow swimming from the beach.

Much of the beach area will remain outside of the Harrisburg Beach Club space, but even the part they’re renting from the city will remain open to the public, Maust said.

Built in 1921, the bathhouse marks its centennial this year, but has been mostly closed for a long time. The partners plan to use just the first floor for now, renovating the bathrooms and changing rooms.

Outside of the building, the club will feature two bars serving Pennsylvania beer, wines and spirits. They will offer beer from six local breweries on tap, as well as their own signature beer, Maust said. Food trucks will be on site for snacks and meals.

They plan to beautify the area with plants and flowers and fix and upgrade the existing sandboxes. The bars and other infrastructure are being built to be easily removable in case of flooding, Maust said.

Maust said that he envisions the Harrisburg Beach Club as a four-season destination, with cool- and cold-weather activities, such as an artificial skating rink, supplementing the summer high season.

Maust and Donovan both said that they hope their venture will help reinvigorate City Island as a destination. Over the years, the island has lost many of the small, tourist-oriented businesses once sprinkled around the 1-mile paved loop.

“Our vision is to bring people to the island to help other vendors there,” Donovan said. “This could be a catalyst for other things starting in the future.”

Maust said that he believes that people will be attracted by the uniqueness of the location, including the views of the Susquehanna River and city skyline.

“People will enjoy meeting up at an enchanted spot in the city,” he said. “We’re hoping to add value to spending the day on City Island.”

Midtown, Allison Hill Projects Get Go-Aheads

Several development projects in Harrisburg received their final city approvals last month, allowing them to begin.

During a virtual legislative session, City Council approved the land development plan for conversion of the former Salvation Army building in Midtown to a 16-unit, market-rate apartment building.

The “Lofts in Midtown,” by Wormleysburg-based Integrated Development Partners, will convert the 10,920-square-foot building at Green and Cumberland streets to one- and two-bedroom units. A paved lot across the street will provide parking for the project.

Council member Danielle Bowers was the sole vote against the project, objecting to the fact that all units would be market-rate. In April, the city approved a package of bills to incentivize the construction of affordable housing in Harrisburg.

The building, built in 1954, has been empty since late 2019, when the Salvation Army relocated to its current location on the 500-block of S. 29th Street.

Council also approved a development project to construct six town homes on Allison Hill at Hummel and Kittatinny streets. Tri-County HDC plans to demolish a building currently on the property and construct affordable housing.

The project has received a $500,000 state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant.

The project is part of the South Allison Hill Safety Plan, a partnership between several nonprofit organizations that aims to make the neighborhood safer. Gary Lenker of Tri-County said previously that he hopes to break ground on the project later this summer.

Cathedral Education Center Breaks Ground

A new Catholic education center took a key step forward with a ceremonial groundbreaking in downtown Harrisburg.

Surrounded by students of Harrisburg Catholic Elementary School, Bishop Ronald Gainer led the groundbreaking in a parking lot near the future Cathedral Education Center.

“This is a great day for our parish and for downtown Harrisburg,” Gainer said.

The project will renovate and combine two buildings: the 1951 Harrisburg Catholic Elementary School on Liberty Street and the 112-year-old Shanahan Center on North Street.

When the project is complete, the diocese plans to consolidate its two Harrisburg elementary school campuses at the facility—the Cathedral Campus, which serves pre-K and grades 5-8 in downtown Harrisburg, and the Holy Family Campus, which serves grades K-4 and is located on Allison Hill.

The pastor of St. Patrick Cathedral, the Rev. Joshua Brommer, said that the $5.7 million project will proceed in three phases.

The first phase is a three-story, 3,250-square-foot addition between the two buildings, which are currently separated by a walkway. The construction phase will combine the buildings and create a new school entryway and house an elevator.

The second phase will follow, turning the Shanahan Center into classroom, laboratory and dining space. A third phase will include the renovation of the existing elementary school building on Liberty Street.

When completed, the school will have 10 new classrooms, a STEM lab, art and music facilities and a new dining hall in 26,475 square feet of space.

The project architect is Mechanicsburg-based TKS Architects, with Harrisburg-based JEM Group as the general contractor.

Toni Morrison Bench Unveiled

Just a few days before Juneteenth, the holiday that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States, Harrisburg dedicated an African American historical marker.

Last month, a new bench, named after the late author Toni Morrison, was unveiled on the state Capitol grounds.

The bench sits near the recently erected Commonwealth Monument Project’s large bronze monument at 4th and Walnut streets. Officials hope it will serve as a place for people to sit and reflect on the history before them.

The bench is part of a network of 30 benches installed around the world by the Toni Morrison Society for its “Bench by the Road” project. According to Craig Stutman, project chair, the idea came from something Morrison said in an interview. She believed that there needed to be more monuments to African American history, Stutman said.

“Having a Toni Morrison Society Bench by the Road, right here, is a reminder to all of us of the importance of marking and remembering our missing histories,” said Gov. Tom Wolf, who spoke at the event.

The bench, along with the Commonwealth Monument, recognizes the history of the Old 8th Ward, a historically Black and immigrant neighborhood in Harrisburg that was destroyed to expand the Capitol grounds.

Also at the event, Commonwealth Monument Project officials presented Wolf with a bronze replica of a map of the Old 8th Ward.

Home Sales, Prices Up

Home sales and prices climbed in the Harrisburg area during May, according to the area’s realty association.

Last month, the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors reported that total sales shot up to 722 houses versus 357 in May 2020, as the median price rose to $239,950 compared to $205,000 a year ago.

Last year’s sales numbers were affected by the state-mandated industry shutdown during the month, due to the pandemic. A better comparison may be May 2019, when 720 houses sold at a median price of $191,850.

In Dauphin County, 347 houses sold in May for a median price of $210,000, versus 167 houses in the prior year for $176,000, GHAR said.

Cumberland County had sales of 335 homes in May compared to 149 in the year-ago period, while the median price increased to $265,000 from $233,000.

In Perry County, 33 houses sold versus 19 the year before, as the median price rose to $217,000 versus $154,700 in May 2020.

Houses were also selling much faster than in recent years. The “average days on market” dropped to 21 days, compared to 53 in May 2020 and 51 in May 2019, according to GHAR.

So Noted

Chad Saylor last month was appointed as a Dauphin County commissioner. Saylor, the county’s long-term chief clerk, replaced commission Chair Jeff Haste, who resigned in May to pursue a private-sector opportunity.

Comcast opened a new Xfinity store last month at Hershey Square, 1154 Mae St., Hummelstown. In addition to product demonstrations, customers can find about services or devices, learn about Xfinity apps, sign up for Xfinity services, pay bills at kiosks, return or acquire equipment, and purchase accessories for mobile devices.

Deborah Addo has been named the new executive vice president and chief operating officer of Penn State Health. Addo, the president at Inova Loudoun Hospital in Virginia, will join the health system in August and succeeds Alan Brechbill, who retired in 2020.

Harrisburg Academy last month named Lindsay Bowman as the next head of its middle and upper schools. Bowman, director of the academy’s centers for experiential learning and innovation, succeeds Benjamin Murphy, who left to pursue an out-of-state teaching opportunity.

Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC last month received renewal of its “5-Star Accreditation” from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This distinction is achieved by fewer than 5% of chambers across the nation and signifies “transparent governance practices, sound financial controls, safe work environments, value in programming and effective communications,” according to the U.S. Chamber.

Harristown Enterprises last month celebrated the interior construction phase of its newest residential project in downtown Harrisburg, Menaker Apartments. The century-old Market Square building is slated to become 28 one- and two-bedroom units. The building last housed the Skarlatos Zonarich law firm, which has relocated to Strawberry Square.

Jennifer Wilburne has been named a Harrisburg School District board director, appointed by Receiver Janet Samuels. Wilburne, an official with the Wolf administration, replaces Jayne Buchwach, who resigned after moving out of the district.

Penn State Health last month opened two new medical facilities locally. Penn State Health Medical Group-Blue Ridge is located at 1540 Alexandra Lane, Harrisburg, and Penn State Health Diagnostic Center-Union Deposit is located at 4250 Union Deposit Rd., Harrisburg.

West Shore Home opened its new corporate headquarters last month in Mechanicsburg. Founded in 2006 as a locally based home improvement company, it now operates in 12 states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

Widener University’s Commonwealth Law School last month announced the appointment of Michael J. Hussey as dean. Hussey, a long-time professor, has served as interim dean since 2020 and previously served as associate dean for academic affairs.

Changing Hands

Adrian St., 2455: L. Mahoney to A. Muhammad, $68,900

Balm St., 106: Lagr Properties LLC to SL Homes LLC, $32,500

Barkley Lane, 2526: G. Smilek to Wyco Investments LLC, $70,000

Bellevue Rd., 1915: J. Charles to D. Vanlee, $32,000

Benton St., 551: D. Thompson & Y. Brown to A. Taylor, $102,000

Berryhill St., 1309: Anpat LLC to J. Monegro, $85,000

Boas St., 409: P. Cannon & M. Hertrich to T. Devaraj, $210,000

Briggs St., 205: Trip Aces LLC to BD Property Management LLC, $137,000

Briggs St., 1617: Amos Financial LLC to Gamma One LLC, $48,500

Calder St., 115: Penn Real Estate Solutions LLC to JMW Property Group LLC, $108,000

Calder St., 215: M. & A. Zehring to C. Fee, $100,000

Chestnut St., 2120: JBAB LLC to D. & K. Thompson Leader, $265,000

Chestnut St., 2304: M. & K. Johnson to N. Dexter & D. Madsen, $254,500

Croyden Rd., 2933: A. Wood to M. Cabrera, $68,000

Derry St., 2459: C. Spinner to B. Ortega, $40,000

Derry St., 2526: E. Dale to T Wy Enterprise LLC, $45,000

Division St., 423: Ahmadiya Movement in Islam Inc. to D&F Realty Holdings LP, $110,000

Duke St., 2435: A. Clark to V. & T. Raskot, $124,500

Duke St., 2441: A. & R. Clark to V. & T. Raskot, $118,000

Ellersie St., 2346: D. Clark to HBK Properties 1 LLC, $76,500

Emerald St., 650: Spring Dell Investments LLC to Awesome Tenants LLC, $44,000

Forrest St., 603 & 605: Neidlinger Enterprises LLC to A. Eiras, $139,500

Forster St., 1839: C. Arnold to Tender Loving Care Healthcare Services, $30,500

Fulton St., 1706: C. Dyno & L. Houser to K. & E. O’Conor, $170,100

Fulton St., 1943: C. & L. Banks to R. Mpinga, $114,900

Green St., 909: Schoolhouse 1 Holdings LLC to 909 Lofts LLC, $5,500,000

Green St., 1320: C. & S. Boettinger to D. Martin & N. Douglas, $175,000

Green St., 1419: Lancaster Real Estate Fund LLC to M. DeJesus, $139,000

Green St., 1526: M. Goldberg to S. Jusufovic, $147,000

Green St., 1601: M. Goldberg to S. Jusufovic, $141,000

Green St., 1828: M. Vaccarella to N. Luong & N. Nguyen, $170,000

Hanna St., 103: DLK Properties LLC to T. Kham, B. Kong & L. Kun, $136,000

Hoerner St., 110: S. Gllis to SPG Capital LLC, $45,000

Hunter St., 1610: P. Anandan to K. Williams, $64,750

Kensington St., 2030: D. Rosario to Two Three Two Investments LLC, $43,000

Kensington St., 2245: D. & T. Nguyen to H. Nguyen & Q. Lu, $45,000

Luce St., 2361: Kirsch & Burns LLC to Integrity First Home Buyers LLC, $40,000

Manada St., 2029: F. Avila to M. Loja, $75,000

Market St., 1248: Cleotilde Inc. to C. Munoz, $55,000

Market St., 1901: M. & J. Buchwach to G. & C. Lutz, $159,900

Mercer St., 2419: A. Overcash to D. Franklin, $100,000

Mercer St., 2460: A. Meck to Integrity First Home Buyers LLC, $32,000

North St., 1846: J. Krum & L. Crum to A. Jones, $89,000

N. 2nd St., 1008: M. Kushner to Grentals LLC, $190,000

N. 2nd St., 1410: R. & R. Janes to Gamehenge Properties LLC, $221,000

N. 2nd St., 2127: A. Graffius to A. Nicols, $147,500

N. 2nd St., 2131: BCRA Realty LLC to C. & K. Potter, $149,900

N. 2nd St., 2220: G. Rhoads to Planet 3 Properties LLC, $46,500

N. 2nd St., 2434: P. Kessler to M. Juba, $270,000

N. 2nd St., 2538: M. Parsley to C. Dickison & L. Garner, $201,500

N. 2nd St., 2812: T. Brinkley to J. & K. Reed, $350,000

N. 2nd St., 3115: C. & C. Harris to B. Smith, $175,000

N. 3rd St., 2218: D. Lee to J. & N. Grant, $40,000

N. 3rd St., 2221: W. Geisel to W. & B. Hoover, $170,000

N. 3rd St., 3134: M. Cruz to R. Myers, $140,000

N. 4th St., 1416: P. Bayer to 1417 4th Street HBG LLC, $31,501

N. 4th St., 2135: R. Rammouni & J. Hamad to JP Investment Holding LLC, $76,000

N. 4th St., 2139, 1414 Regina St.: NJR Group LLC to JP Investment Holding LLC, $456,000

N. 4th St., 2543: Neidlinger Enterprises LLC to S. Goddard, $139,900

N. 4th St., 2721: D. Chandler to K. Palmer, $100,000

N. 5th St., 3141: R. & R. Vallareal to L. & R. Biacchi, $185,000

N. 6th St., 2407: We Buy PA Inc. to D. Boyle, $36,000

N. 6th St., 2640: M. Woo to A. Gomez & N. Hernandez, $34,000

N. 16th St., 1207: M. Robinson to C. & S. Orellana, $36,500

N. 18th St., 68: LAGR Properties LLC to SL Homes LLC, $32,500

N. 18th St., 912: T. Evans to Dreams2Reality Services LLC, $50,000

Park St., 1813: J. String & M. Comp to J. Acosta, $38,000

Penn St., 1820: D. Kapil to Alex Manning Enterprises, $115,000

Penn St., 1920: T., M. & T. Sneidman to B. Taylor & A. Hibbard, $192,000

Penn St., 2130: Three Dog Properties LLC to R. Lane, $43,000

Pennwood St., 3129: T. & S. Kane to T Wy Enterprise LLC, $75,000

Race St., 562: S. Garnes to SJL Rentals LLC, $177,500

Race St., 608: Shipoke LLC & G. Dunbar to M. Parsley, $158,500

Radnor St., 618: D. Nelson to M. Temba and C. & J. Liu, $85,000

Ross St., 615: M. Cvetko to P. Melendez, $50,000

Rumson Dr., 2659: P. Chapman to Bermuda Land LLC, $97,000

Seneca St., 521: E. Spencer to M. & G. James, $89,900

S. 14th St., 450: Brothers Group LLC to Luciano Transportation LLC, $110,000

S. 14th St., 521: D&L Development Inc. to E. Milanes, $85,000

S. 17th St., 1012: P. Hollinger to G&H Holdings LLC, $70,000

S. 18th St., 6: CR Property Group LLC to 2020 Luong Family Trust, $135,000

S. 19th St., 533: V. & D. Morales to Best By LLC, $81,000

S. 19th St., 535: V. Morales to Best By LLC, $81,000

S. 27th St., 800: E. Dale & D. Housel to T Wy Enterprise LLC, $45,000

S. Summit St., 161: A. Jackson & M. Wade to HLI Properties PA LLC, $69,900

State St., 231, Unit 702: LUX 1 LP to W. Stansill, $155,000

State St., 1719: R. & A. Sharp to D. & J. Shaw, $85,450

Summit St., 24: S. & M. Turner to JAAE Rental Properties LLC, $45,000

Susquehanna St., 1823: G. & B. Hanthorn to WCI Partners LP, $90,000

Susquehanna St., 1841: M. Reuveni to SJL Rentals LLC, $120,000

Swatara St., 2022: J. & N. Thompson to E. Milanes, $62,000

Verbeke St., 212: Kingdumb Properties LLC to C. Fee, $101,500

Verbeke St., 224: S. Crossin to K. Sun, $210,000

Verbeke St., 1731: C. Jenkins to T. Sweet, $90,000

Walnut St., 106: W. Fulton to N&R Group LLC, $85,000

Walnut St., 108: E. Etzweiler to N&R Group LLC, $175,000

Walnut St., 1232: C. & C. Hinckley to Bethsabee LLC, $45,000

Walnut St., 1431: Church of the Living God to Skycam LLC, $40,000

Woodbine St., 414: E. Bruton to M. & N. Jacobs, $35,000

Woodlawn St., 2512: C. Cain Jr. to R. Westover, $138,000

Vernon St., 1563: Lee Jang & 17th Street Cleaners to C. & S. Orellana, $34,050

Zarker St., 1825: Great Row LLC to I. Martinez, $42,000

Zarker St., 1919: D. Hargrove & D. Surbrena to R. Burgos Soto, $35,000

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

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Midtown, Allison Hill projects get go-aheads from Harrisburg City Council

June 8, 2021 | by Lawrance Binda

A rendering of “The Lofts in Midtown”

Several development projects in Harrisburg received their final city approvals on Tuesday, allowing them to begin.

During a virtual legislative session, Harrisburg City Council approved the land development plan for conversion of the former Salvation Army building in Midtown to a 16-unit, market-rate apartment building.

The project, by Wormleysburg-based Integrated Development Partners, will convert the 10,920-square-foot building at Green and Cumberland streets to one- and two-bedroom units. A paved lot across the street will provide parking for the project.

“The project does have ample parking,” said council member Dave Madsen. “There will be 16 apartments total and about 35 parking spaces for those units.”

The project, called the Lofts in Midtown, previously had cleared both the city Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board.

“The applicant has no interest in participating in the city’s affordable housing program,” she said.

City Solicitor Neil Grover added that the project began the city application process before those ordinances were passed, which typically would exempt it from legislation approved later.

The building, built in 1954, has been empty since late 2019, when the Salvation Army relocated to its current location on the 500-block of S. 29^th Street.

The project received a $500,000 state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant.

The project is part of the South Allison Hill Safety Plan, a partnership between several nonprofit organizations that aim to make the neighborhood safer.

Gary Lenker of Tri-County said previously that he hopes to break ground on the project late this summer.

In addition, council unanimously approved the transition of Monroe Street, between Verbeke and Herr streets, from a two-way street to one-way. This was done at the request of the Harrisburg School District, which hopes to improve the flow of traffic in the area of the Downey School.

Lastly, council authorized city Engineer Wayne Martin, and the city grant manager, Rebecca Vollmer, to act as the city’s authorized representatives for the Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant for the “Courthouse Connection” project.

Harrisburg has received a $700,000 grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development for the project, which would extend the existing Urban Meadow walkway on Boyd Street from Fulton to N. 6th streets, near where the federal courthouse is being built. The project also would add 50 angled parking spaces on Reily Street between Logan and Fulton streets.

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Harrisburg receives grant for urban meadow extension, considers development projects

June 1, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

The current “urban meadow” will extend up this stretch of road on Boyd Street.

Harrisburg is one step closer towards a construction project designed to make the city more pedestrian friendly.

At a City Council work session on Tuesday, City Engineer Wayne Martin announced a grant that Harrisburg will receive to extend the Boyd Street “Urban Meadow” to the new federal courthouse area.

The city was awarded the $700,000 grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development’s Multimodal Transportation Fund Program to support Harrisburg’s “Courthouse Connection Multimodal Project.”

Currently, a walkway for pedestrian and bicyclist use runs along Boyd Street, from N. 3^rd to Fulton streets. Under the Courthouse Connection project, pavers would extend the path from Fulton to N. 6^th streets, near where the federal courthouse is being built.

The city would also add about 50 angled parking spaces on Reily Street between Logan and Fulton streets.

The walkway would be exclusively for pedestrian and bicycle traffic and include lighting and landscaping.

Council also discussed a proposed development project that would transform the former location of the Salvation Army Harrisburg Capital City region into 16 apartments. “The Lofts” building would contain one-bedroom and two-bedroom market-rate units. Wormleysburg-based Integrated Development Partners is seeking approval for the project, which has already received zoning board approval.

Additionally, council considered a development project to construct six town homes on Allison Hill at Hummel and Kittatinny streets. Tri-County HDC plans to demolish a building currently on the property and construct affordable housing.

The project received a $500,000 state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant.

“We are anxious and excited to get this project started in a very challenged neighborhood,” said Gary Lenker of Tri-County

The project is part of the South Allison Hill Safety Plan, a partnership between several nonprofit organizations that aim to make the neighborhood safer.

Lenker said the team hopes to break ground on the project late this summer.

Also up for a vote next week is a proposal to transition Monroe Street, between Verbeke and Herr streets, from a two-way street to one-way. According to Martin, this has been a request of the Harrisburg School District for years, which hopes to improve the flow of traffic.

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Pets & Pandemic: Animals, like their humans, are suffering from this crisis.

April 30, 2020 | by M. Diane McCormick

Kristen Zellner got $50 from a customer asking her to put it toward pet food for households in need. Annette Reiff started a pet-food bank. Animal rescues are fielding calls from pet-foster aspirants.

“It’s pretty wild how much people just want to help each other and animals,” said Zellner, owner of Abrams & Weakley General Store for Animals in Susquehanna Township.

In the COVID-19 crisis, humans are hurting, and when humans hurt, their pets are not far behind. Throughout the midstate, pet stores and animal rescues are going about their business as usual, even as they step up their pet lifelines.

At Abrams & Weakley, Zellner began offering curbside pickup in mid-March. She also spread the word that her store can deliver to the homebound and offer donations or discounts to those in need.

“It’s beautiful,” she said. “We have had people call us and send money for their friends to buy food.”

The Humane Society of Harrisburg Area’s pet food bank has seen a “significant increase” in use since the crisis began, said Director of Marketing and Outreach Amanda Brunish.

“There are a lot of people who are losing income and need a helping hand, and that’s why we’re here,” she said. “Our mission is to build a better community for pets and people, and it’s not just about the homeless animals here. It’s about ensuring that pets stay in the homes they’re in now.”

Castaway Critters volunteer Annette Reiff, of Harrisburg, put out calls for donations for a pick-up pet food bank outside Tri-County OIC in Midtown. A large donation from Purina, via a York warehouse storing grocery overstocks, supplied enough dog food. More cat food donations are needed.

“I’ve been checking every day,” said Reiff. “The bins have been mostly empty. I fill them up again and check the next day.”

As the economy plummets, animal rescues are more concerned than ever that people unable to care for their pets will surrender them to shelters—already groaning—or abandon them, said Reiff.

That fear is driving much of the pet-itarian effort.

“I wouldn’t want anyone to have to get rid of a pet because they can’t afford food or basic things,” said Zellner. “I’m happy to go into our donation box and deliver to somebody who needs it.”

At HSHA, applications for a ramped-up fostering campaign—coincidentally, launched just before the crisis broke—have tripled since March. Even people who can only foster while they’re working from home or are laid off are welcome.

“People have really embraced fostering,” said Brunish. “We don’t know how long this is going to last, and we don’t know what kind of circumstances we’re going to run into. It’s nice that people want to give a helping hand.”

Ready to Roar

HSHA especially hopes for kitten fosters and is eager for kitten-related donations—kitten replacement milk, kitten wet and dry food.

The reason? Seems that animal shelters are a necessity that remains open. Pet adoptions, too, although they continue in virtual and no-touch form. Spay-neuter is not, and veterinarians are withholding non-elective surgeries, like their people-doctor counterparts.

The pandemic hit just as kitten season was accelerating. As young as 4 months old, those early kittens will become kitten mamas.

At trap-neuter-return program Steelton Community Cats, a lack of supplies is hindering the monthly surgical clinic conducted by Dr. Diane Ford of Vetting Zoo, Palmyra.

“Everybody, every rescue, every humane society, every TNR program is just doing the best we can with what we have,” said longtime volunteer Rosemary Loncar.

March and April clinics were canceled, but Steelton Community Cats is ready to roar as soon as possible.

“Each month, we will be doing 80 cats,” said Loncar. “We really are behind the 8-ball right now, because all of those cats we were supposed to do in March—most of the females are probably pregnant.”

Taking care of people is top priority, she added, but “we’re biting at the bit. We really do want to get started.”

Like a Flood

Boiling Springs-based Furry Friends Network has seen “a huge amount of interest in helping, both adoption and foster,” said co-founder Robin Scherer.

However, Scherer must hope that those potential pet foster parents can wait. Southern shelters that normally send dogs up north for adoption are not transporting.

“We’re in a holding pattern for new dogs,” said Scherer. “We’d love to have more foster help in normal times, and I hope that the people who are offering to help will offer to help after the pandemic is over.”

She does “fear what is coming down the tracks,” especially with more than 150 cats still remaining from last year.

“These poor kittens,” she said. “I know what I can handle here, and that capacity is going to be filled up quickly. It’s like a flood. The kittens are a pandemic of their own.”

Although the donations that help Furry Friends Network pay for medical care have virtually stopped, Scherer is “totally against putting pleas for help out right now.”

“Everybody is in the same boat,” she said. “Businesses are struggling. People are struggling. It’s real for everybody.”

She does hope, though, that people consider adopting, including older cats and dogs.

“The animals need us, but I think people need the animals as much during this period of time,” Scherer said. “They can bring a lot of joy into your life. As long as you go into it realizing that they’re going to need you after the pandemic is over. A wonderful thing to do would be to keep helping them.”

Author’s note: Sweeney the tabby cat contributed keyboard strokes to this story.

Lending a Paw

Want to help? Contact these pet organizations and others.

Abrams & Weakley General Store for Animals: abramsandweakley.com
Castaway Critters: castawaycritters.org
Furry Friends Network: furryfriendsnetwork.com
Humane Society of Harrisburg Area: humanesocietyhbg.org. Donations purchased on Amazon can be shipped directly to HSHA.
Steelton Community Cats: steeltoncats.org, @steeltoncommunitycats on FB, [email protected]. Rubbing alcohol is much appreciated.

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

August 2, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

A trio of newly built houses on Swatara Street.

The past week has been packed with breaking news and feature stories. If you missed any, you’ve come to the right place.

Art Association of Harrisburg opened its latest exhibit, “Energized,” last weekend. Find our what TheBurg’s art columnist had to say about this eclectic assembly of artists.

Broad Street Market was named a “Great Public Space” by the PA chapter of the American Planning Association. Harrisburg’s historic market was only one of three places statewide to receive the honor. Click here for the story.

GreenWorks Development is the recipient of a $2 million state redevelopment grant, which will go towards a major proposed apartment and commercial project in Midtown Harrisburg. The National Civil War Museum and Tri-County Housing Development Corp. also received grants. Find out the details here.

Guglielmo Botter, an Italian-American artist, has returned to central PA to exhibit his illustrations of local landmarks. This time, he’s focused on Lancaster, with a show at the Visitor’s Center.

Habitat for Humanity and Tri-County HDC unveiled three new houses on Swatara Street that resulted from a “building blitz” last summer. The affordable houses are now on the market for sale. Read all the details here.

Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (H*MAC) unveiled the details of its next phase of construction, which will add a dance club and other amenities to the mixed-used venue. H*MAC also plans to change up and rebrand its restaurant. Click here for all the details.

Harrisburg’s music scene is hot for the summertime. Read the recommendations for this month from TheBurg’s music columnist.

Jelani Splawn is young photographer with a lens focused on the urban environment. Find out what he’s eyeing in our feature story.

Nikolaos Hatziefstathiou has been arrested in Delaware County on multiple charges due to alleged “fake news” schemes, according to the county district attorney. Hatziefstathiou is a key defendant in a defamation suit filed by the previous owners of the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center. Click here for the story.

R.O. Kwon drops into Harrisburg this weekend for a reading and some conversation at Midtown Scholar Bookstore. Learn about this acclaimed writer and her debut novel, “The Incendiaries.”

Sara Bozich has all your leads for a fun summer weekend. Find out what’s going on around town.

Susquehanna Art Museum will help turn a Subaru into a Picasso this weekend, with a public painting event. A Midtown Harrisburg couple generously donated the car/canvas. Read the painterly details.

TheBurg dropped our August issue, which is focused on youth and education in our area. If you ever had doubts about the next generation, you’ll want to pick up a copy or read a few stories online.

Urban Snob has rebooted, so to speak, reopening its boutique with a new look and business model. Read what the Midtown shop has in store.

Vintage Vault held the grand opening of its newest store in downtown New Cumberland. This shop is focused on mid-century pieces for all your “Mad Men” décor needs. Check out the offerings here.

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Buyer Ready: 3 Harrisburg houses hit the market following building blitz

July 29, 2019 | by Maddie Conley

Newly built homes line the 1500-block of Swatara Street in Harrisburg.

Today, three houses sit ready for purchase on the 1500-block of Swatara Street in Harrisburg, filling formerly empty land and adding to the many new homes popping up on the block.

Last June, 160 volunteers from Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Maryland came to Allison Hill in Harrisburg to build three houses in just five days. They were brought to the city by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Harrisburg with the mission of creating more affordable housing.

“A year ago or more, these homes were blighted,” said Rob Keith, board president of Tri-County Housing Development Corp. (TCHDC). “This is just an example of how people can work together for a common good.”

Keith was talking about the partnerships between Habitat for Humanity, Tri-County HDC, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), the city of Harrisburg and others.

According to Lyndsey Sturkey, Habitat’s executive director, the WoodsWork team from the Maryland church did the majority of the framing for the houses, while Habitat volunteers and Tri-County staff brought them to completion.

“The homeownership mentality is so important and it transforms neighborhoods,” explained state Rep. Patty Kim, who attended the unveiling.

While units 1511, 1513 and 1515 on the street are the most recent additions, TCHDC has been working to transform the entire block. With the new houses, the organization has reached 13 new homes.

Gary Lenker, executive director at TCHDC, noted that more than $5 million of federal, state, county and local dollars have gone into development on the street.

Each house is 1,600 square feet, including four bedrooms, one full bath and two half-baths, rear parking and a security system. Although construction costs exceeded $150,000 each, eligible families can purchase the houses for $101,900, Lenker explained. Buyers will also see building improvement taxes forgiven for the first 10 years.

Lenker added that a family’s median income must fall in the 51- to 80-percent range for the area, which equates to $45,450 and $70,100, in order to qualify. Buyers will also need to attend first-time homebuyer classes through TCHDC or PFHA.

Lenker mentioned that, while no one has moved in yet, “We have a lot of interested people.”

A property at the corner of 15^th and Swatara streets was also removed and TCHDC hopes to begin development on the 1400-block next, according to Lenker. A new South Allison Hill police substation has also recently opened down the block.

In the coming weeks, TCHDC also will unveil two, six-unit townhouses in Steelton.

For more information, visit Tri-County HDC at www.tchdc.net. To purchase one of the homes, contact Barbara Kauffman of Iron Valley Real Estate at 717-608-1284.

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