HARRISBURG | Development Thread [Archive] - Page 24

EastSideHBG

Jan 7, 2008, 10:27 PM

Harrisburg is a bit of a suburban city. Evidenced by the fact that we have more parking garage spaces in the city than we have people living in the area. The walk from Tracy to DT isn't that bad, I park my car on the 1700 block of third when I need to stay in town for the day. Tracy is on the 2100 if I remember correctly.
It's still a decent clip for someone in this demographic. And what exactly are you going to walk to, though? You won't be able to find a lot of day-to-day services (e.g. groceries) within walking distance.

Quite a bargin.
But my point is that it's really not. You can jump the river and have a house, and still be just as close to many things in the city. You can go into Susquehanna Twp., a little further up into Dauphin... My point is if you need to drive anyway, what's really the difference?

I am all for this idea mind you, and I am not trying to knock it at all; condo living in HBG is LONG overdue. But I think that they have this all wrong, and they should trim the size/prize of the condos and target a whole different demographic. THEN later on if it is a success, you can go for the luxury market...it seems to me as if they have this backwards. I get the feeling they looked at other cities and said, "Hey, it's working there so it can work here." But they are totally missing the YEARS (decades even) it took to get that market and area ripe where you could "justify" that sort of price range.

crs921

Jan 8, 2008, 5:20 PM

Good idea PA Pride. How do we get this, or something like it, on Page 1 to track progress??? ----Chris

HARRISBURG 2008 SKYLINE PROJECT RUNDOWN

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2352/2178565992_362f64a09c.jpg?v=0

http://www.reynoldsconstruction.com/assets/images/projects/webcam/netcam.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2306/2178566106_2fbbb4667f.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2074/2178566058_3f3159cda0.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2044/2178566024_b823c0d125.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2084/2177773375_0e9ca6c0cf.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2297/2177773397_13593e73f0.jpg?v=0

Young Gun

Jan 8, 2008, 5:45 PM

I assume the original poster would need to update it or have your posted moved onto the front page by mods

Moderators? Any help?

Do you have a higher resolution picture of the that skyline photo? I really like it. I think I need to buy that tripod so I can take those night photos. Could you put the link to the webcam in with the UT? I think that would be interesting to see as well. I am getting off work early today. With the nice weather I think it would be an excellent time for some construction updates.

What about that office building that is also on N. Front? Was there any renderings of it? They have already started some site prep on it.

Austinlee

Jan 8, 2008, 5:54 PM

crs921

Jan 8, 2008, 6:40 PM

Jer - I hear it is in the 60s up there today! Not too bad.....

Pics would be great - sounds like the perfect weather for a construction update.

Added the webcam to the rundown. Let me know.

Young Gun

Jan 8, 2008, 6:51 PM

Jer - I hear it is in the 60s up there today! Not too bad.....

Pics would be great - sounds like the perfect weather for a construction update.

Added the webcam to the rundown. Let me know.

Web cam looks good! It is in the 60's not exactly your weather, but refreshing in the middle of winter. I came in early and took a short lunch so I could get out an hour and half early. Plan to ride home with the convertible top down...

EastSideHBG

Jan 9, 2008, 1:03 AM

^Yes, the thread originator (Who is EastsideHBG) must edit his initial post with the info & pics.

CRS921: Thanks for compiling those... Look, it already is awesome to see all those great projects side by side! Impressive.
Screw you guys, I ain't doing jack sh*t! I don't even live in that town anymore!

;) ;) ;)

I updated page 1 w/ the info provided. If you want me to add anything else, please let me know.

Austinlee

Jan 9, 2008, 2:09 AM

^But you can't deny your roots homeboy! You got the screen name to prove it.

Thanks!

Young Gun

Jan 9, 2008, 12:52 PM

Unfortunately the camara battery was all but dead and died after I took these photos. I will try again today if it is not raining. but for now I got a few pic

Check out photos 102 through 108 below. As feared there is no view of the UT from the west of the city. You should be able to see it from the east from say the YWCA or Reservoir Park. Attempts shall be made.

link (http://jerchamberlin.myphotoalbum.com/view_photo.php?set_albumName=album01&id=IMG_1699)

crs921

Jan 10, 2008, 2:16 AM

thanks jer - nice pics. wish hu tower was taller, but oh well. if you hear about 210 N Second construction or Aloft construction, let us know.

Young Gun

Jan 10, 2008, 4:00 PM

thanks jer - nice pics. wish hu tower was taller, but oh well. if you hear about 210 N Second construction or Aloft construction, let us know.

My pleasure, I have a few of the Judical center from last night, but yet to post them. Sadly the "nice" side of the building faces inward towards the Complex and the side facing 7th street is pretty plain. Too bad it couldn't have had several nice facades like the Daulphin County Courthouse.

There isn't anymovement on either property, although I don't extect 210 N. to have any site prep till the plan is officially approved, at least I wouldn't do any if I was them. I don't actually believe much prep will be needed prior to the construcion of the building because the current buildings will remain standing (at least the facades) and the rest of the site should have been cleaned up when the city had cleared the site.

crs921

Jan 10, 2008, 8:55 PM

http://www.harrisburgu.net/uploads/news/photo_1199983384.jpg

Construction Crews Hoist Final Beam Into Place

Jan 10, 2008

The final steel beam for Harrisburg University of Science and Technology’s 16-story Academic Center was hoisted into place on January 10, 2008.

This beam was specially painted in “HU colors” and prepared for the signatures of some fifty remarkable individuals who have contributed their time, talents, and treasures to the University. The beam was signed during the Founder’s Day and Topping-Off Celebration on December 12th when construction reached its highest structural point. The beam will permanently reside as part of the 16th floor structure and, as such, will not be covered with fire proofing. Therefore, this specially-prepared beam will be exposed and the signatures adorning it visible for all time.

The new Academic Center is a 16-story, 371,000 square-foot tower under construction at 326 Market Street stands 194-feet in height. The $73-million building includes 24 classrooms, six scientific teaching labs, six seminar rooms, 12 student team meeting areas, a 125-seat auditorium, and space for 1,600 students. A courtyard will also be included at the base of the Academic Center.

The state-of-the-art facility opens in Winter 2008 will include a 20,000 volume library, wireless internet access capabilities, video-conferencing capabilities, and a multimedia production facility.

The building was designed by Burt, Hill Architects of Butler, PA. The Construction Manager for the project is Reynolds Construction Management, Inc., of Harrisburg. Materials for the project include 10,000 cubic yards of concrete, 260,000 pounds of rebar (steel reinforcement bars), 6 million pounds of structural steel, and 350,000 square feet of metal decking.

Harrisburg University offers an applied science and technology education dedicated to careers, and it is home to the National Science Foundation-funded National Center for Science and Civic Engagement. For more information on the University and its programs, email Connect@HarrisburgU.net or 717.901.5101.

In the photo: Marcus Lingenfelter, Vice President for University Advancement, examines the signatures on the beam moments before it was hoisted into place.

Young Gun

Jan 10, 2008, 9:30 PM

MidtownMike

Jan 11, 2008, 2:59 PM

I thought this was interesting re the PAL building on N. Third St:

http://jerseymike.org/?p=351

PAL Building Update Part Deux

As I reported back in May, groundbreaking was scheduled to begin this past fall on the dilapidated and mostly abandoned Police Athletic League building located at 1110 N Third Street in Midtown Harrisburg.

Developer John Traynor had optimistic goals and tentative plans to resurrect the former youth activity center into a full-fledged arts complex for Midtown Harrisburg comprised of art studios, a performance space, educational facilities, a cafe and, ahem, a bath house.

Fall of 2007 has come and gone with nary a peep from developers Bartlett, Traynor and London, LLC- and a late winter email to John Traynor was replied to with a contact number.

A phone call to Traynor earlier today resulted in more optimistic plans- but no solid dates.

“We closed with the City on November 30th and finally took possession of the building” Traynor explained, “and will be choosing a developer [from outstanding bids] this week.”

He went on to explain that groundbreaking should take place by the end of January or early February.

“I just had a meeting with the city earlier today about them getting some of their stuff out of the building”. He continued. “We didn’t realize how many hoops we’d have to jump through with the architectural review board, the city council and the historical society. All of the plans have been approved so we’ll be full steam ahead [upon selection of a contractor]”

Interestingly, The Patriot News reported that the building had been sold in February of 2007. So is it possible that it took nine months for Bartlett, Traynor and London to close on the deal?

Or is someone not telling the truth?

Time will tell.

In the comments section, this follows:

Comment by john traynor on January 9, 2008 3:48 am

Mike,

We thank you for keeping people up to date. We would also like to explain our position.

When we first saw the Pal Building it had been in City hands and no one wanted it.

Mayor Reed saw the potential of this building and saved it from being razed.

We had a plan, Mayor Reed saw that. He then said do it, and we have gone through the process of putting our plans and ideas through City Government.

This took sometime. Not to mention money and this was before we had title to the building.

We have not asked the city or the State for loans or money. We went forward in the belief that what we planned for this building will be it’s best possible use.

We would privately fund this project and spent over $60,000 just to get all plans and permissions in place.

Without going in to the politics, this building sat for over twenty years. No Love, No Vision, No plan and No one putting anything on the table. All I heard is blight and what is the city doing!

The City spent over $150,000 just to stabilize it. We have paid the money the city invested in this building and now the building will go back on the tax roll!

We are not Developers, Just people willing to take a chance and put our heart, soul and money into this project.

As I told you, everything we have proposed and all our plans have gone before the City and this is public record.

We closed on the building, as of November 30, 2007 and this can be confirmed with the City Lawyer.

We have also entered into an agreement that all profits from the “Townhouse” construction will be used for the renovations for the “Pal Building”.

This we do with full disclosure.

The subdivision plans where approved by City Council on July 3, 2007.

The Townhouse Development is done solely to support and fund the Arts Center.

It was our optimism that drove us to early speculation in completing the renovations and the fact that we did not fully understand the process that comes with buying a building owned by the City and the Citizens of Harrisburg. Not that we are out of touch, but we have good lawyers! (Adler & Adler)

We had to make sure that all plans and permissions where in place.

We are happy to report that from the top down, City Hall, has done nothing but champion and help in this process.

We are excited, moving forward, and we hope that we will have the support of people that really care about Harrisburg………We do!

Thank You for your support. If you or anyone has questions, please feel free to contact me.

info@harrisburgarts.com

P. S. We are not opening a Bathhouse! This is going to be the underground stop on the New Monorail.

Then, if you go to http://www.harrisburgarts.com, you see this:

As of December 1, 2007. We have taken title to the PAL Building and are now in the process of choosing contractors.

The process of getting all the planning permissions and City / State requirements in place, took a little longer then we expected. However we have not lost our excitement for this project and now look forward to breaking ground sometime in January, 2008.

Adjacent to the Pal Building on the Susquehanna and Herr Street corner in what was the Hebrew Gym Building. We will be building three 3000 sq ft Townhouses with internal heated two car garages.

During the winter Months we will be working on the interior of the Building. We hope to have a summer/fall opening. However, we will keep that date close to our chests until we see progress. Be assured, The Midtown Arts Center is on its way and we look forward to welcoming all in 2008!

We thank you for your support.

We remain committed,

John Traynor, Gary Bartlett, & Chuck London

Bartlett, Traynor & London LLC.

EastSideHBG

Jan 11, 2008, 9:55 PM

“I just had a meeting with the city earlier today about them getting some of their stuff out of the building”. He continued. “We didn’t realize how many hoops we’d have to jump through with the architectural review board, the city council and the historical society. All of the plans have been approved so we’ll be full steam ahead [upon selection of a contractor]”
Just for you, danwxman, who argued with me a few pages back when i talked about how difficult the city can be when it comes to projects. :tup:

Xeelee

Jan 11, 2008, 11:03 PM

Those are some nice buildings.

danwxman

Jan 12, 2008, 7:25 PM

Just for you, danwxman, who argued with me a few pages back when i talked about how difficult the city can be when it comes to projects. :tup:

Not so sure....these guys from NYC (tax and NIMBY capital of the world) didn't realize how hard it would be to push a project through Harrisburg? Okay.

EastSideHBG

Jan 12, 2008, 9:34 PM

Not so sure....these guys from NYC (tax and NIMBY capital of the world) didn't realize how hard it would be to push a project through Harrisburg? Okay.
LOL

danwxman

Jan 12, 2008, 9:35 PM

What you just said makes absolutely no sense at all, and once again a statement of yours solidifies my point even more. If NYC is the "tax and NIMBY capital of the world" than wouldn't it be veyr normal for them to think that it would be easier to get a project through HBG, and hence why they were so surprised when it was not? You know, exactly like they (and me) just said?!?

:cheers:

I think they were just in over their head and didn't have their financial situation solid.

EastSideHBG

Jan 13, 2008, 1:40 AM

I think they were just in over their head and didn't have their financial situation solid.
But what exactly would that have to do with the hoops they encountered with the architectural review board, the city council and the historical society again?!?

Oh well, I see this will go nowhere and we've both said our peace. Even though you don't live in the city you will defend its ways until the very end and come up with some wacky way to justify it all. Gotta respect that I guess...

:yes:

crs921

Jan 13, 2008, 3:24 AM

If Harrisburg didn't make progress so difficult, imagine the potential...............

EastSideHBG

Jan 13, 2008, 3:22 PM

/\
Yep, and EXACTLY my point! :tup:

crs921

Jan 14, 2008, 2:48 AM

cool night shot...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2099/2187913447_5e0a992bf5.jpg?v=0

crs921

Jan 14, 2008, 4:12 PM

webcam - foggy morning...

http://www.whptv.com/media/news/f/f/e/ffeea1f3-49f4-4e6c-a2a4-5f62dfbd5a3a/Original.jpg

Young Gun

Jan 14, 2008, 5:31 PM

webcam - foggy morning...

http://www.whptv.com/media/news/f/f/e/ffeea1f3-49f4-4e6c-a2a4-5f62dfbd5a3a/Original.jpg

it was quite miserable out this morning. espically on 4 hours sleep...

crs921

Jan 14, 2008, 6:14 PM

more night shots.......

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2135/2192457245_6754e07e94.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2066/2190679151_2a3f8ebf1a.jpg?v=0

Young Gun

Jan 16, 2008, 1:06 PM

I don't mean to say that Harrisburgers aren't violent themselves, but why does it seem that half the crimes reported or drug bust come from out of town people? I remember the hold up last summer with the kid with the assault rifle and several murders all commited by people the media reported as from NYC. At least Harrisburg will report on the criminals so they can't get away.

2 NYC men charged in fatal Hall Manor shooting
by BY IRVIN KITTRELL III, Of The Patriot-News Tuesday January 15, 2008, 11:45 PM
Two New York City men who were arrested hours after Queinton Robinson was shot to death Jan. 7 in Hall Manor were charged with homicide Tuesday, Harrisburg police reported.

Woodens B. Joseph, 18, and Lahme Perkins, 21, were arraigned Tuesday on criminal homicide, burglary and weapon charges, police said. Both were returned to Dauphin County Prison without bail. The two have been in the prison since Jan. 7.

They are charged with shooting and killing Robinson, who was five days shy of his 20th birthday, while the three men were drinking and smoking cigars about 1 p.m. in an abandoned Hall Manor playground, police reported.

Robinson was pronounced death at the scene.

Police said they found seven empty shell casings from two handguns, a 32-caliber and a 40-caliber weapon. Robinson was not armed, they said.

Gunpowder burns were found on Robinson's body, police said.

Students at nearby Foose Elementary School were kept inside the building after the shooting, which happened after lunchtime recess. No students were outside when the shooting occurred.

Joseph and Perkins ran after the shooting, and witnesses showed police where they were heading, officials said.

The men broke into a nearby home, in the 1600 block of Putnam Street, in an attempt to hide, police said.

Police surrounded the house within minutes of the shooting, and the men surrendered after a two-hour standoff.

Police held the two in prison on burglary charges as investigators gathered enough information to charge the men with homicide, police said.

Preliminary hearings for the two will be scheduled.

klingy04

Jan 16, 2008, 2:41 PM

More on the Chambers Hill development.

From the Central Penn Business Journal...

Retail developer aims for Swatara Township
By Jessica Bair and Eric Veronikis
1/4/2008

The developer of Silver Spring Square shopping center in Cumberland County has shifted its midstate focus to the East Shore.
Florida-based Regency Centers is drafting plans for an approximately 700,000-square-foot shopping center in Swatara Township, Dauphin County.

The $90 million project, called Swatara Marketplace, would be built along U.S. Route 322, just west of Mushroom Hill Road.

It would resemble the 500,000-square-foot Silver Spring Square, said Powell Arms, vice president of investments at Regency. Regency completed Silver Spring Square in Silver Spring Township last year.

Wegmans, Target, Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond and Panera Bread are among the retailers at the Cumberland County shopping center on the Carlisle Pike. Tenants have not been solicited for Swatara Marketplace, Arms said.

“Right now, we’re trying to identify what the off-site improvements need to be to make the traffic work there,” Arms said. “We will solicit (retail) interest once the traffic issues are worked out.”

Wegmans Food Markets Inc. has not announced intentions to build in Swatara Marketplace, but that doesn’t mean the company will not build there, said Jeanne Colleluori, spokeswoman for the Rochester, N.Y.-based grocery-store chain.

Silver Spring Square is the first Regency shopping center in which Wegmans opened, Colleluori said. Wegmans plans to open another store in a Regency shopping center under construction in Manassas, Va., she said.

When Regency executives pitched Swatara Marketplace to Dauphin County Commissioner George Hartwick III, they said they hoped to attract a large grocery store like Wegmans to the site, Hartwick said.

Hartwick is oversight commissioner for the county’s office of economic development. He supports the development of the shopping center because Swatara Township houses other successful shopping and industrial centers, he said.

“Swatara Township has been pro-growth, and that’s one of the reasons they have kept low property-tax rates,” Hartwick said. “I know that with this type of development you want to make sure they are taking care of all the traffic concerns. They talked about an access road that would ease congestion on 322.”

Traffic changes and other off-site improvements should cost about $23 million, but that figure could change, Arms said.

Plans for the project, which would create about 2,600 jobs, have not been formally submitted to the township, Arms said. A construction timeline is not yet available, he said.

“Overall, what we’d be trying to do is improve traffic flow through that commuter corridor, and widening is one of the things contemplated,” Arms said.

Without road improvements, the project would not work, said state Rep. John Payne (R-Dauphin County).

Route 322 is already congested during peak travel times, and to introduce more traffic there without building an easement road or another traffic easement, such as a cloverleaf, would not work, he said.

Payne does not want to see more red lights along the highway near the proposed site, he said. Existing red lights already snarl traffic, he said.

“I’m very supportive of the project,” Payne said. “That kind of commercial development is a good thing. It’s a good strip for commercial growth; there’s nothing wrong with that. It creates a huge tax base.”

Regency is proposing a tax-increment-financing partnership made up of the company, the Central Dauphin School District board, Dauphin County and Swatara Township.

Together, the groups would issue debt to help fund the necessary transportation improvements, Arms said. Part of the real estate taxes that the development would generate would help pay that debt, he said.

Paul Cornell, administrator of Swatara Township, said he believes the township’s board of commissioners, the county and the school district would all support such a partnership.

“When I first arrived here 11 years ago, there was a request for a shopping center. That request has never gone away,” Cornell said.

The 120 acres that Regency wants to develop have always been zoned commercial, Cornell said. The property has never been developed because it is practically landlocked between highways and is difficult to access, he said.

Regency worked with Penn-DOT to come up with a transportation-improvement plan that would relieve those issues and keep the bulk of traffic away from area residential neighborhoods, Cornell said. The company has also approached the owners of neighboring properties to work out agreements should it need to purchase the properties, he said.

“What’s not to like? They really did their homework,” Cornell said. “They have really gone out of the way to impact the community the least that they can.”

Young Gun

Jan 16, 2008, 3:13 PM

I took a look at that area and they wouldn't really have to rip out large portions of the hill. It is a little bit of a hill, but most of the hill tapers back from the road near that intersection.

MidtownMike

Jan 16, 2008, 5:44 PM

danwxman

Jan 16, 2008, 6:11 PM

Two things about that plan:

1.) I know someone scoffed earlier at my point that Wegman's will be there. It's going to happen. Let me put it this way: Erie has two Wegman's locations...Harrisburg will definitely have two Wegman's locations. They need another one.

2.) That will wipe out the shopping plaza that sits across Mushroom Hill Road from Wal-Mart/Sam's Club...the one with Weis and some other small stores.

Erie was the location of the first Wegmans in Pennsylvania. They have been there for over 20 years, that's why there are two stores there. The company is VERY slow at building new stores, and for good reason. There will not be another store in the Harrisburg area until at least 2011 at the earliest.

The current plan is to build a second store at a location in Susquehanna township I cannot disclose...but of course that can change.

My idea would be for a Wegmans in South Harrisburg near 83 once the southern gateway is finished, imagine a new urbanist type shopping plaza with easy access to the east and west shores.

Young Gun

Jan 16, 2008, 7:30 PM

I can't imagine that they would have construction finished on the shopping plaza much before 2011. It is in its very early stages of planning now. Which means that construction would start no sooner than early '09 They need to build a 4 lane road, and the plaza. If the road is going in there will need to be enviromental studies....

EastSideHBG

Jan 16, 2008, 10:18 PM

Oh my goodness, another strip mall in the Harrisburg area right near other older strip malls...and to think, this new one will probably have stores you can find a mere few miles away too...HOW EXCITING!!! :banana: :worship:

And yes, I am being sarcastic. :slob:

Mrmidtown

Jan 17, 2008, 1:32 AM

The current plan is to build a second store at a location in Susquehanna township I cannot disclose...

Old Earthlink building??? Am I close?

EastSideHBG

Jan 18, 2008, 12:04 AM

Old Earthlink building??? Am I close?
Hey speaking of, is that still empty?

crs921

Jan 18, 2008, 6:43 PM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2194/2201531733_0b8edb7ee1.jpg?v=0

Evergrey

Jan 18, 2008, 8:07 PM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2194/2201531733_0b8edb7ee1.jpg?v=0

whoa... :tup:

Young Gun

Jan 19, 2008, 2:05 PM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2194/2201531733_0b8edb7ee1.jpg?v=0

The skyline from that angle just begs for a building of at least 500 ft.

Wheelingman04

Jan 20, 2008, 12:53 AM

Wonderful photo.

Evergrey

Jan 20, 2008, 2:09 AM

The skyline from that angle just begs for a building of at least 500 ft.

no way... that would block the view of the beautiful mountains!

PaSkyX

Jan 20, 2008, 2:28 AM

I couldn't really imagine a Whole Foods going in there, but that would be interesting, to say the least. Actually, I'd really prefer to have an IKEA go in, but there's not really a good chance of that happening.

shload

Jan 20, 2008, 9:20 PM

crs921

Jan 21, 2008, 12:01 AM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2217/2204839593_a36bbf5ab1.jpg?v=0

crs921

Jan 21, 2008, 12:02 AM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2059/2204607245_06624fe24f_b.jpg

Rufus

Jan 21, 2008, 12:06 AM

Wow. That last shot looks almost like a big city.

Wheelingman04

Jan 21, 2008, 4:40 AM

That pic is amazing.

Young Gun

Jan 21, 2008, 2:22 PM

Wow. That last shot looks almost like a big city.

It is the biggest little city I've ever seen. Really acts much larger than its 50k population.

Evergrey

Jan 21, 2008, 2:38 PM

It is the biggest little city I've ever seen. Really acts much larger than its 50k population.

That's because we all know that Harrisburg, like every other Pennsylvania city, is severely "underbounded" and its official incorporated boundaries do not come close to reflecting the reality of the "Real Harrisburg". Harrisburg is basically equivalent to a Chattanooga (city pop. 168,000) , Lexington (city pop. 275,000) or Wichita (city pop. 357,000). All of these cities may have drastically different "city populations"... but they are all in reality the same size. Pennsylvania has the most fragmented system of municipal governance in the country, which results in artificially small city populations. That's why we tend to use Urbanized Area or Metropolitan Statistical Area populations to discuss cities on here. It's actually really unfortunate that Pennsylvania has such a fragmented system that features such tiny core city municipalities that are woefully unable to raise sufficient revenues and wield sufficient power. But we'll all be long dead before the state government looks at this issue seriously.

Nice pics, btw.

Young Gun

Jan 21, 2008, 3:14 PM

That's because we all know that Harrisburg, like every other Pennsylvania city, is severely "underbounded" and its official incorporated boundaries do not come close to reflecting the reality of the "Real Harrisburg". Harrisburg is basically equivalent to a Chattanooga (city pop. 168,000) , Lexington (city pop. 275,000) or Wichita (city pop. 357,000). All of these cities may have drastically different "city populations"... but they are all in reality the same size. Pennsylvania has the most fragmented system of municipal governance in the country, which results in artificially small city populations. That's why we tend to use Urbanized Area or Metropolitan Statistical Area populations to discuss cities on here. It's actually really unfortunate that Pennsylvania has such a fragmented system that features such tiny core city municipalities that are woefully unable to raise sufficient revenues and wield sufficient power. But we'll all be long dead before the state government looks at this issue seriously.

Nice pics, btw.

Yes, someday people will realize it. I think somebody should mention it to Mayor Reed. I think he would be more than happy to weild his power and might try to make some changes to the system. Think of the taxes he would levy on the surrounding municipalities

About 2 months ago I tried to find a copy of the laws on the internet regarding municipal boundries but found nothing. Would anybody with better search skills be able to help me out? I was really curious about the actual law

Young Gun

Jan 21, 2008, 3:17 PM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2217/2204839593_a36bbf5ab1.jpg?v=0

Where do you find these photos? Is there a full size of this one? Would it be ok for me to have it printed poster size? With a nice frame it would look awesome on my wall

EastSideHBG

Jan 21, 2008, 10:16 PM

Yes, someday people will realize it. I think somebody should mention it to Mayor Reed. I think he would be more than happy to weild his power and might try to make some changes to the system. Think of the taxes he would levy on the surrounding municipalities

About 2 months ago I tried to find a copy of the laws on the internet regarding municipal boundries but found nothing. Would anybody with better search skills be able to help me out? I was really curious about the actual law
There is nothing that Reed could do, as annexing in PA is a thing of the past. For municipalities to consolidate, there are major hurdles to accomplish and lots of red tape to cut through first.

The changes need to be made at state level first. But even if Hell froze over and that happened (lol), who would Harrisburg merge with? Susquehanna and Swatara would never go for it, Penbrook is in horrible financial shape, etc.

Evergrey

Jan 22, 2008, 1:59 AM

from the right angles you can already see this building on the skyline.
does anyone know how many floors are completed so we can imagine how its gonna look when its finished? by the looks of things it still has a way to go so it should make a nice filler in the skyline, eh?

Middleburg! I love Snyder County... very scenic. :)

Young Gun

Jan 22, 2008, 2:22 PM

There is nothing that Reed could do, as annexing in PA is a thing of the past. For municipalities to consolidate, there are major hurdles to accomplish and lots of red tape to cut through first.

The changes need to be made at state level first. But even if Hell froze over and that happened (lol), who would Harrisburg merge with? Susquehanna and Swatara would never go for it, Penbrook is in horrible financial shape, etc.

I don't have all the information that I'd like before typing a response, but this is what I have so far.

Well, for starters I would say Penbrook and Paxtang. Yes they might be in poor financial shape, but I believe it would be an improvement for both municipalities, crisis (upgrades to sewer system, budget shortfalls) could be spread over a larger tax base. As for Swatara and Susquehanna you wouldn't neccessairly need to annex the entire township. I grew up in Waynesboro as I had previously stated. When there were legal avenues to annex surrounding land the town grew because residents in the areas bordering the town voted to come into the borough. If I remember correctly a high number > 75% needed to want to redraw the line in that area. With the right spin I believe you would convince residents to come into the fold. Regardless of what the townships wanted

And have you stepped outside? I think Hell is freezing

Young Gun

Jan 22, 2008, 4:21 PM

This was talked about earlier in this thread. I think it would be a shame for the school to leave it current location. It has such a rich history there.

McDevitt's site choices narrowed
Renovations, 3 locations considered

Tuesday, January 22, 2008BY CARRIE CASSIDYOf The Patriot-News
Officials of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg have narrowed the site options for a new Bishop McDevitt High School to three, but they're not saying where those sites are.

One diocesan official also said renovating the existing school, which has been a fixture on Market Street since the 1930s, is still being considered.

Harrisburg Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades said it's too early in the process to reveal the sensitive information.

MidtownMike

Jan 22, 2008, 5:39 PM

Young Gun

Jan 22, 2008, 6:33 PM

I would expect it to move. A couple of likely spots (based on some inside knowledge):

- The area near Spring Creek Rd and 61st St. in either Lower Paxton or Swatara Twp. (not sure which it is)

- The area above The Home Depot off of East Park Drive in Swatara Twp.

My bet is on the first one.

I would expect it to move too. Otherwise they wouldn't keep the sites secret.

MidtownMike

Jan 22, 2008, 9:23 PM

I would expect it to move too. Otherwise they wouldn't keep the sites secret.

They're keeping them secret to keep profiteer landowners from raising their prices; but that doesn't mean that they're definitely moving. There's a significant faction of vocal alumni that will bitch and moan if they abandon the current building. The bishop is acutely aware of that and is hedging his bets right now. He doesn't want a public relations nightmare on his hands...nor does he want the school being exposed for what it is right now (crumbling academically and discipline-wise).

But, on the other hand, a significant donor will not be giving his pile of $$ to the school of they decide to stay where they are.

I'm actually looking forward to the fireworks.

crs921

Jan 23, 2008, 7:35 PM

HIA making ready to handle more flights from overseas

Posted by DAN MILLER, Of The Patriot-News January 23, 2008 11:25AM

More - and bigger - international flights could be arriving at Harrisburg International Airport.

The airport today took a step that will allow HIA to handle arriving international flights of 200 passengers and more. Airport owners Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority approved spending up to $300,000 so U.S. Customs can use part of the former terminal to process passengers on flights from other countries.

Executive Director Tim Edwards said at present HIA facilities can only process a smaller number of passengers arriving on international flights. The potential exists for HIA to handle a much larger number of international flights, which would increase airport revenue.

For example, incoming international flights are sometimes diverted because of weather. Right now large incoming international flights that could be diverted to HIA aren't, so they are sent to other airports in places like Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City, Edwards said.

HIA is also positioning itself to handle more chartered arriving international flights. Edwards said HIA is already scheduled to receive 20 such flights this year. Meanwhile, a company Edwards would not name is seeking route approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation to send more international chartered flights HIA's way. Edwards said HIA anticipates approval and that a public announcement could be made within a few weeks.

The customs facility would take up about 20 percent of the former terminal. The airport is still seeking one or more new tenants to lease the former terminal but no commitments have been reached, Edwards said. The airport has a contract with commercial real estate brokers NAI/CIR of Wormleysburg to market the former terminal.

Young Gun

Jan 23, 2008, 8:00 PM

:previous: Good news. Maybe someday I'll be able to book direct flights from the airport.

Xeelee

Jan 25, 2008, 10:07 PM

That's a nice pic. So serene. :)

klingy04

Jan 26, 2008, 3:07 AM

Major expansion at Hotel Hershey

Sounds like good things to come...

From the Central Penn Business Journal

UPDATE: The Hotel Hershey announces $35M expansion
By Jessica Bair
1/25/2008

The Hotel Hershey officials this afternoon announced a roughly $35 million expansion that will break ground next month.

The expansion coincides with the hotel’s 75th anniversary this year. Improvements include the following:

• Between $1 million and $3 million will be spent on a recreational complex, which will include hiking trails, year-round ice skating, an adult pool, a family pool, cabanas, and a sports complex for basketball, volleyball, tennis, and more.

• About $8 million will be spent on revamping the arrival experience at the hotel by creating a road that connects Hotel Road directly to the hotel’s front entrance, as well as expanding parking and new landscaping.

• The Cottages in the Pines will cost between $13 million and $15 million to construct. The addition includes 4 six-bedroom and 6 four-bedroom cottages, for a total of 48 new guest rooms.

• A new $9 million restaurant will seat about 130 guests and will include a game room and retail. It will serve three meals a day, stay open year-round and offer meeting space.

• A $1 million restoration was completed this month on the hotel’s Circular Dining Room. Upgrades included a hand-painted ceiling mural, new furniture and carpet, repaired stained glass and a temperature-controlled wine room.

“The total focus for the company is to reinvest in its assets,” said Ted Kleisner, president and chief executive officer of Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Co.

Parts of the expansion will begin opening in the summer of 2009, officials said.

The expansion is the first of four major projects to take place at the hotel in the next five years, said James Miles, vice president of Hershey Resorts.

crs921

Jan 28, 2008, 12:28 AM

http://www.beyondsecond.com/uploads/photos/298/fullsize/1201473917.jpg

BY SHARON SMITH
Of The Patriot-News

The red-orange glow of the Fulton Bank sign has been a fixture of the Harrisburg skyline at night for at least the last 30 years.

The sign is going to go dark soon, but not for long. It's getting an energy-efficient make-over.

Fulton Bank is switching the fluorescent bulbs in the 9-foot-high letters that spell out its name to brighter, energy-saving LED lighting. The sign is expected to be lighted again in April when the work is finished.

The Lancaster-based bank decided about a year and a half ago to scrap the fluorescent bulbs, which were in need of replacement anyway.

"We'll reduce our power consumption costs by 50 percent," said Rob Jones, president of Fulton's capital division. "They're longer-lasting, much more efficient and we won't have to send folks on the roof to replace them as often. That's pretty harrowing."

Fulton also will be able to do something it hasn't done for a long time: turn the lights off.

A sensor on the sign is broken, so the fluorescent bulbs burn 24 hours a day. The ability to turn the lights off in the daytime also will help reduce energy use.

"It's the right thing to do from an overall conservation perspective as well," Jones said.

The overhaul doesn't come cheap. It will cost about $75,000, said Phil Saunders, owner of Lancaster-based Sign Medix. His firm is handling the sign makeover for the bank.

Saunders said it probably costs about $14,000 a year now to keep the Fulton Bank sign illuminated with the fluorescent bulbs. The LED lighting will reduce the cost to about $2,400 a year.

The LED lights will give off a noticeably different pure red glow, he said.

"It's going to stand out more brilliant than ever," Saunders said. "It's going to look beautiful against the skyline, definitely."

SHARON SMITH: 255-4152 or sharonsmith@patriot-news.com

EastSideHBG

Jan 28, 2008, 10:23 PM

/\
Cool! :tup:

Wheelingman04

Jan 29, 2008, 12:54 AM

I love Hershey.

Young Gun

Jan 29, 2008, 9:21 PM

This is outrageous

Reed's legal bill to fund city police hires
by JOHN LUCIEW, Of The Patriot-News Monday January 28, 2008, 6:55 PM
The Harrisburg City Council is trying to hire more police officers by sticking Mayor Stephen R. Reed's office with a $702,696 legal bill.

The gesture is largely symbolic because the bill has already been paid using city money, but council members said Monday night that they are serious about putting more officers on the street this year, while keeping close tabs on city spending.

"Let's put the money where it belongs," council member Patty Kim said. "We need to have more police officers. Our youth are dying out there."

The council voted unanimously to exclude the $702,696 overage in Reed's legal budget for 2007 from a list of year-end budget transfers needed to close the city's financial books from last year. The amount will go in the books as a deficit in Reed's budget and be restored as credit to the 2008 police budget, budget director Robert Kroboth said. The amount could fund, train and equip about a half-dozen officers.

However, the council approved its own $238,554 overage in legal fees from the same court battle with Reed over who has the power to appoint Harrisburg Authority board members.

All told, the protracted legal battle drained the 2007 budget by more than $1 million, the transfers showed. The typical annual budget for outside legal services is $20,000 for each office.
New member Brad Koplinski, who wasn't part of the case, said both sides should have compromised long ago on a power-sharing arrangement.

"Together, we're looking at $1 million of taxpayer money," Koplinski said, who warned the bill could be the same amount or more this year if the case goes to the state Supreme Court.

The legal costs, along with a $1.9 million "bad loan" to the Harrisburg Authority to cover costs related to the city's trash incinerator, drained money from city services, including police protection, throughout last year.

More than $2 million was squeezed from the 2007 police budget for patrol officers and criminal investigators, even as the city faced rising crime rates. The city freed up the money by not filling certain police vacancies for most or all of last year.

Councilwoman Susan Brown Wilson said she wanted all of the public safety money restored to bolster the police and fire departments. While that didn't happen, members vowed that help is on the way.

Councilwoman Gloria Martin-Roberts, who heads the council's public safety committee, which oversees police, said she would explore how many officers the city can afford to hire this year.

Reed has proposed hiring 43 city employees, including at least 15 police officers, for this year. However, his plan involved selling $10.1 million in city-owned property to fund the hires, which the council rejected.

Reed added that despite last year's understaffing across city departments, he filled seven police vacancies late last year and swore in two more officers this month.

Reed said the city is moving ahead with more than $8 million in vehicle and equipment purchases, outfitting virtually all city departments with new vehicles.

MidtownMike

Jan 31, 2008, 1:26 PM

Not much new here, but probably going to reach the largest amount of folks in the area being on the front page of the paper:

Plans take shape for Swatara shopping center
Thursday, January 31, 2008
BY MARY KLAUS
Of The Patriot-News

Deer, squirrels and groundhogs roam the 160 wooded acres along Route 322 in Swatara Twp., just west of Mushroom Hill Road.

That could change in the next few years.

A $90 million shopping center, Swatara Marketplace, is planned for the site.

Details are shrouded in secrecy as the landowner, developer, Swatara Twp. officials and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation employees work on the project.

The land is under contract to be sold, said Richard E. Jordan III, vice president of Smith Land and Improvements Corp. of Camp Hill, which has owned the site for at least 60 years. He said the company hopes to sell "the easternmost 115 acres" for the proposed development.

"There is no set date for the sale," he said, declining to reveal the selling price. "The developer is pursuing several municipal and government approvals."

Swatara Marketplace developer Powell Arms, the vice president of investments at Regency Centers of Jacksonville, Fla., declined comment after a recent private meeting with township officials.

Richard Bazdar, the township's code enforcement officer, said no formal plans for the shopping center have been submitted.

Last fall, Arms said Regency's goal was to open a shopping center with several stores by 2010. Regency, also the developer of Silver Spring Square shopping center in Silver Spring Twp., is a leading national owner, operator and developer of grocery-anchored and community shopping centers. It owns 413 retail properties nationwide.

The involved parties said it's too early to seek tenants for Swatara Marketplace, although some residents have expressed hope for a large grocery store such as Wegmans to locate there.

Wegmans, based in Rochester, N.Y., "has no plans at this time to build a store in that area," said Jeanne Colleluori, a company spokeswoman. She said the nearest Wegmans stores under development are in Chester and Montgomery counties.

Bill Gladstone, a commercial real estate broker who leads the Bill Gladstone Group of NAI/CIR, said the township's proximity to the Pennsylvania Turnpike, interstates 83, 81 and 283 make it attractive to developers. Plus, he said, township officials are good to work with.

He called Swatara Twp. an excellent location with controlled growth.

The East Shore has the Harrisburg Mall, Colonial Park Mall, Colonial Commons, High Pointe Commons, Shoppes at Susquehanna, The Point Mall and several smaller shopping centers and strip malls.

Asked if the area needs another shopping center, Gladstone said developers spend tens of thousands of dollars studying the market before committing to a project.

"With the right retailers, yes, a shopping center could work there," he said. "I think there is a need for a grocery store on that side of town. The big thing with that land is the highway. I'm familiar with that property. It's been sitting there so long because of the highway."

Building Swatara Marketplace would not be without challenges, said Thomas D. Powers, president of Powers &Associates LLC of Harrisburg, a major midstate development firm.

"It's not a flat piece of ground, so it requires one portion to be cut and another portion to be filled to make it flat." Powers said. "It's a very difficult site. Cut and fill is expensive."

He said developers also have to consider off-site costs of traffic improvements, which often involve a public-private partnership.

"A project there would necessitate improvements to the road system," Powers said. "Route 322 is a PennDOT road."

Greg Penny, PennDOT District 8 spokesman, said the developer has submitted an initial traffic-impact study to the department's traffic unit that was reviewed and returned for more work.

Traffic-impact studies, which focus on how a developer's proposal affects the state road system, are "proprietary and confidential," Penny said. He said developers generally work with PennDOT on access and traffic-flow issues.

"We evaluate what improvements may be necessary to accommodate that growth," Penny said, "such as installing one or more new traffic signals, re-timing traffic signals, widening the road for a center turn lane or adding an additional lane for capacity or right turns."

MARY KLAUS: 255-8113 or mklaus@patriot-news.com

©2008 The Patriot-News
© 2008 PennLive.com All Rights Reserved.

EastSideHBG

Feb 1, 2008, 12:03 AM

/\
What a sick, disgusting joke this all is. :(

Young Gun

Feb 1, 2008, 3:42 AM

/\
What a sick, disgusting joke this all is. :(

Afraid it isn't a joke.

That being said there is a sign up on the outside of the fence to the Aloft property that says "Project financed by Graystone Bank" I take this to be good news, cause last we heard it was waiting for financing. I guess they'll probably wait to better weather to start the construction? Is the building supposed to have a basement?

crs921

Feb 1, 2008, 8:04 PM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2155/2235461828_a4e0eeebe8.jpg?v=0

PaSkyX

Feb 2, 2008, 4:21 PM

"It's not a flat piece of ground, so it requires one portion to be cut and another portion to be filled to make it flat." Powers said. "It's a very difficult site. Cut and fill is expensive."

Where's my, "told ya so"?

crs921

Feb 3, 2008, 3:38 AM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2023/2237240610_b6b9faf650.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2226/2237372693_7411d4d20f_o.jpg

crs921

Feb 3, 2008, 7:28 PM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2413/2238129345_9ce904a942_b.jpg

EastSideHBG

Feb 4, 2008, 10:00 PM

crs921, where are you getting all of these photos? Don't forget that you need to credit the photographer and/or source when posting.

crs921

Feb 5, 2008, 6:03 PM

Got it EastSideHBG, thanks. :)

Seabeastt at FlickR took this great shot. It almost makes Harrisburg appear "metropolitan." LOL

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2089/2243168367_ac576ce4b4_b.jpg

EastSideHBG

Feb 5, 2008, 11:31 PM

No prob, crs921, thanks! :)

WOW, that is definitely one of the best HBG shots I have ever seen! :eek: The blue-ish hue really sets it off!

Wheelingman04

Feb 6, 2008, 11:24 PM

Wonderful photos.

Young Gun

Feb 7, 2008, 1:35 PM

No prob, crs921, thanks! :)

WOW, that is definitely one of the best HBG shots I have ever seen! :eek: The blue-ish hue really sets it off!

I think so too. I'd like to get a higher resolutions so I could print it out. It would look awesome, as a long shot going down my hallway wall. I'll have to contact seabeast and work something out.

Xeelee

Feb 7, 2008, 3:58 PM

Those look like some nice pics. :)

crs921

Feb 11, 2008, 2:23 AM

210 N. Second = Tower Appears to be Approved

• Resolution 6-2008 – A Resolution approving the Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan Application of 210 North Second Street Associates, LLC to construct an eighteen (18) story mixed-use office and retail building with ancillary parking at 200-02, 204-10, and 216-18 North Second Street, subject to certain conditions.

• Resolution 7-2008 - A Resolution approving the granting of an easement by the City of Harrisburg to 210 North Second Street Associates, LLC to extend the proposed building at the corner of North Second Street and Locust Street over the existing sidewalks to provide a fixed canopy structure over the entrance to the building on North Second Street and to allow for bay window structures to preserve the historic streetscape and other architectural features of Locust Street.

http://www.210nsecond.com/elevations.jpg

crs921

Feb 11, 2008, 3:55 PM

Bottom Line: Enough with the Federal Courthouse debate! If Mayor Reed truly cared about development in Harrisburg, he would have had Harrisburg Univ. built at 6th & Reilly, as the 4th & Market St. location was prime for a large office tower/retail for the city's tax base. Idiot!

Federal courthouse concerns will be aired today
by The Associated Press

Monday February 11, 2008, 10:01 AM

The debate continues about the location of a new federal courthouse for Harrisburg.

U.S. Sens. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., and Bob Casey Jr., D-Pa., and U.S. Rep. Tim Holden, D-Schuylkill County, are holding a hearing this afternoon to discuss proposed locations to replace the current courthouse.

Harrisburg Mayor Stephen Reed, U.S. District Judge Christopher Conner and officials from the General Services Administration are scheduled to testify.

Some want a new location, others say just rebuild. Security concerns touched off the controversy a couple of years ago. Federal officials had issues with the way prisoners, judges, and families moved through the building.

Exactly where to rebuild has become a major debate between locals and the feds.

klingy04

Feb 11, 2008, 8:16 PM

Third choice emerges in courthouse battle
by JOHN LUCIEW, Of The Patriot News
Monday February 11, 2008, 2:56 PM

Today's congressional hearing produced a potential compromise in the deadlock over where to build Harrisburg's new federal courthouse.

U.S. District Judge Christopher C. Conner suggested building the $135 million project at South Second and Paxton streets, a site that has been favored by Mayor Stephen R. Reed and was on a list of 10 alternatives reviewed by the federal agency overseeing the project.

Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., who organized the afternoon hearing at Harrisburg Area Community College's midtown campus, joined Sen. Bob Casey Jr., D-Pa., and U.S. Rep. Tim Holden, D-Schuylkill County, in urging both sides to study the option as a potential path to compromise.

However, officials with the federal General Services Administration said there would be major hurdles in building the courthouse within the city's 100-year floodplain.

GSA officials said a feasibility study of the site would cost $500,000. That's on top of the $2 million the agency has spent since 2004 studying sites in Harrisburg for the courthouse, including a just-concluded $300,000 comparison of two rival locations.

Reed and a coalition of citizen groups and businesses favor building the courthouse at a mostly vacant site at Sixth and Reily streets in the city's in midtown.

But in a just-concluded a study ordered by Congress, GSA said its analysis supports keeping Harrisburg's federal courthouse downtown at Third and Walnut streets.

Federal officials want to replace the Ronald Reagan Federal Office Building and Courthouse because the high-rise does not meet security standards set after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Reed wants the courthouse to anchor midtown redevelopment, but GSA officials said their study indicates the courthouse would not be the development magnet that the mayor claims.

The agency's plan call for demolishing the existing courthouse building and temporarily relocating the courtrooms and related agencies in rented space for as much as $31 million until the new building is built sometime 2012.

EastSideHBG

Feb 11, 2008, 10:42 PM

Young Gun

Feb 12, 2008, 2:26 AM

Reed wants the courthouse to anchor midtown redevelopment, but GSA officials said their study indicates the courthouse would not be the development magnet that the mayor claims.

I completely agree with them on this one and I still think 6th and Reily isn't that great of a spot...it's far enough away from DT to be disconnected enough to not have anything useful around it. Plus that side of town is pretty crummy, and being that it's Harrisburg, it will take yrs. for development to pop up, so...

I'll Kinda agree with what you say. I think the Paxton and 2nd could be good if traffic was reworked to not be impossible. Currently that area can get a little "congested" during rush hour. It would help downtown move into that flood plain. If things are regraded similiar to the southern gateway plan.... well its a thought. Doubt it would be allowed to happen without Herr Reed still in control.

crs921

Feb 12, 2008, 3:23 AM

JerseyMike.org - Recalling Mayor Reed

What comes to immediate mind is The Incinerator Debacle ($300 Million and counting), The Harrisburg Authority Legal Bill Fiasco ($1 Million and counting), The Wild West Museum Snafu ($25 Million? Does anyone really know?) and quite recently, The Parking Garage Land Swap Flim Flam (not really a loss…yet, but it’s kind of like taking a couple million dollars from your left pocket and placing it directly into your right).

The message boards and blogosphere light up with each new found puddle of filth left behind in the trail of money and power hungry politicos in this town…all on the backs of the citizens…the taxpayers.

Taxpayer monies- over one million dollars (or ten new police officers, a bunch of new police cars, new fire equipment, etcetera) was just spent on an absolutely FRIVOLOUS and UNNECESSARY lawsuit to maintain control of The Harrisburg Authority.

That MILLION DOLLARS was WASTED.

PISSED AWAY.

And our police officers are clunking around in 1994 Caprice Classics that are LESS reliable than my beat up old Saab. (Seriously.)

Over the years, people have uttered the word “impeach” with regards to Mayor Steven Reed.

But we cannot impeach our Mayor. It is not in the rule book.

We MAY, however, recall our Mayor.

Read for yourself- some communities in this great country have begun proceedings with as few as five persons involved- with the majority of the action taken by the President of City Council.

Read on:

Kansas City, MO.- Residents Seek Recall of Mayor

Berkley, CA- Recall Mayor Tom Bates

New Underwood, SD- Recall Mayor Oliff

Spokane, WA- Mayor Recalled Over Sex-Scandal

Wildwood NJ- Mayor Recalled for abuse of power and misleading financial deals.

Does ANY of that sound familiar to any of you?

MidtownMike

Feb 13, 2008, 1:02 PM

This is good news for the taxpayers of Dauphin county. It's about time they unloaded this white elephant:

Developer would build on county golf course
Posted by ahayakaw February 13, 2008 00:01AM
CHRISTOPHER MILLETTE, The Patriot-News 2007

Midstate golfers might lose one of the region's best-rated public courses -- Dauphin Highlands.

A deal to sell the government-owned course is in the works, according to H. Michael Liptak, chairman of the Dauphin County General Authority, which built and operates the property.

Though no formal agreement has been reached, the authority has accepted a nonbinding letter of intent from a buyer, Liptak said. He would not identify the buyer or reveal the selling price.

Liptak is scheduled to appear before the Dauphin County commissioners at 10 a.m. Wednesday to discuss the potential sale.

If the deal goes through, the golf course would be converted to another use based on a sketch plan the buyer provided to the authority, Liptak said.

The property is zoned commercial, which allows a variety uses, including auto dealerships, hotels and stores, he said.

The authority bought the property and built the course in 1995 amid expectations it would make money for county taxpayers. That never happened.

Today, the authority owes more than $10 million on the property and has been drawing $250,000 to $500,000 a year from its budget to meet debt payments. The authority can't continue to subsidize the course at that rate, Liptak said.

The debt makes it impossible to market the property as a golf course, he said.

"You could buy two golf courses for what we could ask for ours," he said.

If the authority can't cover the debt payments, county taxpayers would have to step in and pick up the slack, and that concerns the county commissioners.

"I don't believe county taxpayer dollars should be going to support a golf course," Commissioner George Hartwick III said.

Commissioner Nick DiFrancesco echoed that sentiment.

"Should the ... authority not have the wherewithal to honor that loan, we're looking at the county taxpayers to pay that loan. That's something I'm not willing to accept," he said.

Dauphin Highlands is considered one of the best public courses in the region. Golflink.com's readers gave the 18-hole, par 72 course 4.5 out of five stars.

"It's one of my favorite places to play in the whole area," said Paul Cornell, the manager of Swatara Twp. "Golfers will miss the course. There not a doubt in my mind about that."

If the course closes, the impact on the golfing community will be huge, said Greg Ulp, president of the Harrisburg District Golf Association.

"You're looking at 35,000 rounds a year at Dauphin Highlands, and those golfers are going to have to go somewhere else," he said.

News of a possible sale didn't surprise Highlands golf pro Tim Black, who was aware of the course's debts. Still, he said, if it closes, "it will be a big blow to golf in Pennsylvania."

Highlands is the only course in central Pennsylvania with a four-star rating from Golf Digest magazine, he said.

It plays host to the Central Pennsylvania Better Ball Championship and the Central Pennsylvania Amateur Championship each year. It has also hosted the Pennsylvania Open Qualifier for the Pennsylvania Golf Association.

Pro golfer Jim Furyk has played the course and conducted clinics there, Black said.

Charley Hoffman, who won the PGA's Bob Hope Classic last year, holds the course record of 63, he said.

Interest in golf less intense than it once was, perhaps because people are less willing to take the time away from their families to play, Ulp said.

A lot of golf courses in the region, public and private country clubs, are struggling, he said.

Though the future of the course is uncertain, Hartwick said the county and Swatara Twp. would have a strong interest in how the site is redeveloped. He said he would press to include open space and recreational land in the developmen

crs921

Feb 14, 2008, 12:37 AM

CAN SOMEONE GET AN UPDATED SHOT OF HBG FROM THIS ANGLE WITH THE H U TOWER NOW ALMOST DONE?
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1149/747203519_4bdec3d0d4.jpg?v=0

ALSO ANY NEWS ON THE ALOFT HOTEL?

crs921

Feb 14, 2008, 1:38 AM

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels/images/logo.gif

New Aloft Website - aloftHarrisburg opens June 2009!

www.aloftharrisburg.com
www.harrisburgaloft.com

Young Gun

Feb 14, 2008, 4:00 AM

CAN SOMEONE GET AN UPDATED SHOT OF HBG FROM THIS ANGLE WITH THE H U TOWER NOW ALMOST DONE?
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1149/747203519_4bdec3d0d4.jpg?v=0

ALSO ANY NEWS ON THE ALOFT HOTEL?

I think so, but not for the next several days. Or were you thinking of further in the future?

The only news I have on the Aloft is what I posted last week about there being a sign stating it was being financed by Graystone Bank. I remember earlier last year they were stating that the next step was the financing of the building so I guess that helps it move forward. They already have the developer lined up right?

MidtownMike

Feb 14, 2008, 1:03 PM

They already have the developer lined up right?

Hersha Hospitality

MidtownMike

Feb 14, 2008, 2:15 PM

Planned Front Street office building to get retro look
Posted by jluciew February 13, 2008 19:33PM

A 40,000-square-foot office building planned for the 3000 block of North Front Street will be something of a throwback.

Rather than a modern monolith with large windows tinted black, the three-story building will be of red brick and feature white-paned windows more in keeping with surrounding mansions, according to plans unveiled tonight.

"I think the architecture bespeaks what is around it," city planning director Dan Leppo said of the building planned for just north of the Dixon University Center.

However, it wasn't always this way. The first sketch concept for the building being developed by Tom Flynn and Tony Pascotti showed a cookie-cutter office common in any suburb.

"We had a frank discussion about that," Leppo said.

Since then, the project appears to be on the fast track. Leppo said the Harrisburg Planning Commission is expected to vote on land use plans for the building next month. The city zoning hearing board and City Council also must review and approve the project.

Surveyor Tim Wakefield, who presented the plans, said the developers are pursuing a single tenant for the structure but did not provide specifics on the company or how much the building will cost.

The site at 3003-3009 North Front Street was cleared late last fall when crews demolished a two-story house about a block north of where Mary K. Knackstedt wants to demolish the mansions she owns to clear the site for a $32 million condo complex.

Young Gun

Feb 14, 2008, 3:47 PM

[QUOTE=crs921;3352832]CAN SOMEONE GET AN UPDATED SHOT OF HBG FROM THIS ANGLE WITH THE H U TOWER NOW ALMOST DONE?
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1149/747203519_4bdec3d0d4.jpg?v=0

QUOTE]

That will be a very hard shot to get without someone in the passenger seat. At least in my car. It requires you to be looking over your shoulder while traveling down the interstate. At least in my car as I have to take it from south bound lane cause the median is too high for me to see over. I have a small sports car.

crs921

Feb 14, 2008, 4:38 PM

I'm hearing that the new Federal Courthouse at 3rd & Walnut (which is were it really should stay) -- is going to be Harrisburg's tallest - mostly glass - and could really be the first modern looking building in the skyline's history.

GSA.gov - and type in Harrisburg in the search box, there is an email address you can write to and encourage a tall modern structure topping 300 feet.:banana:

danwxman

Feb 15, 2008, 7:24 PM

Swatara surge
Township balances growth, improvements
By Eric Veronikis
2/15/2008

http://www.centralpennbusiness.com/img/photos/swatarahoffman021508.jpg
Real estate agents Paula Thompson, left, and Kathy Adamski review a site plan from the deck of a home in Hoffman Heights, Swatara Township. Thompson and Adamski, of the John Smith Real Estate Group, were hosting an open house in the Dauphin County development being built by Ephrata-based Landmark Homes. Photo/Amy Spangler
In the past 10 years, Swatara Township has experienced tremendous commercial and residential growth.

Development has helped keep taxes down in the township and has given Central Pennsylvania residents more places to live, work, shop and dine, officials said.

The township has managed to improve its roads at the same time. Developers have committed to pay for road improvements near project sites, said Richard Bazdar, township director of code enforcement.

The township authority, which owns the municipality's sewer lines and a portion of a multimunicipal sewage treatment plant, has not become strained by the onslaught of development, said Gerry Miller, business manager for the authority.

When developers build, they are responsible for installing sewage lines and connecting to the authority's sewage system, Miller said. And the authority's sewage-treatment plant is not close to capacity, he said. United Water handles the township's water operations, Miller said.

School districts sometimes struggle when new neighborhoods are developed. With new developments come more residents, and that can create a strain on districts as the number of students increase. The commercial developments in Swatara Township have helped to stop that from occurring in Central Dauphin School District, said John Scola, superintendent of the district.

The district is renovating its elementary schools in the township, and two middle schools were already being renovated, Scola said. The district would have been prepared for the residential growth, he said.

"When commercial grows, it's positive for the district," Scola said. "The rebirth of the (Harrisburg) Mall, TecPort and the new shopping center (High Pointe Commons) has been extremely helpful. The commercial growth has more than balanced the increase in student population."

Zoning ordinances require developers to incorporate a minimum amount of green space on commercial sites. And residential developers must include recreation space in residential developments, Bazdar said.

"The position the township has always taken is that we have subdivision and land-development ordinances to address development, and if a developer comes in and does everything within the applicable township and state regulations, they have the right to develop," Bazdar said.

Developers have taken full advantage of their right to develop in the township, which sits strategically between interstates 83 and 81 and routes 283 and 322.
http://www.centralpennbusiness.com/article.asp?aID=64776

danwxman

Feb 15, 2008, 7:25 PM

Western municipalities brace for development
By Jim T. Ryan
2/15/2008

http://www.centralpennbusiness.com/img/photos/westdeerfield021508.jpg
Deerfield Estates is the largest residential development in Southampton Township, with 733 total housing units — 119 of which are under construction. Photo/Amy Spangler
For about a decade, development in Cumberland County tended to happen mainly between Camp Hill and Carlisle. As that area has become built up, businesses and residential developers looked beyond Carlisle for new opportunities. The result is a wave of development heading west across the county, more or less following the path of Interstate 81.

"You see it creeping westward," said Kirk Stoner, executive director of the county planning department.

The municipalities bordering I-81 are seeing the increases in residential and commercial development, he said. Those include communities from Carlisle westward, such as South Middleton, North Middleton and Southampton townships.

Overall, they're prepared for the influx, officials said.

"We sort of had a feeling that this was about to happen," said Tom Ginnick, a supervisor in Southampton Township.

The municipality adopted a zoning ordinance for the first time in 2004. That will help direct development to appropriate parts of the township, Ginnick said. However, even with a general layout of where development should go, changes are happening fast, he said.

"We're very similar to Perry County in that we don't have a traffic light," Ginnick said. "Pretty soon, we're going to have seven."

At least two major commercial developments are planned in Southampton Township, Ginnick said. ProLogis, the Denver, Colo.-based warehousing company, has approval to build a 1.4-million-square-foot warehouse on Route 174, off Exit 29 of I-81. Philadelphia-based BPG Properties Ltd. is planning four warehouses — each about 400,000 square feet — on Cramer Road, also near Exit 29.

Commercial properties are selling well, said Ron Sailhamer, president of Shippensburg-based Sailhamer Real Estate Inc. That's because the western municipalities are still close enough to I-81, the Pennsylvania Turnpike and railways to make the area attractive to logistics and warehousing companies. That contribution to the county can't be ignored, he said.

"We have to be very careful that we don't put the brakes on that industry because it's a significant part of our economy," said Eric Clancy, executive vice president of Delta Development Group Inc. "On the same token, those are not the jobs that will fuel the bioscience industry. There are very exciting things happening on both ends of the spectrum."

Delta Development Group is based in Hampden Township, Cumberland County.

Office and commercial developers are still building in the eastern communities, such as Silver Spring, Hampden, Upper Allen and Lower Allen townships, according to county statistics.

In 2006, developers built more than $125 million worth of new commercial space in the county. Nearly $57 million worth of improvements or expansions were made to existing commercial buildings.

The township has 2,459 lots for development in various stages of the approval process or under construction, Ginnick said. That includes at least five residential developments. The largest is Deerfield Estates, with 733 total housing units, of which 119 are under construction.

County statistics also illustrate the westward development, Stoner said. Total residential units built in Southampton Township increased nearly every year since 2000, according to the 2006 planning commission report.

In 2006, the township added 102 residential units, up 59 percent compared with six years earlier.

Southampton borders Shippensburg. "We've talked about this quite a few times," Ginnick said. "We haven't seen the slowdown that other places have in housing numbers."

North Middleton Township's residential construction per year was more pronounced. The number of units built increased every year. The total number of residences built in 2006 was 134. That's 415 percent more than in 2000. Only 26 units were built that year, according to the county. North Middleton borders Carlisle.

Other western municipalities have seen steady growth, too. Dickinson Township added an average of 44 new housing units per year from 2000-2006, according to the county. Upper Frankford Township added 19 new residences on average, and the number per year has steadily increased since 2001. West Pennsboro Township, which borders Carlisle's west end, added an average of 32 new units per year.

Development is not only creeping westward from the West Shore and Harrisburg. Officials are also seeing new residents come in from the south.

Sailhamer has sold many properties to people from the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., areas. They're looking to escape the cities, he said.

Municipalities in the western part of the county are starting to do more planning for the future, including upgrades to water and sewage systems, Sailhamer said.

Southampton Township's population increased by 18 percent from 2000-2006, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's estimates. The population of North Middleton Township increased by 6.3 percent. County population increased by only 5.8 percent for the same period.

"I'd like to see a really good medical-care facility," he said. "I think we're going to need it in the next three years with the way we're growing."

http://www.centralpennbusiness.com/article.asp?aID=64775&page=2

Young Gun

Feb 19, 2008, 3:01 PM

Finally took a detailed look at your latest posting :previous: I travel to work every day and get off I-81 at exit 29. I am pretty sure I know where they are going to put that warehouse. I hope that Cumberland County Makes upgrades to that intersection of I-81. Currently it doesn't have any sort of traffic control device at the entrance ramps. It will make the commute hell.

Does this area really need another warehouse? Soon they will have to build warehouse skyscrapers just to fit them all in. The interstate can't handle anymore traffic. I don't want to be a NIMBY but seriously warehouse construction needs to have a moritorium placed onto them until the infastructure is expanded to handle it. Its not like warehouses bring high paying jobs anyhow.

\rant

EastSideHBG

Feb 20, 2008, 1:50 AM

Evergrey

Feb 20, 2008, 2:04 AM

this photo is disgusting... in fact, this photo is the epitome of the low-density mcmansion sprawl that has taken this country by storm in the past 15 years... i feel so helpless when i see this type of destructive quasi-growth continue unabated... and when i read quotes about how everyone is looking to "escape the cities"... and in 15 years they'll be looking to escape this subdivision for a new frontier deeper in the hinterlands
http://www.centralpennbusiness.com/img/photos/swatarahoffman021508.jpg

EastSideHBG

Feb 20, 2008, 10:36 PM

/\
And the sad part is Harrisburg really doesn't have a city to escape...the 8 sq. miles (habitable land) is really not that hard to avoid, people LOL

South Central PA is in REALLY bad shape when it comes to sprawl. I have been coast to cost, and I have to tell you that it ranks up there with some of the worst in the country; it's a VERY destructive lot, that's for sure!

Young Gun

Feb 21, 2008, 3:22 PM

COMPLETELY agree, Young Gun! You really can't grasp how bad the truck traffic is in HBG (especially on I-81) until you move. I am in a metro that is now, what, roughly 9 times the size or something like that? And yet I see way less trucks here than I did in HBG. Not good at all...

I was speaking to my gf (lives in the allentown region) this weekend about the trucks after we were driving in fairly heavy traffic that was mostly cars. the trucks cause so much congestion. Is there any plans to increase the train capabilities along the I-81 cooridor? I would welcome that to adding capacity to the interstate. More interstate capacity will just make more truck traffic. I would think that PennDot should have some say in the mater when new transportation hubs are built. We don't need another warehouse till we get other issues worked out.

crs921

Feb 25, 2008, 3:06 AM

There are few signs of progress on the development of two hotels within a block of each other in downtown Harrisburg.
But the hotels will go up at the opposite ends of State Street. The timelines are just different, stakeholders said.

"I told both developers, ‘Don't be surprised if architects tell you it takes longer.' They (developers) were overly ambitious. It's a good thing. I could fill a book full of examples with that," said Harrisburg Mayor Stephen R. Reed.

The two developers are J. Alex Hartzler, president of Harrisburg-based WCI Partners and Jules Patt, president and chief executive officer of Hollidaysburg, Blair County-based Patt Organization.

Hartzler wanted to develop a boutique-style Skywood aloft hotel by the end of 2008. He planned to build it at the corner of North Second and State streets. He said it took longer than anticipated to gather designs for the 13-story hotel.

But other developments have surfaced since mid-2006, when Hartzler announced the 138-room hotel.

Hartzler is no longer the principal majority investor in the project. Harrisburg-based Hersha Hospitality Group took over that role last October. Hersha will also operate the hotel, Hartzler said. Hartzler is still an investor in the hotel, he said.

Hartzler said work will not be under way on the hotel until mid-2008. It will take about a year and a half to build, he said.

"It's taken a long time to get design approvals, and we felt it was important to have an experienced operator," Hartzler said of Hersha.

Handing the project to another developer has also shifted timeframes, said Mayur Patel, general counsel for Hersha.

After the company took over, it adapted the project into its own processes and timelines, he said.

Some progress has been made at the corner of North Second and State streets. Last summer, a building was demolished to clear a footprint for the boutique-style hotel, and the basement was packed with clean in-fill, Hartzler said.

Hersha, which operates 55 hotels across the U.S., and its partners will invest more than $20 million in the hotel, Patel said.

Patt did not return several phone calls. But Reed said the Patt Organization still intends to transform the 104-year-old Barto Building into a luxury hotel at the corner of North Third and State streets. Last year, Patt said he planned to invest $14 million in the project.

Reed said Patt was recently in his office, and the developer showed him a nearly completed design and floor plans for the hotel. Patt's project was held up by requests for construction proposals, Reed said. When a request for bids goes out within a compressed timeframe, the bids come back higher, he said.

Patt's hotel was slated to open by the end of 2008, too. Reed said both hotels will open in 2009.

"The Barto Building is a more complicated project because you have to gut it and then add some more floors on top," Reed said. "You have to review existing building conditions to see what needs replaced and what doesn't need replaced. You are literally going floor to floor."