[EastSideHBG]

Good Lord, our metro continues to explode with development. :uhh:


Developer seeks to build 500 houses

Thursday, October 14, 2004
BY BRET FLEDDERJOHN
For The Patriot-News

A proposed subdivision could increase the population of Londonderry Twp. by more than 20 percent.

Last night, the township supervisors heard representatives of developer Dick Snyder request zoning changes needed to build School Heights Village, a development of about 500 houses that would be adjacent to Londonderry Elementary School.

The 196-acre site is bordered by Schoolhouse Road, Route 230 and Beagle Road.

Before the proposal can move into the planning stage, the tract's R-1 zoning must be changed. R-1 mandates a minimum lot size of one acre. As proposed, School Heights Village would need a change to R-2 and C-2 zoning.

R-2 zoning allows greater housing density, and C-2 zoning allows commercial use.

Gary Roeder, president of Lake Roeder Hillard and Associates, the engineering firm representing Snyder, said 388 town houses and 101 single-family houses would be built on 184 acres.

The development would include commercial units on 12.5 acres.

According to the 2000 census, Londonderry has 5,224 residents. With an average of 2.2 people per household, School Heights Village would increase the township's population by 1,076, or 21 percent.

Roeder said the proposal discussed last night was only a conceptual model for the purpose of the rezoning request. If the rezoning is approved, formal plans will be submitted to the planning commission.

Township resident Linda Rambler voiced concern that final plans can vary greatly from the initial rezoning plans. She also questioned the costs of the development to the school district and the revenue that would be generated in tax dollars.

"The taxpayer is going to get hurt bad," said Cedar Street resident Lee Hoch. He said increases in traffic, wear and tear on the infrastructure, snow removal and safety concerns would have financial and quality-of-life effects on residents.

He also warned that a population increase of that size could require a local police force and that emergency service providers would be busier.

Daryl LeHew, chairman of the board of supervisors, acknowledged that residential developments are not money makers for local governments and schools.

Lawyer Al Crump said Snyder would improve Beagle Road, installing a traffic light, and would consider donating to the emergency services in the township.

He said Snyder would be open to keeping the roads in the town house sections of the development private, maintained by a homeowners association, not the township.

Crump also proposed a donation of about 3.75 acres adjoining Londonderry Elementary to the Lower Dauphin School District.

[EastSideHBG]

Rovegno defends plan for Corridor One test

Friday, October 15, 2004
BY DAN MILLER
Of Our Carlisle Bureau

CARLISLE - Cumberland County Commissioner Rick Rovegno made his case last night to Carlisle Mayor Kirk Wilson and the borough council that commuter rail must be tested on the East Shore before it can cross the river to the west.

Rovegno said the test is needed to determine if the federal government will commit to funding the estimated $250 million to extend commuter rail to Carlisle. The cost to build the proposed system to York, Gettysburg and Lebanon could reach $2 billion, Rovegno said.

The county would risk being stuck with holding the financial bag for an unproven project if it allowed any part of the commuter rail west of the river and the federal funding did not come through, Rovegno said.

Rovegno's visit was prompted by a Sept. 20 letter from Wilson to county commissioners criticizing their position that commuter rail first be subjected to a demonstration project on Amtrak's Lancaster-to-Harrisburg line. Wilson argued the test cannot be valid without including West Shore ridership.

Rovegno said the test was not Cumberland County's idea but recommended by transportation experts who were asked by federal officials to review the Corridor One commuter rail proposal. The experts contend results of the East Shore test can help predict West Shore ridership, Rovegno said. He gave Wilson and the council names and phone numbers of the experts.

Rovegno said the test is crucial because the proposed rail system would be the smallest in the country, meaning there is no other system with which Corridor One can be compared.

He acknowledged Wilson's statement that because of other planned improvements to the Lancaster-to-Harrisburg line, Amtrak could not participate in the test until at least 2007.

"We never suggested a specific entity to run the tests," Rovegno said.

Options could include forming an authority that would rent equipment to do the test, contracting with another agency or contracting with Amtrak, he said.

After the meeting, Wilson said he continues to believe the fate of the rail project should not be based on a demonstration project that is "impractical and nearly impossible to do."

Both Rovegno and Wilson expressed support for the concept of a bus-only rapid transit line in Cumberland County. The bus option was part of the Corridor One proposal, Rovegno said.

[wrightchr]

^Rovegno is a retard. those "supposed" experts have no idea what they are talking about. according to 2000 estimates, nearly 50,000 people commute between cumberland and dauphin counties daily VS. 8,000 between dauphin and lancaster. where should the first test corridor be?

[EastSideHBG]

I know LOL. This is my favorite part of the article:

Rovegno said the test was not Cumberland County's idea but recommended by transportation experts who were asked by federal officials to review the Corridor One commuter rail proposal. The experts contend results of the East Shore test can help predict West Shore ridership, Rovegno said. He gave Wilson and the council names and phone numbers of the experts.

What the...?!? How is that even possible? What about West Shorians who commute within Cumberland County only? What about Cumberland County folk going EAST?!? That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard...

[wrightchr]

^ the harrisburg to lancaster route on the east shore is the cheapest corridor to open and opperate. that's why they want it first. Rovegno and the others are just trying to buy time here by refusing to allow rail transit to enter into cumberland county. other than cost, it makes no sense to do a test run on the east shore only.

[EastSideHBG]

Interesting. :uhh:

http://www.skyscraperpage.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=57451

[wrightchr]

yet another development on the east shore. i realize that this one is relatively small in comparison to others, but if the housing boom continues (as it's predicted to), then i'm going to see a real need for additional infrastructure improvements to US 322 and I-283. expanding the regional rail corridor east to Hershey and Lebanon should definately be a focus in the near future to mitigate congestion.

Swatara Twp. OKs plan for 112 houses
Monday, October 18, 2004
BY DIANA STRICKER
For The Patriot-News
A proposal to build 112 town houses on Cordial Lane in Swatara Twp. has been approved.

The township commissioners unanimously voted in favor of the final land development plan submitted by property owner Gary C. Wesner of York.

The houses will be built on the eastern side of Cordial Lane, just north of Lindle Road. The complex will have two private access roads to Cordial Lane.

Commissioner Richard Bouder expressed concern about the amount of traffic that will be exiting from Cordial Lane onto Lindle Road.

"We've got so many businesses on that road," Bouder said.

Among commercial establishments on Lindle Road are the Wyndham Harrisburg-Hershey Hotel, the Eat'nPark restaurant, Wolf Furniture Co. and the Hospital and Healthsystem Association.

The township solicitor said that although there will be more traffic on Lindle Road, the plans for the housing complex meet requirements.

When the commissioners objected to a request to install macadam sidewalks, the developer agreed to install concrete walks that meet township specifications.

Richard Bazdar, the township's code enforcement director, said the developer may begin construction as soon as the paper work is filed.

The commissioners also approved the final land development plans from Sheetz Inc. for a service station and store to be built in the Tecport Business Center at Paxton Street and Friendship Road.

http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/east/index.ssf?/base/news/1098091249312491.xml

[EastSideHBG]

Agreed, Chris. Check this out:

Church presents new plans for project

Wal-Mart hopes to construct store at current parish site

Friday, October 22, 2004
BY PHYLLIS ZIMMERMAN
For The Patriot-News

After months of delays, representatives from Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church presented revised plans last night for building a church and school complex to replace its current 40-year-old facility in Lower Paxton Twp.

The church wants to move to West Hanover Twp., and Wal-Mart has plans to build a store at the church's present location.

The church proposes to build a 66,000-square-foot school for kindergarten through eighth grade, a 30,000-square-foot church, a rectory and church office, and athletic fields at Oak Grove and Sterling roads in West Hanover Twp.

Wal-Mart can't move forward with its plans for a store along Route 22 until the church has a new home.

The church's plans have gone through a series of revisions since its officials first presented West Hanover Twp. planning commission with blueprints in April.

After hearing residents' initial concerns about zoning variances that would have involved building a service drive, sidewalk, parking spaces, a footbridge, and a nature trail within 100 feet of a stream, the church went back to the drawing board and returned with its first set of revised plans in July.

In August, however, the zoning hearing board rejected the church's variance application to build a footbridge to link facilities at the proposed complex. The 6-foot-wide, 38-foot-long bridge would have crossed a stream within 25 feet of protected environmental areas.

After that, the matter was tabled with the township until this month as the church drew up yet another set of revised plans. This time, church officials say they aren't seeking any zoning variances.

The new proposal eliminated the need for a footbridge by moving the athletic field to the site's west end. Instead of a footbridge, the field would be accessed by a three-quarter-mile-long driveway leading from an entrance off Oak Grove Road that is separate from school entrances.

Project Engineer David Weihbrecht said he believed the plan didn't encroach on any protected environmental areas because all structures would be at least 100 feet away from the areas.

The church also plans to hammer out details with the township to relocate a sharp curve on Oak Grove Road and widen and upgrade a section of Sterling Road to accommodate extra traffic from the school.

The school would have four access points on Sterling Road and sports field access off Oak Grove Road. A main entrance is planned for Oak Grove Road and Sterling Road East.

Attorney Nathan Wolfe, who represents Concerned Citizens of West Hanover Twp., expressed several doubts that all environmental concerns had been satisfied by the church's newest plans.

Wolfe said a planned parking lot seemed to be within 100 feet of a stream bed on blueprints and wondered if realigned roads would need approval from the state Department of Environmental Protection because the area also appeared to be part of stream bed.

Church representatives told planning commission members that they didn't want a decision last night. Instead, they plan to return next month after taking time for more discussion and review with various township officials and committees.

[EastSideHBG]

Review of town house permits draws crowd in Camp Hill

Friday, October 22, 2004

BY CHRIS A. COUROGEN
Of The Patriot-News

With a standing-room-only audience of more than 70 people on hand, Camp Hill's Zoning Hearing Board met last night to consider an appeal of zoning permits issued for a proposed housing complex in the borough.

In March, developer RWC Enterprises was granted permits for Hilltop Townes, 30-plus town houses to be built on a 3-acre plot in the 400 block of North 17th Street.

The appeal, which was filed by Aubrey Sledinski, who lives in the 400 block of North 17th Street, claims the borough's former manager, Edward J. Knittel, erred when he issued the permits. The appeal lists five reasons for denying the permits, but most of last night's testimony centered on whether the applications included enough information to meet the borough standards.

Attorney Steven Stine, representing Sledinski, argued the law requires an application to include the information needed to be ensure it complies with "all provisions" of the code. Stine argued the information submitted with the applications did not meet that standard.

In a series of questions, Stine asked Knittel if the application was sufficient to determine whether it met provisions concerning height and size of buildings and other code requirements. Each time, Knittel replied that he only considered the planned use in approving the permits.

Asked if he considered the entire ordinance, Knittel told Stine, "I looked at the parts I thought pertinent."

Under questioning by hearing board member J. William Royer, the project engineer, Scott Akens, admitted the drawings that were submitted with the application did not appear to meet the scale requirements called for by the ordinance.

The permits were issued under Camp Hill's old zoning ordinance, which allowed such development in the area. Shortly after the permit applications were filed, Camp Hill enacted a zoning law that would permit only single-family homes in that part of town.

If successful, the appeal could force the developer to scrap the town house plans.

The board delayed a final decision until Jan. 19, when it reconvenes for final arguments.

[wrightchr]

^ good post Dave. those proposed towne houses are less than a block away from my parents home. needless to say they aren't happy about all the new development, but it's the last open parcel of land in the borough. so you can see why this debate has risen to brawling between residents and borough officials. the fact that the old borough manager (knittel) enacted the permit before revisions to the zoning ordinance, and then resigned....is really fishy if you ask me. since then 2 other managers have been appointed and have resigned. camp hill is so corrupt!

[EastSideHBG]

/\
:yes: I like the look of CH, but I would never live there due to shady stuff like this going on all the freakin' time!!! *Not to mention the snobby-ass attitude annoys me too. :)

Chris, what's going on these days? When do you head out? I sent you my # so feel free to give me a yell if you would like.

harrisburger, what's new with you?

[harrisburger]

the only thing i've been worrying about for the last 2-3 are the national ArtsAwards competition...it's kind of a pain in the ass...haven't had much time to check the computer stuff, sorry

[EastSideHBG]

Area slots operation takes shape

Wednesday, October 27, 2004

BY TOM DOCHAT
Of The Patriot-News

Construction of a slot-machine facility at Penn National Race Course should begin in the spring.

Peter M. Carlino, CEO of Penn National Gaming Inc., said the company plans to build a "spectacular" facility at the Grantville track, adding that it will be a "showcase" for all of Pennsylvania.

Carlino briefly discussed plans for the facility during a conference call yesterday on the company's third-quarter financial results.

Penn National expects to spend $150 million to develop the slot-machine facility, including the $50 million license fee. It should open in the spring of 2006.

The Grantville project is on the fast track now that the company has agreed to sell its Pocono Downs harness-racing track near Wilkes-Barre to the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority for $280 million. The Mohegan authority plans to buy Pocono Downs and five off-track betting operations, then seek a license to operate up to 3,000 slot machines at Pocono Downs.

The new state gaming law prohibits majority control in more than one slot-machine facility.

With the pending sale of Pocono Downs, Penn National Gaming listed the track as a discontinued operation in its third-quarter financial report, hurting the bottom line. Pocono Downs generated annual revenue of $38 million and net income of $2.5 million, or 6 cents a share.

The company reported third-quarter net income from continuing operations of $23.6 million, or 56 cents a share. Earnings would have been 58 cents a share with Pocono Downs, 1 cent more than analysts' estimates.

Penn National's actual net income for the quarter was $17.2 million, or 41 cents a share, compared with $13.6 million, or 34 cents, a year earlier.

The results were affected by the removal of Pocono Downs and a $7.1 million loss from its Shreveport, La., riverboat casino that is to be sold to Eldorado Resorts LLC.

Penn National's revenue for the quarter totaled $288.7 million, compared with $271 million a year ago.

"It was a strong quarter here," Carlino said. "We're very happy about it."

The company expects earnings of 40 cents a share from continuing operations in the fourth quarter, based on projected revenues of $272.5 million.

It revised its full-year earnings forecast to $2.05 a share from continuing operations, down from an earlier estimate of $2.09 a share. The prior estimate included a contribution of 6 cents a share from Pocono Downs.

Penn National executives said they plan to open a gaming facility at its Bangor, Maine, racetrack by the middle of 2006. That facility will have about 1,500 slot machines.

The company also said it expects to add 200 slot machines at its money-making Charles Town Races operation in West Virginia in the third quarter of 2005. That would increase the number of slots there to 4,000.

The proposed Grantville facility would have 2,000 slot machines when it opens.

[wrightchr]

^ and so it begins :sleep:

also, penndot will have no choice but to widen I-81 from 4 to 6 lanes to the I-78 split, as well as rehabilitate both the hershey exits and expand overcrowded rest areas. it's going to cost a lot more than people think to accomodate this new casinos.

[EastSideHBG]

Farm Show Complex has growing pains

Raising the rent at enlarged facility is raising some ire

Sunday, October 31, 2004
BY MARY KLAUS
Of The Patriot-News

Seventy-five years ago last week, state officials stood in a Harrisburg State Hospital cow pasture and broke ground for what would become the state Farm Show Complex.

Built on a vacant 40-acre site at North Cameron and Maclay streets at the height of the Great Depression, the complex provided jobs and a home for Pennsylvania's version of a state fair.

Fast forward seven decades. The complex underwent an $86 million expansion in 2001 and now includes 11 connected buildings covering 25 acres. It hosts more than 200 shows a year.

Progress hasn't been cheap. A state audit last year revealed a financial crisis. State Inspector General Donald Patterson continues to investigate allegations of mismanagement and misappropriation of funds by former management.

The state Office of Budget comptroller originally said the complex would lose $3.1 million this year. The Farm Show Bureau's executive director, Edward L. Nielsen, said his team decreased that shortfall to $1.8 million, a loss he attributes to the "willy-nilly rate structure and special deals offered to some customers."

This summer, the Farm Show Commission -- which oversees the complex -- increased rental rates to make up losses, a move that has angered some vendors.

The commission is hoping that better business plans and improved marketing strategies help to erase the deficits and bring visitors. Planned improvements include the addition of a four-story hotel with 150 suites, meeting rooms and a restaurant.

"We're taking the Farm Show Complex from a diamond in the rough to Pennsylvania's crown jewel," Nielsen said.

Making changes:

Nielsen said several shows paid the same rent for 20 or 30 years -- 2.8 cents a square foot a day -- while it was costing the complex 9 cents a square foot a day to operate. Nielsen said the Farm Show Complex's last operating surplus was $213,000 in 1996-97.

Under the new rent rate structure, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show Association's rent will jump more than 100 percent, from $92,960 this year to more than $217,000 next year.

The annual Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show, which last month had its 36th show in the Farm Show Complex, would have faced a 29 percent increase next year. Show organizers pulled out, moving the 2005 show to the Giant Center in Derry Twp.

Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association Director Gregg Robertson said the Power Expo, a landscape, nursery and turf power equipment exposition, is staying.

"Last year, we paid $38,000 to rent the main Expo Hall and the Equine Arena for five days, two days to set up, two show days and one to tear town," he said. "We had a very good show, but were charged commercial rates. This year, we'll pay agriculture rates because we are an agriculture show."

Wendy David, executive vice president of the Home Builders Association of Metro Harrisburg, said the Pennsylvania Home Builders Show had minimal price increases for 30 years.

"By the time they got around to increases, we'll have a 17 percent rent increase in 2006," she said. "If they had spread it out all along, we wouldn't have this hit."

The Home Builders Show rents 356,000 square feet for 15 days.

The renovated facility is "beautiful but understaffed," she said. "I'm tickled Pennsylvania has a place like this. But is the bang worth the buck?"

Jim Chambers, spokesman for the Eastern National Antique Show and Sales held in April and November, says no. He called the complex "antiquated" and said parking fees hurt attendance for the show, which has been at the complex since 1955.

In 2001, the complex began charging $5 a vehicle to either park beside the complex or in a lot off Elmerton Avenue and ride a shuttle bus to the complex.

"When they made parking off site at $5 a car, our gate went down 30 percent," Chambers said. "The public doesn't like to pay to park at a show where they will spend money. Besides, riding a shuttle bus is not conducive to buying antiques. We charge $6 to get in for three days, but paying to park each time hurts us. When Farm Show officials say 'you pay to park at Hersheypark,' I say 'this isn't Hersheypark.'"

Moving forward:

The state Farm Show Commission recently approved a strategic plan to improve value for customers.

In addition, the commission is planning to host concerts and new shows in 2005.

The commission plans to be aggressive in marketing the facility's "unique nature and flexible capabilities" and make key agriculture events prominent globally.

Nielsen said recent improvements include new food service, better shuttle service and better air quality in the Expo Hall.

Also, the complex has begun sending livestock waste water to a sanitary holding tank instead of into Paxton Creek.

"The Farm Show Complex is in an aggressive transition and growth spurt," Nielsen said. "It's a challenging and exciting time here."

[EastSideHBG]

:tup: :carrot:

Available office space drops as firms expand

Commercial occupancy rates climb in midstate

Sunday, October 31, 2004
BY DAVID DeKOK
Of The Patriot-News

Commercial real estate occupancy rates in the Harrisburg area resumed their mostly upward climb in the third quarter, according to a tracking survey compiled by broker Thomas Posavec at Landmark Commercial Realty Inc. in Lemoyne.

The amount of office space available to potential tenants dropped by a net 91,655 square feet in the period.

Posavec said small- and medium-sized firms seeking space to grow their businesses were the best customers for area landlords.

"We're seeing more and more companies growing, increasing staff and adding space," he said. "That's more the rule now than the exception. Two years ago, we were seeing more of the shrinking and correcting, the downsizing."

Posavec cited Arora Associates, an engineering firm, as an example. Landmark brokered a 1,000-square-foot lease for Arora in the Colonial Park area two years ago. Recently, Arora expanded into 3,300 square feet of space.

Companies involved in the mortgage and residential real estate markets have done well of late, Posavec said, benefiting from what he called a local housing boom. Exit Realty on Route 22 recently moved into 4,200 square feet of space, he said, and RE/MAX Realty Select, a new RE/MAX affiliate, leased 4,400 square feet on East Park Drive in Lower Paxton Twp.

The East Shore -- defined as everything on the east side of the Susquehanna River except downtown Harrisburg -- did the best in Posavec's quarterly survey, with an overall absorption of 98,550 square feet from the market.

The West Shore absorbed 537 square feet, and downtown Harrisburg put a net 7,432 square feet back on the market.

Posavec said the East Shore results might have been even better if not for the continuing underperformance of the Gateway Office Park. He said the park, which is owned by Corporate Office Properties, has suffered in comparison with newer buildings with superior locations and amenities.

Market Square Plaza, the high-rise office building nearing completion in downtown Harrisburg, is already having an impact on the suburban markets, he said, as firms either plan to move to the building or to downtown space that will be vacated by other tenants.

TecPort, the business park in Swatara Twp. adjacent to Harrisburg Mall, continues to exceed expectations, said Posavec, whose firm represents the owners of the park. It already has surpassed its 10-year plan in five years.

Posavec acknowledged that much of TecPort's success has come in marketing space to non-technology companies such as Capital Blue Cross and Coventry. But technology companies continue to show interest in the park. A tract of vacant land in TecPort is about to be subdivided into 10 office lots.

One other trend in the commercial market is the number of properties that are being purchased rather than leased, an outgrowth of continuing low interest rates. Posavec said Landmark has sold 20 office properties over the past 10 weeks.

[harrisburger]

that tecport area is really booming. every time i go by, some other new work is going on. glad to see the office rates going higher, but i wonder how much longer can this last? hopefully long enough to bring about more larger offices downtown...

[wrightchr]

:D great news guys. it will be cool to see all the changes and progress once i return home.

[Spudmrg]

Has anyone heard anything about the new "Residence" project on 4th and Market? I hav'nt noticed any activity or even a mention of the project anywhere.

[EastSideHBG]

Well what do we have here?!? Possibly another HBG forumer?!? We are slowly taking over. :carrot:

;)

Welcome to the forum, Spudmrg. :)

As for the project, I haven't noticed anything going on there at all. A few months ago they were doing work to the utility lines around the area and they put up fences, looked like they were about to get started and then...nothing. I have no idea what is going on now. The developer's sign is still up, though, so that is a good sign (no pun intended lol).

[EastSideHBG]

Steelton properties to get face-lift

Monday, November 08, 2004

BY JIM LEWIS
Of The Patriot-News

Twenty-two buildings along Steelton's main street will be repainted, washed or improved in other ways as part of an effort to revitalize the town's business district.

Steelton has awarded grants of up to $2,500 to the owners of the buildings, the first action under a state-funded program to revive Front Street. Owners must pay for 50 percent of the improvements to qualify for a grant.

Many of the grants will pay for fresh paint, power washing and new windows and doors, said Christina Fackler, manager of the borough's Main Street Program. She hopes property owners will tackle more serious, or "more aesthetic" improvements, in the future, she said.

Borough officials hope it's the beginning of a face-lift for Front Street, where quaint old buildings have suffered from neglect and an over-abundance of vinyl siding over the decades since layoffs silenced the steel mill along the thoroughfare.

Steelton received a $115,000 grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development to improve Front Street from Gibson to Mohn streets. An architect recommended several changes, including old fashioned-style street lights, trees along the sidewalks, and dramatic lighting for several churches and an Islamic temple.

Mayor Tom Acri called the 22 projects "a benchmark in our downtown revitalization efforts."

Steelton could get additional state money, borough officials said.

"This administration will continue to do everything it can to help the program succeed, but it is ultimately up to all of us to work together to make this a downtown we are all proud of," said Michael Kovach, Borough Council president.

[EastSideHBG]

Thank God that piece of sh*t theatre is finally being demolished LOL This sounds like a really good plan, and I think it will turn that mall around. Even though it does well, it was never my favorite for various reasons...


West Shore mall plans to increase retail space

Capital City joins shopping centers making renovations

Tuesday, November 09, 2004
BY TOM DOCHAT
Of The Patriot-News

The owner of Capital City Mall plans to spend $11 million to convert the movie theater at the mall into a food court and turn the existing food court into 30,000 square feet of specialty retail space.

Renovation work is expected to begin early neat year.

The new food court is to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2005, and the specialty stores should be in place by the spring of 2006, according to Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, the mall owner.

PREIT said it intends to spend an additional $2 million on upgrades to the commons area at the Lower Allen Twp. mall with updated lighting and entrance improvements.

Capital City is the third enclosed mall in the area where face-lifts are planned.

Work is nearing completion on multimillion-dollar upgrades at the former Harrisburg East Mall, now called Harrisburg Mall, and the Camp Hill Shopping Mall is being converted into an open shopping center in phases running into 2006.

At Capital City Mall, the six-screen United Artists theater will be converted into an eight-bay food court and two family restaurants.

Officials said they don't have any lease agreements for the restaurants, but they are looking for eateries such as Ruby Tuesday, Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar or T.G.I. Friday's.

The movie theater, which is leased on a month-to-month basis, is attached to the mall, but does not have direct access to the stores. The renovations will include a common walkway to direct shoppers into the food court from inside the mall.

Joseph F. Coradino, executive vice president-retail for PREIT, said the improved food offerings are intended to increase shopper time and spending at the mall.

PREIT said the proposed specialty stores will be part of a "lifestyle" wing at the mall geared toward professional women. John Walters, general manager of the mall, said the goal is to attract retailers like those that recently opened at Shoppes at Susquehanna Marketplace on the East Shore.

The new Shoppes at Susquehanna Marketplace, off Interstate 81, features Coldwater Creek, Williams-Sonoma, Chico's and Ann Taylor Loft. Coradino said the Capital City Mall tenants would be fashion-oriented stores designed to meet the needs of higher-income customers.

The 609,000-square-foot mall is anchored by Sears, Hecht's and J.C. Penney. The occupancy rate was 98.4 percent on Sept. 30, and sales for the past 12 months have averaged $345 per square foot, PREIT said.

Walters said the last major renovations at the mall were in 1998.

The movie theater at the mall has been threatened with closure, especially since Regal Cinemas, which owns United Artists, announced plans last year for a 14-screen theater at the Camp Hill Shopping Mall. However, the Camp Hill theater plan has not been finalized.

Leo Ullman, chairman and CEO of Cedar Shopping Centers Inc., owner of the Camp Hill mall, said the mall has letters of intent with both Regal Cinemas and a fitness center to lease space occupied by Giant Food Stores LLC.

Giant is building a much larger supermarket at the Camp Hill mall. The existing Giant store will be demolished to make way for the theater or the fitness center, but not both.

"Right now, we're leaning toward the fitness facility," Ullman said yesterday.

Work on that 50,000-square-foot project can't begin until the middle of 2005 after the new Giant store opens, he said. Construction would take nine months after that.

Major renovations are near completion at Harrisburg Mall. A Boscov's department store opened in May, and a 225,000-square-foot Bass Pro Shops store is scheduled to open Nov. 18. Other changes in that $40 million project include new entrances, food-court renovations, new signs and exterior and parking-lot improvements.

Philadelphia-based PREIT became the owner of Capital City Mall in November after its merger with Crown American Realty Trust.

PREIT also owns the Paxton Towne Centre in Lower Paxton Twp. The 717,000-square-foot center includes Target, Weis, Costco, Border's, Kohl's and other stores.

[EastSideHBG]

Derry Twp. to allow Giant Center sign

Giant Center wins approval for sign

Thursday, November 11, 2004
BY PHYLLIS ZIMMERMAN
For The Patriot-News

Call it a sign of busy times at the Giant Center.

Derry Twp. supervisors Tuesday night granted a request by Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Co. to amend the township's zoning laws to allow a marquee-style sign in front of the arena.

The entertainment company plans to install a three-sided sign announcing upcoming arena and community events. The sign will have a 1,200-foot visibility from Route 39 and Hersheypark Drive.

Until now, the township's zoning code offered no guidelines for such signs.

The new ordinance allows such signs for businesses that own at least 100 joining acres in an area zoned for commercial entertainment. Hershey Entertainment is the only business in the township that qualifies.

The sign, which would require a building permit, is allowed to be up to 42 feet wide or 42 feet tall, with a maximum area of 1,000 square feet. It may contain an LED screen for moving text and images.

Supervisors held a public hearing about the zoning amendment on Oct. 12, but there was no public comment before the final vote. Supervisors passed the amendment, 3-0, with little discussion.

Supervisors Frank O'Connell and Richard Lenker Jr. abstained, citing conflicts of interests. Both are employed by Hershey Entertainment and Resorts.

[EastSideHBG]

Wal-Mart plans tangled in lawsuits

Retailer, residents take Lower Paxton to court

Friday, November 12, 2004
BY KELLY BOTHUM
Of The Patriot-News

The snaking lines of traffic will get even longer on Route 22 the closer it gets to the holidays.

But there's one place shoppers won't be heading on the busy road, at least for now -- Wal-Mart.

The mega-retailer's plans to build a 223,806-square-foot supercenter in Lower Paxton Twp. remain stalled, despite conditional approval of the project by the township supervisors.

What was nearly a done deal unraveled in September when Lower Paxton officials say Wal-Mart never agreed within the allotted time to nine conditions set forth in the approved project, as required by the township ordinance.

The missed deadline meant the plan for the supercenter was automatically denied, according to the township.

Now, with three lawsuits pending in Dauphin County Court, it doesn't look like the situation will be resolved any time soon.

Lower Paxton Twp. solicitor Steven Stine said the township can do little more than wait for the cases to move forward.

Its position is that the township was followings its own ordinance.

Stine said under the ordinance, Wal-Mart had 15 days to accept the conditions of the plan, most of which required approvals from local and state government agencies.

When Wal-Mart failed to acknowledge the conditions by the deadline, the project was automatically denied, Stine said.

Wal-Mart proposed building a supercenter on Route 22 at the site of the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church and School.

Plans included a grocery store, garden center and drive-through pharmacy. Supervisors reluctantly approved the plan over the objections of many residents, saying the proposal met the township ordinances.

With Wal-Mart building at the site, Holy Name planned to relocate to West Hanover Twp. and build a school, 30,000-square-foot church and rectory on land owned by the Diocese of Harrisburg. Those plans have yet to be approved by West Hanover Twp. supervisors.

After the supercenter project was denied, developers for Wal-Mart filed two suits in county court, one appealing the denial and another challenging the approval by the supervisors.

In addition, the township also faces a suit from the Lower Paxton Residents for Responsible Growth, a group formed to fight the Wal-Mart plan. Attorney Steven R. Snyder, who represents the citizens, said he plans to file a motion next week asking the three suits to be combined since they stem from the same issue.

Snyder said his group's position is that the township erred in approving the Wal-Mart supercenter but did the right thing by later denying the plan.

The condition that sparked the debate dealt with a requirement for a fence to be built on the site abutting another property. In approving the plan, the township said the fence must be acceptable to the adjacent property owners, something developers opposed.

A letter to the township from the engineering firm representing Wal-Mart said developers would be willing to accept the conditions of the plan once the fence requirement was removed. In their lawsuit, the developers argue that the fencing requirement is not mandated by any township ordinance and is invalid.

If its attempt to reverse the decision fails, Wal-Mart can resubmit its plan, but it would fall under more restrictive commercial zoning regulations adopted by the township since the plan was submitted last spring. The new restrictions could reduce the size of the planned store.

[EastSideHBG]

They sure love lawsuits here in South Central PA, don't they? ;)

Camp Hill sued over housing

Friday, November 12, 2004

BY CHRIS A. COUROGEN
Of The Patriot-News

The Camp Hill Borough Council erred when it gave the go-ahead to a proposed town home development, according to a lawsuit filed in Cumberland County Court.

The council's approval of a 30-unit project for a 7-acre tract on the east side of North 17th Street, north of Myrtle Street, violates the borough zoning ordinance, claims the suit filed by Aubrey Sledzinski of 400 N. 17th St.

Borough zoning laws in effect when the plan was filed by Rhodes Development Group Inc. of Lemoyne allowed apartment buildings as a conditional use in the area, providing the lot directly abuts and accesses a "major collector street" as delineated in the borough's comprehensive plan.

The plan, which has not been updated since 1973, lists borough streets designated as major collectors. The list includes 19th Street but not 17th. A map in an appendix to the plan, though, shows 17th Street, not 19th, as a major collector.

"Our argument will be that the text controls the designation," said Sledzinski's attorney, Steven A. Stine.

Neither the comprehensive plan nor the borough code book provide a definition for "major collector street." Stine said he is not sure if any case law gives either the text or the map priority.

Stine said common sense would indicate that 19th Street is the proper street for that designation, because it's wider, more heavily traveled and in better condition, and it has a traffic light at the Market Street intersection.

The lawsuit is the latest round in a battle between residents of North 17th Street and the developer dating to 2002, when Rhodes announced plans for an eight-story apartment building on the site. Amid opposition, Rhodes opted for the town house route.

That move appeased opponents, in part, they said, because Rhodes agreed on several conditions, including sidewalks along 17th Street and aligning the buildings so that neighboring homes would not face the rear of the town homes.

"We were satisfied," Sledzinski said.

Final plans submitted in September, though, did not include many of those provisions, Sledzinski said.

Sledzinski is also appealing a borough zoning permit for another town home development on the west side of North 17th Street. That case is before the borough zoning hearing board.

Council President Jeffrey Smith was not available for comment. A message left for borough solicitor Steve Feinour was not returned.

[EastSideHBG]

No doubt this will be a HUGE draw for the area!!!


Bass Pro Shops has many sights

Sunday, November 14, 2004
BY ELLEN LYON
Of The Patriot-News

Walk in the new Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World opening Thursday at the Harrisburg Mall and you can tell immediately that things are different now.

Lord & Taylor, former occupant of that retail space, never had this much taxidermy or camo clothing.

As Martha Stewart might say, that's a good thing, at least for the midstate hunters and anglers.

For others, Bass Pro Shops -- which added 50,000 square feet to the mall for this 225,000-square- foot store -- is simply a stunning visual experience.

It's the Springfield, Mo.-based outdoor outfitter's 26th, and second-largest, store.

It's got a stocked trout stream just outside the mall entrance to the store and a 40-foot rock climbing wall and 60,000-gallon aquarium and waterfall inside the store.

A Citizen Kane-sized fireplace and lots of knotted pine columns and wood paneling give the interior the look and feel of a giant Adirondack Lodge.

Panoramic murals painted on the walls depict Pennsylvania landscapes.

Look down and you'll see imprints of dinosaur fossils and wildlife tracks on the floor.

Look up and you'll see a float plane suspended in the lobby's 80-foot-high vaulted ceiling.

Look around and you'll spot a worried moose surrounded by a pack of snarling wolves, one already on his back. Nearby two bucks lock antlers.

A raccoon overlooks the extensive footwear department, which carries hunting, hiking and work boots, athletic shoes and even pink slippers.

"The taxidermy will be incorporated with the merchandising," general manager Jim Wargo explains.

It's enough to divert your attention from all the stuff for sale. But not for long.

There's something for everyone here: pet supplies, knives, optics, birdhouses, camping and hiking gear, home furnishings, toys, sunglasses, clothing for all ages, food, backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, coolers, canoes and kayaks.

This is the place to get that bass-shaped mailbox you've been looking for.

Then there are the more than 3,000 guns (including antique ones ranging in price from $500 to $50,000) and the more than 4,000 fishing rods.

There's a fine gun room and a full-time gunsmith on duty.

Well-known angler Bobby Clouser of Middletown manages the fly shop. "You'll find what you need and you'll find the help you need. We'll answer your questions," he promises.

In the archery department, you can get your bow tuned and your arrows cut to size. Then you can try them out on the 25-yard archery range.

The marine department offers about 200 boats, 40 of them displayed on the showroom floor. "It'll be an indoor boat show every day," Wargo observes.

A simulator in the golf pro shop allows you to try out that new club.

"It's a little bit more than a hunting and fishing store," Wargo proudly proclaims.

There's also entertainment. An arcade will offer hunting related games and skeet shooting. The NASCAR shop will have Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt Jr. race car simulators.

In anticipation of Bass Pro's opening, the mall invested $40 million in a full-color LED marquee, pylon signs and renovations to the food court, building entrances, exterior and parking lot, according to mall manager Mark Nobile and owner Larry Feldman of Feldman Equities.

Thousands are expected at Thursday's grand opening. The mall has 4,223 parking spaces, so Nobile recommends that people come early and be patient.

Before the store even opens, it's already guaranteed one customer.

As Bill Wilsback hung a shelf in the hunting department last week, he said his wife had asked him what he was going to do with all the extra money he earned at Bass Pro Shops.

"I said, I'm not getting a paycheck. I told them just give me vouchers for merchandise."

[EastSideHBG]

Development by rail

Sunday, November 14, 2004

The proposed regional com muter rail system that would have Harrisburg as its hub isn't all about addressing traffic congestion.

That's a big part of it, but just as important is the role it will play in making central Pennsylvania attractive and economically competitive in the future.

A key element will be the new residential and commercial development that will be triggered around the system's stations, many of which will be located in old or decaying areas ripe for improvement.

Critics of CorridorOne, which would eventually run from Carlisle through Harrisburg to Lancaster, give this prospect little credence. But a study released last month by the Federal Transit Administration and reported last week in USA TODAY predicts that by 2025 nearly 15 million U.S. households (twice as many as today) will want to rent or buy near transit stops.

In Los Angeles and other areas of the country with existing or expanding rail transit systems, private developers are rushing to take advantage of this expanding market. The article cites Arlington County, Va., as a community that did it right by concentrating development along its three-mile subway route. The result is a corridor with 35,000 residents living in 18,000 houses and apartments, 75,000 jobs, 1,900 hotel rooms and 17 million square feet of office and retail space within walking distance of subway stations.

Fairfax County, Va., located on the same Washington Metro system, is an example of how not to do it, by concentrating on massive parking near the stations so that most people end up driving to the stations.

Every station site poses its own particular assets and challenges. The nature of the challenge for CorridorOne will likely be one of trying to appeal to both types of commuter, those who live near the station and those who live at some considerable distance from it.

The bottom line is that there is an expanding portion of the population that doesn't find navigating traffic-clogged highways attractive and wants to live and work where the convenience of affordable mass transit is available. Throw in the rising cost of gasoline and parking, as well as the economic and environmental benefits of encouraging the re-development of older communities, and Corridor- One can be seen as the multi-purpose, multi-benefit investment in the future it truly represents.

[wrightchr]

Dave, i didn't know about the law suit in camp hill. i'm glad to see the residents fighting back. bass pro sounds great and corridor one has so many advantages...i just wish the critics would give it a real chance. i've been pretty busy here in washington. i'm hoping for some time off soon, but it doesn't look like it's gonna happen. hope you are doing well back in the 'burg :D

[harrisburger]

that bass pro shops is going to add wayy too much traffic to those busy interchanges, but the harrisburg mall really needs the shot in the arm. i'm thinking that after the holiday season, the numbers will come in and that mall will be completely filled up with retailers who thought this area wasn't desirable enough.

[Spudmrg]

I personally wonder if the new Bass Pro Shops will beat that place out in Hamburg, Pa. They poured a huge chunk of public funds into that project and generated alot of traffic in an area that really was'nt ready for it. Despite our (lack of) fondness for I-83....we have the capacity to handle traffic....at least outside of rush hour.

I've been a CapitalOne supporter since I first heard about it. My only worry is that if they get a test run, I seriously doubt they will be able to break even without a good injection of public funds. The major questions are....who's paying and what will lose out on money because of CapitalOne?

[Spudmrg]

Anyone going to the Grand Opening tommorow for Brass Pro Shops? It looks like PennDot's trying to route the event traffic away from the main I-83/Harrisburg Mall exits, which suggests a big turnout. I'm not much into the outdoors, but this store looks interesting enough for a vist or two.

[EastSideHBG]

My Dad was there on Wed. for a special ceremony he was invited to and he said the store is incredible inside!!! BIG fish tank, waterfall, stream, mountain scenes... :) I hope to make it over there sometime tomorrow. Here's a good article about it. Needless to say, this is going to be a HUGE draw for the area:


BASS PRO SHOPS GRAND OPENING

The hunt is on

Store's 1st day flushes out shoppers and bucks

Friday, November 19, 2004
BY ELLEN LYON
Of The Patriot-News

Michael Stone arrived at the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Harrisburg Mall at 6 a.m., in time to be first in line for the store's grand opening yesterday.

With a few hundred people gathered behind him, Stone, 30, of Mount Holly Springs, had plenty of time to contemplate the message inscribed above the store's entrance: "Welcome Fishermen, Hunters and Other Liars."

Stone, sporting a red Bass Pro Shops cap, said this was his first visit to one of the national chain's stores, although he is a loyal catalog customer.

Pronouncing himself "tickled to death" that the outdoor outfitter has come to Swatara Twp., Stone said he wanted to shop for hunting and fishing gear before he went to work at noon.

Stone got his chance at 8:12 a.m. when store general manager Jim Wargo sliced a ribbon strung between two taxidermist-stuffed deer and opened the doors.

Wargo, who used a Bowie knife for the ribbon-cutting, joked that "we don't use scissors here."

Everything in the former Lord & Taylor store, expanded to 225,000 square feet by Bass Pro Shops, is in keeping with an Adirondack hunting lodge theme, from knotted pine pillars to restroom doors labeled "Bucks" and "Does." Bass Pro Shops provides translations for the men's and women's rooms for those unfamiliar with the gender of deer.

Perhaps the shoppers farthest from home were Pat and Ramona Holbrook of British Columbia, who got up early while visiting relatives to be among the first in the store.

They said the traffic advisories scared them, but they had no trouble getting to the store and were impressed with the highway signs directing them.

They live near Duck Lake, which has world-class, large-mouthed bass fishing. "That's where he took me for our anniversary, fishing for bass," Ramona Holbrook said.

"I was in this line last night," boasted a camouflage-clad Tim Lee of York, one of a number of shoppers who returned after attending the store's preview opening Wednesday night.

Asked how much he spent on the three bows he bought during the preview tour, Lee shot back, "more than I want in print."

When last seen, Lee was heading toward the cashiers with another bow, a box of arrows, two boxes of shotgun shells and hand warmers.

Harvey and Pat Givler came from Middletown for their first visit to a Bass Pro store.

"It's my birthday. I wanted to get a birthday present. I'll take one of those new Trackers out there," Harvey Givler said, nodding toward the boats in the parking lot.

Shoppers were divided over whether the Bass Pro store beats the competing Cabela's that opened last year in Berks County, about 55 miles east of Harrisburg.

Kitty Wagner of Mount Joy, who was looking at bear puppets for her grandchildren, said that, while she likes the quality of clothing at Bass Pro Shops, she prefers Cabela's for its "animal attractions" and restaurant.

But Jack Group, a civilian employee of the Army who works in Carlisle and lives in York, likes Bass Pro best.

"I like this for the fact that it's an hour closer so this is much more convenient to me," said Group, who shopped for a tree stand after finishing a night shift at work.

Mike Seeger of Dillsburg said he, too, prefers Bass Pro Shops, "because they actually stuck with the history of Pennsylvania" in the artwork and wildlife exhibits. Cabela's has more of a safari theme, he noted.

Several shoppers used the adjective "awesome" to describe the store's waterfall, 60,000-gallon aquarium, 40-foot rock-climbing wall and taxidermy displays, which include grizzlies, black bears, wolves, rams and raccoons.

Michelle Herren of Lower Paxton Twp., who tried out a putter on the practice green in Bass Pro's golf shop, said she allowed 16-year-old daughter Kyrstin to take off from school for the store's opening day.

"It's an educational trip," Herren said.

Kyrstin Herren declared the store "better than the one in Baltimore. It's a lot bigger."

Even Santa Claus showed up in denim overalls to do a little shopping before his 10 a.m. shift in the mall. "I'm going to check my list and see what I have to get," said the naturally white-haired and bearded Santa, who declined to give any other name.

Santa said he used to hunt and still fishes some. "He's got to have some relaxation," the jolly old elf said.

Mall officials were delighted with the opening day.

"The mall is beginning to do really well and I think Bass Pro will greatly, greatly increase the sales," said Ed Feldman of Feldman Equities, which is one of the mall's owners.

Mall manager Mark Nobile said that after months of planning with state, county and local officials, parking and traffic flow did not appear to be a problem despite fears of congestion and delays.

Mall employees are temporarily parking off-site and being shuttled in to make sure there are enough parking spots for shoppers, Nobile said. Other off-site parking lots, with shuttle service, will be available if overflow parking is needed, he said.

The true test is yet to come.

"We anticipate the real opening will be on Saturday," Feldman said.

[EastSideHBG]

NICE!!! :carrot:

Harrisburg council backs stadium project

Council backs stadium project

Friday, November 19, 2004
BY JOHN LUCIEW
Of The Patriot-News

It looks as if renovation plans for Harrisburg's Commerce Bank Park will finally get their turn at bat.

The City Council last night gave the signal that it is ready to support up to $19 million in financing to cover the city's share of the $28.3 million stadium makeover.

"Let's not hold up baseball any longer," said council President Richard House, adding that a final vote could come as early as Tuesday. "We've got to move forward with this."

The renovation project has languished since the summer, as debate swirled over Mayor Stephen R. Reed's twin project for City Island -- a proposed sports hall of fame.

The delay is blamed for adding about $1.5 million to the stadium work's price tag and tacking on about six months to the job, spreading the work over two years.

Under the new timetable, the stadium improvements won't be finished until sometime in 2006. There will be evidence of construction during the 2005 season, but it should not affect games, officials said.

Reed pushed for the stadium improvements and his planned National Sports Hall of Fame to be approved together, but the council had balked.

In a compromise, Reed backed off on seeking full financing for the $24 million hall of fame along with the stadium. Instead, he sought $1 million in "seed money" for the hall to be included in the financing package for the stadium.

Last night, at least one council member, Linda Thompson, called for that money to be removed as well.

Other members asked numerous questions about how the $1 million would be spent, and they again voiced reservations about the entire hall of fame project.

The council will determine the final fate of the seed money when it votes on the stadium financing on Tuesday.

If the seed money is lost, the hall of fame could starve for cash. It has already racked up nearly $330,000 in unpaid architects' bills, and there would be no source of funds to move the project forward.

"It would put it on hold until I don't know when," House said.

Gov. Tom Ridge earmarked $9.5 million in state funds for the hall of fame back in 2001, but the city can't touch the money until it has enough of its own to match it.

Ground was to be broken for the hall of fame in 2005. The proposed facility, covering 65,000 square feet, would cover amateur and pro sports and feature interactive exhibits, a gift shop and a theater. There would be a separate restaurant and bar with deck overlooking the Susquehanna River and the city.

The stadium improvements, which should move forward soon after the financing is approved, will include 1,700 additional seats, for a total of 8,000 and a total capacity of 9,500 fans.

There will be 20 skyboxes, 766 club seats, a right-field party deck, a left-field restaurant. Players would get new clubhouses, and fans would be treated to a grand entryway.

[EastSideHBG]

Wal-Mart is still tied up in lawsuits, though. :tup:


W. Hanover planners OK church's land-use design

Holy Name church plans forwarded to supervisors

Friday, November 19, 2004
BY PHYLLIS ZIMMERMAN
For The Patriot-News

After months of deliberations, the West Hanover Twp. Planning Commission last night sent construction plans for a Holy Name of Jesus Roman Catholic church and school complex to the township supervisors.

The planners recommended the supervisors approve Holy Name's land-use plan but forwarded two conditional-use requests with no recommendation.

The church proposes moving to a site bordering Resurrection Cemetery on Oak Grove and Sterling roads, and Wal-Mart plans to build a store at the church's current location in Lower Paxton Twp.

Holy Name plans to build a 66,000-square-foot school for kindergarten through eighth grades, a 30,000-square-foot church, a rectory and office, and athletic fields to replace its current 40-year-old facility.

The planning commission favored the land-use plan 5 to 1; commission member Carol Buskirk cast the no vote.

Two other votes, regarding conditional-use requests for the church and athletic facility, failed to muster the required support for a recommendation.

Richard Bolt and board Chairman James Zeiters voted in favor of the conditional use for the church in a low-density residential area. Buskirk, Barbara Zemlock and David W. Wingeard voted against, and Marlin Moyer abstained.

Favoring conditional use of the recreation facility were Bolt, Zeiters and Moyer. The other members did not vote.

A public hearing on the conditional-use requests is scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 13 at the township municipal building, 7171 Allentown Blvd.

[Spudmrg]

I was over at Bass Pro the other night(for some strange reason I thought it was "Brass Pro"), that place is impressive. I don't know the outdoors well enough to rate the selection, but I can say that I've never seen that many racks(pardon the pun) of outdoors equipment in one place. They also did a good job in renovating that side of the Harrisburg (ex. East) Mall. Parking was'nt as bad as I expected, but the shopping season/start of deer rifle season is only after Thanksgiving.

Anyway, I recommend visting Bass Pro soon, but I suggest you avoid the weekend after thanksgiving......it could be busy. It's quite the attraction.

[EastSideHBG]

Yeah, I hope to check it out sometime this week before the big holiday rush kicks in. :)

[EastSideHBG]

Hardly any good news this week it seems. :no: In addition to this, there is a rather large hike in the sewer rates and the occupational privilege tax. And since I work in the city, my OPT will go from $10 to $52. *sigh*


Reed puts ballpark plan on hold

Mayor blames City Council vote to grab revenue

Wednesday, November 24, 2004
BY JOHN LUCIEW
Of The Patriot-News

Plans for a revamped Commerce Bank Park baseball stadium appear to have struck out last night.

Mayor Stephen R. Reed said he would place the $28.3 million project on "indefinite hold" after a move by City Council to siphon 5 percent of Harrisburg's baseball revenues for their own causes.

Reed called the council's action a "poison-pill amendment" designed to financially cripple the stadium project.

The action also deals a major setback to any hopes of attracting Class AAA baseball to the city, the mayor said.

As a result, Reed said he would veto the stadium legislation, which council passed 4-3 last night, even though the bill authorized $18 million for the renovations.

"The legislation has to be vetoed, and it will be," Reed said. "They authorized a stadium project to proceed that will fail financially."

Perhaps signaling an election-year issue, Reed added that there would likely be no movement on stadium improvements until the council membership changes.

Vice President Linda Thompson and members Gloria Martin-Payne, Eric Waters and Susan Brown Wilson voted for the 5-percent amendment. They said it would benefit health and human-services projects.

Of those members, Thompson and Waters are up for re-election next year, as is Reed.

"The prospects for a new stadium are pretty low at this point," Reed said. "I don't think it will happen with the current council."

Without the upgrades, Reed said, there is no chance of attracting a AAA team to City Island, as has been his hope. He said this ensures a baseball "status quo," with the city-owned Harrisburg Senators continuing to play in the 1980s-era ballpark.

The plan called for adding seats and a restaurant, plus cosmetic changes. Had the project moved ahead, the renovated park would have been unveiled in 2006.

Also on hold is the planned National Sports Hall of Fame, Reed's twin project for City Island. By the same 4-3 vote, council removed $1 million in so-called "seed money" for it.

The money would have gone to pay bills and salaries, raise funds, complete designs and conduct a feasibility study on the proposed $24 million project.

Without the funding, the project likely will starve for cash, Reed said.

The $9.5 million in state funds earmarked for the hall of fame in 2001 cannot be used for design costs and must be matched by the city or returned.

While the hall of fame remained controversial among some council members, it was always expected the stadium renovations would succeed.

At issue is the 5 percent of the city's gross revenues from baseball that City Council sought to earmark for causes that it would control.

The move to seize a portion of baseball revenues was led by Thompson. She said she sought an expanded role for council in funding various human health, social services and economic development causes in the city.

"I'm not trying to get my name in the paper by going against the mayor," Thompson said.

Reed maintains that the city-owned baseball team operates on a 2-percent margin.

"They knew exactly what they were doing," Reed said of council. "They were killing the project."

Even Council President Richard House, an avid baseball supporter who once worked for the Senators organization, voted against the stadium funding once the legislation was amended. "I can't support this," he said.

House was joined in opposing the amendments and the entire bill by Otto Banks and Vera White.

The stadium and hall of fame projects have languished since summer as debate swirled on council.

The delay was blamed for adding about $1.5 million to the stadium price tag and tacking about six months on to the job. Reed said he has no idea how much time and money will be lost by halting the project.

The improvements would have included 1,700 additional seats -- increasing the stadium's capacity to 9,500 -- 20 skyboxes, 766 club seats and a right-field party deck.

[EastSideHBG]

Here's the article about it. Not definite yet, but it looks like it will probably pass:


Harrisburg may raise tax on jobs, sewer fees

Plan calls for occupational privilege levy boost

Wednesday, November 24, 2004
BY JOHN LUCIEW
Of The Patriot-News

People who work in Harrisburg, and users of its sewer system in the city and six other municipalities, could pay more next year.

Harrisburg property owners would escape a real estate tax increase under the city's $60.06 million budget for 2005.

Under the spending plan presented last night by Mayor Stephen R. Reed, Harrisburg would be among the first to take advantage of new state legislation that would allow municipalities to raise their occupational privilege taxes.

Reed proposed increasing the once-a-year tax, now at $10, to $52, the maximum under the new legislation.

Everyone who works in the city making $10,000 or more would pay the levy.

The move would raise $2.6 million for Harrisburg, most of it coming from workers who live out of town.

The Legislature approved a measure allowing the increase, and Gov. Ed Rendell is expected to sign it into law.

Pennsylvania's occupational privilege tax hasn't been raised since 1965.

In addition, Reed called for a 12.5-percent hike in Harrisburg's sewer rates. He said the increase is necessary because the operation had combined losses of more than $1.5 million over the past two years.

The increase would add $1.89 to the monthly bill of the average family of four using 6,500 gallons, for a total sewer bill of $15.56.

If Harrisburg approves the increase, the six surrounding municipalities that also use Harrisburg's sewer system would be obligated to pass along the increase to their residents as well.

The municipalities are: Steelton, Paxtang and Penbrook boroughs and Lower Paxton, Swatara and Susquehanna townships.

Meanwhile, city property owners would avoid a tax increase this time around.

With Harrisburg's real estate tax unchanged, the owner of a house assessed at $100,000 would continue to pay $850 in city property taxes under the city's 8.5-mill levy on land and improvements. County and school district taxes are separate.

Harrisburg's proposed budget represents a 6.5 percent increase over this year's spending plan of $56.34 million.

But due to poor revenue projections and some cost overruns, the city ended up exceeding its own budget and will actually spend about $57.43 million this year. So the actual increase in spending is only about 4.5 percent under the new budget.

Reed called the spending plan extremely tight. It reduces city employment to an all-time low of 663. That's down from 735 workers a few years ago and 986 in the 1980s.

City management will not receive pay raises in 2005, and the city recently agreed to a new contract with AFSCME, its largest union, that also carries no salary increase next year.

In addition, the union agreed to a less expensive health care plan and reductions in life insurance coverage. AFSCME members' next pay raise will be 2 percent, which kicks in on Oct. 1, 2006.

"We cut all over the place," Reed said.

Council is expected to hold numerous committee hearings on the proposed budget before the measure comes up for a final vote in late December.

[EastSideHBG]

I'm trying to find some good news guys, honest!!! The property taxes in this county are getting beyond ridiculous now...


Dauphin County seeks 19% tax hike

Thursday, November 25, 2004
BY JOHN LUCIEW
Of The Patriot-News

The Dauphin County Commissioners yesterday proposed a second 19 percent increase in property taxes in as many years, despite having a $9 million surplus.

The proposed tax increase means that the owner of a home assessed at $100,000 would pay $110 more next year.

Combined with the 19.5 percent increase for 2004, the same property owner's county tax bill would rise to $688 -- nearly a 40 percent increase in two years.

Commission Chairman Jeffrey Haste, a Republican, said property owners should take comfort that the county spread out the increases.

"It could have been the entire 40 percent last year," Haste said. "We could have done it that way."

At least one commissioner, Democrat George Hartwick, said he remains uncomfortable with the size of the increase for 2005. He said he hopes the 19 percent increase could be reduced before a final vote Dec. 15.

The commissioners have talked about a looming "$50 million hole" in the budget that could develop.

But the county's own budget figures show there is no shortage of cash in this year's and next year's budgets.

According to projections, Dauphin County will end this year with a $9 million surplus. And with the tax increase for 2005, it could finish that year $16 million to $17 million in the black.

The county would receive $12.5 million from the 2005 tax increase.

Haste said the county was looking beyond the flush cash position in pushing for another tax increase now.

He argued that the money would be needed to pay rising costs, especially debt payments, and to strengthen the county's finances to get better bond ratings.

"If you look at this year and say, 'Why is this happening, why is there still a tax increase?' The reason is we are looking ahead." Haste said. "The importance of this is for our bond rating."

In pushing through a tax increase in the first year of their four-year terms, the commissioners are following the lead of previous county boards.

The move ensures the widest possible gap between a tax increase and the commissioners' re-election bids in 2007.

The commissioners offered hope that the increase for 2005 would be the last for a while, at least until the next county election.

Also in keeping with county tradition, the tax increase was announced the day before Thanksgiving, nationally the biggest travel day of the year.

All of the budget discussions took place during a 10 a.m. meeting, when members of the public are unlikely to attend. No residents spoke against the move. **How shady was this?!?**

If approved, the increase would support a proposed $110.14 million general fund budget for 2005. The spending plan represents a $1.45 million increase over this year, or about 1.3 percent.

The commissioners congratulated themselves for holding down the county's spending through cost-cutting measures, including eliminating 35 full-time jobs.

There was no word yesterday on how many of the eliminated positions were already vacant. The job cuts represent 1.67 percent of the 2,100-person county work force.

While commissioners talked of additional spending cuts, there were indications that the county's fiscal austerity could be short-lived.

Officials predicted spending could rise by as much as 8 percent in 2006, with successive 4 percent spending increases in each of 2007 and 2008.

Officials said most of the spike is due to increases in debt payments for projects such as the administration building, courthouse renovations and nursing home.

The county's budget experts said the only way to make measurable reductions would be through deeper staffing cuts.

The library tax would remain at 0.35 mills, or $35 for the owner of a $100,000 home.

[harrisburger]

eastside, i really don't know stats too well, but i remember hearing cumberland's taxes are really low, and hampden's are the lowest in the area...if these are true, why are dauphin's going so much higher? actually, i'd rather my taxes went up to pay for cumberland valley's dire need for money...anyways, are these increases generally accepted by easterners, or are the citizens angry regarding them? the snobby westerners would burn those responsible for raising any taxes...

[Spudmrg]

The state maintains a list of all of the Local taxes on this website(sorry for the long link):

http://ctcoas01.state.pa.us/dced/MSS.MAINMENU.show?p_arg_names=_menu_id&p_arg_values=2331523611&p_arg_names=_menu_owner&p_arg_values=MSS&p_arg_names=_show_find&p_arg_values=false&p_arg_names=_show_header&p_arg_values=YES&p_arg_names=_show_timing&p_arg_values=NO

When we talk about property taxes, there are 3 entities levying them, the School District, the actual local muni(in this case above, Harrisburg City), and then the county. The county determines how much the property is worth, and then from there you take the tax rate times that amount. 10 mills would equal .010, or 1 percent of the assessed value of the property. Hope that helps

[EastSideHBG]

Good link, Spudmrg, thanks for the info!!!

eastside, i really don't know stats too well, but i remember hearing cumberland's taxes are really low, and hampden's are the lowest in the area...if these are true, why are dauphin's going so much higher? actually, i'd rather my taxes went up to pay for cumberland valley's dire need for money...anyways, are these increases generally accepted by easterners, or are the citizens angry regarding them? the snobby westerners would burn those responsible for raising any taxes...
Not only are Cumberland Co.'s prop. taxes lower, they have actually gone down in a few spots this year (like Lower Allen for example)!!!

Overall I'd say they are generally accepted, but it is getting to be too much now and people are starting to speak out a lot more (finally). And this is evident by the way the council did things this time around; on a day when people were busy and couldn't attend the meeting to let their opinions be heard.

Honestly, most people here just move when they get sick of it instead of speaking out it seems. THIS is exactly why the West Shore is able to do what it does with the property taxes, because people leave here and head over there. :no:


Here's a good editorial from today's paper:

Squabbling in the city

Friday, November 26, 2004

It's bad enough that the executive and legislative branches at the state Capitol can't get along, can't overcome their differences for the good of the people they serve.

But just a few blocks away, at City Hall, the same political and personal impairment is in full play. The latest manifestation of the less-than-stellar relations between Mayor Stephen R. Reed and Harrisburg City Council came in a dispute that prompted the mayor to drop plans for expanding the city-owned Class AA baseball field at Commerce Park on City Island.

Maybe it's a change in the water, or the air, but this quintessential "city of the deal" seems to have lost its touch. It's as if all the major political players are operating on different game boards, with different rules and very little, if any, communication.

Council members led by Vice President Linda Thompson had to know that an amendment to the $28.3 million stadium project siphoning off 5 percent of baseball revenues for various unspecified human services in the city was a deal breaker. In a rapidly changing minor-league baseball environment, council's action leaves Harrisburg with an inadequate facility to vie for a Class AAA franchise.

While we understand that improving conditions for baseball in Harrisburg many not be council's top priority, its value to elevating the city's status and attractiveness should not be undersold. Moreover, council's desire to give itself a lead role in handing out funds for "good causes" is highly questionable and irregular. It invites abuse and misapplication of city dollars.

At the very least, the two projects -- baseball and social projects -- should not be co-mingled. That they were suggests a breakdown in the working parts of city government that is amateurish and ill serves the people.

[Spudmrg]

I've been to a Senators game a handful of times, and I hav'nt been to one in ages....I'm more of a hockey fan myself. How is the stadium these days? More to the point, how are the prices in comparision to what the enviroment is like?

I know someone who is considering moving in to the area, if only for a year or two. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to look for a house/rental? Nothing fancy, just decent, and served by CAT.

[EastSideHBG]

Well, the stadium is in need of rennovation. The prices are reasonable, though. Spudmrg, if you go after a certain time you can get in free (I think it's after the 6th inning). This would be a good opportunity to go and check things out. :)

Where is this person coming from and what type of living environment do they want, Spudmrg? I am asking because there are a lot of options; CAT has a wide range of service. They could move into the city, Camp Hill, Wormleysburg, Susquehanna and LP Townships... If you can narrow it down a bit I will be able to give specifics.

[EastSideHBG]

This is pretty cool!!! It's nice to see that a historic landmark was saved and also that tourism is getting big enough here (South Central PA) and more B&Bs can be supported. :tup:


Baker House given another transformation

Saturday, November 27, 2004

BY JOHN LUCIEW
Of The Patriot-News

It's been a doctor's office, a lawyer's office and home to the United Way of the Capital Region.

Now, the Baker House along North Front Street will play host to weddings, corporate meetings, celebrations and weekend getaways as Harrisburg's only bed-and-breakfast.

Sean Adams and Robin Clemens bought the 1920s house and grounds at 2701 N. Front St. this fall after securing a city zoning variance that cleared the way for a bed-and-breakfast.

They are renovating the 8,500-square-foot L-shaped mansion for a planned opening in mid-2005.

Their business plan is to expand upon the bed-and-breakfast model by turning their home into more than just a weekend romantic retreat.

They said the spaciousness of the mansion and its lawn overlooking the Susquehanna River make it an ideal spot for weddings, parties, banquets and corporate meetings and retreats.

The engaged couple plan to be their first clients by holding their wedding there this spring.

"We want to have the first wedding here," Adams said. "It will be like doing our own advertising."

In fact, the couple took the money they were saving to hold their nuptials at an inn in Maryland and put it toward their down payment on the property at Front and Wiconisco streets.

"The idea popped into our heads, and we kept coming back to this property," Clemens said.

Adams' family is in the bed-and-breakfast business, and his brother is on the staff of the Pennsylvania Tourism and Lodging Association.

The couple's plans for the mansion are in keeping with the current trend in the bed-and-breakfast business, said Chris Weidenhammer, vice president of the Pennsylvania Tourism and Lodging Association.

"Bed-and-breakfasts have become more specialized," he said. "There is an opportunity in what they are trying to do, in as far as the corporate meetings, the weddings and the banquets. They have a good idea there."

This is despite the fact that Harrisburg may not be the first place people think of for bed-and-breakfasts, which now number about 860 across Pennsylvania, according to the association.

A few past ventures in the city quickly went out of business, officials said.

That's because most bed-and-breakfasts tend to thrive in more tourism-driven markets, such as New Hope in Bucks County, the Amish areas of Lancaster County and Gettysburg.

For Adams and Clemens, these facts aren't a deterrent, merely a sign that Harrisburg is ripe. "The market hasn't even been tapped," Adams said.

The Baker House, which dates to the 1920s, was threatened with demolition just a few years ago.

In 2000, its owner, the United Way of the Capital Region, intended to raze the building in favor of a two-story office.

Attorney Ralph J. Baker built the house, which was designed by the Philadelphia architectural firm of Mellor, Meigs & Howe.

The structure is credited by preservationists as one of the few remaining examples of early 20th-century residential architecture that once defined Front Street.

Later, it was owned by Dr. W. Minster Kunkel, who ran an office on the grounds. For a time, U.S. Rep. John Crane Kunkel lived in the mansion.

In 1972, the Kunkel family donated the house to the United Way. The agency used the house until 2000, when a fire gutted the office annex on the grounds. That sparked the agency's plans to raze the house.

Protests from preservationists halted the demolition, and the house reverted to private hands in 2001 when Shawn M. Gallagher and Laura Beth Kelly bought it for their residence.

They sold the building in October to Adams and Clemens for $630,000. Since then, the couple have been ripping up carpets and planning renovations.

The stone house with Tudor revival accents boasts slate and wood floors, castlelike limestone archways, five fireplaces and eight bedrooms. It looks out on a flat, open yard that could hold 200 or more people for outdoor events.

The owners envision at least five guest rooms and a bridal suite in what's called the carriage house. All the rooms will have private baths.

Adams and Clemens will live on the third floor.

When completed, the mansion will be billed as a place to celebrate milestones or hold a business meetings. It could be the scene for fund-raisers, product shows or wine tastings, the couple said.

They envision a media room with the latest in audio-visual and telecommunication equipment for high-tech meetings.

City officials said they like the idea.

"The mayor is both pleased and excited about the prospect for a bed-and-breakfast on Front Street," city spokesman Randy King said.

[EastSideHBG]

Funny how the city council works...or DOESN'T work I should say LOL


Clarification keeps ballpark plan in play

Sunday, November 28, 2004
BY JOHN LUCIEW
Of The Patriot-News

A $28.3 million project to revamp Harrisburg's Commerce Bank Park might get another turn at bat.

Mayor Stephen R. Reed and the City Council are holding out hope that legislation approving an $18 million bond issue for upgrades to the baseball stadium on City Island can be salvaged.

The stadium is home to the Harrisburg Senators, the Class AA minor-league affiliate of the Montreal Expos, who are to move to the nation's capital and become the Washington Nationals for the 2005 season.

Last week, Reed placed the stadium renovations on "indefinite hold" after the council voted to direct some money from baseball to council-selected projects.

Now, Reed -- who has expressed hopes of bringing Class AAA baseball to Harrisburg -- and council members say the project might still be alive.

It has to do with a misunderstanding between net profits and gross revenues.

In a confusing series of verbal amendments, the council last week added a provision to the stadium funding that appeared to designate 5 percent of gross revenues from baseball to council-designated causes.

Reed, who attended the session, called the changes a "poison pill" designed to make the project financially unfeasible. He vowed to veto the bill, even though it approved the $18 million bond issue to cover the city's share of the project's cost. But several council members said they meant to earmark 5 percent of net profits from baseball, not gross revenues.

Gross vs. net profits:

Typically, the city-owned team grosses about $2.5 million in annual revenues. Five percent of that would be $125,000.

Net profit is a different story. Reed said the team generates less than a 2 percent profit, anywhere from $200,000 to $250,000 a year after expenses. Five percent of that is $10,000 to $12,500.

Council President Richard House said the verbal amendments will be corrected to reflect net profits when they are put in writing by lawyers. A final draft of the amended bill could be ready as early as this week.

"The legislation will say 5 percent of the net -- the money left over after all the bills have been paid," House said. "If you tried to do the gross, the bond buyers wouldn't even approve this. It has to be the net."

Reed has said he could live with legislation that siphoned 5 percent of net profits from baseball.

"The profits from baseball go into the general fund anyway," he said. "I have zero problem with the concept."

Reed said he would be inclined to sign such a bill in the spirit of moving forward with the two-year project, which has had other delays.

"As long as that amendment says 5 percent of net profit, I will be happy to sign the legislation," Reed said. "That would restore the financial feasibility of the project."

The stadium project calls for adding seats and a restaurant, plus cosmetic changes. If it moves forward now, the renovated park could be ready in 2006.

Procedure criticized:

It's unclear how the mistake was made.

The final version of the amendment, which passed 4-3, was crafted by Vice President Linda Thompson.

She was reacting to a motion by member Otto Banks. Thompson said she merely increased the council's share of the funds from 3 percent to 5 percent, and widened the array of projects that could benefit from that money.

Thompson said she always intended that the 5 percent would come from net profits. But during the debate over the amendments, council members never distinguished between net profits and gross revenues.

Instead, members cited various sections and subsections of the 40-page bill. Most of these sections deal with gross revenues, because those funds would pay interest to bond holders and go toward paying back the bonds.

Thompson admitted she didn't fully understand the sections of the ordinance cited in the amendments. "I didn't read Section C," she said. "I didn't understand it. I never said 5 percent of the gross."

House said the episode was a case of poor legislative procedure. He said the confusion between net and gross revenues was a result of a flurry of last-minute law making.

"All of this was done from the floor," said House, who along with Banks and Vera White voted against the amendment and the bill.

"That's not how you should conduct business," he said.

House said the corrected version of the bill could be on Reed's desk as early as tomorrow. Reed would have 10 days to sign or veto it.

The stadium improvements would include 1,700 additional seats -- increasing the stadium's capacity to 9,500 -- 20 skyboxes, 766 club seats and a right-field party deck.

But the work, which was to start at the end of the Senators' season, has been delayed as debate has swirled on the council since summer.

[wrightchr]

^ so baseball is still alive in HBG and the new stadium will most likely get built? correct? the politics of baseball is disturbing, but i really hope that the AAA Otawa team moves to the city. it would definately be a step in the right direction. anyway Dave, i took some crazy awesome pics of Olympic National Park, the Hoh Rain Forest, Mt. Rainier, Ft. Lewis, and Seattle of course. i'll post them when i come home for xmas break. hope you are doing well. thanks for the interesting HBG posts :)

[Spudmrg]

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/trib/pittsburgh/s_276246.html

An interesting look at what our sister city to the west is doing in regards to it's tax base. As I recall.....Harrisburg has fewer non-profits....but more state, federal, county, and local tax-exempt property(by total land value).

[EastSideHBG]

^ so baseball is still alive in HBG and the new stadium will most likely get built? correct? the politics of baseball is disturbing, but i really hope that the AAA Otawa team moves to the city. it would definately be a step in the right direction. anyway Dave, i took some crazy awesome pics of Olympic National Park, the Hoh Rain Forest, Mt. Rainier, Ft. Lewis, and Seattle of course. i'll post them when i come home for xmas break. hope you are doing well. thanks for the interesting HBG posts :)
Good to hear from you, Chris!!! I just had a friend get back from Seattle for the first time and the first thing she said to me was, "Dave, you need to check it out...it's so you!!!" I would love to visit one day, that's for sure!!! I can't wait to see your pics and I'm glad you're doing well. :)

Here's some GREAT news!!! :carrot:


Reed OKs financing for stadium project

Ballpark project's financing approved

Wednesday, December 01, 2004
BY JOHN LUCIEW
Of The Patriot-News

A $28 million project to revamp Harrisburg's baseball stadium on City Island has finally crossed home plate.

Mayor Stephen R. Reed yesterday signed a bill approving an $18 million bond issue to cover the city's share of the project's costs. The state is expected to cover the rest of the costs.

"It's signed, sealed and delivered," Reed said, adding that the improvements would be in place for the start of the 2006 season.

The stadium, Commerce Bank Park, is home to the Harrisburg Senators, the Class AA minor-league affiliate of the Montreal Expos. The Expos are to move to the nation's capital and become the Washington Nationals for the 2005 season.

As recently as last week, the project looked to be down to its last strike in the bottom of the ninth. Reed had placed the stadium renovations on "indefinite hold" after City Council voted to direct some money from baseball to council-selected projects.

At the time, Reed called those changes a "poison pill" designed to make the project financially unfeasible. He vowed to veto the bill, even though it included the bond issue.

The disagreement centered on apparent confusion over whether the council had sought control of a portion of the city's gross revenues from baseball in its verbal amendments to the bill.

In the end, council members said they meant to earmark 5 percent of the net profits from baseball -- a much smaller amount of money.

Reed agreed to this interpretation and signed a written version of the amended bill that directs 5 percent of the city's profits from baseball to health, social service and economic development projects to be chosen by the council.

"I feel vindicated," said Council Vice President Linda Thompson, who helped craft the amendments. "I am excited we are moving forward with baseball."

Reed said money from the bonds should be in place by mid-January. Some construction could start by the spring. Work will continue throughout the 2005 season, but it will not disrupt baseball, Reed said.

Most of the renovations will take place after the 2005 season. The revamped baseball stadium is scheduled to be ready for the start of the 2006 season.

An expanded and renovated stadium could help lure a AAA team to Harrisburg, a move Reed said he is still exploring.

Under that scenario, the city would sell the Senators, use the proceeds to pay down the stadium debt, and then collect rent, amusement taxes and other fees from the new team.

Reed said he is expecting the state to contribute to the stadium project. Harrisburg has applied for $16.9 million in state funding.

While that request hasn't yet been acted upon, Reed said it would not delay the project. He said typically state money is given as a reimbursement once work has been done and bills have been submitted and reviewed.

Originally, the stadium project was to start at the end of the Senators' 2004 season, but it was delayed as debate has swirled on the council since summer.

[EastSideHBG]

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/trib/pittsburgh/s_276246.html

An interesting look at what our sister city to the west is doing in regards to it's tax base. As I recall.....Harrisburg has fewer non-profits....but more state, federal, county, and local tax-exempt property(by total land value).
Interesting, thanks Spudmrg!!

[Spudmrg]

Real quiet around here........anything going on in/around the city?

[Spudmrg]

I see in the Patriot-News that Sus. Township is raising the new ($52) services tax and cutting property taxes, and that Harrisburg City Council is thinking about the same concept. Does anyone have any thoughts?

[EastSideHBG]

Well, I would love to say that I would like to see the city give people a break on the prop. taxes. I know A LOT of people who have left the city because of the high prop. taxes. BUT, I realize the city is in a unique situation. 1) Not many places to build/grow. Many other municipalities have this luxury. 2) It's still a large employment center, and many of these people are non-residents. This is a heck of a tax (no pun intended lol) on the infrastructure. So...


Harrisburg weighs use of $52 tax

Friday, December 10, 2004
BY JOHN LUCIEW
Of The Patriot-News

When the state Legislature voted last month to allow municipalities to replace their occupational privilege taxes with a higher levy, it handed Harrisburg a $2.6 million gift.

Now, the City Council and some Harrisburg residents are questioning how that money should be used.

Mayor Stephen R. Reed has recommended that the added revenue go toward supporting programs and staff positions that would have otherwise been cut from Harrisburg's $60.06 million budget for 2005.

But council members have asked for a detailed list of what would have been cut to see if there are better uses for the money.

And one advocacy group, Citizens for a Better Harrisburg, insists the funds from the job tax should be used to offset city property taxes.

The group's president, Jason Smith, said the money could provide up to a 17 percent reduction in city real estate taxes.

At least one surrounding municipality, Susquehanna Twp., has already used the job tax to cut its property taxes by 9.6 percent.

Reed has recommended replacing the $10 tax with a jobs tax that can be as high as $52 a year.

The tax is paid by the 55,000 people who work in Harrisburg and earn $10,000 or more. The first $5 of the tax goes to the Harrisburg School District, with the balance going to the city.

Reed's budget plowed the $2.6 million the city would receive back into programs that officials say would have been cut or reduced in 2005.

These changes were made during a last-minute revision of the city budget accomplished after the Legislature approved the change on Nov. 21. The city spending plan was made public on Nov. 23.

The council is now pressing for more details on what would have been cut under the original budget.

"There might be some fat in there," said council member Eric Waters, who has been holding budget hearings.

Council members said they are looking at all options, including using the funds from the job tax to lower city property taxes.

"We need to give relief to taxpayers," said member Gloria Martin-Payne. "It's certainly something we need to look at seriously."

City officials said they weren't sure how much the $2.6 million from the job tax could reduce city real estate taxes, which were not slated to rise in 2005.

The owner of a house assessed at $100,000 currently pays $850 in city property taxes under the 8.5-mill combined levy on land and improvements.

No matter what the eventual use of the money from the tax, Reed has argued forcefully for the $52 maximum.

He said it is the only way Harrisburg, a regional employment center, has to get revenues from the thousands who work in the city but don't live there.

Reed has said the city spends millions to provide police, fire, public works and infrastructure to accommodate its business day visitors.

The occupational privilege tax was established in 1965 at a rate of $10. Municipalities were never permitted to charge more until this year.

[EastSideHBG]

:rock:

Holden brings $3.8 million for rail plan, buses

Friday, December 10, 2004
BY FRANK COZZOLI
Of The Patriot-News

The effort to revive local train service in the Harrisburg region just got a windfall in federal funding.

U.S. Rep. Tim Holden was in town yesterday to deliver two checks totaling nearly $3.8 million, much of which will go directly to the train endeavor.

Holden, D-Schuylkill County, said $2 million comes from the new starts program of the Federal Transit Administration.

Capital Area Transit and the Modern Transit Partnership plan to bring service to 54 miles of track between Lancaster and Carlisle known as Corridor One.

Preliminary engineering on a $75.8 million project to start service between Lancaster and Hampden Twp. is to be finished this winter.

The $2 million will be used to pay the balance of those engineering costs and help finance the start of final design, which is to begin in mid 2005.

Another $550,000 is from the Federal Railroad Administration's grade-crossing safety program.

The package also included $218,250 in grants to support administrative operations.

Holden also gave CAT a separate check for $1 million to buy four buses to replace units that have been on the street since 1988.

"This is the largest aggregate grant that we've ever received at one time," said Gerald Morrison, chairman of the partnership, the fund-raising arm of CAT.

Morrison credited Holden and Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., who led a delegation of midstate members of Congress in securing the funds.

Regional rail, which ultimately would serve eight counties, is at the heart of an effort to reduce highway congestion and bolster the area's economic vitality.

Corridor One trains are scheduled to start running between Lancaster and Harrisburg in late 2007 and to serve Harrisburg International Airport.

Service is scheduled to expand west to Mechanicsburg in 2008 and to Carlisle in 2010.

Morrison said studies also have begun to take service to Hershey and Lebanon, and south to York in what's known as Corridor Two.

Morrison said talks also are under way to expand Corridor One east from Lancaster to link with trains run by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.

"All of these things are under way, and all of them will produce enormous positive benefits for this region," Morrison said.

"We're only one phase away from building stations, procuring [rail] vehicles, and planning train schedules," Ward said.

[EastSideHBG]

Hersheypark files lawsuit, drops roller-coaster plans

Hersheypark's coaster plan comes to a grinding halt

Friday, December 10, 2004
BY PETE SHELLEM AND BARRY FOX
Of The Patriot-News

Hersheypark officials announced yesterday they have dropped plans to build "Turbulence," the park's 11th roller coaster.

And they are suing the ride's manufacturer.

According to the lawsuit filed this week in U.S. Middle District Court, Interactive Rides Inc. increased the estimated cost to build the ride by more than $1 million and cut one car from the coaster -- all due to the higher cost of steel.

So, in place of the new coaster, the park will re-introduce two family rides that have been in storage for three years -- "Balloon Flite" and "Starship America."

The change in plans is the result of Interactive Rides Inc.'s "refusal to provide the ride as specified in its contract," Garrett Gallia, Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Co. director of corporate relations, said in a statement.

According to the suit, Hershey Entertainment is seeking the return of a $400,000 payment and damages against the Logan, Utah, firm, claiming the company promised to install the roller coaster and then raised its price by more than 50 percent.

The suit says Hershey entered into a contract with Interactive to build a 150-foot-tall roller coaster in April. Interactive quoted a price of $1,995,000 and a ride that would have seven four-seated vehicles. Hershey made a $400,000 down payment and began advertising the ride in September, the suit says.

On Nov. 12, Interactive notified Hershey in writing that because of increases in the price of steel, it had no option but to increase the original price by $1,117,462.

The company also said it was removing one of the cars on the ride in an effort to reduce costs. Hershey said it warned Interactive that it would be breaching its contract, but the company refused to change its stance, the suit says.

Despite the lawsuit, Val Potter, Interactive Rides' vice president of sales, said the "Turbulence" project is not dead.

"We're open to reviewing it and hope to work something out," he said. "I'm hopeful we can come to some reasonable agreement."

Gallia said it would take "a dramatic change by the manufacturer" for the "Turbulence" project to go forward.

"Obviously, this is disappointing for our guests and for us," Gallia said. But with 60 other rides, "we still think we have a great experience" to offer customers, he said.

In September, park officials announced plans for the so-called drop coaster -- swinging cars that roll through a series of straightaways and freefall curves -- that would be the new ride for the park's 98th season and part of a $4 million renovation project.

Now, "Balloon Flite" and "Starship America" will be adjacent to the carrousel. The "Giant Wheel" ride was removed from that section of the park to accommodate "Turbulence."

That area of the park, known as Carrousel Circle, will be refurbished and renamed Founder's Circle in honor of Milton S. Hershey, the chocolate magnate who opened the park in 1907.

Founder's Circle will have a 1920s and 1930s architectural theme based on the look of the carrousel, which was built in 1919 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Co.

Trees and benches will be added. Brightly painted structures will provide shade and will be designed to mimic the curvature of the carrousel's roof.

The walkway around Founder's Circle will have a sunburst design stamped into the cobblestoned concrete.

In 2003, a fountain and a bronze statue of Hershey were added to that area of the park.

Hersheypark is scheduled to open its 2005 season on May 7.

[EastSideHBG]

The saga continues LOL


Camp Hill town houses hit snag

Council tables sewer vote for 17th Street
Friday, December 10, 2004
BY CHRIS A. COUROGEN
Of The Patriot-News

Efforts to build town houses on a seven-acre tract north of 17th Street in Camp Hill have hit another snag.

The Borough Council, responding to concerns raised by community activist Molly Robertson, voted Wednesday to table the sewer planning module for the project. The move delays plans by Rhodes Development Group of Lemoyne to build 30 town houses on the site behind the Camp Hill Post Office.

The council must approve the planning module before it can be submitted to the state Department of Environmental Protection, which also would have to approve it before the builders could connect to municipal sewer lines.

The project also is the subject of a lawsuit filed by Aubrey Sledzinski of 400 N. 17th St. on behalf of a coalition of residents in the neighborhood who claim the plans do not conform to the borough's zoning ordinance.

Sledzinski, who also is party to a zoning hearing board appeal of permits for a similar project on the opposite side of 17th Street, questioned how the council could consider the planning module while the case is in litigation.

The borough's solicitor, Steve Feinour, told the council that a zoning hearing board appeal acts as a stay, but a lawsuit does not.

After Mark Malarich, the borough's engineer, recommended approval of the planning module, the council seemed poised to act.

But Robertson objected, telling the council, "I looked over that planning module. ... It was not complete.

"There's some hokey things in there you guys should look at before you approve this," Robertson said.

The council tabled a vote.

By law, the module will be considered approved if the council does not reject it before Dec. 20. A special meeting would have to be held before then if the council wants to reject the plan.

[Spudmrg]

In reverse order to your posts......
1) Am I reading the article correctly by reading that they were going to put a 150-foot coaster in that little circle area next to the "Smaller" rides? I must not be reading that right.....

2) Good news for CapitalOne, through it's begining to look like we're cutting AMTRAK out of the Harrisburg-Philly route if they can just connect CapitalOne/CAT to SEPTA. Through given the prices for riding AMTRAK, it may make more sense to just have AMTRAK connect the larger (Philly, New York, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Detroit, etc.) cities together and let the regional transit authorities handle the densely populated areas.

3) As to the new tax, it's actually only $47 for the city and $5 for the school district. Of cource, since the city can't tax the federal/state/county offices, it's a way to tax those who work in the roughly 50 percent of the city that does'nt pay property taxes. Philly (and possibly soon Pittsburgh) have a commuter/payroll tax for that and a few other reasons.

Oddly enough, growth does'nt keep property taxes low for more than a few years, the demand for sewer/water/fire/police/school coverage more than absorbs the new property revenue. Cities in PA end up paying the same for those services no matter how much the local residents can pay property taxes.

Lastly, according to the Dauphin County/DECD propert tax charts, the Harrisburg School District property taxes are the highest in the county, and this on a recently assessed value (unlike some regional counties, where the assessment value is from the 1970s). Just looking at the numbers really drives people from living in the city, which is a real shame. Personally, given a choice between a 45 min./hour commute and living in the city, I'm leaning towards the city.

[Spudmrg]

Ummmmmm, I believe I erred in regards to Hersheypark, they were putting the new coaster in where the "Wheel" ride was.

[EastSideHBG]

I agree, Spudmrg. I do see a very bright future for CorridorONE. :cool:

Yeah, the new coaster was going to go where that giant wheel ride was.

[Spudmrg]

In case anyone has'nt heard the news:

http://pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/110319246558230.xml

[Austinlee]

That article was interesting... I never heard of Mr Vartan. Thats the kind of person a city needs to really get things moving. Too bad he wasnt able to get some of his taller projects in motion. That building with the revolving hotel sounds cool.

[EastSideHBG]

He had a lot of good ideas, PA Pride, but he had a lot of bad ones too...REALLY bad!!! I have mixed feelings about Vartan and he did pull a lot of fast ones on people. But regardless, my condolences to his family and friends...


Whoops LOL :nono:

Local bingo scam uncovered

Councilwoman and 4 others accused in illegal hall operations

Thursday, December 16, 2004
BY REGGIE SHEFFIELD
Of The Patriot-News

Harrisburg City Councilwoman Vera White will be charged with running an illegal bingo hall and never passing along money to charitable groups, Dauphin County District Attorney Edward M. Marsico Jr. said yesterday.

White and four others face charges of illegally operating bingo games in Steelton and Harrisburg, Marsico said.

The Steelton Lion's Club, 310 S. Front St., and Kline Village Bingo, at 38 Kline Plaza, Harrisburg, repeatedly violated the state bingo law, according to a Dauphin County grand jury report.

State law allows bingo to be operated only by licensed charitable organizations. Both clubs employed workers with no ties to charity and failed to provide all proceeds to registered charities, Marsico said.

An attempt to reach White last night was unsuccessful.

The indictments were filed as a result of a report issued last month by a Dauphin County grand jury.

In April and June of 2003, White submitted applications to the Dauphin County treasurer's office to obtain licenses for a bingo hall in Kline Plaza, authorities said.

Each time, the applications were rejected because the organizations named in the applications -- the Capital Athletic Foundation and the Harrisburg Youth Commission -- failed to qualify as civic or charitable organizations. Instead, both were classified as political or governmental bodies.

"Although bingo licenses had been sought and denied, [White] allowed the Kline Village bingo to operate under the belief that the bingo license was valid," Marsico said in a statement released yesterday.

On five occasions from March 2003 through August 2003, White "received funds from bingo operations and never turned those funds over to the charitable organizations," Marsico said.

The organizer of both bingo halls, Joseph A. Sersch Jr., formerly of 5 Gloucester Place, Harrisburg, faces eight violations of the state bingo law and six counts of theft.

Bank records showed that Sersch had $250,000 in bingo checks deposited into his accounts during 2003, according to the grand jury report. By law, Sersch is permitted to earn a total of $10,400 per year from bingo.

Sersch organized and managed the daily operations of the bingo hall in the Steelton's Lions Club, according to the grand jury report. He also organized the Kline Village Bingo Hall, the grand jury report stated.

In the spring of 2004, Sersch sold his townhouse for about $70,000, and in June he and his family moved into an estate valued at about $599,000, the grand jury report said.

Sersch and his household are the registered owners or lessors of two Jaguars and a 2004 Hummer, according to the grand jury report.

"Charities are to benefit from bingo operations, not unscrupulous operators," Marsico said.

"Charities should be vigilant and involved in all aspects of bingo operations to ensure that they are receiving their rightful proceeds," he said.

Others facing charges include Cynthia Zeigler, who faces six counts of violating the state bingo law; Nicole Wilkerson, who faces three counts of violating the state bingo law; and Josephine Potts, who faces six counts of violating the state bingo law.

Potts and Wilkerson operated the Kline Village Bingo operation on behalf of Sersch, the grand jury said. Cynthia Zeigler, Sersch's sister, worked at the Steelton address, according to the grand jury report.

Theft of funds in excess of $2,500 is a third-degree felony punishable with up to seven years in prison. Bingo-law violations are first-degree misdemeanors punishable by up to five years in prison.

[EastSideHBG]

:no: :tdown: :hell:

Dauphin County residents blast tax increase

Despite complaints, commissioners adopt 19% hike

Thursday, December 16, 2004
BY JACK SHERZER
Of The Patriot-News

To John Trish, the unanimous decision by Dauphin County's commissioners to raise real estate taxes by 19 percent just makes life harder.

"I've been out of work since 1998," said the Lower Paxton Twp. resident, saying he's had multiple brain tumor operations and now pays his own health care costs. "If I'm forced to pinch and pinch and pinch, I don't see why you shouldn't have to pinch and pinch and pinch."

More than 30 area residents crowded yesterday's commissioners meeting. While some said they understood the needs behind the increase, many others urged finding ways to cut further.

"You've made some cuts this year where I'm coming from is, if you raise taxes to this degree, will you have incentive to make cuts in the future?" asked Jason Smith, president of Citizens for a Better Harrisburg, which up to now had focused on spending by the city's mayor, Stephen R. Reed. "I would encourage you to not take the whole increase as an incentive to make further cuts."

Under the county's $165 million budget for 2005, someone with a home assessed at $100,000 will pay $687.60 in real estate taxes, a $109.80 increase.

This increase comes on the heels of a 19.5 percent increase that helped fund this year's budget.

Smith and others questioned whether the tax increase is justified when the county will have millions in reserve -- reserves the commissioners say are necessary to maintain the county's credit rating and to cover any emergencies.

[b]In an unusual move, the commissioners also received a petition from Harrisburg Councilwoman Gloria Martin-Payne, signed by herself and council members Eric Waters, Linda Thompson and Susan Brown Wilson.

"We understand there has to be some tax increase, just that 19 percent is excessive and will have a rippling effect on people who are already struggling right now to pay their mortgages," said Martin-Payne.

Commission Chairman Jeff Haste again called for state lawmakers to give counties revenue sources other than property taxes. When he ran for office last year, he warned that a 40 percent tax increase over two years would be necessary to fix overspending done by the previous commissioners.

"This if nothing else screams loud and clear that the day has come for municipal tax reform," Haste said.

Haste added that 75 percent of Pennsylvania's counties have had to raise taxes in the past two years, many passing double-digit increases.

"Most of what counties do are required by the state and federal governments," said Haste, the only commissioner to make a comment at the meeting. "The funding never keeps up with the cost of services."

Dauphin County's budget includes plans to lay off 13 employees and not fill 24 vacancies, which officials say will save $1.9 million next year and $8 million through 2008. There are a few more than 2,000 employees.

Under the proposed budget, the county is projecting surpluses of $9.5 million for this year; $17.2 million in 2005; $16.3 million in 2006; $12.5 million in 2007 and a $5 million surplus in 2008.

Without the tax increase, the county was projecting a $9.3 million deficit in 2006 and a $47 million deficit by 2008. Insufficient reserves caused the New York-based bond rating agency Standard & Poor's recently to put a negative outlook on the county's AA bond rating.

A lowered rating would mean the county would pay more to borrow money. And the good bond rating allowed the county to earn a $1.75 million fee for backing the bonds Harrisburg is using to rebuild its incinerator.

Health care increases of 30 percent and rising debt service payments are other main factors driving the budget, officials said. Roughly half of the $100 million in county debt was racked up by the previous board, which built a new section of the county's nursing home and bought and renovated the new county administration building.

Harrisburg resident Jim Hricak told the commissioners he realized the previous board spent money to buy the administration building, but said he still thought the current board needed to do something to not hit people with such a large tax increase.

"Please, in the midst of all this complexity, remember the little guy," Hricak said. "We just can't afford it."

[EastSideHBG]

OUCH!!! Adding insult to injury for M-town residents. :tdown:

Middletown budget OK rips council

Saturday, December 18, 2004
By DIANA STRICKER
For The Patriot-News

Middletown finally has a budget for 2005, but it's going to be costly for property owners.

The $43 million budget Borough Council approved by a 5-4 vote Wednesday requires a property tax increase of 40 percent. It also caused a rift among council members.

Three councilmen walked out of the meeting after the vote to approve the budget, and a fourth claimed the voting procedure was flawed.

"This is the most unusual and undemocratic process I have seen," John Patten said after he wasn't allowed to ask a question before the vote.

The council traditionally permits members to discuss a motion before a vote is taken, but that wasn't allowed Wednesday.

Despite Patten's protest, the borough solicitor said the voting procedure was legal.

Councilmen Christopher McNamara, Robert Long and David Rhen left the meeting immediately after their votes didn't block passage of the budget.

In fact, they left before the vote to raise property taxes by 1.3 mills and to increase water and sewer rates by 29 percent each. Those motions passed 5-1, with Patten casting the negative vote.

"I don't understand that," council President Danny Crawford in regard to the opposition. "They've had many, many meetings to address things."

Councilwoman Kerri Golden, who chairs the finance committee, said the tax increase is needed to maintain the status quo. She chastised those who did not take part in the budget process since talks began in July.

"Those who worked on this budget for the last five months were completely open to any idea that would have avoided a tax increase," Golden said in a statement she read during the meeting. "But I warn the public to be leery of false promises. Action speaks louder than words, and some of my peers chose to not come to our meetings."

She said that although the borough plans to adopt the new $52 per year emergency and municipal services tax on workers, how much revenue would result is uncertain. The tax was recently signed into law as an option for municipalities.

Golden said estimates call for Middletown to raise between $70,000 and $110,000 annually from the tax, but that could result in a revenue shortfall without the increase in property taxes.

"It would be irresponsible to change the 2005 budget based on a guess of about how much a new tax may or may not yield," Golden said.

In early November, the council voted 7-1 to advertise the proposed budget and tax increase. Last week, the same budget failed by a 4-3 vote, with two absentees.

Patten said he wanted to discuss the possibility of using the new revenue to offset the increase in property taxes.

"You can't run a council on a maybe," Councilwoman Rachelle Reid said.

Although the borough finalized the 2005 budget, there has been no resolution of the police contract, which will expire Dec. 31. In addition, non-uniformed employees have been working under the terms of their old contract, which expired at the end of 2003.

[Spudmrg]

Ouch, at the rate Middletown taxes/sewer fees are going, it will be cheaper to live in Harrisburg city. Does anyone have the schedule for the strawberry drop this year in market square?

[Spudmrg]

According to today's Patriot-News (http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/110362455745531.xml), the Cumberland county commisioners are pulling out of the regional tourist group. This means two counties (Cumberland and Lebanon) have pulled out in favor of single-county efforts. Quite honestly, I'm somewhat confused on how this will be more effcient, as hershey is the center of the local tourist market (as is Lancaster, but Cumberland apparently wants some sort of other arrangement there).

While I entertain the idea that tourism promotion is best run at the county level, it's rather difficult for counties to be expected to pay to promote tourism when they get no direct benifit from tourism (as counties are almost 100 percent run off of property taxes, not sales taxes). While part or most of the tourism money may come from the various Regional Impact Fees or Hotel Room Taxes, it's really not enough to encourage counties to agressively promote tourism.

On the flip side, we have the situation down in Lancaster City/County with the Lancaster County Convention Center project, where the project was tied up for years by the local hotels who were somewhat upset that taxes they paid would go to fund a rival hotel and convention center. That fight has been going on for almost a decade now, and while the lawsuit was finally dropped, the funding still is'nt solid on building what is now a 5-star hotel and convention center that could go up to 18 stories high, and I don't think they have parking set up yet.

:sigh: Think what the local counties could do if they teamed up, like with CorridorOne and such. If it was'nt for Rep. Tim Holden and Sen. Arlen Spector, that project would still be a dream. I'm more than tired enough of I-83 at rush hour to seriously consider using CorridorOne if the price and train times were right.

[EastSideHBG]

Cumberland County is a joke. Stupid mistake after stupid mistake in my opinion...

Here's some really cool news!!!

NEWS INFORMATION FROM
THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 717.255.3040
FOR IMMEDIATE USE
20 December 2004

NEAPOLITAN-STYLE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT OPENS IN DOWNTOWN
Harrisburg, PA – Mayor Stephen R. Reed today cut the ribbon on another new restaurant in downtown Harrisburg as Sophia’s Seafood Restaurant officially opened at 405 Walnut Street. The elegant new dining attraction features an Italian seafood menu and Mediterranean décor.

Reed said Sophia Seafood Restaurant is owned and operated by successful dining entrepreneur Adriana Isernia, who also recently opened the Tuscan Sun eatery in Strawberry Square’s Food Court. The distinctive new dining attraction occupies 1,000 sq. ft. of restored space and provides seating for over 50 patrons. Four new full and part time jobs are created by the restaurant’s opening.

Reed said Sophia’s is now open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The new dining attraction can be reached at (717) 236.3980.

The Mayor said Sophia’s will feature a unique Neapolitan-style menu, and specializes in fresh seafood. Sophia’s is the first seafood-oriented restaurant to open in the downtown. Isernia, who will also serve as head chef for the new restaurant, learned his trade will living in Naples, Italy.

“We are delighted to welcome this distinctive new dining attraction to the city,” said the Mayor. “Adriana Isernia clearly knows what he’s doing when it comes to good food, and we are very pleased to see his entrepreneurial efforts continue to grow and succeed.

*****************

NEWS INFORMATION FROM
THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 717.255.3040
FOR IMMEDIATE USE
15 December 2004

DeLEON DELI GROCERY & RESTAURANT
Harrisburg, PA – Mayor Stephen R. Reed today cut the ribbon at grand opening ceremonies for the new DeLeon’s Deli Grocery and Restaurant at 1347 Vernon Street in the heart of Allison Hill. The new combination grocery retailer and dining venue offers an array of unique services and conveniences for neighborhood residents and visitors.

Reed said the new retail grocer and restaurant is owned and operated by Pedro and Aderly DeLeon, and occupies 1,800 sq. ft. of restored space at 1347 Vernon Street. DeLeon’s features a wide array of grocery and other fresh foods, personal care items and sundries, and fresh deli meats and cheeses. The restaurant offers American and Latin cuisine and can seat eight patrons. Take-out and delivery services are also available.

The Mayor noted that in addition to substantial private investment by DeLeon, $35,000 in start-up funding for the new business was provided by the Community First Fund.

“We are very pleased to welcome this distinctive new grocer and restaurant to Allison Hill,” said Mayor Reed. “This is a unique blending of a neighborhood-based corner store with a quality food-service operation, with both conveniently located for residents and visitors alike. Our congratulations and appreciation is extended to Pedro and Aderly DeLeon for their substantial investment and effort, and we also thank the Community First Fund for helping make the project feasible.”

The Mayor said DeLeon Deli Grocery and Restaurant is open Mondays through Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. They can be reached at (717) 232.4221.

[EastSideHBG]

:carrot: :carrot: :tup: :)

NEWS INFORMATION FROM
THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 717.255.3040
FOR IMMEDIATE USE
15 December 2004

Holden Announces over $2.4 Million in Federal Earmarks for Dauphin County

WASHINGTON, D.C. (DECEMBER 15, 2004) - At a press conference and check presentation held today, Congressman Tim Holden announced $2,468,250 million in earmarked federal funds. Congressman Holden presented checks to Mayor Stephen R. Reed, City of Harrisburg for four projects in Dauphin County.

Specifically, these projects include:

(1) Harrisburg University
$1 million from the Department of Education will provide for laboratory curriculum development, equipment and technology to create a comprehensive university that will integrate an affiliated high school level preparatory school and business incubator. The institution will provide education and foster economic development through a seamless transition from high school to the university to gainful employment in the technology industry. The business incubator will give students a different perspective on learning with hands-on experience through internships as well as the ability to explore, foster and grow business ideas.

(2) Harrisburg Transportation Center
The Harrisburg Transportation Center will use the $1 million earmark to complete renovations to the center. The additional renovations to this intermodal rail facility project are integral to the future implementation of the Corridor One Light Rail Project and Keystone Corridor System Improvements.

(3) Harrisburg Sewer
Harrisburg will use its $250,000 EPA earmark to fund its development of a comprehensive plan to reduce nitrogen loading emanating from their Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility (AWTF). The AWTF is the largest point service contributor of nitrogen to the Chesapeake Bay in the Susquehanna River Basin. Annually, the AWTF contributes approximately 1.0 million pounds of nitrogen to the Bay. The Susquehanna River Basin is the single cont. from single largest freshwater source for the Chesapeake Bay and Pennsylvania accounts for 21,000 square miles of the total 67,000 square miles of the Bay drainage area. The earmark funding will be used for exploring options in both existing and new technology to address the AWTF problem. Through this search, one technology will be chosen to pursue through preliminary design in order that construction and operating costs could be refined.

(4) CorridorONE
218,250 from HUD’s EDI account to go towards CorridorOne's administrative expenses. “I am very pleased that I was successful in securing funding for these important projects in Dauphin County,” commented Holden. “I believe one of my primary responsibilities as Congressman is to bring federal resources back to Pennsylvania to help my constituents.

“We are very pleased to receive these funds and extend our appreciation to Congressman Holden for his diligent efforts in securing such,” said Mayor Stephen R. Reed. “These allocations are vital to some major city redevelopment projects that will be of benefit to the entire region.”

[EastSideHBG]

Oh no, not this again!!! Freakin' Cumberland County. :rolleyes:


CUMBERLAND COUNTY

Attention directed to bus network

Thursday, December 23, 2004
BY MATT MILLER
Of Our Carlisle Bureau

CARLISLE - A trip to Pittsburgh has left some Cumberland County leaders keener to explore a bus rapid transit network for the West Shore, rather than a system that would use trains.

Commissioner Rick Rovegno, transportation authority member Thomas Sweeney and Planning Director Kirk Stoner spent Dec. 17 riding the Steel City's commuter rail and express bus systems.

The trip was sponsored by Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

The bus system is efficient and promotes economic development along its route, they told the county transportation authority yesterday.

"There may be some good applications for us here," Sweeney said.

Cumberland County commissioners are urging consideration of a Mechanicsburg-to-Harrisburg bus line as a supplement -- or alternative -- to the proposed Corridor One commuter rail.

Corridor One is a proposed $76 million plan, calling for commuter trains on 54 miles of track between Lancaster and Carlisle.

The trains are scheduled to start running between Lancaster and Harrisburg in late 2007, and would serve Harrisburg International Airport. Service is scheduled to expand west to Mechanicsburg in 2008 and to Carlisle in 2010.

The bus rapid transit line would be built along a Norfolk Southern rail line that also is being eyed for the commuter rail. The cost of the bus line has been estimated at $50 million.

Buses would pick up riders in surrounding neighborhoods, then use the buses for unimpeded runs to and from the city.

Cumberland County's commissioners have not signed on with the proposal to launch Corridor One on a Lancaster-to-Harrisburg-to-Mechanicsburg route.

Capital Area Transit, the midstate's largest bus provider, and Modern Transit Partnership, which is promoting Corridor One, have called the rail option superior to the bus line. Those agencies deemed the rail option superior.

Rovegno said a bus line is worth exploring since "rail can be three times as expensive to build and operate as buses."

Sweeney said Pittsburgh's bus system, run by Port Authority of Allegheny County, has eastern and western arms. The western arm averages 8,500 riders daily, he said.

Port Authority officials "were skeptical that [commuter] rail could be effective at that level of ridership," Sweeney said.

Modern Transit Partnership has estimated initial daily ridership for Corridor One at 3,500.

Stoner said "significant economic development" has occurred along the Pittsburgh bus lines, where facilities are placed to afford commuters opportunities to shop while they wait for buses.

"Economic development will happen whether it's light rail, commuter rail or busways if you do it right," Stoner said.

Authority member Larry Joyce said a problem with a West Shore bus line is that commuters would have to get off the buses in Harrisburg and board a Corridor One train to get to Harrisburg International Airport.

"Accessing the airport is important," Rovegno replied. "But what is going to make this rise or fall is the work-commuting trips."

Joyce also wondered whether buses would lure local commuters.

Authority Chairman Mary Lehman said a bus line is worth investigating; but noted that Pittsburgh commuters, unlike those on the West Shore, have a history of using public transportation.

Rovegno said Port Authority officials told him "they have been able to attract the middle class to the buses."

Those riders will be paying more.

The Port Authority has announced plans for fare boosts and service reductions. Pittsburgh's and Philadelphia's transit systems face operating deficits and are asking the state for financial help.

[wrightchr]

Rovegno is an ass. Instead of working with MTP, CAT, the City, and 5 other county agencies planning on Corridor One, he is working against them by proposing/suggesting the BRT option. Even if both options are taken to construction and implimentation status, they would work against each other by making patrons switch service providers and transit infrastructure. Cumberland County is so backwards when it comes to progress.

Anyway, I hope your doing well Dave. Thanks for the updates :)

[wrightchr]

PERKING UP DOWNTOWN
Middletown takes first step toward economic growth
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
BY DIANA STRICKER
For The Patriot-News

Middletown is hoping to qualify for the state's Main Street program to bring new life to the borough's downtown business district.

But the Greater Middletown Economic Development Corp. hopes that will be just the beginning of a broader plan to pump life into the borough and surrounding towns.

"This is the first step that we believe will revitalize the Middletown area," said Joseph Sukle Jr., chairman of the corporation.

The corporation was formed last year to boost the economic development of Middletown, Royalton and Highspire boroughs, and the adjacent townships of Lower Swatara and Londonderry.

The Main Street initiative, which is the corporation's first project, would be an impetus to spur regional growth, Sukle said.

"This area is at the cusp of some incredible development," Sukle said, noting the region's close proximity to the newly renovated Harrisburg International Airport and Penn State Harrisburg.

Middletown Borough Council recently approved a resolution enabling the corporation to apply for the Main Street designation and for a $175,000 grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development.

The state agency sponsors Main Street programs to help communities rejuvenate downtown business and retail districts.

Middletown council also agreed to an initial financial commitment of $5,000. The corporation has pledged to raise an additional $85,000 from corporations and private grants.

Sukle told council it is important for municipal leaders to work together and "to squint their eyes and blur the distinction between communities."

The corporation held public forums through the year to gain public support and to solicit ideas about revitalization.

"I was very encouraged at the response we received from the communities," Sukle said.

The board is comprised of business leaders and elected officials from the five municipalities. The first two goals of the corporation are to establish the Main Street program in Middletown and to work toward the economic revitalization of each community.

Kerry Golden, a member of the corporation and a Middletown councilwoman, said the projects will require cooperation from residents, business owners, civic leaders and elected officials.

She said a regional approach is essential but can be challenging.

"It can be very difficult for the community leaders and the taxpayers to look beyond their borders," Golden said.

Committees have been formed to develop a list of projects for the Main Street program.

"We've very excited about the Main Street program. It's a great first step," Golden said.

"Hopefully the excitement will spread," she said. "This is not going to happen overnight. We need the community to stick with us."

Communities that receive Main Street status typically undertake projects such as facade improvements for storefronts and preservation of historical buildings.

One of the first steps is to hire a Main Street manager, establish an office and develop promotional material.

"We have so much to offer," Golden said. "But we're concerned about empty storefronts. We hope the Main Street program will bring back businesses."

The corporation will submit applications to the state this month and anticipates a response in about six months.
http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/east/index.ssf?/base/news/1104229363166312.xml

[harrisburger]

re: restaurant....it's good that more restaurants are opening beyond second street, we need this diversity continuing so we'll have an area of restaurants/shops instead of one street

re: Rovegno .... as wrightchr said, he is an ass. for the life of me, i don't know why he is so vehemently opposed to rail. cumberland county can afford to spend a little bit of taxes for this. sometimes i wonder why people live on this shore...

[Spudmrg]

At the risk of looking foolish, where exactly are the various areas of Harrisburg City proper, in terms of streets and landmarks. For instance, I can never figure out where midtown/uptown and such are.

As for this bus/train arguement, I can actually understand the Cumberland side of this arguement, but I have yet to see any detailed study of a dedicated bus-only route system. More to the point, I doubt that it is at all possible, because the only cross-river routes that arn't already used as roads are the rail lines, and the cost to convert rail lines to bus lanes makes CorridorONE look cheap(that 50 million price looks somewhat one the low side). Thanks to AMTRAK, we already know that trains can be run from Lancaster to Harrisburg, but the west shore part is in doubt. As for the rest of the CorridorOne debate.....we'll see.

EDIT: Reference made to the early cost estimate of 50 million for a bus-only lane.

[Spudmrg]

"Any excuse for a party" comes to mind here.....we've got some crazy new year events. Have a safe and happy new years!

http://www.pennlive.com/entertainment/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/entertainment/1104315665258980.xml

New Year's: Midstate loves to get drop on it
Heads up! Midstate communities are ready for New Year's
Thursday, December 30, 2004
BY KIRA L. SCHLECHTER, BARRY FOX AND LI WANG
Of The Patriot-News
What is it with New Year's Eve and dropping things from lofty heights? The folks in New York's Times Square started it all with the lighted apple and later the fancy Waterford crystal orb. These days in cities statewide, more things fall on the big night than snowflakes in winter.

Here in the midstate, we have arguably the widest variety of dropped things anywhere: strawberry cows, pickles, pretzels, bolognas, anchors, roses, huckleberries, sleds, canalboats and hard hats, to name several.

*****

HARRISBURG

Strawberry Drop, 9 p.m.-midnight at the Hilton Harrisburg & Towers, 1 N. Second St. Free. Information, call 255-3020 or go to www.harrisburgpa.gov.

The M&T Bank New Year's Eve celebration will include music by The Impact Band, hot beverages, children's entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, a fireworks display and, of course, the dropping of the city's giant, lighted strawberry at midnight.

Popcorn Hat Players New Year's Eve Party for Children Countdown to Noon, 11 a.m.-noon (doors open at 10:30 a.m.) in the Sunoco Theater at Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, 222 Market St., Harrisburg. Tickets are $15. Information, call 238-4111.

As is the tradition there will be noisemakers, party hats and lunch. This year's featured show will be "Hansel & Gretel."

A Rockin' New Year's Eve Celebration at the Crowne Plaza Harrisburg, 26 S. Second St., 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Tickets are $15. Information, call 221-1130.

Bridges And A Bottle, The Underwater, Running From Dharma and The Commercials will say farewell to 2004 and ring in the new year in their own special way.

******

PS-Does anyone know what the new year party at the Crown Plaza is like?

[EastSideHBG]

Good riddance. :carrot:

Movie theater closes at Capital City Mall

Thursday, December 30, 2004

The United Artists Capital City Mall 6 movie theater complex

closed on Dec. 20 as part of an $11 million renovation plan for the Lower Allen Twp. mall.

Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, owner of Capital City Mall, plans to convert the space used by the movie theaters into a food court and turn the existing food court into 30,000 square feet of specialty retail space.

The six-screen movie theater will become an eight-bay food court with two family restaurants. The work is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2005.

The theater space, which was leased on a month-to-month basis, is attached to the mall but does not have direct access to the stores. The renovation plan calls for a walkway to link the planned food court to the mall stores.

Regal Entertainment Group, which owns United Artists, has announced plans for a 14-screen theater at Camp Hill Shopping Mall. But those plans have not been finalized.

[EastSideHBG]

At the risk of looking foolish, where exactly are the various areas of Harrisburg City proper, in terms of streets and landmarks. For instance, I can never figure out where midtown/uptown and such are.
Instead of me explaining it all check this out, Spudmrg. LOADED with info and cool pics. :)

http://www.harrisburgpa.gov/visitors/cityWide/overview.html

*After you view the map, click under the different areas in the "Neighborhoods" section on the left.

[Austinlee]

Harrisburg rules!! This is not in response to any particular post; I just mean in general. Ive driven through it multiple times in my life, but Ive never explored it or had the opportunity to enjoy it up close and personal.

EastsideHBG: Since you seem like the most avid supporter of this place, tell me some interesting facts about it, please! I like nightlife/bars/lounges; musical venues; girls. What is HBG's nightlife like? Is there alot of pretty girls around? Is there like a good entertainment district like Pittsburgh's SouthSide (east carson street) or the Strip District? or like Phillys SouthStreet?

I hope harrisburg gets some skyscrapers someday... Dont get me wrong, I already appreciate the existing skyline but it is a bit paltry. It seems like the area is growing fast. Ive seen alot of new construction and buildings in the area when I drive through it, so Im guessing there must be decent wealth in the area. Also, there is all the Pennsylvania state thieves, I mean politicians, living there so they are siphoning all the states money to pay for nice housing developments and restaurants and such. Do you think Harrisburg will build some nice skyscrapers in the next couple of decades, perhaps some 300-600 footers? Also, is the local economy as vibrant as it appears based on all the new construction....

If Harrisburg is half as cool as Pittsburgh or Philadelphia, then im sure its a great place! PA Pride for life baby!!!!! Woooooo! ( I plan on getting the keystone symbol tattoed on the top of my back like 6 by 8 inches or so) Thats how much I love my home state!

Thanks for any info you can give me to help me have a deeper appreciation for the H-burgh!

[Spudmrg]

Thank you EastSide, through I'm sure I'll get my landmarks confused occasionally....

For anyone at market square 2 hours ago.....that was something! The fireworks were actually bouncing off of the M&T building, and you could hear them quite well ;) The mayor had something to say, but I could'nt make it out where I was standing. Hope everyone enjoys 2005.

[EastSideHBG]

/\
Yeah DT was PACKED last night!!! I had a really good time. Too bad my batteries in my digital were dead and I didn't feel like pushing through the crowd to get to a store to get some new ones. So no pics this year. Too bad too, they would've been great for the forum. :yes:

Market Square Plaza is coming along real nice too. PA Pride, this is one of our new high rises. I have some pics of it but they aren't up anymore. I'll have to upload them again soon and show them to you. We have another high rise in the works too that is going to rival our tallest AND it will be mostly residential!!! So our skyline is changing rather rapidly these days.

PA Pride, I'll answer your other questions in a minute. But first, more sprawl!!! I guess this development could be worse, though.


Middlesex OKs 1,000-home Pennterra plan

Saturday, January 01, 2005
BY ELIZABETH GIBSON
Of Our Carlisle Bureau

CARLISLE - A massive housing development planned for Middlesex Twp. received unanimous approval from supervisors this week.

Pennterra calls for 1,000 homes to be built in mini-villages surrounding a community center. The site is just north of Interstate 81 near Carlisle.

Developer Terravant Land Company of California expects all homes, from condominiums to mansions, to be sold by 2012. The project will dramatically alter 500 acres of farmland off Country Club Road.

"We're obviously very pleased," said Fred Kayne, Terravant chairman.

Kayne, of Beverly Hills, Calif., has owned a share of the Middlesex property since the early 1980s and has introduced development plans over the years.

Each plan stalled in the midst of being designed. "It took a long time and a lot of effort. I think we brought in the right people" to work on Pennterra, Kayne said.

In what is, for Middlesex, a novel approach to development, houses will be closer to streets and one another so more land can be preserved in its natural state. Half of the tract, which hugs a long stretch of the Conodoguinet Creek, will remain undeveloped except for walking and horse trails.

The project centerpiece will be a community center built around a historic farmstead with shops, a spa, health club, pool and restaurant and room for a post office and elementary school.

"We look forward to this project coming in," Supervisor Victor Stabile said.

He said Terravant's predictions that homes will sell within seven to eight years is as unique as the development's design. "That's going to set a new trend in this county if [the] marketing study is correct," he said.

Typically, large projects are constructed one small section at a time, said Jim Snyder, an engineer with Herbert Rowland and Grubic Inc. of Harrisburg.

Pennterra villages will be erected by separate builders working simultaneously so most houses will be on the market at the same time, he said.

Bob Shenk, also with Herbert Rowland, said the builders would break ground in early spring.

[EastSideHBG]

EastsideHBG: Since you seem like the most avid supporter of this place, tell me some interesting facts about it, please! I like nightlife/bars/lounges; musical venues; girls. What is HBG's nightlife like? Is there alot of pretty girls around? Is there like a good entertainment district like Pittsburgh's SouthSide (east carson street) or the Strip District? or like Phillys SouthStreet?
The night life is A LOT better then it used to be and you will find most of it on 2nd St. downtown (nicknamed "Restaurant Row"). There are a decent amount of block parties/live music on the streets in the summer. For a place its size, HBG has a lot to offer. Compared to years ago, it's night and day...

Yes, there are A LOT of pretty girls around. But IMO this is a PA/America in general thing anymore. But I would argue that for a city its size, HBG has more then its fair share. In fact, a guy from northern PA who now lives in Philly struck up a conversation with my friend and I last night and he said he was shocked at how much there was to do here and how hot the women were. It was his first time here and he said he was impressed and will be back for sure. In the summer, I meet a lot of people visiting from Baltimore for some reason. I guess they just want something different to do. :???:

Of course this all comes with a price. The police had to step up their patrols DT and even bring in the horses EVERY weekend now because of the rowdiness. Noise is a HUGE complaint from the DT residents and it's not going to get any better with all the new stuff that pops up down there.

I hope harrisburg gets some skyscrapers someday... Dont get me wrong, I already appreciate the existing skyline but it is a bit paltry. It seems like the area is growing fast. Ive seen alot of new construction and buildings in the area when I drive through it, so Im guessing there must be decent wealth in the area.
See my above post re: the skyscrapers. And yes, there is a lot of wealth here. Million dollar neighborhoods spring up in the 'burbs all the time now. I wonder where the hell these people work LOL

Do you think Harrisburg will build some nice skyscrapers in the next couple of decades, perhaps some 300-600 footers?
Well the new one will be over 300 ft.

Our skyline is pretty short because there was a gentleman's agreement of sorts for decades around the Capitol, things were not to go higher then the dome. But with this new tower, I feel that is going to change (at least in the areas not immediately around the Capitol). I don't think anything super tall will ever come to HBG but some more 300ft.+, sure.

Also, is the local economy as vibrant as it appears based on all the new construction....
We currently have and have had for a few years now the lowest unemployment rate in the state. Right now it's at 3.6% (http://www.pennlive.com/business/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/business/1104315648258980.xml).

If Harrisburg is half as cool as Pittsburgh or Philadelphia, then im sure its a great place! PA Pride for life baby!!!!! Woooooo! ( I plan on getting the keystone symbol tattoed on the top of my back like 6 by 8 inches or so) Thats how much I love my home state!

Thanks for any info you can give me to help me have a deeper appreciation for the H-burgh!
Yeah, for cities in PA, it's one of my favorites for sure. I'm never bored here and there is more then enough to do. Every day we get more and more stuff and big names are taking notice and moving into the area (which can be a good or bad thing depending on how you look at it). For example, we went from having no free-standing Starbucks last year to 3 with more on the way. Things are changing here super-fast and the rate of development is through the roof. The area really does have a lot to offer and one couldn't go wrong living here.

Oh and btw, your tattoo idea is interesting. :)

I hope I answered your questions, PA Pride. Thanks for the interest and if you ever have any more always feel free to fire away. In the warmer months I do quite a few HBG photo threads so keep an eye out for them too. :yes:

[EastSideHBG]

PA Pride, here's some pics I took over the summer of our newest high rise, Market Square Plaza. It's set to open in May, which is months ahead of schedule :tup:

http://home.comcast.net/~dpak1/HBG/MSP_From_Street.JPG

http://home.comcast.net/~dpak1/HBG/MSP_From_Street_2.JPG

And the impact it has on the skyline:
http://home.comcast.net/~dpak1/HBG/MSP_Impact.JPG

*Just to the left of this pic there is a brand new, completed 8-story office bldg. on Front St. (a "green building" too btw). So as you can see, DT construction is booming.


MSP is connected to the Hilton as you can see and it offers even more convention space. It's also inter-connected to the skyway system that connects the Hilton, Strawberry Square (our DT mall), a parking garage and the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts (complete with an IMAX theatre).

[Austinlee]

Thanks EastSide. I appreciate all the info. Very interesting. I didnt know about the new tallest going up. I hope the trend of new development continues. Long live PA!

[EastSideHBG]

No problem, PA Pride, anytime. :)

[Spudmrg]

http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1104834035229052.xml

Superclub promoter gets boost in land deal
Cameron Street spot would feature 7 bars
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
BY PAT CARROLL
Of The Patriot-News

Several questions come to mind while reading the article....

1)Will people be able to walk to and from this location? A concern that exists with any liqour-related establishment and drunk driving, as well as the ability of the area to accomidate that level of traffic outside the DT.

2)Is there the capacity in the region to support such a large establishment? People thought 2nd street would never support such a large collection of attractions, but that was proven incorrect. Will this be too much?

3)Does this project fit in with the city-wide zoning/planning? The DT is able to handle the nightime crowds, but would a completely new area like the proposed project require more police, traffic control, parking, etc.?

I'd like to make the point that since I do not live in harrisburg (at this time), I have no personal involvement in the matter, but I do think that it's a sign the city is going in the right direction (unlike most older cities in the country/PA).

[Spudmrg]

Speaking of around Cameron street, Is there any work being done in the area of Market and Cameron? I recall talk about putting in a new office complex around there, does anyone have information on that?

[EastSideHBG]

I was sooo excited when I read this article!!! Although I am not a huge fan of the super-clubs, I still think they are good for an area and its nightlife scene. And since this owner has the right idea (i.e. diversity) this will probably take off like wildfire!! :carrot:

Spudmrg, I will throw in my $.02 on your questions:

1)Will people be able to walk to and from this location? A concern that exists with any liqour-related establishment and drunk driving, as well as the ability of the area to accomidate that level of traffic outside the DT.
As of now, there wouldn't be much to walk to. It's a walkable area, though, so there is potential.

2)Is there the capacity in the region to support such a large establishment? People thought 2nd street would never support such a large collection of attractions, but that was proven incorrect. Will this be too much?
HELL YES!!! 2nd St. continues to get more and more crowded with residents and non-residents alike. A super club will A) thin out the crowds a little there and then soon after B) create an even bigger draw to the area.

3)Does this project fit in with the city-wide zoning/planning? The DT is able to handle the nightime crowds, but would a completely new area like the proposed project require more police, traffic control, parking, etc.?
With the size of the parcel of land, I don't see parking being a problem at all. With how late the clubbing crowd operates, traffic shouldn't be a huge issue either. I guess this depends on what she plans to do, though (e.g. events that start in the early evening, etc.). Cameron St. is a nightmare during rush.

I'd like to make the point that since I do not live in harrisburg (at this time), I have no personal involvement in the matter, but I do think that it's a sign the city is going in the right direction (unlike most older cities in the country/PA). Harrisburg is blowing up, no doubt about it. :yes:

Speaking of around Cameron street, Is there any work being done in the area of Market and Cameron? I recall talk about putting in a new office complex around there, does anyone have information on that?
The last news I heard for that area is the possibility of turning the post office into the Sci-Tech University campus with housing to follow in the area soon after. Haven't heard much on this recently, though.

[EastSideHBG]

Here's something interesting I found at this site. (http://www.floor-9.com/)


"So Cameron Street finally gets some love. Question is, will anyone go there?

Second Street is pretty well anchored -- start the night with a couple of sampler platters from the Gingerbread Man (arrive at 5 to be served by 9), catch some jazz at the Hilton, grab a martini and some eclectic music at Noma, burn off your meal at Eclipse, wave to your ex as she leaves Cragin's, and meet up with your friends on their way out of Dragonfly. All within walking distance of parking and hotels (not to mention apartment buildings). What's Cameron Street got? A Burger King, a Popeye's, and a Hess. Oh, and Les & Tiny's. Or whatever they're called now.

I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable walking down Cameron at 2:30 in the morning. Then again, people used to say that about Second Street. And look how long Wanda's survived being in the middle of nowhere ..."

[EastSideHBG]

:tup:


Steelton maps plans for makeover

Monday, January 03, 2005
BY JIM LEWIS
Of The Patriot-News

If a makeover can turn an Army Reserve captain into a beauty pageant winner on TV's "The Swan," can it turn Steelton, a faded steel town, into a stylish hot spot?

Borough leaders want to transform the struggling mill town's main street from a drab drag of worn and empty storefronts into a chic boulevard of quaint shops and restaurants.

Grimy paint and vinyl siding would be removed, and concrete sidewalks would be replaced with brown and beige brick walkways wide enough to accommodate outdoor cafes.

Wrought-iron benches, brick planters brimming with flowers and streetlights resembling old-fashioned gaslights would line the street.

Steel arches decorated with the words "Borough of Steelton" would stretch over each end of Front Street, and hearty maples would line the middle of intersections at Gibson and Mohn streets.

The makeover could begin this fall if Steelton lands some state grant money. The goal is to "change the mindset of everything that is Steelton," an architect designing the facelift said.

"Our plan long-term is to create a whole new downtown," said Craig Bachik, an architect with Kairos Design Group, a Lemoyne firm hired by the town. "It really is, we're hoping, a new beginning for the borough of Steelton."

Once a bustling working-class town, Steelton struggled as work at the sprawling steel mill on Front Street declined.

Empty storefronts became common, and motorists driving down Front Street to Harrisburg's eastern suburbs beyond the steel town seemed to rarely stop to shop or eat.

Local politicians and business owners began working to revive their town. Steelton has received a $115,000 grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development to spark improvements to Front Street, and the borough has chipped in several thousand dollars.

Steelton hired Bachik's firm and a consultant, and last fall awarded small grants to the owners of 22 buildings along Front Street for improvements such as power washing, paint jobs and windows.

The transformation, if the town can find government money to fund Bachik's plans, would be dramatic, said Michael Kovach, Borough Council president.

"It blows my mind," Kovach said. "I just think it's so impressive."

Some business owners along Front Street say they support the makeover.

"It's going to make it look cozier," said Jeff Dougherty, who owns a television and VCR repair business. "I think motorists will want to stop here after it's done."

To Ray Young, the owner of a tattoo studio on Front Street, the face-lift could attract new customers who think Steelton is empty.

"I think this project can only be helpful in improving Steelton's image," Young said.

[harrisburger]

that's good news for steelton, though i question the plan to strip the vinyl siding; i find it quite charming, and it is thoroughly steelton-y...as for the super club, i think this is a great leap forward. there is definitely enough demand, and frankly, the clubs on 2nd don't do not suffice quite enough. i see this as setting off a new boom of clubs on cameron, and it's much needed. maybe then we'll have the club district we've always dreamed of (2nd street is nice, but it's far from a clubbing district)

[Spudmrg]

http://www.state.pa.us/papower/cwp/view.asp?Q=439862&A=11

DEPT. OF PUBLIC WELFARE TO CLOSE HARRISBURG STATE HOSPITAL AND ALTOONA CENTER AS PART OF ONGOING EFFORT TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY-BASED CARE

Comments?

[EastSideHBG]

I have mixed feelings about that, Spudmrg. About half of the residents will be back in general population. Is this a good or a bad thing for them and society? Only the workers in the hospital really know that I guess...


Check this out. Even more good news for DT's nightlife scene!!! :rock: :carrot:


ROW TO GROW

Developer plans restaurant complex

Saturday, January 08, 2005
BY DAVID DeKOK
Of The Patriot-News

Harrisburg's Restaurant Row will stretch farther up the river next year when a French Quarter-themed eatery and nightclub opens on North Second Street, near Mars Lounge.

"The Quarter" is what a Mechanicsburg developer is calling the multilevel restaurant he's planning for 321 N. Second St. Until recently, the stucco building housed Mitrani at Home, the showroom for a Eurasian furniture dealer.

"It will hold 1,200 to 1,400 people," developer Braam J. Hattingh said. "Structurally speaking, it's in great shape. It has great views from all over."

The building was one of the last big potential restaurant-conversion possibilities in Restaurant Row on Second Street, as the city's restaurant and nightclub renaissance enters its eighth year.

Hattingh, a 1982 graduate of Cumberland Valley High School, has received a demolition permit from the city for "The Quarter" that will allow him to gut the interior of the building, which was a church decades ago.

The basement of the complex will be a jazz bar, Hattingh said. The ground floor will be a Fast Eddie's bar. A restaurant specializing in steamed seafood, including swordfish and mahi-mahi, and a raw bar will occupy the second floor. But it won't be New Orleans-style seafood, not all of it, anyway, Hattingh said.

There also will be a rooftop bar available during nice weather, Hattingh said. An elevator will serve all floors of the complex, which he expects to open in 12 to 18 months.

Joe Phelan, brother of the developer of the Gingerbread Man chain, is Hattingh's designer. Facilities Planners & Architects of Susquehanna Twp. also is doing work for him.

Hattingh's experience in the bar and restaurant industry stems from his purchase of Fast Eddie's at 37 W. High St. in Carlisle about 18 months ago.

Commercial real estate agent Bill Gladstone, who has specialized in restaurant projects, is optimistic about the project.

"The crowds that are down there are young crowds," he said. "That's kind of a different club. It will draw more people in. It just has to be a concept that people like."

But longtime local music promoter John Harris was more pessimistic.

"I believe we're oversaturated," he said. "And not just that -- a lot of people believe they can open a nightclub and make it work, but they never had experience in the business."


/\
:rolleyes: Over saturated?!? Does he realize A) how crowded the places already down there are and B) DIVERSITY in the nightlife/restaurant scene is a GOOD thing?!?!?!?

[wrightchr]

hey great news dave...i'm really excited to hear about DT. i'm in germany right now for a month or two doing training. i don't have a lot of time and i can't write much, but i'll try and leave a message from time to time to keep my account active. hope your doing well and take care!

[Spudmrg]

But longtime local music promoter John Harris was more pessimistic.

"I believe we're oversaturated," he said. "And not just that -- a lot of people believe they can open a nightclub and make it work, but they never had experience in the business."


/\
:rolleyes: Over saturated?!? Does he realize A) how crowded the places already down there are and B) DIVERSITY in the nightlife/restaurant scene is a GOOD thing?!?!?!?

I agree with you EastSide......the saturation comment seems to be unlikely, seeing the success the city and region are enjoying. If York is able to support a growing club scene, Harrisburg is in good shape.

I presume that when you refer to "diversity", you mean an older group of patrons?

In regard to the experience comment.....he's correct. The nightclub business is one of the most brutal out there.....and alot of people think it's easier than it is. :shrug: I've been told that half of eateries/bars go broke within 3 years. How many has the Row lost in the past 8 years?

[Yahadanai]

PA Pride for life baby!!!!! Woooooo! ( I plan on getting the keystone symbol tattoed on the top of my back like 6 by 8 inches or so) Thats how much I love my home state!

That is a goood idea! PA all day

[EastSideHBG]

I presume that when you refer to "diversity", you mean an older group of patrons?
No, not really, I was referring to the diversity in the nightlife itself. It's all pretty much the same thing down there now (on 2nd St. at least): a string of very similar bars and nightclubs that play the same exact music. We could use a techno club or two (God do I miss the Vault; RIP :(), this new jazz club will really help, etc.

[Spudmrg]

I agree with you EastSide.....they do need more diversity on 2nd street....and sports bars don't count. For those slightly younger (yet legal) folks here, what was the "Vault"?

Using the new $52 "commuter" tax for property tax relief seems to be catching on......


*******

http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/east/index.ssf?/base/news/1105179609228560.xml

$52 job tax approval expected in Swatara
Saturday, January 08, 2005
BY DIANA STRICKER
For The Patriot-News
Swatara Twp. homeowners are likely to see a reduction in property taxes under the commissioners' plan to adopt a new $52 tax on anyone working in the township.

[EastSideHBG]

I agree with you EastSide.....they do need more diversity on 2nd street....and sports bars don't count. For those slightly younger (yet legal) folks here, what was the "Vault"?
I'm 26 almost 27, and the Vault was a techno (and way way back, a sometimes industrial music) club downtown. It was where Eclipse is now. I LOVED that place and was sad to see it closed, especially after I saw what it was replaced by. :(

*By the way, the Vault's parking lot was where the newer glass "2nd St. Garage" is now. My how times change...


Forum Place seeks credit line

Bondholders asked to approve borrowing

Tuesday, January 11, 2005
BY JACK SHERZER
Of The Patriot-News

Bondholders in the financially troubled Forum Place office building in downtown Harrisburg are being told they have to spend money to make money.

Or at least be willing to allow the building's management to borrow up to $12.5 million to fix up office space to attract new tenants.

New leases -- mainly from the state government -- represent the only hope investors have of getting their money back.

Holders of the $75.35 million in bonds that Dauphin County General Authority sold to buy the building have until Thursday to authorize the borrowing. That deadline could be extended, according to an attorney representing a majority of the bondholders.

Since the $12.5 million line of credit with Commerce Bank would be secured by the building itself, bondholders need to agree that in case of repayment problems, their claims would take a back seat to the bank's.

And those holding $6.5 million in bonds who were supposed to receive interest payments this year are being asked to go without payments for two years.

It's been a struggle to fill the 10-story building at Fifth and Walnut streets since the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in 2001 moved its offices to the Keystone Building.

About 45 percent of the 392,000 square feet of rental space in Forum Place is still vacant. According to documents sent to bondholders, the state is considering leasing space in Forum Place.

If the new state leases materialize, the building's management would need to make at least $2.1 million in improvements. Improvements would be based on tenant needs, but could include work such as installing interior walls and carpeting.

The state requires landlords to make office space ready to use. Building owners could recover that expense over time through lease payments.

The state is the only real market for space in Forum Place. The tax-exempt bonds investors bought require 90 percent of the building's tenants to be either government or nonprofit agencies.

After the county authority defaulted on bond payments, Dauphin County Court in July 2003 approved a bondholders' request to put Forum Place into receivership.

The authority still owns the building, but day-to-day operations are handled by a court-appointed receiver. The request for the borrowing is being made by the authority and the receiver.

"We have established an extremely good relationship with the state and anticipate that we're going to be working very closely with the state to accelerate the pace at which agencies and departments are offered space in Forum Place," said Philadelphia attorney Rick Frimmer, who represents a majority of the bondholders.

Frimmer said most of the approximately 300 bond holders have indicated a willingness to approve the borrowing terms. Should some bondholders not agree, he noted, there would still be other ways to move forward.

At least one Forum Place bondholder, who asked not to be named, is unhappy with the borrowing proposal. He believes the authority or the county should be taking responsibility.

"What they are doing here is basically using our money so they can get tenants," the bondholder said. "But what we want to know is why they don't get the money from a different source than us. We gave them good money in good faith."

Frimmer said sufficient money is available to do the needed improvements even without the borrowing, but borrowing would make cash flow easier and makes sense.

Harrisburg attorney Robert Chernicoff, the court-appointed receiver, also stressed the importance of the borrowing: "The types of leases we get with the state almost always require the landlord to make improvements."

According to information sent to bondholders, Forum Place is negotiating with the state Department of General Services to lease 29,000 square feet of space at a base rate of $19.90 per square foot.

Last June, Forum Place signed a 10-year lease with the state Department of Labor and Industry worth more than $6.3 million. The agency is expected to move into 14,000 square feet on the sixth floor of the building in February, and work to get the space ready is expected to cost $761,000, according to information given bondholders.

While he is not involved with Forum Place, Tom Pasovic, vice president of Landmark Commercial Realty, said the local market for commercial real estate is improving.

"The market is strengthening, and probably tenant demand for Forum Place should be stronger in 2005," he said. "I do know the rest of [downtown] office space is leasing up, so there will be fewer options for the state to acquire."

[EastSideHBG]

So we have Hershey Med, Pinnacle Health's HBG hospital downtown and now Holy Spirit all with heli-pads. GREAT news for the area!!! :tup:


Helicopter service gets off ground at hospital

Tuesday, January 11, 2005

BY DAVID WENNER
Of The Patriot-News

Beginning today, Holy Spirit Hospital will be able to receive and transfer patients by helicopter.

It expects that most people arriving by helicopter will be treated at its $68 million Ortenzio Heart Center, which opened in 2003.

The move puts Holy Spirit on more level footing with PinnacleHealth System, which operates a heart center across the river at Harrisburg Hospital.

Heart procedures such as angioplasty, catherization and stenting have been a growing market. They are among the better-paying procedures, resulting in a surge in construction of heart centers and competition for cases.

Pinnacle started helicopter service in early 2003. It said then that, in addition to providing specialized care for patients in outlying areas, a goal was to boost revenue.

Holy Spirit officials say their goal is not to erase a competitive disadvantage, but to provide access to its services for people in outlying areas. They expect to receive patients from up to 75 miles away.

Dr. Robert Baily, chief of cardiology at Holy Spirit's heart center, said a heart-attack patient at Chambersburg Hospital who needs specialized care can reach Holy Spirit 40 minutes faster by air than by land.

"Time equals muscle. The longer it takes to open up blocked vessels, the more likely additional heart muscle will die," he said.

Baily expects Holy Spirit will receive about five patients per month by helicopter.

It's contracting for helicopter services though LifeLion, which is owned by Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, and STATMedEvac, the same firm that provides helicopter transport for Pinnacle.

Baily said Holy Spirit spent about $225,000 to begin offering helicopter transport. Most of the money was used for construction of the helipad and the addition of an access drive and control gates.

The cost of transporting a patient -- roughly $5,500 -- is usually paid by the patient's medical insurance.

Pinnacle spent nearly $1 million to establish its helicopter service. Much of that money was spent to build a helipad on the roof of Harrisburg Hospital and to add an elevator to move patients into the hospital.

Pinnacle spokesman Kim Payne had little to say yesterday about the Holy Spirit move, noting that heart patients represent only 30 percent of the 12 to 14 patients per month that Pinnacle receives by helicopter.

About 60 percent of the patients arriving by helicopter are suffering from drug overdoses or poisoning, and the rest involve high-risk pregnancies, he said.

Neither Holy Spirit nor Pinnacle has a trauma center, so accident victims transported by LifeLion will continue to go the Penn State-Hershey trauma center.

In the case of heart patients, it's up to the patients or their doctors to decide which center to send them to.

[Spudmrg]

I'm not a doctor, and I don't play one on TV......but I'm well aware of the fact that time=life with such things. Yeah....it's good to see the local hospitals working together with each other for emergency transport (LifeLion and such).

As for Forum Place.....that story keeps getting worse and worse, they want the bondholders to put up MORE money to lease the place out? Because they used tax-exempt bonds to finance the building, Forum Place has to rent 90 percent or more to tax-exempt organizations (government mainly), and that hurts when they try to sell space. Really, the only two large clients they can find are the state and the federal governemnt. If they don't get that state contract, those bondholders will be VERY angry, even more so than now.

[EastSideHBG]

I am VERY surrpised and saddened by this. I say this because regardless of what spin they try to put on it, this says it all:

"If we do get the chance to reopen, I would very much look forward to working with the current staff," he said.

Yep, it sounds like it is done to me. :(


Vartan-founded restaurant plans to close indefinitely

Saturday, January 15, 2005
BY ELLEN LYON
Of The Patriot-News

The downtown Harrisburg restaurant parev -- home of a highly rated, French-influenced menu, one of the most comprehensive wine cellars in the state and The Tuesday Club -- is closing, according to an official with the Vartan Group, which owns it.

"We are going to close the restaurant in February to do some reorganization and restoration and repairs. There's been no decision to permanently close it," said Robert J. DeSousa, executive vice president, secretary and general counsel of the Vartan Group.

The closing date hasn't been set, but it could be as early as Jan. 29, a Saturday, because it wouldn't make sense to close on Feb. 1, a Tuesday, said Mark Surotchak, the restaurant's executive general manager.

DeSousa said he had no idea how long the 215 Pine St. restaurant would be closed, but "our intention would be to see it reopened in some format."

He declined to comment on the restaurant's financial health.

Susquehanna Twp. developer John O. Vartan, who founded parev in October 2001, died on Dec. 15. DeSousa said the restaurant's closing is not directly linked to Vartan's death, although he acknowledged that the timing, so close to it, is "unfortunate."

Parev brought a new elegance and exclusivity to downtown dining, with the 6,200 bottles in its wine cellar ranging in price from $18 to $22,500. The average dinner per person cost about $50, including drinks.

Patriot-News restaurant critic Mimi Brodeur gave parev her highest rating of five forks for "gastronomically superior" meals and excellent service. She described the atmosphere as "corporate and formal but quiet and subtly seductive, too."

Surotchak praised the restaurant's staff, which he said has been very dedicated.

"If we do get the chance to reopen, I would very much look forward to working with the current staff," he said.

When Vartan opened parev, he also revived The Tuesday Club, Harrisburg's only private business club. He offered the restaurant as a headquarters, where members could network, dine and entertain clients on weekdays before parev opened at 5 p.m.

The Tuesday Club, which formally organized in 1962, had disbanded in 1999 after meeting at several locations over the years.

The club, which has 250 members and reciprocal privileges at 60 business clubs around the country, has begun looking for new digs, said Jackie Goodwin, chairwoman of its board of directors.

The club's board will meet Tuesday with parev management, she said.

"My intention is for The Tuesday Club to continue," Goodwin said. Members "shouldn't feel The Tuesday Club will be out of business. Our home may be closed for a while. ... We'll find some other places."