HARRISBURG | Development Thread [Archive] - Page 8

EastSideHBG

Jun 5, 2005, 5:16 PM

Chris, I will get to your questions when I have a little more time. :)

Btw I was just at HIA dropping my g/f off for a flight and it was my first visit to the new terminal. WOW is all I have to say!! You can tell they definitely planned for the future with that one. :tup:

HIA request drawing criticism

Middletown officials wary of allowing sewage plant near houses

Sunday, June 05, 2005
BY DIANA STRICKER
For The Patriot-News

Middletown officials say they have problems with a request by Harrisburg International Airport to build a sewage plant near a residential area of the borough.

Most said they will not approve the airport's plan.

Mayor Robert Reid said he opposes the plan because the facility would be too close to houses on Grant Street.

"At the next meeting, vote and let them know we don't want it," Reid told the Borough Council last week.

It comes as the council is working on a proposal with Lower Swatara Twp. -- home to HIA -- that could culminate 15 years of contract negotiations. The township uses Middletown's sewer system.

Borough manager Jeffrey Stonehill said the airport wants to build a sewage treatment plant in the borough's first ward, adjacent to HIA's long-term parking lot. He said the plant would replace the airport's current treatment facility, which is located near National Guard property.

"Is there one person in the public who wants another plant in the first ward?" asked councilman Michael Culp, who represents that area. The borough's treatment plant is also in the first ward.

Stonehill said airport officials cannot seek approval from the Department of Environmental Protection unless Middletown consents.

"You have every right to say you're not happy with it," Stonehill said.

The proposal with Lower Swatara updates a plan drafted in 2003, Stonehill said. No one at the workshop meeting voiced opposition to the plan.

The Middletown Sewer Authority has been trying for years to negotiate an agreement that would specify the township's capacity needs and outline a financial commitment to upgrade the plant.

Last spring, the council placed a moratorium on sewer connections, fearing the plant was nearing capacity. The ban was temporarily lifted during the summer to allow tap-ins for the new middle school and for a limited number of proposed homes in the Woodland Hills section of Middletown.

To reduce demand on Middletown's plant, Lower Swatara officials last year suggested diverting some of the township's sewage to HIA's plant.

Middletown Councilman David Rhen, who also serves on the borough's sewer authority, said an agreement with Lower Swatara has been "in limbo" for too many years.

Any plan would also be subject to approval by Middletown's sewer authority and by Lower Swatara officials.

Franklin Linn, president of Lower Swatara's board of commissioners, said he has not seen the revised proposal.

He said he is pushing for a resolution because the township needs sewer connections for commercial construction projects, such as one planned for the former Jamesway Plaza on Route 230. The plans call for a hotel, three restaurants, four retail buildings and an office building.

EastSideHBG

Jun 5, 2005, 5:18 PM

Are we on the bubble?

Sunday, June 05, 2005
BY ELLEN LYON
Of The Patriot-News

People looking for houses will find prices have been going up in the midstate, except in Lebanon County, where the average price has gone down from what it was a year ago.

In the Harrisburg area, the average price was $7,840 higher in the first quarter of this year compared with the first quarter of 2004.

The average home price was $162,602, compared with $154,762 in the same three-month period last year, according to statistics compiled by the Central Penn Multi-List. The multi-list is a listing of homes for sale by Realtors in Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry and northern York counties.

A look at the first quarter of each of the last five years shows a steady rise in average sale price from 2002 on, after a dip in 2001.

"The biggest difference has been the increase in sale price," said Realtor Bernie Campanella of Fine Line Homes. "We know there's two reasons for that."

First of all, on the new construction side, the cost of building materials has "gone out the roof, no pun intended," Campanella said.

Secondly, as the price of new homes rises so does the value of existing homes.

"You get a bump in assessments. You get a bump in appraisals," he said.

In Lebanon County, the average sale price dropped from $138,929 in the first quarter of 2004 to $132,582 in the first quarter of 2005, according to the Keystone Multi-List Network. The network lists homes for sale by Realtors in that county. The average number of days on the market dropped from 83 to 74.

"I think some people are coming into the market and buying in the city [Lebanon]," where home prices are lower, said Mary Rakow, executive officer of the Lebanon County Realtors Association.

Another factor might be the shortage of construction. "My guess is there aren't as many new home developments on the market as there were last spring," said Paul Graham, president of the association.

Spudmrg

Jun 6, 2005, 1:26 AM

Because of the way that the property tax works in this state, once you start having a drop in real estate prices, all of the big properties will be able to get lower values while the smaller homeowners will be stuck paying the bill. Look at Pittsburgh for an example of what happens when people feel that property taxes are wrong.

BTW, I can't believe that people would pay so much money for these cookie-cutter units I see all over the place. Heck, I'd demand to be paid to live in some of those things.

EastSideHBG

Jun 7, 2005, 10:13 PM

So they began working on Rt. 22/Walnut St./Progress Ave. I HIGHLY recommend you avoid this area at night when they are doing the construction. It's an interesting maze to say the least. :nuts:

Harrisburg wireless growth connects with study

Area moves higher on top 100 unwired list

Tuesday, June 07, 2005
BY DAVID DeKOK
Of The Patriot-News

The Harrisburg region is among metropolitan areas in the country that are adopting wireless Internet access at a fast pace.

The city and its suburbs jumped 33 places on this year's list of the 100 Most Unwired Cities, from 80 to 47, according to an annual study released today by Intel Corp. That put Harrisburg on the list of top 10 gainers.

The rankings look at the number of WiFi hot spots -- where someone with a laptop or handheld computer can access the Internet wirelessly -- and the number of people with wireless networks at home.

"Last year, Harrisburg had 2.2 hot spots per 100,000 people," said Ralph Bond, Intel's manager of consumer education, referring to commercial hot spots. "Now, it's 8.6 hot spots per 100,000."

Many laptop computers sold today come equipped with wireless cards, such as the Intel Centrino or Apple Airport, that enable them to connect wirelessly to the Internet if in the proper location. Owners of desktop computers that don't come with wireless cards can add them without too much trouble if they want to create a home network.

Commercial wireless hot spots in the area can be found at Starbucks coffee shops, Barnes & Noble Bookstores, and other locations. St. Stephen's Episcopal School in downtown Harrisburg uses wireless for Internet access in the school. So do any number of downtown businesses. They are easy to set up, cheap to operate, and valued by users.

Home wireless networks, which allow a person to use his or her laptop anywhere in the house, also are popular in the midstate. The area around Front and Conoy streets in Harrisburg's Shipoke neighborhood, for example, has more than seven home networks operating on any given night.

"Small places like Laundromats, coffee shops, marinas, and RV parks are all using wi-fi," Bond said. "It's really unbelievably cheap."

Commercial wireless networks serving a broad area have had mixed success in Harrisburg.

Wireless Infotech, founded with help from the city in 2003 in downtown Harrisburg by Todd Snyder, went out of business a year later.

Martin Schoffstall's network, begun last December in Harrisburg's East Shore suburbs, appears to be still operating, but no one at the company could be reached for comment yesterday.

Bert Sperling, who was lead researcher on the Intel study, called WiFi "the hope for the future."

WIRELESS MOVERS Here's a look at the cities that jumped the greatest number of places on the top 100 unwired cities list. Unwired is a good thing, meaning that people are moving to wireless connections.
1. Baton Rouge, La., up 67 to No. 19
2. Toledo, Ohio, up 59 to No. 5
3. Melbourne, Fla., up 44 to No. 29
4. Greensboro, N.C., up 42 to No. 48
5. Nashville, Tenn., up 41 to No. 27
6. Knoxville, Tenn., up 41 to No. 52
7. Charlotte, N.C., up 41 to No. 17
8. HARRISBURG, UP 33 TO NO. 47
9. Little Rock, Ark., up 32 to No. 59
10. New Orleans, up 31 to No. 38

SOURCE: Intel Corp.

Spudmrg

Jun 8, 2005, 1:34 AM

I thought PennDot was'nt doing any "major" construction this year....I guess that maze (a good description) does'nt count as "major".

wrightchr

Jun 8, 2005, 7:26 PM

^ have they released any designs for the 22/walnut st/progess ave construction?

EastSideHBG

Jun 8, 2005, 9:11 PM

Not that I know of. And what's odd about all of this is they are tearing up and resurfacing the road. But do all of that again at a later date when they do the whole big project? Or is this the big project?!? Who knows...

Law firm moves to larger offices

Wednesday, June 08, 2005

Post & Schell, a Philadelphia-based law firm, has nearly doubled the size of its Harrisburg office space with a move from its previous quarters on the West Shore to the Market Square Plaza building downtown.

The firm is one of the new tenants at Market Square Plaza next to the Hilton Harrisburg & Towers.

The new space on the 12th floor, where the firm will hold an open house for clients and other guests on Friday, includes facilities with video conferencing and streaming video links to the firm's other offices.

In recent years, its midstate office has increased from seven to 13 attorneys.

Other tenants at Market Square Plaza include the Hilton, other law firms, Mid Penn Bank and a new restaurant to open on the first floor called Max's.

The $32 million, 18-story building also has eight floors of parking.

The federal government is negotiating to lease some remaining space on the 16th floor, according to the developer, Tony Pascotti of Phoenix Development Group.

That leaves the 15,634-square-foot 14th floor and about 8,000 square feet on the 13th floor still available for leasing, Pascotti said.

Spudmrg

Jun 8, 2005, 9:23 PM

Hot off the (Electron) Press.....I'm looking for the full study right now.

http://www.pennlive.com/newslogs/patriotnews/index.ssf?/mtlogs/penn_patriotnews/archives/2005_06.html#064089

Wednesday, June 08, 2005

Studies support efficiencies of rail
By Frank Cozzoli
Of The Patriot-News
An independent study shows rail transit proposed for the Harrisburg area would be a better investment than rapid bus transit, both in cost and maintenance. In a separate survey, nearly 10% of respondents said they would be likely to commute by train.

The study by the Pennsylvania Transportation Institute at the Pennsylvania State University was to be unveiled this afternoon at a press conference on City Island.

Essentially, it says everything that has been done the past 10 years to recreate regional rail across the midstate has been done correctly. Both the research and the studies involved were appropriate for the corridor and compliant with federal requirements, says Dr. Evelyn Thomchick, an associate professor of chain management at Penn State.

Supporters of the CorridorOne project, which eventually link Lancaster, Harrisburg and Carlisle by passenger rail, also released findings of a public perception survey by students at Shippensburg University and Messiah College that suggests potential ridership is consistent with earlier projections.

In that survey, which was not scientific but involved 525 respondents across Cumberland County, 9.9% of respondents said they would ride the train for daily commutes.

"If you asked that same question across the U.S., you would get one half of one percent saying they would use it," says John Ward, president of the midstates Modern Transit Partnership, a group advocating construction of the CorridorOne.

Ward also said 87% of the respondents also felt that reducing traffic congestion should be a priority for elected officials.

A team of five researchers at the transportation institute studied each step of the rail effort, which dates to the early 1990s.The study, which cost about $20,000, showed the project was based on sound methodology and followed all state and federal requirements, Ward said.

The analysis shows the project has the potential to slow the increase in congestion on highways, make them safer and cutting auto emissions.

It also indicates the project could improve overall mobility and promote "transit-oriented" development to make the region more attractive to business.

Capital Area Transit is moving ahead with a system that would run between Lancaster and Harrisburg before being expanded, first to Hampden Twp. and then west to Carilsle.

Assuming similar support in Dauphin and Lancaster counties, Ward says the system has the potential to take a lot of cars off the highways.

"If you take 10% of our catchment area and take them off the highways during the morning and afternoon peaks, weve impacted congestion significantly," Ward says.

Ward said the perception survey adds more vailidity to the project. "...It shows that people are aware of it, people want it, and people will use it," Ward says.

The current Cumberland County commissioners have been critical of the project, questioning ridership estimates and demanding that service be tested on the East Shore before trains are extended to the West Shore.

Commissioners along with the Cumberland County Transportation Authority are exploring the bus rapid-transit option, which has a preliminary pricetag of $50 million.

With the existing infrastructure, Thomchick says, the corridor from Harrisburg to Carlisle could be developed much more quickly for trains than as a bus route.

The analysis also said trains would be more cost-effective.

"Bus rapid transit is not more economical," Ward said. "Our studies showed it was not.

"Now, to have an independent party say that, which specializes in looking at transportation projects, that helps bring validity to the project," Ward said.

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Statewide funding gridlock slows transit project
By Frank Cozzoli
Of The Patriot-News
Supporters of the $87 million CorridorOne rail project expect preliminary engineering to be done by mid-August. From that point, Capital Area Transit and the Modern Transit Partnership have some greased track to travel. The estimated yearly cost to run the 11-station system is $35 million, which has to come from the state. However, CAT wont see it until the Legislature ends its current stalemate on transit funding and reworks the formula for distributing the money.

Until that funding is secured, MTP President John Ward says, the Federal Transit Administration wont allow final design and construction to start.

"Right now, its almost impossible for new kids on the block to get into that funding stream," Ward said. "For every year the state delays in developing a (new) public transportation program, it just pushes our project back."

Ward says, service might begin between Lancaster and Harrisburg is in the last quarter of 2008, and west to Hampden Twp. toward the end of 2009. CorridorOne would be extended west to Carlisle by 2012 at the earliest.

The Harrisburg region remains the only area in the state with traffic volumes over 100,000 vehicles per day where commuters dont have the option of local train service.

According to the most recent numbers available, 122,349 vehicles a day used the South Bridge of I-83. That was in 2002. By 2030, that volume is expected to have grown by 70,000 vehicles.

Regional rail is not the cure-all for the regions growing congestion. But it is part of the overall solution by providing commuters an option.

More than $2.5 billion in expansion work has been identified for Interstate 83 around Harrisburg, and along Interstate 81 from the Maryland line north to Interstate 78

On I-83 alone, it could take 15 to 20 years for all the widening work to be completed. "Easily," says Greg Penny, a spokesman for the District 8 office of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

"The department is really stymied right now in terms of how to afford a lot of this expansion work," Penny says.

wrightchr

Jun 9, 2005, 1:48 PM

well i'm glad this independent study controdicts the cumberland commissioners. i can't stand those joe's. especially since my wife used to work for the county, i know first hand how dicked up they are. dave, i know you have commented along the same lines. personally i'd like to see light rail and regional rail take over south central pa. this is a very important first step to modernizing our region's infrastructure and building a commuter system that will improve economic development along it's corridors. it's really the smartest thing we can do.

Spudmrg

Jun 10, 2005, 1:55 AM

This study answers most of my concerns with CorridorOne (namely, the cost of rail vs. bus-only, ridership, etc.), leaving only the "Where will the operating subsidy come from?". That's the question that the Cumberland County Commisioners are claiming will "derail" the whole project. They claim that the county will be forced to put county tax funds into operating CorridorOne. The more likely outcome is that the state will end up paying an operating subsidy much like the other mass transit programs in the state. In fact, they might end up using part of AMTRAK's state subsidy (yes, the state pays for part of AMTRAK's routes) to pay for CorridorOne after AMTRAK pulls out of the Harrisburg-Philly corridor (Which I think they want to...it's not cost-effective for them).

Now the project (and Harrisburg's two "gateway" projects) are waiting on the Federal Transportation Bill.....

EastSideHBG

Jun 11, 2005, 2:03 PM

Yeah, I have moronic stories for days about the Cumberland County Commisioners. Definitely a thorn in the side of preogress in this area. :(

More retail news. This area is beginning to burst at the seams with this stuff. I guess it's not that bad, though, as it is mostly stuff we've neevr had before...

High-end retail center eyed for Vartan site

Friday, June 10, 2005
BY JACK SHERZER
Of The Patriot-News

The former Vartan Supply site in Susquehanna Twp. may be the area's next high-end shopping center.

The proposed center would be a few minutes from the Shoppes at Susquehanna, the area's first shopping center targeting affluent consumers.

But the demographics show there is plenty of demand for this kind of retail use, said Robert J. DeSousa, CEO of the Vartan Group Inc. He said the Linglestown Road corridor -- and nearby highways -- make the site easily accessible.

"We have just begun this process and what we have tried to do is identify the higher-end merchants," DeSousa said, adding that the goal is to also construct perhaps four other retail/commercial buildings on the 34-acre tract.

"Our primary goal right now is to put the appropriate type of first-class tenants in that 80,000-square-foot building," he said.

The Shoppes at Susquehanna has 109,000 square feet of space.

Clothing stores, banks, restaurants and a health club are just some of the possibilities the Vartan Group is hoping to attract at what will be called Clock Tower Grove, a nod to the recently built clock tower -- with its backwards clock -- at the property's entrance.

While the existing large building was used as a building supply company, DeSousa said the structure can easily be refitted to accommodate retailers. Even the "skin" of the building can be changed to whatever look a retailer wants, he said.

Helping the Vartan Group market the site is the Harrisburg office of CB Richard Ellis commercial real estate services, which has just started approaching prospective tenants.

William Aiello, senior vice president with the firm, said he is hopeful that shopping would be available in the existing building by the middle to end of next year.

The tract's highway commercial zoning allows retail use. DeSousa said the parking area and entrance to Linglestown Road is sufficient for the existing building.

Road improvements, including a traffic light on Linglestown, would likely be needed as the rest of the site is developed, he said.

Frank Kessler, the township's zoning and codes enforcement officer, said the impact on traffic, whether there is sufficient parking and other considerations would be reviewed during the building permit process.

A land development plan would be needed when the company seeks to construct additional buildings, he said.

Last fall the township became the site of the area's first high-end retail center, the Shoppes at Susquehanna Marketplace off Interstate 81 and Progress Avenue.

Recently, owners of the 26-store development announced they had attracted the area's first Banana Republic. Other retailers in the center include Ann Taylor Loft, Chico's, Coldwater Creek, Jos. A. Bank, Bombay, Williams-Sonoma, Plum Bottom, J. Jill and Talbots.

Earlier this year the Vartan Group closed the supply company and Vartan Studios, which did mill work, after reaching a tentative deal to sell the front 24 acres for $13 million.

The deal fell through after the prospective tenant for the site, Giant Food Stores, opted not to relocate.

But DeSousa said the Vartan Group realized the best use of the property is retail.

DeSousa said John O. Vartan, who died in December, had envisioned a variety of uses for the land, which is why he built the supply building in a way that makes it easy to transform.

Closing the supply company and using the land for retail was planned even before the offer to sell the land appeared, because the demographics showed it made sense, DeSousa said.

"There is clearly a demand," he said. "Why should people from our area have to travel to Philadelphia or to Lancaster or somewhere else?"

Aiello, who is marketing the property with another vice president at the firm, George Lulos, said the site has regional appeal because of nearby I-81 and Route 322.

"We are very excited about this; we're talking to medium and big-box retailers" to fill the existing building, Aiello said. "The site is a high-profile and strong site, and we are very hopeful that sooner, rather than later, in the next few months, we will be negotiating deals."

EastSideHBG

Jun 12, 2005, 3:05 PM

This is VERY interesting and I like what I am seeing:

West Shore council to vote on expansion

East Shore municipalities seek to save money by sharing services

Sunday, June 12, 2005
BY MARY KLAUS
Of The Patriot-News

The West Shore Council of Governments is paving the way for membership by East Shore municipalities.

The COG, established 35 years ago to foster cooperation, will decide at 7 p.m. June 20 whether to change its bylaws and let East Shore municipalities join, said Perry Albert, the organization's president and chief executive officer.

COG members share equipment, use a joint purchasing program for supplies and share a state-mandated building code appeals board.

"Central Pennsylvania municipalities have a lot in common," Albert said. "Our COG has 15 municipalities from Cumberland, Perry and York counties, all in a 20-mile radius of each other. It's natural for East Shore municipalities to be in this, too."

Several East Shore municipalities have expressed interest in joining, Albert said. He attributes that to the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, which took effect last year and spells out how structures can be designed and what materials can be used. It also requires municipalities to have appeals boards for inspection disputes.

"West Shore COG has one of the best appeal boards in the state," Albert said.

The board consists of 17 professionals specializing in such areas as electricity, plumbing and fire protection.

"We also have a codes administrator, a solicitor and a recorder of minutes. When there's a hearing, we pick five of these members, none from the municipality involved. All our member municipalities can use this board."

Additionally, Albert said, COG municipalities can save money and staff time with joint purchases of supplies.

"COG compiles a list of what the municipalities say they need, then advertises for bids, opens them and awards them," he said. "We get prices locked in for a year. Last year, we saved at least 25 percent on playground-top material put around sliding boards."

COG municipalities share 60 pieces of equipment, such as backhoes, front-end loaders, sewer cleaners, bucket trucks, flushing trucks, mowers, spreaders, street vacuums and generators, he said.

"I've met with solicitors or managers from Steelton, Highspire, Middletown, Royalton and Penbrook boroughs and Swatara, Lower Paxton and Londonderry townships," Albert said.

John McHale, Highspire borough manager, said Borough Council wants to join, partly because of the code board.

"A town our size doesn't have all the qualified people we need available for such a board," he said. "West Shore COG has an established track record in other matters. A COG is good because the bigger you are, the more leverage you have in negotiating purchases and services."

Albert said each participating municipality gets one seat and one vote on the COG board, which meets in the Hampden Twp. Municipal Building at 230 S. Sporting Hill Road. Membership costs $1,500 a year.

The current member municipalities of West Shore COG are Camp Hill, Lemoyne, Marysville, New Cumberland, Mechanicsburg, Shiremanstown and Wormleysburg boroughs and East Pennsboro, Fairview, Hampden, Lower Allen, Silver Spring, Upper Allen, Carroll and Monaghan townships.

wrightchr

Jun 12, 2005, 4:00 PM

^ i see the beginnings of a Metropolitan COG here :) very good news! could this be the beginning of consolidation?

Spudmrg

Jun 14, 2005, 1:36 AM

I heard today on the TV that the Feds are looking for a new building site, 3rd and Forester is the leading site, and two sites off of 6th street are also being looked at. It appears the "hold" on that project has been lifted.

wrightchr

Jun 15, 2005, 5:03 PM

^ 3rd and Forster? There's no vacant land there that I know of. Maybe they intend to raze buildings for the new one. As for 6th Street, I hope it's going to be in downtown.

Spudmrg

Jun 15, 2005, 9:11 PM

Big media day for our sort of news!

We'll start with.....

http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1118827450181980.xml&coll=1

3 possible courthouse sites upset residents
Federal project could displace Harrisburg apartments, old homes
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
BY DAVID DEKOK
Of The Patriot-News
The U.S. General Services Administration has selected three potential sites for a federal courthouse in Harrisburg, and some residents are organizing to save their homes and businesses.

One site would be on Third Street across from The State Museum, between North and Forster streets and back to Green Street, encompassing three gay bars as well as the St. Moritz, Roxy's Cafe and Mangia Qui restaurants, and some restored historic homes.

"It would rip out the heart of a very desirable community," said Ronn Fink, a founder of Historic Harrisburg Association and co-owner of Bare Wall Gallery at 712 Green St.

Neighborhood residents defeated city plans for a parking garage on a nearby site in 1999.

Another site is at Sixth and Basin streets, site of the Jackson-Lick Apartments. One tower of the Jackson-Lick Apartments is vacant, and about 140 mostly low-income elderly live in the other tower. City officials said the federal government would have to pay to relocate those residents.

The third site is on the other side of Sixth bounded by Verbeke, Herr and Capital streets. The site abuts the Broad Street Market and is the location of the Cumberland Court Apartments, which are privately owned, and the Friends Meeting House. The 108 apartments are filled with tenants whose rents are subsidized by the federal government. Occupancy could not be determined yesterday.

City spokesman Randy King said the owner would get fair-market value and the city would try to get relocation assistance for the residents.

GSA said it picked these three sites because they are large enough to accommodate the size and security requirements of a federal courthouse. The courthouse at Third and Walnut streets is too small and a security nightmare, federal officials said.

"We look forward to working with our partners to bring a new, state-of-the-art U.S. courthouse to the city of Harrisburg," said acting GSA Regional Administrator Jon Kvistad. "We are sensitive to the fabric of the neighborhood and hope the community will work with us to select the best of these three sites."

Plans are for a 263,000-square-foot building that will house the courtrooms, judges' chambers and offices of the U.S. attorney and related offices. Thirty parking spaces for high-ranking officials only are said to be part of the plans, which would increase parking pressure in the neighborhood.

Construction is not expected to begin before 2008 or 2009. The cost is estimated at $102 million, the GSA said. The existing courthouse would be used to consolidate nonjudicial federal offices on the East and West Shores.

Mayor Stephen R. Reed yesterday made clear his unhappiness about the sites.

"None of the three sites were the preferred locations we earlier suggested," Reed said. "All of the remaining three have contingent issues."

During a series of meetings over the past year with U.S. District Judge Yvette Kane and other federal officials, Reed favored building the courthouse along what would be South Third Street Extended as the anchor of the planned South Gateway Project. There is a parking lot at the site now.

Reed's other favored sites were on vacant parcels along North Sixth or North Seventh streets above Reilly Street to Maclay, which is the city's North Gateway Project.

The Rev. Russ Muller, pastor of St. Michael's Lutheran Church, Harrisburg, and an officer of the Capital Area Neighborhood Association, said there is concern among members about the possible demolition of their homes. Group officers planned an emergency meeting last night. The association represents the area bounded by Front, Walnut, Third and Forster streets.

"A historical community like this should not even be considered," said Muller, who owns a home on one of the potentially affected streets. "It would be a tremendous loss to the community if it is bulldozed over."

ABOUT A CHANGE

A site is sought for a new federal courthouse in Harrisburg because of security concerns at its current location, a leaking roof and a lack of space.

Public hearings on three proposed sites are scheduled for 1 and 6 p.m. July 14 at the Hilton Harrisburg &Towers.

A decision is expected this fall.

Spudmrg

Jun 15, 2005, 9:12 PM

Next, we have this story. EastSide...do you notice what's "missing" from the approval of the printing complex?

http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1118827250181980.xml&coll=1

HARRISBURG
Printing plant, parking garage, hotel win approval
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
BY JOHN LUCIEW
Of The Patriot-News
Harrisburg City Council last night gave final approval for a slate of projects, including a hotel across from the Farm Show Complex, a printing facility on Cameron Street and a downtown parking garage.

The newest of the projects is a 12-deck parking garage to be built at 220 South St. between Second and Third streets. The 750-space garage will be funded by a $17 million bond issue, which was also approved.

It would serve Belco Community Credit Union, which is expanding its headquarters and consolidating operations on the east side of 400 block of North Second Street.

The garage also would be open on weekends to serve churches in the area. It could open in the evenings to provide overflow parking for patrons of downtown restaurants and clubs, officials said.

"We know how important more parking is in the city of Harrisburg," Council Presi dent Richard House said before a unanimous vote.

The 92-room Comfort Inn Suites Hotel is proposed for 1017-1033 Maclay St., the site of an office building housing Barbizon modeling school. The site is across from the southern end of the Farm Show grounds.

Insite Development of Harrisburg has proposed razing the office building on Maclay Street to make way for a three-level hotel. Council approved the plan.

"It's a very impressive facility and it will add value to that area," said council Vice President Linda Thompson before a unanimous vote.

That hotel would join another by Crossgates Inc. of Harrisburg, which has announced plans to build a 150-room suite-style hotel on about 4.8 acres of Farm Show land now used as a parking lot. A third hotel is proposed nearby in Susquehanna Twp.

Interest in the Farm Show site by hotel companies seems to have been spurred by a $86 million expansion that was completed in 2003.

The printing facility, which promises to create 118 jobs, would be on an 8-acre lot at 1000 N. Cameron St.

JOHN LUCIEW: 255-8171 or jluceiw@patriot-news.com

Spudmrg

Jun 15, 2005, 9:13 PM

For those who like to party:

http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1118827395181980.xml&coll=1

HARRISBURG
Officials want city police, not state, to control noise
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
BY JOHN LUCIEW
Of The Patriot-News
Harrisburg doesn't want the music to die on bustling Restaurant Row along North Second Street.

For the third year in a row, city officials are asking to have Harrisburg Police, rather than the Liquor Control Enforcement arm of the state police, enforce noise standards for downtown bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

Last night, City Council unanimously approved the city's third application, which now goes before the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

This time, Harrisburg is looking for open-ended approval from the state so city officials can stop applying year after year, said council President Richard House.

The state liquor agency will hold at least one hearing before deciding whether to extend Harrisburg's control over bar noise downtown.

Since the summer of 2003, owners of downtown Harrisburg bars and restaurants have plugged in outdoor speakers to provide what they say is ambience for al fresco dining.

But the enforcement provisions are set to expire on June 29 unless they are extended by the PLCB, which has 60 days to act.

Because of that timetable, there could be a lag time between the expiration of the current provisions and PLCB action on the new application. Harrisburg would have to revert to the stricter state rules, according to a spokeswoman for the liquor control agency.

The state has a stricter standard for amplified sound emanating from licensed establishments. The rule is that no music should be heard outside of an establishment.

That would mean an end to outdoor speakers and thumping music emanating from open doors and windows of bars and clubs until the new application is acted upon.

No one from the public addressed the issue at last night's council meeting. Opponents will have to wait for the PLCB public hearing.

The local noise enforcement applies only to Harrisburg's downtown, bounded by Front, Seventh and Forster streets and Harrisburg Hospital to the south. The state would still be responsible for seeing that all other liquor regulations are followed downtown.

JOHN LUCIEW: 255-8171 or jluciew@patriot-news.com

Spudmrg

Jun 15, 2005, 9:20 PM

My $0.02:

First of all, I'm surprised the front-runner for the new courthouse is on 3rd street, I would have figured they'd want somewhere with more of a setback.

Second, where are they going to put parking for the new offices?

Third, this BELCO project brings to 4 new parking garages in the city (Expansion of 7th Street, new 4th and Market/University, new parking building on Forester, and now right off of 2nd street). Anyone have comments there?

Fourth, What will they do with the old courthouse? I'm thinking either the state or Harristown Dev. Corporation will pick it up for office space.

Fifth, As I refered to above, the "superclub" is not part of the printing complex's permit, and yet it was supposed to be built on the same site at the same time.

Like I said, an exciting day. Comments anyone?

Philly-Drew

Jun 15, 2005, 9:35 PM

I'm just dropping in to say hello.

:hi:

EastSideHBG

Jun 16, 2005, 3:47 AM

Hello Philly-Drew, good to see you!!! :)

One more story of interest:

Show time nears for multiplex on West Shore (http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1118827284181980.xml&coll=1)

Okay, now my $.02 on all of the news today:

Yes, I am saddened to see the superclub not in the mix. But I still have some hope, though, because there are A LOT of sites up and down Cameron St. (among other areas of the city). IMO I would rather see a decent size club in DT vs. a huge club "way out there" anyway but whatever. Also, the club was going to rent space from the printing company so there is a chance that it is still on but they are just being quiet now?!? Who knows...

RE: all the new parking garages, I wonder what is going on?!? Yes, a CBD could always use more parking. But at the same time I can't help but think the city is up to something (i.e. eliminating street parking and expanding sidewalks or something; it's a stretch, I know, just throwing some ideas out there) and/or we will soon be totally saturated with parking garages...

As for the federal gov't all I have to say is typical gov't BS and it makes NO f*cking sense!!!! All of these empty/abandoned lots to choose from but no, tney want to destroy thriving historic distrcts or displace low-income residents. I swear... :mad:

And IMO this says a lot about how our gov't feels about us citizens if they do end up choosing any of the sites I just mentioned...

And Spudmrg, the old fed. bldg. will be used to consolidate federal offices on the East and West Shores.

"The existing courthouse would be used to consolidate nonjudicial federal offices on the East and West Shores."

EastSideHBG

Jun 16, 2005, 3:50 AM

Oh and btw, in case you haven't noticed, the work has begun on the Mulberry Street Bridge (historic ighting, total rehab, etc.; very similar to what they did to the Market St. Bridge). One of my favorite bridges in the area is going to get even better!!! :carrot:

wrightchr

Jun 16, 2005, 11:02 AM

^ very exciting news everyone. i'm happy to hear about all these new projects taking place.

wrightchr

Jun 20, 2005, 8:19 AM

you know, i always wondered why there were no markings here...it does get confusing during rush hour.

FIX IT! LACK OF ROAD MARKINGS, HARRISBURG
Tuesday, June 14, 2005

What's broken: Thomas Bank of New Cumberland suggests pavement markings at Second and Forster streets in Harrisburg. For motorists coming across the M. Harvey Taylor Bridge and turning left, he says, it is difficult to determine where the lanes are, and there are frequent near-collisions as motorists search for lanes.

Status: Randy King, spokesman for Mayor Stephen R. Reed, says most streets will get new pavement markings. However, King says, Second and Forster has never had them and never will.

He says motorists turning left from Forster onto Second should use the middle lane.

EastSideHBG

Jun 21, 2005, 3:21 AM

LOL what an answer: "However, King says, Second and Forster has never had them and never will."

A BETTER CRAWL

Turn options, shorter red light await drivers

Monday, June 20, 2005
BY FRANK COZZOLI
Of The Patriot-News

It's morning rush hour on the Camp Hill Bypass, and a red light at 21st Street means a 220-second wait for Harrisburg-bound traffic. That's 3 minutes and 40 seconds -- a commuting eternity.

The engineers working on the $2.2 million project to revamp this busy West Shore intersection concede that's a lot of time wasted idling.

But the wait isn't going to get much shorter.

The situation that Harrisburg-bound drivers encounter as they approach Erford Road resembles what the finished product will be, officials said.

What's more, by mid-August, the speed limit will be reduced from 50 mph to 35 mph from 21st Street to the underpass that carries the Harrisburg-bound bypass traffic under Routes 11/15.

And that underpass will be a little more crowded; a third lane is being squeezed into the space where now there are two. It will carry westbound motorists up to 21st Street, where they can turn left into Camp Hill.

The finished product won't be as tight as the temporary pattern in place, but it won't be much wider. The underpass still will be 44 feet wide, but instead of the existing two lanes, it will have three 12-foot-wide lanes. The shoulders will be reduced to two feet.

At least one daily commuter has doubts about the outcome.

"If that's how it's going to be, it does seem a little tight," said Bill Grimes of Lower Allen Twp.

Grimes said he's not daunted by the idea of the concrete barriers that eventually will separate the ramp from the left eastbound lane, "But, I have friends who do not like driving under that underpass with the barrier there. They feel awfully constricted."

The cost to widen the ramp -- $1 million -- exceeded the scope of the project, said Steve Moore, project manager for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

PennDOT hopes to have police present to help motorists adapt to the reduced speed limit, but East Pennsboro Twp. Chief Dennis McMaster isn't promising anything.

"We're the only state in the nation not allowed to use radar," McMaster said. "It would be extremely difficult for local police to enforce speed at that location."

The new left-turn ramp, which starts just west of the Erford Road exit, was the only option, according to PennDOT.

Moore said the key to the project is the creation of dual left-turn lanes from the eastbound bypass onto 21st Street toward Holy Spirit Hospital.

Ideally, that left-turn lane could have been built adjacent to the westbound lanes at 21st Street. But that would have created a conflict, Moore said.

There wouldn't have been enough room at the intersection to run both left-turn cycles at the same time, he said.

The changes ultimately will cut the red-light wait by 40 seconds.

"People have said any improvement is welcome. It's just not as good as we would like it to be," said Greg Penny, spokesman for PennDOT's District 8 office.

The changes should make the intersection safer, officials said.

Traffic heading south on Routes 11/15 will merge onto the westbound bypass using a new traffic signal just east of the light at 21st Street.

Penny said the dual eastbound left-turn lanes should leave room for two lanes for through traffic.

"This is a very difficult intersection to improve," Penny said. "We've done the best we can, just shy of the ultimate solution and building an interchange."

That would cost a minimum of $20 million to $30 million, Penny said.

Grimes predicted that travelers still will need maps to figure out how to use the intersection.

Reconstruction of the eastbound lanes is expected to take 45 days. Once work begins, traffic will be reduced to one lane.

PennDOT encourages commuters to find alternate routes.

wrightchr

Jun 21, 2005, 12:55 PM

^ my parents home is in CH nearby this project. the bypass borders their backyard. residents have been awaiting the improvement of 21st/bypass for nearly a decade now. finally, there is funding for it. it's definately about time, since there have been quite a few injuries and fatalities due to the fact that the intersection is so confusing. the additional light east of the intersection and adding new lanes will help greatly. the main obstacle has always been the fact that the project takes place on the border of two municipalities and is operated by the state. bureaucracy at it's best!

wrightchr

Jun 22, 2005, 11:17 AM

Harrisburg Mall plans expansion
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
BY ELLEN LYON
Of The Patriot-News

The owner of Harrisburg Mall plans to add a movie theater that will rival in size the area's largest multiplex cinema.

The $20 million project, which would include a few additional stores and a restaurant, would be the second expansion of the once underperforming mall in as many years.

Last year, Bass Pro Shops came to the mall with the expectation that the outdoor outfitter would lure millions of visitors a year. So the mall invested about $50 million in a full-color LED marquee, pylon signs, increased exterior lighting and renovations to the mall's exterior, entrances, food court and parking lot.

"We are going forward with a second phase of renovation of the Harrisburg Mall, which will involve the lifestyling of the mall," Larry Feldman, chairman and CEO of Feldman Mall Properties Inc., said yesterday.

The renovation will give the 36-year-old mall, formerly called Harrisburg East Mall, a "streetscape feel" and a "24-hour-type of look," Feldman said.

No plans have been submitted to Swatara Twp., but mall officials said they hope the project will be finished next year.

Added to the front of the mall facing Paxton Street would be two or three retail stores, possibly a restaurant, and a marquee for the theater to be built behind the mall, Feldman said.

No deal has been signed with a theater chain, but Feldman said he anticipates the multiplex having at least 12 screens, and possibly 14. The Regal Harrisburg Stadium 14 in Susquehanna Twp. is the largest in the area.

The new theater would be a "throwback to the 1920s and 1930s" with an Art Deco look, marble floors, high ceilings and plush drapes, he said.

In recent years, multiplex movie theaters have spread like spilled popcorn in the midstate, raising the question of just how many movie fans are out there.

"I haven't researched the East Shore at all," said Marvin Troutman, CEO of Cinema Centers Inc., which opened a 12-screen theater in Hampden Twp. last weekend. "I would think we might be getting awfully close to being saturated."

Theater chains usually look at the population within a 10-mile radius a proposed site before making a decision to locate there, Troutman said.

Earlier this year, the owner of the Camp Hill Shopping Center dropped plans for a 14-screen Regal Cinemas complex there in favor of a fitness center.

Feldman said recent housing and job growth around the Harrisburg Mall, which borders the TecPort business park, is expected to increase demand for the new movie theater and new stores.

wrightchr

Jun 22, 2005, 11:19 AM

'No limit' for Restaurant Row
5 more eateries to open doors in downtown Harrisburg
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
BY PAT CARROLL
Of The Patriot-News

In the beginning, there was The Spot, and The Spot was good.

It gets a little funky at 3 a.m., but The Spot has always had decent coffee and a great chili dog with mustard and onions.

Beyond that, there weren't a lot of places to eat in downtown Harrisburg in the 1980s and '90s.

Now there are dozens on Restaurant Row and five more opening momentarily.

And along with a significant increase in convention traffic next year, some planners and developers see that elusive retail renaissance ahead.

Two of the new entries will be downtown Harrisburg versions of existing restaurants:

Haydn's on Pine, a version of Lancaster County's Haydn Zug's, a white-napkin place, will take over the Parev restaurant space on Locust Street. Cafe Fresco, which has a cozy format of espresso and wrap sandwiches near the Harrisburg Mall, will go bistro with a liquor license and open next to Stock's on 2nd, the investment that launched Restaurant Row in 1998.

Three of the five are new concepts:

Max's will serve traditional Italian on the street level of the new Market Square Plaza building. The Quarter will bring the beads and balconies of New Orleans' French Quarter to the 300 block of Second Street. Rock of Erin, across the street from The Quarter, is an Irish bar to be done in the modern Dublin style. (That's a world away from Molly Brannigans down the street, which is working with the warm tones of an old Galway pub.)

Is there no end to the trendy concepts? To the onslaught of interesting menus and sidewalk seating?

The answer from city hall is "no."

"The mayor has no limit as to the number of restaurants and night spots," said Randy King, Mayor Stephen R. Reed's spokesman. "Additional attractions only serve to add to the mix and keep Restaurant Row fresh and different."

wrightchr

Jun 22, 2005, 11:23 AM

regionalism is starting to take effect here. i think this is a step in the right direction. the West Shore COG is going to have to change it's name though, with the addition of 12 east shore municipalities. maybe Metro Harrisburg COG?

West Shore council to expand eastward
Dauphin municipalities to join group
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
BY MARY KLAUS
Of The Patriot-News

East will meet west next month when 12 Dauphin County municipalities join the West Shore Council of Governments.

Council delegates on Monday voted 12-2 to change the organization's bylaws and allow Dauphin County boroughs and townships to join, said Perry Albert, the organization's president and chief executive officer.

"I'm thrilled to death about this," Albert said. "Anytime you put more members together to share services and purchase materials, the costs go down for everyone. The municipalities save staff time, too."

Delegates from Hampden Twp. and New Cumberland voted against the change, and the Monaghan Twp. delegate was absent, he said.

The council members share equipment, use a joint purchasing program to save money on supplies, and share a state-mandated building code appeals board.

Albert said Dillsburg Borough Council voted to join last week. When Dillsburg and the 12 Dauphin County municipalities come on board next month, the West Shore council will represent 28 municipalities. Its members come from Cumberland, Perry and York counties.

"This is a time of growth for us," he said. "Regionalism is an idea whose time has come."

"We are ecstatic to be part of the West Shore COG," said Swatara Twp. Manager Paul Cornell. "We already know quite a few of the members because of our meetings with other managers. By bringing the population and the purchasing power of these municipalities together we can drive down costs."

Paxtang Manager Ken Beard said Paxtang officials are especially happy to be part of the council's appeals boards for inspection disputes.

Albert said that each municipality gets one seat and one vote on the council's board. Municipal membership costs $1,500 a year.

The council meets in the Hampden Twp. Municipal Building at 230 S. Sporting Hill Road. The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. July 18.

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

JOINING THE CLUB

The West Shore Council of Governments' new members from Dauphin County are Highspire, Paxtang, Steelton, Penbrook, Middletown, Hummelstown and Royalton boroughs and Swatara, Lower Paxton, Londonderry, Lower Swatara and Susquehanna townships.

wrightchr

Jun 22, 2005, 11:27 AM

HISTORY AT HOME
Monuments to be dedicated at Civil War sites
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
BY DEBRA MASSIC
For The Patriot-News

It's easy to overlook the significance of what happened more than 140 years ago on a hill in Lemoyne and what is today a busy street in Hampden Twp.

This weekend, a local historical group will bestow a measure of historical recognition on the Rupp House in Hampden Twp., and Fort Couch in Lemoyne by dedicating a monument on each site to commemorate the roles each played in the Civil War.

"We wanted to put up something substantial to encourage tourism to these sites and also as a resource for local teachers," said Larry Keener-Farley, president of the Camp Curtin Historical Society. For years the group has worked to establish Civil War Heritage Trails throughout Cumberland and Dauphin counties.

At the Rupp House, a 10-foot obelisk will honor Confederate troops and Gen. Albert Jenkins, who in 1863 led his troops farther north than any other Confederates, ending up in what is now Mechanicsburg.

Jenkins used the Rupp House as his headquarters.

The obelisk will feature a bronze portrait of Jenkins, bronze tablets with his biography and a listing of the units under his command. Artist Gary Casteel designed the monument.

At Fort Couch, a 10-foot marker will honor Gen. Darius Couch and the Union troops. Fort Couch was built to ensure the defense of nearby Fort Washington.

The monument features three engravings, including a depiction of civilians preparing fortifications against the approaching Confederates, a portrait of Couch and an engraving based on a Civil War photo looking over what is now Market Street in Lemoyne.

Robin Lighty, a former president of the historical society and current board member, designed the monument. Stephanie Palumbo was the engraving artist.

The Camp Curtin Historical Society paid for the statues through its own funds and donations from individuals and local companies.

IF YOU GO

A MONUMENT honoring Confederate Gen. Albert Jenkins will be dedicated at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Rupp House, 5115 E. Trindle Road, Hampden Twp. %%par%%

A MONUMENT honoring Union Gen. Darius Couch will be dedicated at 2 p.m. Saturday at Fort Couch, Eighth Street and Indiana Avenue, Lemoyne.

Spudmrg

Jun 22, 2005, 9:22 PM

Hmmmmmmm, the new spots on the row are good news, and I think that the market is not anywhere near saturated.

As for a new movie complex, I think the market is near saturation. We have movie complexes all over the place, and some of those locations are closing down. Looking at the recent trends at the box office, I don't see strong market growth for films anytime soon. As for the rest of the new building out at the Mall, well, I would like to see some drawings.

EastSideHBG

Jun 23, 2005, 3:51 AM

What a wonderful day news-wise, eh? :carrot:

First off, the mall plans sound AMAZING!!! I too agree that we are near saturation with the movie theatres, but I think this one will be okay and do really well. Swatara twp. is growing like a weed, the city residents like myself will no longer need to treck "all the way out" to the Regal, and the overnighters staying in the hotels near TecPort will be patrons too. IMO it's a total win/win...as long as we don't build one more movie theatre!!!

RE: Restauarant Row, HELL YES!!! It's amazing how fast stuff is popping up down there and I say keep on bringing it. I'm telling you, the city is getting better and better each day and it's really getting tough to beat. Has anyone noticed the new docks off of City Island? Think about it: pull your boat right up to the dock which will be near the restaurant on the island, the west shore's big plans along their riverfront ("Bridgeport"), Rest. Row booming, a rail stop on the island for CorridorONE....I dunno, folks, I am really liking the looks of things. :yes:

EastSideHBG

Jun 23, 2005, 7:02 PM

Good news for HIA if this goes through!!!

-- Yesterday, the airport authority board unanimously approved a revision to its agreement with Amtrak for a proposed train station at HIA.

Amtrak has agreed to operate about 14 eastbound and 14 westbound trains each day through the station, according to board member John Ward.

The only remaining hurdle to construction of the station is money, which will have to come from the state and federal governments, Testa said after the board's meeting.

Rich Kirkpatrick, a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation, said that PennDOT is working with all the parties but that financing for the station is "unresolved."--

http://www.pennlive.com/business/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/business/1119518637194380.xml&coll=1

EastSideHBG

Jun 23, 2005, 7:04 PM

Oh and don't forget, the Millennium Music Conference is downtown this weekend. :)

http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1119518609194380.xml&coll=1

EastSideHBG

Jun 23, 2005, 11:46 PM

Thank God Uptown is getting this, because it desperately needs a revitalization!!!

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
17 June 2005

NEW RETAIL DEVELOPMENT SLATED FOR AGATE AND DIVISION STREETS IN UPTOWN HARRISBURG

Mayor Stephen R. Reed and developers David and Steven Miller, operating as the David and Steve Miller Partnership, today conducted ground- breaking ceremonies for a new retail plaza at Agate and Division Streets in Uptown Harrisburg. The new plaza will house a full-service laundromat and four other retail stores.

Reed said the Millers formerly operated the West Coast Video store in which the Churchworld retail store is currently located across Agate Street from the planned new development. The new $650,000 mini-plaza will occupy 6,900 sq. ft.

“We are delighted to see additional retail space being provided in the Uptown area,” said Mayor Stephen R. Reed. “Recent commercial development of the nearby Penn Center near 3rd and Division Streets, along with the complete rehabilitation of the Camp Curtin Elementary School at 6th and Division Streets, mean there is a substantially increased market within just a few blocks of the new retail space. This is a convenient and easily accessible site that is strateg- ically positioned for further growth.”

The project has been designed by Facilities Planners + Architects, and ECI Construction will serve as General Contractor. The project is being privately financed through M&T Bank.

wrightchr

Jun 25, 2005, 9:44 AM

interesting article from a local resident...against the site selections for the new courthouse. i agree with mayor Reed in saying the GSA should have picked the north street site or a site in the southern gateway near I-83. a signature building with underground parking, inside or close to the CBD, would do much more for the city in the long term. it's been done recently in other cities.

Courthouse site selections stink
Friday, June 24, 2005
The Patriot News

I'm shocked, angered and dismayed by the site selections for a new federal courthouse in Harrisburg.

Of all the vacant lots and blighted properties in the city, why would our federal government even consider areas that will destroy residences and businesses contributing to the resurgence of our capital city?

Furthermore, how could our federal officials have considered the financial and psychological effects of their decision?

As an 18-year resident of one of the affected neighborhoods, I am sick about the prospect of my home being bulldozed for a new courthouse. I haven't slept well since I learned of these thoughtless plans and have been experiencing headaches daily. No wonder -- my life is on hold. All of my efforts to refurbish my home seem useless now.

Also, I feel especially sorry for the elderly who are devastated by the thought of being forced to move from their lifelong residences.

I am curious to learn and intend to research what the law states about eminent domain. Does the law provide for eminent domain when taking land and/or property is absolutely necessary, or do our bureaucrats have the right to act on their whims when a site appears attractive?

I believe the feds have a fight on their hands. If logic prevails, a site that does not eliminate a huge tax base by demolishing historical buildings will be chosen. Let's hope our government officials come to their senses and decide on a site that does not demolish lives.

-- MICHAEL A. BILLO, Harrisburg

EastSideHBG

Jun 25, 2005, 3:58 PM

/\
Yeah, the federal gov't seems to be pissing local people off more and more these days. To want to demolish historic sites when there is all this vacant land to choose from, pure stupidity. :(

Spudmrg

Jun 25, 2005, 7:49 PM

Well, I can understand not putting it right off of I-83, but why not put it on the Northern Extension? I'm sure there is a reasonable reason, but It would be nice if GSA would explain said reason. The sites proposed don't seem to fit with the official GSA guidelines as presented here:

http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/channelView.do?pageTypeId=8195&channelPage=%2Fep%2Fchannel%2FgsaOverview.jsp&channelId=-12896

EastSideHBG

Jun 26, 2005, 2:53 PM

UPTOWN HOMES

Maclay town homes relieve housing squeeze

Sunday, June 26, 2005
BY ELLEN LYON
Of The Patriot-News

More new town homes will soon become available in the city, where rising real estate prices and burgeoning demand have squeezed the housing supply.

Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse, the Baltimore builder that brought Harrisburg the Capitol Heights housing development in 2000, has broken ground for 72 homes to be known as The Towns at Governor's Square. They will go on sale within 90 days, with the first houses ready for occupancy in about nine months, according to Eric Jones, a spokesman for the builder.

The multiyear, $29.9 million project also includes 222 new or renovated units for rent, called the Residences at Governor's Square.

The entire 45-acre development will be scattered along nine uptown blocks around Maclay and Sixth streets, north to Woodbine Street and south to Peffer Street.

"We expect that when such a dramatic change occurs over such a large area, it will spur other development," Harrisburg Mayor Stephen R. Reed said at the groundbreaking last month. "We've never had so much housing activity taking place at one time."

The new town homes will start at $69,900, about $30,000 less than beginning prices at Capitol Heights, several blocks away in the city's midtown section.

Assistance with down payments and closing costs will be available from the developers, the Dauphin County First Time Homebuyer Affordable Housing Trust Fund and the privately funded Nehemiah Program.

Home buyers also will be eligible for Mortgage Tax Credit Certificates, which allow a percentage of the interest paid on a mortgage to return to the buyer for every year of the mortgage's existence, Reed noted.

Greg Rothman, president and CEO of RSR Realtors, said that as real estate prices in the city continue to climb there are fewer new homes available for people with moderate incomes.

"This [development] will meet that need," said Rothman, who has his own project in the works -- 10 three-story town homes on Green Street that will start at about $150,000.

Rothman said he hopes to submit plans to the city some time this summer and have the homes under roof by the end of the year.

The Towns will be a mixed-income community, promised Ted Rouse, a partner with Struever Bros. "We are not coming in and chasing out the people who have called this home for a number of years," he said.

Existing homeowners have another reason to welcome the new development. They will see their equity grow as their properties increase in value, Rouse predicted.

Reed noted that in the surrounding suburbs, home prices are higher and commutes to jobs in the city longer. "City homes are the best home buy in this regional market," he said.

Rouse said rehabilitating urban neighborhoods is good for the environment because the construction doesn't create the additional impervious surfaces and runoff issues associated with new suburban development.

"It becomes more and more important to find ways to recycle the infrastructure of cities. It's not easy," he said.

In the case of The Towns and The Residences at Governor's Square, Rouse said the partners "cobbled together a multitude of sources to make this recycling of infrastructure happen."

The city, the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh contributed financial support.

The rental side of the project is part of what was previously called The Maclay Street Apartments. The former owners and operators of the low-income complex were indicted for fraud in 1997.

The city eventually took over the rental units from the federal government and, in 2002, issued requests for proposals for private management. Struever Bros. and Landex Corp. submitted the winning proposal.

The project was renamed the Residences at Governor's Square to get away from any bad association with its previous problems, Rouse said.

In its third project with Struever Bros., Landex Corp. will manage the rental side of the development.

Struever Bros., as the builder, is tearing down the rental units too dilapidated to save and replacing them with new construction and extensively renovating other units, said David Johnston, a partner at Landex.

"Even the renovated buildings will be like new," he said.

One hundred of the rental units already are occupied, and all but nine of the remaining units are reserved for prospective tenants, according to Johnston.

"We've had a tremendous response," he said. "We expect to finish all of our renovations and new construction on rental units by the end of the year."

Meanwhile, nearby Capitol Heights is in the fourth of five construction phases, with 110 homes sold and an additional 60 to 80 homes planned, according to Tom Peplinski, development director for Struever Bros.

At first sales in Capitol Heights were slow but have since picked up, Rouse said. "What we do have here is a very steady demand for new housing in the city."

EastSideHBG

Jun 28, 2005, 6:22 PM

CAPITOL

Hotel project land sale wins House vote

Tuesday, June 28, 2005
BY CHARLES THOMPSON
Of The Patriot-News

The state House yesterday voted 191-4 to clear the way for the sale of 4.9 acres off Cameron Street to Crossgates Inc. for development of a hotel and conference center adjacent to the state Farm Show Complex.

The legislation, which moves to the Senate, is one of the last steps before construction can begin.

The state is selling the land, currently used for parking, for $555,000.

Crossgates is committed to building a 150-room Staybridge Suites hotel as part of a public-private development package that has been years in the making.

The Harrisburg-based firm was the only company to respond to a February 2004 request for proposals issued by Harrisburg and the state Agriculture and General Services departments.

The goal was to link hotel properties to the Farm Show Complex, which has 17 acres of indoor exhibition space and is one of the largest exhibition facilities in the country.

The tract in question, to be carved out of the northeastern corner of the 90-acre Farm Show site, is near Cameron Street and Wildwood Park Drive.

Proceeds from the sale are to be reserved for future land acquisition or improvements to the Farm Show Complex.

Should the proposed use change, the property would revert to state ownership.

Philly-Drew

Jun 30, 2005, 1:32 AM

Rock on Harrisburg!

EastSideHBG

Jun 30, 2005, 11:21 PM

Good to hear from you again, Philly-Drew. :)

Harrisburg census data rile Reed

Figures show population falling again

Thursday, June 30, 2005
BY BRETT LIEBERMAN
Of Our Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON - New restaurants and bars draw larger crowds to Second Street in Harrisburg.

The school system has a way to go, but is on the mend since control was handed over to the mayor five years ago. New town houses have been built, and more homes are on the way.

So why does Harrisburg's population continue to decline?

Figures the U.S. Census Bureau is to release today show that the city lost 1,315 people since 2000, when the population dropped below 50,000 for the first time.

"It's flawed data. They don't bear any resemblance to reality," said Harrisburg Mayor Stephen R. Reed.

He faulted how the federal agency calculates population estimates between the door-to-door counts conducted every decade.

"Our best estimate looks to be about a 500 population increase," Reed said.

Much is at stake for the city, including bragging rights.

Most spending by the federal and state governments is driven by formulas based on census estimates. Businesses use the information to decide where to locate. City and local economic developers use it for marketing.

The newest census data showed that southern and western states grew the fastest, while cold weather states such as Pennsylvania experienced the slowest growth.

In the midstate, Silver Spring Twp. has lured the most new residents since 2000, adding 1,572 people.

In terms of percentage, West Hanover Twp. grew the most, by 18.5 percent. The community added 1,205 people since 2000.

Jackson Twp. in Lebanon County grew at a similar rate as its population increased by 1,185 since 2000. The city of Lebanon saw a population decline of 2.2 percent.

Dauphin County grew at 0.6 percent, while Adams County grew 7 percent.

Allentown was Pennsylvania's only city over 100,000 to experience growth as it added 328 people from 2003 to 2004.

Philadelphia, the nation's fifth-largest city, lost more than 6,800 people. Pittsburgh lost nearly 3,150 people.

Reed said Harrisburg has questioned Census Bureau officials for years about the formulas they use to develop population estimates. "They assume that whatever was the previous trend is therefore continuing," Reed said.

The city has not done a door-to-door head count. But Reed said tax records, building permits and city utility connections show growth. And he points to a number of reasons for that growth:
# New homes that are less expensive than comparable homes in the suburbs. 1,753 housing units have been rehabilitated. School improvements. Increased entertainment and cultural opportunities.

"What was once a mass exodus from the 1960s to '70s to '80s has been slowed to a trickle," he said. "We continue to be the best housing buy in the area."

While there is no hard data, most of the people moving to the city are professionals ages 23 to 45, he said.

Estimating population is an inexact science, but the Census Bureau has improved its process and techniques over the years, according to Bill Frey, a demographer at the Brookings Institution.

"What the Census Bureau does is the best they can with the best available data," Frey said. "They can't go into every city or town and look at every peculiarity."

Estimating population changes or taking a census is much easier in a slow-growing region, compared to fast-growing areas, which tend to have many legal and illegal immigrants, Frey said.

But local real estate agents have seen a spike in city home sales. Recent projects such as the Capitol Heights development of town homes and single-family houses in midtown have attracted strong interest among buyers, they said.

"Anecdotally, we have had literally hundreds of young people moving into the city," said Greg Rothman, president and CEO of RSR Realtors. "Whether that's enough to counter the middle class and African-Americans moving out, I don't know."

Rothman said city property values have been soaring due to increased demand.

EastSideHBG

Jun 30, 2005, 11:26 PM

And don't forget about the American Musicfest this holiday weekend. :)

http://www.americanmusicfest.org/amf/

EastSideHBG

Jul 1, 2005, 5:24 PM

Investors target corporate clientele for hotel suites

Friday, July 01, 2005
BY APARNA KUMAR
Of The Patriot-News

New York investors who bought the Towne House Suites & Apartments in Harrisburg last month want to attract corporate clientele for extended stays at its on-site hotel.

Brooklyn-based investors Moses Mizrahi, Seth Goldberg and Jeno Guttman bought the 20-floor building at 660 Boas St. on June 9 for $15.5 million. The partners also own the Executive House apartments on South Second Street in Harrisburg.

The investors intend to keep the 296 Towne House apartments intact. But they are converting some of the 60 hotel suites into long-term corporate rentals, according to Abraham Mendlovic, a manager with Dana G. Realty, which oversees rentals in the building.

The hotel rooms were added by the previous owner, AMC Delancy Group of Philadelphia, in 1996 when it took over the property from the original owner, the late Harrisburg developer Abe Cramer.

Several attempts to contact the new owners directly were unsuccessful. They bought Executive House in 2003 from its original owners, the Berger family of Philadelphia, for $11 million, according to records at the Dauphin County Courthouse.

Mendlovic said the company has no plans to institute condominiums at Towne House.

"The building was not bought with that [intention]," he said.

Before the owners consider condos, he said, "We have to see how the market is there, and how the city of Harrisburg [would respond]."

Terry Ranck, an on-site property manager at Towne House, said nearly a dozen parties have expressed interest in buying the property since last fall. Some of them, he said, seemed intent on converting the building to condos.

"I'm just not sure that there would be a market for it," Ranck said. "They would have to invest a lot of money."

He said the company would continue to target a white-collar clientele, mostly government workers, with the addition of corporate suites.

"It doesn't really change our philosophy a lot," he said. "The hotel is built for extended stay. As far as the building goes, there are no real drastic changes to take place."

Ranck said three managers were laid off by the new owners. He did not know of any planned renovations.

Cramer built the property in 1961. Towne House still maintains mid-century elegance, with a marble lobby watched over by a door attendant and a sitting area where longtime residents greet one another and the staff by name. Many original tenants, including Cramer's widow, Harriet, still live there.

The building is ideal for older residents who have trouble getting around. A beauty parlor, barbershop, convenience store and cafe restaurant are on the first floor.

The building also has several residents just out of college seeking the night life on Second Street. It boasts views of the Capitol, the river and mountains and is a short walk to the Capitol and government buildings.

One resident said the new company offered him a better deal on his rent if he renews with a one-year lease.

"I pay about $720 now, and they offered me $690," said Steve Lee, 30.

Ken Balin, president and CEO of AMC Delancy Group, said his company got a good return on its investment from the property, which it bought in 1996 for nearly $7.5 million. He said he didn't see Harrisburg as ripe for condos, although the ongoing urban renewal downtown might eventually change that.

"By making another investment in Harrisburg, [Mizrahi] is saying with his pocketbook that he believes in the potential in downtown Harrisburg and in what the mayor is doing," Balin said.

At Executive House, manager Ann-Marie Ramsey welcomed the addition of Towne House to the company.

"Towne House was my biggest competition in terms of price and size," she said. "So it's great now -- we're going to work together."

Spudmrg

Jul 2, 2005, 2:19 AM

Well everybody, I've been informed that I will be employed outside of the Harrisburg metro area very shortly, so I'm moving out. Please keep the thread going and keep us HBG expats up to date.

EastSideHBG

Jul 2, 2005, 7:00 PM

Where are you moving to, Mike? Outside outside of the area?!? If so, we will be losing yet another great citizen. :(

EastSideHBG

Jul 3, 2005, 3:41 PM

People need to take pride in their city

Sunday, July 03, 2005

Some census figures that came out last week surprised a few people in Harrisburg.

All the activity with the clubs and restaurants along Second Street and all the buzz about the city roaring back hasn't been enough to reverse a population decline. Mayor Stephen R. Reed refuses to believe it. "It's flawed data," he told Patriot-News reporter Brett Lieberman.

The census figures show that the city lost 1,315 people since 2000, when the population first fell below 50,000, Lieberman reported.

I've always admired Reed. He believed in the city when no one else would, and the improvements made in the past few years, in particular, are incredible.

Harrisburg has a lot going for it -- from Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts to the Susquehanna River to the restaurants and museums and quaint neighborhoods.

But there is a reason I believe the census figures. Reed and others like him -- I sometimes think when I drive around the city -- are in the minority. Many people in Harrisburg just don't care.

My wife and I believe in cities, and we have bounced around the idea of buying a house in Harrisburg.

Ellen Lyon, a Patriot-News business writer who covers real estate, wrote an article a week ago that looked at a new residential development in the city. The Towns at Governor's Square will include new houses starting at about $70,000.

I was intrigued. I suggested to my wife that buying a house in such a neighborhood would put us closer to work. It would show our support of cities. It would be a way to give back to a community in a modest but symbolic way. We like the idea of living in a mixed-race and mixed-income neighborhood, especially one struggling to come back.

So I talked my wife into taking a drive to the redevelopment area, a hodgepodge of new houses among older houses spread over 45 acres. A good starting point is Maclay and Sixth streets.

For someone to buy a new home there, they would have to look past what we saw:
--Businesses that haven't tended their yards, with weeds growing waist high. Graffiti marring homes and businesses. A woman sitting in her car, eating lunch, and dropping the trash out the window as she finished each course.

We expected to see some of that. We were disappointed to see so much.

Reed can't be expected to change everything. He needs the help of those already living here.

City police and housing inspectors could issue more citations to litterbugs, to people who deface properties and to owners who neglect buildings. They wouldn't need to do so, of course, if people just picked up after themselves and businesses took care of their properties.

A plot of land at Seventh and Maclay street has several for-sale signs saying "Vartan," a property from the late developer of that name. The signs are amid some bushes and trees, and the grass is cut short, a bit of an oasis in the middle of blight. The lawn is free of debris and looks tended to, as if to say, "see the possibilities?"

If all city residents don't take similar pride in their homes and properties, how can anyone expect others to move in?

EastSideHBG

Jul 3, 2005, 3:43 PM

Senate won't vote on sale for hotel at Farm Show

Sunday, July 03, 2005
BY CHARLES THOMPSON AND JAN MURPHY
Of The Patriot-News

A planned hotel and conference center near the state Farm Show Complex might have hit a speed bump.

Gov. Ed Rendell and the Legislature must approve the sale of a 5-acre plot for the project to move forward, but a bill authorizing the sale likely won't see action in the Senate until fall. The House last week approved the $550,000 sale of the land at the northeast end of the complex.

Citing concerns with the site, state Sen. Jeffrey Piccola, R-Dauphin County, persuaded the State Government Committee to postpone a vote.

Piccola said he is concerned about the loss of parking to make way for the development, who will pay for off-site improvements and whether there are better locations.

"Generally, I think the development of a hotel in that area is a good idea, but I'm yet to be convinced that's the proper site."

Developer Crossgates Inc. plans to build a 150-room Staybridge Suites hotel.

It was unclear how the Senate slowdown will affect the project. A company representative declined comment last night.

In other developments: The House passed legislation making it a crime to fly while intoxicated. The bill would apply the state's drunken-driving blood-alcohol standards to pilots. It now goes to Gov. Rendell. The House passed a bill that prohibits counties, municipalities and school districts from levying an occupation tax if they do not already have one.

wrightchr

Jul 6, 2005, 1:53 AM

it would be nice if the vote on the new farm show hotel would pass soon. i'd really like to see what the design will encompass. 150 rooms isn't that many. i'd guess about 3-5 floors maybe.

EastSideHBG

Jul 7, 2005, 6:49 PM

HARRISBURG

Reed launches effort to wipe out graffiti

Thursday, July 07, 2005
BY JOHN LUCIEW
Of The Patriot-News

The writing is on the wall, and that's precisely where Harrisburg doesn't want it.

Responding to what he called a marked increase in graffiti in the city, Mayor Stephen R. Reed promised yesterday to begin a free removal service, offer rewards for information about the vandals and redouble surveillance and enforcement to catch perpetrators.

"Graffiti is an insidious act of vandalism that undermines our community restoration efforts," Reed said.

"Its presence is a subtle form of blight which, unaddressed, marks a neighborhood for further decline," he said. "It affects neighborhood pride, real estate values, the ability to obtain insurance, and reflects an uncaring attitude when it is not immediately removed."

Reed said he noted the "upsurge in graffiti" months ago, striking communities across the region and prompting residents' complaints.

Reed said he suspects much of the vandalism is being done by a small group of individuals. Reed said he drew that conclusion based on the similarity of the markings that have marred signs, buildings and bridges.

One vandal who uses the graffiti tags "SLK" and "Slink" has been particularly prolific, prompting the city to offer a $2,000 reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction, Reed said.

Rewards of up to $500 are being offered for information leading to the arrests of other vandals.

In addition, city police also have been monitoring many of the most vandalized sites in the city, and surveillance cameras were set up in several locations.

Some arrests have already been made, Reed said.

"Stopping graffiti is an extremely difficult task as rarely are its perpetrators caught in the act, nor are there witnesses to the crime," he said.

Harrisburg is establishing a free cleaning service for all city property owners.

The city has contracted with the Downtown Improvement District to run the program, which will provide trained staff to clean city-based sites that have been vandalized by graffiti.

Tenants who report damage are advised that a permission form must be signed by their property owner or landlord before the removal work can begin.

Once a property is registered, employees using graffiti cleaning products will conduct the work, usually within 72 hours of the complaint, Reed said.

The city has allocated $40,000 for the initial cleanup.

"This vandalism is not an innocent prank," said Reed. "It is malicious criminal behavior that defaces other people's property, creates a blighted appearance ... and costs public and private funds."

GRAFFITI HOT LINE

To report graffiti in the city and to register for a free cleanup of your property, call 255-3018.

EastSideHBG

Jul 7, 2005, 6:53 PM

Hospital sparks development

Area near construction site attracts other large projects

Thursday, July 07, 2005
BY DAN MILLER
Of Our Carlisle Bureau

CARLISLE - A new hospital doesn't come along every day. Nor does the chance to be near one.

For a doctor, an office close to the hospital means he can check on patients by simply walking across the street. For developers, it means the confidence to construct a nearby building before any space is leased or sold.

That's probably why many projects are springing up around the new Carlisle Regional Medical Center being built in South Middleton Twp.

At least $8 million in new construction, including additions to existing buildings, is under way on property next to or close by the hospital, which is being built on 47 acres southeast of Alexander Spring and Sprint drives.

That's a conservative estimate based on building permits filed in Cumberland County. The estimate does not include other proposed major projects such as the Carlisle Regional Medical Office Building, a three-story center planned just east of the hospital.

The $51 million hospital should be finished by next January or February, said Cindy Small, spokeswoman for Carlisle Regional Medical Center.

As expected, much of the development near the hospital is new doctors' offices or expansion of doctors' offices already in the area.

Moffitt Heart & Vascular Group on Walnut Bottom Road was already close to the new hospital. Faced with a need to expand, Moffitt is building a $1.3 million facility across the street that is closer, said Bill Strouse, controller for Wormleysburg-based Moffitt.

"The new regional medical center will do a lot more procedures" than those now done at Carlisle Hospital, Strouse said. "We see that as creating a lot more demand for our services."

Moffitt will likely increase from two to three the number of physicians it has in Carlisle. Strouse said Moffitt's new Carlisle center will serve more patients and provide more diagnostic testing when it opens in mid-August.

The Carlisle Regional Medical Office Building will have 55,000 square feet of space available as condominium suites for sale or lease to physicians and other professionals, said Buz Wolfe, a Carlisle Realtor who is marketing the space. Developers hope to break ground by this fall and open the building by August 2006.

Several projects are being done on speculation, where developers first construct a building and then market it to potential tenants. That's the case with Carlisle Med 1, a one-story, 18,000-square-foot building just south of Interstate 81.

The building will house about 10 doctors and dentists, said Wolfe, whose firm is marketing the space. Once commitments are received to fill about half of Med 1, work will start on a companion 21,000-square-foot Carlisle Med II to house another 11 medical professionals.

Also among the projects are several mixed-use professional office buildings, said Pam Fisher, a consulting engineer with Dawood Engineering Inc. Dawood itself will move from just east of Carlisle into a new mixed-use building across the street from the hospital.

Fisher said Dawood obtained conditional-use approvals from South Middleton Twp. supervisors, so the office buildings are not limited to just physicians and medical professionals. They also can accommodate law firms, insurance-related businesses and other professionals.

Commercial zoning in the area of the new hospital is broad enough to allow retail and even a restaurant or two within walking distance. That was the intent of township supervisors, said South Middleton Twp. Manager Barb Wilson.

"We wanted to see uses that would complement each other, and I think that's exactly what we have," Wilson said.

The new hospital presented a rare opportunity for developers, Wolfe said. Buyers moved fast to secure the best and closest properties.

"Just about everything that was available is no longer. There was almost a scurrying to gobble lots up," Wolfe said.

Spudmrg

Jul 8, 2005, 12:49 AM

Question for anyone who knows this carlisle site....was this a greenfield (IE, open space), or was this a greyfield (former urban area)?

In other news, new government building?

Jackson-Lick's days numbered?
Feds may put courthouse at site, according to Reed
Thursday, July 7, 2005
BY DAVID DeKOK
Of The Patriot-News
Mayor Stephen R. Reed suspects the Jackson-Lick apartment buildings on North Sixth Street will be torn down to make way for a new federal courthouse.

A decision by federal authorities is months away, and a public hearing still needs to be held next week.

But Harrisburg's mayor said yesterday that the federal government is "leaning unofficially toward" that site.

The apartments were one of three proposals that the federal government has recommended for the courthouse.

Reed said the apartments are "the best of the three" options. The property is already tax-exempt, so putting the courthouse there would result in no tax loss to the city or school district.

One of two apartment towers is vacant, and the other has about 120 tenants, Reed said.

Harrisburg Housing Authority has a sizable sum of money from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for refurbishing the apartments.

That money could be "repurposed" for replacement housing, the mayor said.

The General Services Administration would pay the rest of the cost of building new public housing, Reed said.

The federal agency also would comply with federal law "to provide eligible displaced persons with assistance in moving to comparable replacement dwellings, as well as related relocation assistance services," GSA spokeswoman Gina Gilliam said. Sizing up the options A recommendation on the courthouse site will be made by a five-member committee comprised of U.S. Middle District Judge Yvette Kane, three GSA officials from Philadelphia and a GSA official from Washington, D.C., Gilliam said. The GSA regional administrator in Philadelphia will have final approval of the site, which is expected early in the fall.

A second finalist site, the Cumberland Apartments, also is along North Sixth Street, north of Forster.

The third finalist site is along North Third Street, across from The State Museum. That site, smallest of the three, contains several restored historic homes and restaurants, including Mangia Qui and Roxy's. The owner of Mangia Qui would lose her house and her restaurant if that site is chosen.

Reed said he doesn't know how the site on Third Street made the finalist list, except perhaps as a throwaway option. He said it is too small for the GSA's security set-back requirements for federal courthouses.

He said it is "extremely unlikely" the Third Street site will be picked. Residents, taking no chances, are organizing against the courthouse and have posted anti-courthouse signs in the neighborhood.

Reed had hoped to have the new courthouse anchor his Southern Gateway Project, which will extend Third Street south to Interstate 83 and make improvements to routes into and out of the city. He wanted the courthouse built on what is now a surface parking lot at Second and Paxton streets, but was informed that GSA won't build courthouses in the 100-year flood plain.

Buildings have been erected in Harrisburg's flood plains in recent years, Reed pointed out. PennDOT's motor license operations, for example, are housed along the Susquehanna River south of Shipoke. Access to the building was cut off for a few days during the January 1996 flood, but no water entered the building, Reed said.

Gilliam said an executive order requires GSA to avoid building in 100-year flood plains unless there is "no practicable alternative." Because there are viable alternatives, she said, GSA cannot build the courthouse at Reed's preferred site.

A vacant site along the river between the PennDOT building and Shipoke was similarly nixed by GSA.

"They looked at close to 20 sites," Reed said. "Some were starkly unbelievable. One would have taken out half of Restaurant Row [on Second Street in the main downtown area]. I told them that's not going to happen. I had lengthy discussions with them."

Initially, GSA said it did not want to consider any sites north of Forster Street. It later relented and picked the Jackson-Lick and Cumberland Apartments sites.

GSA still would not consider Reed's other favored site, at Sixth and Reilly Streets, three blocks farther north. That site has already been cleared for development. "That was too far north," he said. Tenant concerns At the Jackson-Lick apartments yesterday, tenant Cora Wright said she wasn't worried about being forced to move but was concerned about her neighbors.

"I'm not going to have a problem finding a place," Wright, 77, said. "Some people are really going to have a hard time finding a place."

George Washington, 57, said the ideal spot for the courthouse would be farther downtown, "where everybody is out."

David Robinson, 84, said the proposal "doesn't make sense to me." If displaced, he added, he might move to Pittsburgh. "I've been here too long," said the tenant of 23 years.

"My feelings are, I'm 77 years old and I don't care," said tenant Leon Motter. "I'm too old to care."

"The government doesn't care," he added.

Patriot-News reporter John-Michael Stern contributed to this report.

DAVID DeKOK: 255-8173 or ddekok@patriot-news.com

wrightchr

Jul 8, 2005, 4:16 PM

i'd rather have the building in the CBD. i understand the security requirements and desire to put it at jackson-lick, but i think a nice modern highrise in DT would do much more. having it in midtown near the 7th street corridor would help revitalize the area though.

EastSideHBG

Jul 9, 2005, 5:48 AM

Yeah, I am mixed on them staying in the CBD. On one hand it's nice to have the fed building in the heart of it all. But on the other, I think the Jackson-Lick site would be PERFECT. That area is on the rebound and a new federal bldg. in that area would push the rebound even further. Eating places and little shops will spring up I am sure, the new town homes near there would be great for the workers so you will have more pedestrian activity, etc. Also, that is much closer to the gov't side of our CBD and the more I think about it the more it seems like a perfect place for it. Also, the more I go downtown and hang out around the fed building on Locust St., the more unfriendly it is to me and I don't think it really does belong in the CBD anymore. Security concerns, the high security look of the bldg. itself, etc.

I just hope to God the feds don't demolish that thriving historic area for their building. They would be foolish to do such a thing and it would create A LOT of enemies....

EastSideHBG

Jul 10, 2005, 5:55 PM

Development spikes along Carlisle Pike

Sunday, July 10, 2005
BY ELLEN LYON
Of The Patriot-News

As growth along Carlisle Pike steadily moves west, the area around Cumberland Valley High School is becoming a hotbed of residential and commercial development.

Auto dealerships are springing up along that section of the pike, and several housing developments are planned nearby.

"We are starting to experience an influx of development there," observed Kelly Kelch, assistant manager of Silver Spring Twp. "It's just spreading westward from Hampden Twp.

"There has been a ton of [housing] developments in the area of Woods Drive between Carlisle Pike and Silver Spring Road," Kelch added.

"It's zoned properly ... and it has large contiguous chunks of land, which is really hard to find. That's what makes it so attractive."

One of the latest examples of growth in the neighborhood is a 70-acre field on the south side of Carlisle Pike, between Hempt Road and Woods Drive. The Bobby Rahal Automotive Group and Ferris Land Development bought the land for $3.5 million on July 1 from an estate.

Next year, the dealership intends to relocate its Lexus and Toyota franchises to 20 acres there, company president Ron Ferris said. Currently, the franchises are on a stretch of the pike in Hampden Twp. The group already has Honda and Acura dealerships across the road.

Bobby Rahal was drawn to the area because it's "where all the growth is going," including 1,200 new homes planned over the next three years within about three miles, Ferris said.

The parcel, which was rezoned last year from agricultural to commercial, will allow the Rahal Toyota and Lexus dealerships to expand.

The new Toyota dealership alone will take up 15 acres, compared to its current 6.5-acre size in Hampden Twp., Ferris noted.

"Where do you get 15 acres on Carlisle Pike?" Ferris said, by way of explaining the move west.

Ferris Land Development is considering building a shopping center on the site's remaining 50 acres, he said.

The car company won't be lonely along that once largely agricultural stretch of the pike between Camp Hill and Carlisle.

Sun Motor Cars and Cumberland Valley Motors already have opened nearby, and Appalachian Harley-Davidson has a dealership under construction on about 10 acres adjacent to the Rahal site.

Spudmrg

Jul 11, 2005, 2:35 AM

Lancaster's view of the CorridorOne plans:

Train project not on track
CorridorOne, proposed Lancaster-Carlisle line, runs into money problems and one county’s roadblock.

By Helen Colwell Adams
Published: Jul 09, 2005 11:51 PM EST

LANCASTER COUNTY, PA - Two years ago, supporters of the CorridorOne regional rail line were hoping to see the first train leave the station by the end of this year.

Now it appears that won’t happen until early 2008, at the earliest.

And if the Cumberland County commissioners have their way, the whole project could be derailed.

John Ward, president of the Modern Transit Partnership, the agency overseeing CorridorOne, is still optimistic that the railroad can be built for $87 million, carrying riders from Lancaster to Harrisburg to Hampden Township in Cumberland County along the existing Amtrak line.

Preliminary engineering is expected to be completed in August.

But two snags could bottleneck CorridorOne.

The first is federal funding to construct the rail system. Congress still hasn’t reauthorized a transportation bill, and until that happens, CorridorOne’s money is in limbo.

The second, potentially fatal one revolves around opposition in Cumberland County.

Although county commissioners there can’t sidetrack the line alone, they continue to lobby federal and state lawmakers and local officials, arguing that the western leg of the system shouldn’t be built until ridership is tested on the Lancaster-to-Harrisburg segment.

Ward said the Federal Transit Administration has warned that if the line is truncated at the Susquehanna River, the whole planning and funding process would have to start from scratch, adding years to the timetable and no guarantees that the federal government would support a scaled-down model.

So far, rumblings on the western end of CorridorOne haven’t discouraged Lancaster County supporters, the most prominent of whom is Congressman Joe Pitts, R-16th District.

I don’t want to see (Route) 283 build another lane,” said Lancaster County Commissioner Chairman Dick Shellenberger.

Congestion solution?

CorridorOne, a project of Modern Transit Partnership and Harrisburg-based Capital Area Transit, envisions regional rail service on Amtrak’s existing line to ease growing congestion on local highways.

PennDOT expects annual average daily traffic loads on Route 283 at Route 741, for instance, to climb from 40,000 vehicles in 2000 to 74,000 by 2020.

Modern Transit Partnership projects ridership at 3,500 a day in the line’s first year of operation, 25 percent of those from Lancaster County. Trains would run every 20 minutes during rush hour, with ticket prices estimated at $3.50 from Lancaster to Harrisburg.

Amtrak charges $11 for the same route and offers less frequent service. An estimated 125 people ride Amtrak from Lancaster to Harrisburg daily.

The Cumberland County commissioners last year called for a three-year test of ridership on the Lancaster-to-Harrisburg segment before the line is extended across the river to the proposed Hampden/Sporting Hill station.

John Connolly, speaking on behalf of the commissioners, said a stop three miles away from Harrisburg may not generate the ridership level that Modern Transit Partnership predicts.

It’s just inconceivable to think someone’s going to get out of the car ... when they’re that close to their objective,” he said.

Cumberland commissioners don’t object to the Lancaster-to-Harrisburg piece, Connolly said.
But Ward said the Federal Transit Administration, at a recent meeting in Harrisburg, said the criteria used to approve CorridorOne were based on a regional line from Lancaster to Hampden Township, and if the scope of the project were reduced, the agency could ask that all federal money spent on the planning so far be repaid — more than $2 million.

All the studies done on the line since 1996 would have to be repeated, adding “years, not months” to the timeline.
Plus, the FTA was swayed in favor of CorridorOne partly because of its potential to reduce traffic bottlenecks crossing the Susquehanna. Without that segment, the government could decide the project isn’t worth funding, Ward said.

The Cumberland officials might not be able to stop CorridorOne, but if they convince some key funding sources to back off, the project could be in trouble.

“We see no indication that they will be impacting out federal funding,” Ward added.

He said the fact that Lancaster County officials, including the county commissioners, Pitts and some of the state legislative delegation, remain supportive of CorridorOne is “why we made the decision (that) we’re going to keep going with the original strategy.”

Proponents include state Reps. Roy Baldwin, R-97th District, and Dave Hickernell, R-98th District.
Cutting the Cumberland County leg “does make the plan somewhat less attractive,” said Hickernell, who represents western Lancaster County and bits of Dauphin County, but “if you look at Lancaster and Dauphin counties, I think it’s still a positive thing.”

Commissioner Shellenberger said all three Lancaster County commissioners still support CorridorOne: “Having said that, we need to find subsidies, big time.”

State Sen. Noah Wenger, R-36th District, isn’t on board yet, but he isn’t opposing CorridorOne either.
“I know it has its challenges,” he said, but “it has its possibilities.”

Funding snafus

The Cumberland commissioners’ letter-writing campaign hasn’t had much direct impact so far because funding for CorridorOne has been held up both in Washington and Harrisburg.

Federal funds have been earmarked for CorridorOne’s capital costs, now at $87 million, up from earlier estimates of $75.8 million. Modern Transit Partnership says it has $61.2 million in capital already secured.

Ward said the increase in construction costs comes partly from updating the estimates from 2002 dollars to present-day figures and partly from adding $7 million, the value of a Susquehanna River bridge that Modern Transit Partnership owns, to the total as matching funds.

The federal surface transportation act, which is up for reauthorization, includes the last $19 million needed for phase one of the rail line from Lancaster to Hampden Township and new money to begin work on extending the line from Hampden/Sporting Hill to Carlisle.

Pitts’ spokesman, Derek Karchner, said the reauthorization bill, dubbed the Transportation Equity Act — A Legacy for Users, or TEA-LU, is in a conference committee to resolve differences in the House and Senate versions.

The House bill provides $285 billion over five years, while the Senate proposed nearly $300 billion, “a number the House will oppose because of budget deficits and the need to raise taxes to pay for it,” Karchner said. “... Right now the compromise figure is around $288 billion and looks as though that might be what comes out of the conference committee.

“Until that happens, road and transit projects like CorridorOne or Route 30 are on hold pending approval of the new authorization.”

CorridorOne also needs money for its operating budget — at least $13.5 million in the first year and possibly as much as $20 million once the line extends to Carlisle, just for the rail line.

Modern Transit Partnership is seeking state aid for operating costs, although Ward said the money has not yet been allocated. Wenger said the rail line has to compete with advocates of road and bridge projects for limited state transportation dollars.

The Cumberland commissioners argue that state aid requires a “local match” in the area of 30 percent of the total budget, and they question where the local share is coming from.

Most local officials supporting CorridorOne have said they don’t want to have to provide money to run the trains.
“We have said there will be no local match (counties, boroughs or townships),” Ward replied. “We continue to state we will provide the operating subsidy by working with the state to get the money from them.”

CorridorOne is in preliminary engineering now; that is expected to be finished in August. If the FTA approves the preliminary work, the next step would be final design and then construction.

Ward said trains could be running from Lancaster to Harrisburg by the first quarter of 2008 and to Hampden/Sporting Hill by the end of 2009.

Considering traffic congestion and population growth, Hickernell said, “CorridorOne is still a viable alternative we need to look at.”

“It’s only going to get worse.”

Spudmrg

Jul 11, 2005, 2:38 AM

EastSideHBG

Jul 11, 2005, 9:28 PM

I really like the CorridorONE project and always have. No, it won't solve the traffic woes we have around here but it's a very good start IMO. I think this area REALLY needs rail service and by the time it gets really nasty around here a good rail service would be in place. HBG is very lucky in a sense because it has a clean slate, much like Charlotte, PHX, etc. Why not take advantage of that and do something at least? To have a new airport terminal and then add brand new rail service to many places on top of that, wow!!! IMO something that would be very attractive for the area...

Check this out. :) Living/working in the city everyday I can personally attest to the difference this has made. Keep up the good work HBG!!!

City speeds renovation with a war on blight

Monday, July 11, 2005
BY JOHN LUCIEW
Of The Patriot-News

It used to be someone's home.

Now the windows are boarded up, the grass is overgrown and the porch is rotted and sagging.

For neighbors, it's more than an eyesore.

Abandoned properties such as the row of five homes on the 2400 block of Harrisburg's North Sixth Street can be a magnet for trash dumpers, rodents and even drug dealers.

At the very worst, these blighted homes can be the source of fires that threaten lives and property.

It's no wonder that residents such as Joe Petrovitz of the 500 block of Seneca Street want such buildings taken down immediately.

"It's an epidemic," he said. "These buildings are used as flophouses for two-legged creatures, four-legged creatures -- any slithering thing."

About a month ago, Petrovitz took his complaints about the properties on North Sixth Street to City Council. This month, the heavy machinery rolled in and reduced the buildings to a pile of bricks and debris.

"I'm going to give credit where credit is due," Petrovitz said.

City officials said the quick response had nothing to do with Petrovitz's complaint. The timing was a coincidence.

The 2400 block of North Sixth Street, along with other condemned properties at Sixth and Seneca streets, the 1400 block of North Sixth Street, as well as 2326 and 2328 Jefferson St., and 408, 410 and 412 Woodbine St. are all to come down this quarter, city spokesman Randy King said.

The city maintains a list of about 240 condemned properties awaiting demolition, and it has been attacking the problem in a systematic way for decades.

In 2000, Mayor Stephen R. Reed stepped up the pace by hiring a demolition expert and forming a city crew to bring down the blighted buildings faster and more economically than hired contractors could.

The crew has knocked down 30 to 70 structures a year for $300,000 to $500,000 annually. Most of the money comes from federal grants.

"We're the only municipality in Pennsylvania in the demolition business," Reed said. "It's cheaper and faster."

Last year, 32 properties came down, many of them party-walled structures next to inhabited homes.

This year, 30 condemned structures have been razed, with about 30 more to be done before the end of the year, King said.

For residents, the transformation can be jarring, as long-standing dilapidated homes are reduced to rubble in days.

The destruction can look like the site of an explosion or a disaster, especially with abandoned clothes, furniture and appliances strewn amid crumbled bricks, splintered wood and broken glass.

In time, these sites can become housing or businesses, just as other once-blighted areas have been reclaimed, city officials said.

In Allison Hill, the scene of numerous demolitions several summers ago, town houses have been built and occupied.

King cited midtown's Capitol Heights residential development as a prime example of rebuilding a neighborhood by razing and reclaiming abandoned properties.

But the city's demolition crew can't work fast enough, especially to those who live next to a crumbling structure.

When fire swept through four row houses in the 1300 block of South 12th Street in May, some of the 15 residents displaced by the blaze blamed it on the two abandoned properties next to their dwellings. Someone had set fire to garbage near the rear stairwell of one of the vacant homes.

Reed said the city's demolition program couldn't have prevented the tragedy. The vacant house, although abandoned, wasn't in bad enough shape to be legally condemned.

"Those buildings were structurally sound," Reed said. "The fact that a property is vacant is not illegal."

Reed estimated there are 75 to 150 abandoned properties that are otherwise structurally sound and can't be condemned and demolished.

Reed said some will be bought or taken over and restored, either privately or by the city. The rest likely will deteriorate until they meet the legal qualifications to be condemned.

Condemning property is a long process that involves the fire department, codes office and the courts.

Reed said he sympathizes with residents who feel the pace of demolition isn't fast enough. But he said the root of the problem lies with neglectful property owners and absentee landlords.

"Everyone likes to blame the city," he said. "The real culprits are the property owners who abandon these properties and let them go."

Still, Harrisburg's demolition list of 240 properties is a far cry from when Reed took office in 1982. Then, nearly 6,000 structures were on the list.

Since then, thousands of buildings have come down and more than 4,000 residential units have been built to take their place, according to figures provided by the city.

Once the condemned properties are demolished, the city places liens on the deeds to the land to try and recover its costs.

Most often, the properties go to tax sales or are taken over by the city. That way, once-problem properties can be bundled with other land and sold to developers intent on building homes or creating the centerpiece of a redevelopment project.

Then, from the rubble, the seeds of a new neighborhood are planted.

wrightchr

Jul 11, 2005, 10:03 PM

As I've said before, I'm torn on the project, as it makes use of existing resources (the rail lines over the river), and allows a direct connection from DT Harrisburg to the airport. On the other hand, I admit to doubts on the success of the project, at least at removing daily commuting cartrips from PA-283 and the River bridges. The issue with the subsidy only worries me more. Any thoughts?

Not another dis-believer. so how are you torn over the project...that saves tax dollars by using existing resources, urges commuters to use alternative means of transit, and allows for a direct connect from the western suburbs to DT, airport, Lancaster, and eventually Hershey/Lebanon, etc. a direct connect that doesn’t rely on our current road/highway infrastructure that is plagued with congestion and mobility issues. CorridorOne is the only thing that makes sense to me. does widening I-83 for 1.5 billion or I-81 for nearly the same amount make as much sense? I’m torn over why my county commissioners have raised concerns over a project the public overwhelmingly supports. On top of that, they proposed a BRT system that would ultimately cost much more to construct and operate. People don’t want bus rapid transit, they are much more acceptable to using rail. If they would have done one simple google search they would realize that...lol. Quite frankly, they are idiots and should be voted out of office for trying to derail this project. My wife told me today how she sat in traffic for over an hour, just 2 miles from our apt on the west shore. Either we as the region’s populous get our act together and realize we need to invest in mass transit, like every other metro area or continue to pave over the countryside with asphalt.

The largest issue with the project is who will pay for it down the road. I feel that EVERYONE should pay for it. I’d much rather see my tax dollars go towards this or other infrastructure projects than raising them to give our legislatures another pay raise! Don’t laugh, it just happened again this past week. It should be mandated that any metro over a half million people should maintain some sort of legitimate and diversified mass transit system. And not just buses...that operate on the same congested highways as personal vehicles. Is it any wonder why we have bulit ourselves into these congestion problems? We did this to ourselves by listening to people like Bruce Barclay, Gary Eichelberger, and Rick Rovegno.

Spudmrg

Jul 11, 2005, 10:47 PM

My view of CorridorOne as of 7/11/05.....I'd be thankful for the help if people could add on Pros or Cons (through I presume the Con side will be under-represented ;))

Pros:
1. Uses existing (and underused) rail line/bridge.

2. Provides a cheaper alternative for the marginal benefit in the PA-283 corridor (Cost to transport the next person.....It looks cheaper to subsidize CorridorOne than to expand PA-283).

3. Saves people time on the PA-283 corridor.

4. Allows direct access from HIA/Middletown to the Harrisburg CBD, or to north Lancaster City, excellent for tourist use (or for residents of those places flying out).

Cons:

1. Fixed Location-There is no way to move a train line to a new place without building a new track. For multiple locations (like new housing starts), Buses allow a system (such as CAT) to add new stops, reduce ones with less demand, add more buses, etc. With a train line, you're stuck to that one line.

2. Cost- CorridorOne is proposing a $3.50 one-way ticket from Harrisburg to Lancaster. That price includes a subsidy. Subsidies for one (relatively) small rail line may not be constant, see the current SEPTA and PAT problems. Even at that price, keeping your car(and all of the mobility it brings) for the same trip could equal the same amount, depending on your car and the gas prices.

3. Park and Ride- The Cumb. Co. Commisioners have a point when they point out that parking your car a few miles before you reach 'da burg to ride (and pay) the train may have few takers. Does anyone have stats on how many people use Park and Ride with CAT now?

4. Operating Cost- With a train, you pay the same for the fuel and labor costs if you have 100 passengers or just empty air. At least with Buses, you arn't hauling several hundred tons of metal around.

Conclusion:
I support CorridorOne, but these are the concerns I have with it. I am not a NIMBY, but these are the same questions that have already been used against CorridorOne. Comments anyone?

PS-edit-The proposed Bus Rapid Transit has the same drawbacks and fewer advantages, I am refering to normal Bus usage (as CAT does now) in my post.

wrightchr

Jul 13, 2005, 12:03 AM

My view of CorridorOne as of 7/11/05.....I'd be thankful for the help if people could add on Pros or Cons (through I presume the Con side will be under-represented ;))

Pros:
1. Uses existing (and underused) rail line/bridge.

the cumberland valley railroad bridge cross directly over city island and is adjacent to the new 3 level parking garage, which is intended to support a platform for the new station. the city island station will most likely become one of the busiest being situated near commerce bank park, skyline sports complex, marinas, and other attractions. the PA sports hall of fame has been proposed for construction on city island as well, which will draw more tourists.

2. Provides a cheaper alternative for the marginal benefit in the PA-283 corridor (Cost to transport the next person.....It looks cheaper to subsidize CorridorOne than to expand PA-283).
the real PRO here is that it will provide alternative transit and stimulate alternative commuting paterns not only between Lancaster and Harrisburg, but between Lancaster and Philly as well. SEPTA is proposing a link from its R5 Lansdale/Doylestown regional rail line to link with CorridorOne in Lancaster. in effect, the linking of these two regional rail lines (with further development) could create one of the largest and most comprehensive mass transit systems in the nation/world. it would allow commuters the option of picking up a train on the hour and ride it continuously between Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philly, NYC, delaware, NJ suburbs, etc. Amtrak can't compete with subsidised commuter and regional rail on this scale. Amtrak is in the long haul business...intercity rail.

3. Saves people time on the PA-283 corridor.

commuter rail adjacent to 283 will reduce congestion marginally, but it's greatest impact will be economic development along the same corridor. rail will spur more infill development in Elizabethtown, Mt Joy, Lancaster, etc. economic development is the biggest PRO to building such a system.

4. Allows direct access from HIA/Middletown to the Harrisburg CBD, or to north Lancaster City, excellent for tourist use (or for residents of those places flying out).
linking HIA to rest of the region via rail is one of the best aspects of this project. even airports much larger than HIA still do not suppliment terminals with rail access to adjacent CBD's. CorridorOne has this benefit...one that has the capability to attract more business to the airport.

Cons:

1. Fixed Location-There is no way to move a train line to a new place without building a new track. For multiple locations (like new housing starts), Buses allow a system (such as CAT) to add new stops, reduce ones with less demand, add more buses, etc. With a train line, you're stuck to that one line. [quote]

the fixed location is perfect for this project. the right-of-way is already established and much easier to construct than similarly proposed systems around the nation. NJ transit recently spent over 1 billion building a 35 mile line linking Camden and Trenton. the fact that rail only allows trains to move from point A to point B isn't a disavantage, it's only a disadvantage if you have to build it from the ground up. in the Harrisburg area, there are many abandoned lines, bridges, etc. left over from the regions historic coal, steel, manufacturing past. the infrastrcture is there for the taking...and much cheaper than starting from stratch. trains alone will not draw commuters. bus routes will need to be reconfigured to suppliment regional rail.

[quote]2. Cost- CorridorOne is proposing a $3.50 one-way ticket from Harrisburg to Lancaster. That price includes a subsidy. Subsidies for one (relatively) small rail line may not be constant, see the current SEPTA and PAT problems. Even at that price, keeping your car(and all of the mobility it brings) for the same trip could equal the same amount, depending on your car and the gas prices.

the subsidies for this line are relatively in line with similar ones on SEPTA and PAT. the main advantage that people forget is that many commuters will be willing to pay the fee to avoid congestion, accidents, delays, and parking woes. not to mention the price of gas and mainting a vehicle. the line will draw it's regulars...and suppliment 283, which is what it is intended for.

3. Park and Ride- The Cumb. Co. Commisioners have a point when they point out that parking your car a few miles before you reach 'da burg to ride (and pay) the train may have few takers. Does anyone have stats on how many people use Park and Ride with CAT now?

i disagree. they don't have a point. you can't compare park and ride stats with buses verses trains. people are discouraged from using buses, because it's unattractive and unreliable. buses use the same infrastructure as cars/trucks. why would i park my vehicle outside the city in the suburbs and ride a bus on the same congested highways i'm trying to avoid in the first place. trains are much more reliable and are percieved to be much more reliable by the public. plus, many of the park and ride lots at the far reaches of the region don't even maintain bus service, even though they did at one time. the've become car-pool lots. driving, even a few minutes to a station and riding a train has it's advantages...very different from tradtional busing. CAT know's this...it's been implimented by other mass transit agencies worldwide...and it works quite effectively.

4. Operating Cost- With a train, you pay the same for the fuel and labor costs if you have 100 passengers or just empty air. At least with Buses, you arn't hauling several hundred tons of metal around.

not true. the cost of operating trains is much cheaper than operating BRT. granted it is more espesive to operate CorridorOne than by simply adding more buses but adding more traditional buses to the road network will not help things. the whole idea here is to reduce congestion by stimulating people to use alternative means of transit...ie: regional rail. buses will still be needed to suppliment trains, but the overall cost/benefit will be much more reasonable and the system will be capable of handling many more commuters. buses can't do that alone.

Conclusion:
I support CorridorOne, but these are the concerns I have with it. I am not a NIMBY, but these are the same questions that have already been used against CorridorOne. Comments anyone?

PS-edit-The proposed Bus Rapid Transit has the same drawbacks and fewer advantages, I am refering to normal Bus usage (as CAT does now) in my post.

i'm glad your a supporter. the overall impact of this project goes far beyond what many people realize. the rail system will spur an incredible amount of economic development and infill development. it will entice people to use alternative means and hopefully improve our walkable towns and cities by building many others. South Central PA maintains nearly 1.6 million people. it's time we seriously consider doing something unique and progressive to preserve our conservative and historic heritage. this project is a blend of both worlds as i see it. i happen to be a fanatic though...the extreme of promoting it. i'm willing to pay for it, even if it means raising taxes to do so. i realize not everyone feels that way. once this project takes off and is up and running, i feel that regional rail will draw more supporters.

EastSideHBG

Jul 14, 2005, 3:13 AM

City pool may take dive for planned courthouse

Wednesday, July 13, 2005
BY BILL SULON
Of The Patriot-News

If the Jackson-Lick Apartments are torn down to make room for a federal courthouse, the nearby city-owned public pool may have to be demolished as well, government officials said.

The apartment buildings at North Sixth Street in Harrisburg are on one of three sites the federal government has proposed for a courthouse. And while a decision is months away, the government is leaning toward the North Sixth Street property, city officials said.

If that site is chosen, "our assumption is that [the pool] would be demolished and relocated," city spokesman Randy King said. "We can't imagine they'd want a public swimming pool within a secure-zone area."

The pool may have to go if the Jackson-Lick site is selected, said Gina Blyther-Gilliam, spokeswoman for the U.S. General Services Administration, which is overseeing the court relocation process.

"We have not yet studied the impact of having a pool located outside of the minimum setback requirement of 50 feet," Blyther-Gilliam said.

If the pool is demolished, the city said it would build a replacement. And a replacement pool is the only viable remedy if the existing pool is removed, city residents and officials said yesterday.

"If they replaced it, it wouldn't bother me as long as the new pool is in the same vicinity," said Jacob Williams as he led 30 children from the Steel School's summer program bus to the pool yesterday.

Daniel Veney, director of the New Possibilities program for potentially delinquent boys and a lifelong city resident, said failure to replace the pool would result in one less constructive activity for city youths.

"This pool is very important," said Veney, 31. "It's been a mainstay for the community for as long as I've been here. It's a place where kids can go for four to five hours a day to stay out of trouble."

Removing the pool "wouldn't be a bad thing," King said. He said the annual maintenance costs of a replacement pool would be significantly less than the $50,000 the city spends each year to operate the existing pool.

The pool, one of two owned and operated by the city, was built in the 1960s and regularly needs repairs, King said.

If the government required demolition of the pool, the city would apply for federal grants to build a replacement pool at an estimated cost of $1 million to $1.5 million. The city also would need three to five acres for a replacement pool.

King said he has heard from several residents and officials who assumed the pool was at risk of being demolished if the apartment buildings are cleared for a new courthouse. The existing courthouse is at Third and Walnut streets.

Each summer the pool attracts 15,000 customers -- many of them repeat visitors. Another 5,000 people go to the pool each September when the city uses the site for a fishing derby.

Annual membership fees range from $10 to $25 for individuals and $150 for groups of 25 or more.

Federal officials said a new courthouse, which would cost an estimated $102 million, is needed because of security, space and maintenance concerns at the existing courthouse.

About 140 mostly low-income residents would be relocated, at the government's expense, if the apartments are torn down.

In addition to the Jackson-Lick site, the General Services Administration is considering two other tracts: one along North Third Street across from The State Museum, and the other at North Sixth Street, north of Forster Street.

PUBLIC HEARINGS The General Services Administration will hold public hearings on the three proposed federal courthouse sites at 1 and 6 p.m. on Thursday at the Hilton Harrisburg & Towers on Second Street in Harrisburg.

EastSideHBG

Jul 14, 2005, 7:02 PM

HARRISBURG

COURT PROTEST
Residents rally against site selection
Thursday, July 14, 2005
BY JOHN-MICHAEL STERN
Of The Patriot-News

Steve Kowalski, 70, spent last night standing on the curb of North and Third Streets, waving a yellow sign: "A courthouse is not a home."

He said he is also considering draping a large white bed sheet over his home with the message: "The government takes my taxes. Now they want to steal my house."

"I love this neighborhood," Kowalski said. "I want to live here until I die."

Kowalski was taking part in a rally organized by Capitol Area Neighbors to protest the construction of a federal courthouse that could be built along North Third Street near The State Museum. It is one of three sites in the city that the U.S. General Services Administration is considering for the courthouse.

The Third Street location is the smallest of the three, but it contains several restored historic homes and restaurants, including Mangia Qui and Roxy's.

The other two sites are the Jackson-Lick apartment buildings on North Sixth Street and the Cumberland Apartments, also along North Sixth Street, north of Forster Street.

Harrisburg Mayor Stephen R. Reed has said the North Third Street site is the least likely to be picked. But Kowalski isn't so sure. He said this historic area could be the site of the courthouse.

"It's in the same location as the [state] Capitol and the [current] courthouse," he said.

Residents and other locals at a booth at the rally signed petitions against the proposal or pledged their attendance at any of three hearings today.

Bill Allis, another member of Capitol Area Neighbors, said that if the courthouse were placed in the neighborhood, it "would be devastating to the community."

The proposed courthouse would displace 46 houses and businesses within the federally protected National Historic District.

"I frankly don't understand why they would have selected this site," he said. "The two other sites have not been identified with those types of preservation protections."

"It's a disgrace that we're even considering this," said Joe Lucia, 60, of Harrisburg, another resident of the neighborhood. "The only people who would win here are the judges themselves."

Of the three options, Reed has said the Jackson-Lick complex would be the best, since the property is tax-exempt and would result in the loss of no tax dollars to the city or the school district.

Federal officials say the courthouse is needed because of security, space and maintenance concerns at the existing courthouse. The courthouse would cost about $102 million, federal officials have said.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

WHAT: The General Services Administration will hold hearings on the three proposed federal courthouse sites. WHEN: Today. WHERE: The first hearing begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Hamilton School Gymnasium, 1701 N. Sixth St., Harrisburg. The other two hearings take place at 1 and 6 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg & Towers on Second Street in Harrisburg.

wrightchr

Jul 15, 2005, 2:57 AM

i don't know what to think about the new federal building/courthouse project anymore. it just doesn't sound great...with the site selection process taking it out of DT. it would help if the GSA had some engineering/architecture renderings of what they are considering to build in the place of the buildings/neighborhoods they plan to knock down.

wrightchr

Jul 15, 2005, 3:05 AM

Parking change approved for facility
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
BY MEGAN WALDE
Of The Patriot-News
The Derry Twp. board building a $12 million transportation center in downtown Hershey has revised its plans.

Rather than build a multi-level parking facility on the site of the former Hershey Laundry building, the Derry Twp. Industrial and Commercial Development Authority now plans single-level parking on the foundation of the former laundry, with additional spaces to be built west and south of the site.

The board of supervisors approved the revised plan last night. Bid opening is set for tomorrow.

The interim phase, to begin after work on a two-level parking facility east of the former laundry is finished, is not expected to change the fall 2006 completion date for the overall project.

The timing of the interim work meets the requirements of a federal grant being used to help pay for the project. The Federal Transit Authority gave the development authority $3.2 million with the stipulation it be used for the portion of the project that includes a bus station along Park Boulevard and a pedestrian-bridge link to parking areas. That phase of the work had not been scheduled to begin until next year.

The work will provide needed utility and road access for the bus station, said township supervisor August "Skip" Memmi, who also is a member of the development authority.

"We couldn't wait until build-out on the parking because we have to put the FTA money toward the transit [bus station] portion," he said.

The transportation center eventually could serve as a hub for commuter rail lines, trolley lines or a monorail.

The project complements renovations to the former Poser's department store next door. Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Co. is doing that work in connection with the redevelopment of several blocks along Chocolate Avenue.

The company will move its corporate headquarters to the top two floors and rent the first floor to service and retail companies. The first phase of the authority's project includes 250 parking spaces that will be used primarily by Hershey Entertainment employees.

MEGAN WALDE: 255-8454 or mwalde@patriot-news.com

EastSideHBG

Jul 15, 2005, 10:16 PM

Proposals for federal courthouse met with questions and skepticism

Friday, July 15, 2005
BY FORD TURNER
Of The Patriot-News

Open dialogue and sneaking suspicions existed side by side yesterday as citizens and government officials discussed plans for a new federal courthouse in Harrisburg.

Residents and business owners spoke with the feds at three sessions. Two were held at the Hilton Harrisburg & Towers, and one at Hamilton Elementary School.

"I think the big problem with everyone is that we don't trust the federal government," said Robert Deibler, co-owner of a business close to one of the three sites on the government's short list.

"We think that they have already chosen a site," he said, "and they are simply making you feel good by being here."

The three possible building sites are at Third and Forster streets, Sixth and Verbeke streets, and Sixth and Basin streets. They were the result of a process that winnowed down a list of more than 20 sites in the city, said Gina Gilliam, a spokeswoman for the federal General Services Administration.

She said the government probably will pick one of the three by the end of the year.

The 263,000-square-foot courthouse will have eight courtrooms and space for nonjudicial federal offices. It could be eight to 14 stories tall.

Yesterday's sessions, hosted by the GSA, were called "public scoping meetings." Members of the public watched a video on the site-selection process and circulated among stations where workers answered questions about topics such as environmental assessment, historic preservation and the project's schedule.

Some expected a public hearing similar to those schools boards often conduct when planning buildings.

"I was disappointed. I was looking to stand up and talk," said Marion Walker, 87. She has lived for more than 20 years in the Jackson-Lick Apartments, which would be torn down under one of the three scenarios.

Walker attended the session at Hamilton school. Maps and fact sheets were placed on easels scattered around the floor, and federal workers stood by, ready to answer questions.

Although there was no opportunity to speak publicly, residents could put opinions in a public comment box. Gilliam said the format meant people would not have to wait in line to ask questions.

She said a public meeting is scheduled for later in the process, but a format has not been chosen.

"I don't agree with their selections," said Joe Lucia, who has lives in a 130-year-old townhouse near Third and Forster street, "but at least they are giving the community a chance to comment on their sites."

A Quaker meetinghouse at Sixth and Herr streets and the Cumberland Court Apartments, with about 108 mostly subsidized housing units, would be torn down under the Sixth and Verbeke scenario.

"None of the sites are any good," said Carter Nash, a member of the Religious Society of Friends, which owns the meetinghouse. "I am distressed they are considering the meetinghouse."

Kim Pry, a midtown resident whose church runs a ministry at Cumberland Court, said, "They should pick a site where there is land and no displacement of people."

Wilmer Henninger, a retired state worker, lives on North Third Street, close to one of the short-list sites.

"What they haven't come out with is explaining the process by which they've come to these three alternates," Henninger said.

City engineer Joe Link said federal officials are being "noncommittal" at this point in the process, as he expected they would be. Link said parking would be an issue, no matter which site was chosen.

"There are going to be 40 spaces in the lot," he said, "and several hundred people working in the building."

EastSideHBG

Jul 15, 2005, 10:17 PM

ARE THEY BITIN'?

Bass Pro Shops lures fewer shoppers than some mall retailers anticipated

Friday, July 15, 2005
BY ELLEN LYON
Of The Patriot-News

Some retailers at Harrisburg Mall say the new Bass Pro Shops store has increased mall traffic, but not as much as they had hoped.

Shopper traffic is up "somewhat," especially on weekends, but "not as much as we were led to believe," said Marty Stuckey, manager of Snowden's Hallmark, which is near Bass Pro Shops.

When Bass Pro Shops opened its 225,000-square- foot store last November, the outdoor outfitter boasted that its stores typically draw 3 million shoppers a year. Company spokesman Larry Whiteley said yesterday that he didn't have traffic numbers for the Harrisburg store.

However, he indicated that the numbers were below expectations but improving.

"We're not unhappy with the traffic. It's not where we thought it would be at this time," Whiteley said. "It's building to where we thought it would be."

Whiteley said the economy is affecting all retailers.

Larry Feldman of Feldman Mall Properties Inc., which owns the mall, said tenants weren't given specific forecasts of how much traffic and sales to expect from the Bass Pro Shops opening.

And, he noted, "there's always a ramp-up period" for new stores.

Since the arrival of Bass Pro Shops, Feldman said, there has been "a significant uptick in traffic," with some shoppers traveling up to two hours to visit the mall in Swatara Twp.

"We are seeing a lot more out-of-town people showing up at the mall," agreed Stuckey, of Snowden's Hallmark.

Waldenbooks, on the other end of the mall, has seen some traffic from Bass Pro Shops, "but not a terrible increase," said Patty Wachter, store manager.

Rob Heck, an employee at Novelties -- which sells swords, knives, flags, incense, body jewelry and other novelties -- said he thinks many Bass Pro Shops and Boscov's shoppers enter and leave through the doors at those stores without visiting the rest of the mall. Boscov's also opened a store in the mall last year.

In the first quarter of this year, which included an early Easter, sales at mall stores open for at least a year were 31 percent higher than in the same quarter last year, according to Feldman.

Sales are up year over year in excess of the inflation rate, and "that's a positive trend," he said. "We're pleased with the numbers."

Feldman said the mall owner always knew another phase of renovations and additions would be necessary to get the mall to where they want it.

Last month, the owner announced plans for a $20 million addition to include a few more stores, at least one restaurant and a 12- to 14-screen movie theater.

Stuckey isn't sure how much a cinema will boost sales at the mall. "It might help the evening traffic somewhat," she said. "What I hear is the theaters that are here are struggling to fill their seats."

But Wachter of Waldenbooks noted that none of the area's existing theaters are close to the mall, "so that might be a plus."

EastSideHBG

Jul 15, 2005, 10:19 PM

HIA fights property war

Thursday, July 14, 2005
BY ELLEN LYON
Of The Patriot-News

Harrisburg International Airport has fired back in the public relations war being waged by Stanford Cramer to save his Cramer Airport Parking property from eminent domain proceedings initiated by HIA.

About 10 days ago, airport employees began handing out fliers to patrons of HIA's parking facilities, airport spokesman Scott Miller said.

The fliers say HIA began negotiating with Cramer last year and offered him the property's appraised value of $1.57 million, a short-term lease for adjacent property to continue his business and moving expenses.

But Cramer wanted between $6 million and $8 million for the property, so HIA moved forward with eminent domain proceedings "because the difference in price was too large to be negotiated," according to the flier.

The airport needs Cramer's land, which has railroad and runway access, to "upgrade the airport's air-freight and corporate aviation facilities," the flier says.

HIA paid about $800 to print 15,000 copies of the flier, Miller said.

In television and radio interviews and a newspaper ad, Cramer has accused HIA of trying to put a parking competitor out of business, a charge the airport denies.

Cramer also sent a direct mailing to about 18,000 people and encourages visitors to his Web site --www.cramerairportparking.com -- to send HIA e-mails opposing the taking.

Cramer claims the HIA flier is filled with "misinformation." For example, the $6 million to $8 million asking price attributed to him came from a property value estimate from his appraiser, he said.

The airport's $1.57 million appraisal doesn't include the value of Cramer's business, according to a "reaction" to the flier put out by The Bravo Group, a public relations firm representing Cramer.

wrightchr

Jul 16, 2005, 12:17 AM

CARROLL TWP.
Township delays decision on Wal-Mart

Friday, July 15, 2005
BY T.W. BURGER
Of Our Dillsburg Bureau

DILLSBURG - Carroll Twp.'s planning commission voted last night to table action on plans for a shopping center that could bring another Wal-Mart Supercenter to the Harrisburg area by this time next year.

The move was made at the request of Lobar Associates of Dillsburg, the company that plans to build South Mountain Commons on 250 acres at routes 74 and 15, just north of Dillsburg.

The company wants more time to deal with issues raised by the township regarding the preliminary plan.

Lobar's plans include a 179,000-square-foot Wal-Mart, a 94,000-square-foot Lowe's, several restaurants, a gas station and a traffic light on Route 15 to accommodate the rerouting of Route 74 through the complex.

Lobar's first plan was denied in April because of a long list of comments and questions from Mark Hilson, the township engineer.

A difference in the new plan is the alignment of Route 74, which would be routed north through roughly the center of the South Mountain Commons site, meeting Route 15 north of the present intersection. The new plan has the roadway missing most of 11 acres of wetlands.

The old Route 74 roadway would remain in use, but the existing intersection with Route 15 would become right-turn-only.

The township's deadline for a decision on the project is in October. Lobar hopes to break ground in March or April.

T.W. BURGER: 432-8374 or tburger@patriot-news.com

wrightchr

Jul 16, 2005, 12:32 AM

State building's openness to be modified for privacy

Wednesday, July 13, 2005
BY SHIRA R. TOEPLITZ
For The Patriot-News

The Commonwealth Keystone Building is only 4 years old, but it is about to get a small face-lift.

The state building, completed in 2001, will undergo $113,000 in renovations over the next two months to build private offices for six high-level officials. Currently, the state Department of Transportation's executive offices on the eighth floor are cubicles within earshot of the entire floor.

"[Executives] really have no chance to talk about things they need to talk about without other people hearing it," PennDOT spokesman Kirk Wilson said.

The new soundproof offices will be built up from cubicle partitions already in place, giving high-level officials more privacy to discuss sensitive topics, such as personnel issues. Administrators are using communal conference rooms for private meetings and phone calls.

The enclosed offices are intended for Transportation Secretary Allen Biehler, four deputy secretaries and the chief engineer. ECI Construction is scheduled to start work in early September, but employees can expect some minor work over the coming weeks.

Some of the building's personnel said they are disappointed the planners didn't get it right the first time and now the state must spend more money to remodel the offices.

The Keystone building, on the corner of Commonwealth Avenue and North Street, cost taxpayers more than $200 million to build. It also houses the Public Utility Commission, the Department of Community and Economic Development, and the Historical and Museum Commission, all of which already have private offices for their executives.

"It's a personal judgment thing I guess. For me, I like the openness because I felt like I was a little more in touch with people and what was going on," said former PennDOT Secretary Brad Mallory, who advocated for the open office space concept at the time it was constructed.

Mallory also said his two goals in the building's design concept were to move natural light throughout the floor and increase communication between coworkers.

"That may have worked for them," said Department of General Services spokesman Frank Kane. "But as our management has been in there now for a few years, they have identified that the open space concept doesn't work for them. And in assessing their needs, they have determined that this will work better for them."

State employees say office set-up isn't the only problem with the building. They say parking is inadequate and the atrium, which extends the height of the building and is often used for receptions, is an inefficient use of open space.

"Do you know how many cars you could park in there?" one employee said of the atrium.

Bohlin Cywinksi Jackson, based in Philadelphia, and Hayes Large Architects of Altoona designed the building under former Gov. Tom Ridge's administration after the former Transportation and Safety Building was destroyed by a fire in 1994.

Randy Reid, the project leader for Bohlin Cywinksi Jackson, said the state wanted a structure with a flexible floor design and lots of natural lighting to cut down on energy costs and improve the environment.

The building won three awards for its design, including the 2001 Merit Award from the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

"From a design point of view, they wanted a building that would fit into the fabric of the surrounding sites and the historical Capitol Complex, without upstaging the Capitol building," Reid said. "They wanted it to seem like it had always been there."

SHIRA R. TOEPLITZ: 783-5196 or plcaintern@patriot-news.com

EastSideHBG

Jul 17, 2005, 2:40 PM

Revelers brave storms to attend BackYard Bash

Sunday, July 17, 2005
BY JOHN-MICHAEL STERN
Of The Patriot-News

Despite the menace of scattered thunderstorms throughout the day, droves of partygoers still hit downtown Harrisburg last night for the 18th BackYard Bash.

The 21-and-over crowd came to the bash to help raise money for charities, down some beer and grilled food and to soak up the feel of the tropics.

The "Blue Hawaii"-themed bash kicked off at 8 p.m. with the classic rock band, The Luv Gods, followed by the funk-driven Impact Band at 9 p.m.

Like many of those at the bash, Jake Miller of Bethlehem wore a flower lei over his shoulder.

The concept of the bash is simple in his eyes.

"Get some booze, get some food. It's just to have a good time," he said. "We'll be the life of the party. You got to make it fun. The party is the party. The people make it fun."

J.L. Cox, Impact Band drummer and business manager, believes the bash unites the community.

"I think it brings a lot of people downtown who don't necessarily" come otherwise, he said "It has a very unified effect."

Organized by the Allied Arts Fund and BackYard Benefits Inc., the bash has raised close to $250,000 over the years to help local children's organizations, said Jan Prosseda, bash co-founder.

The bash, once a private backyard party, has evolved into a street phenomenon with turnouts as large as 4,000 people.

Leslie Amoros, who works at Allied Arts Fund, predicted the night's count was likely less, given the muggy weather.

"I would be surprised if there's that many," she said.

Six downtown restaurants -- Fisaga, The Brick Haus, McGrath's Pub, Scott's Grille, Stock's on 2nd and Zia's Trattoria -- served up hot dogs, hamburgers, pasta and other food, which were included with the $30-at-the-door ticket price.

******

Lancaster area has some of the nation's worst summer traffic. (http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1121592101113900.xml&coll=1)

******

REAL ESTATE

Housing strong in Lebanon County
Sunday, July 17, 2005
BY ELLEN LYON
Of The Patriot-News

In Lebanon County, sales of new homes are doing "very well," but the market for existing houses is tough because of low inventory, according to Holly Krall, broker for Century 21 Krall in North Cornwall Twp.

New developments are cropping up in the Jonestown area, in South Lebanon Twp. and throughout the county, she said.

The county issued 390 building permits for single-family houses last year, compared to 465 in 2003.

Although the market in Lebanon city is always a bit slower, "it remains strong and steady," Krall said.

She estimates that the county has seen double-digit appreciation in housing prices over the last two years.

The average sale price in the first quarter has actually fluctuated somewhat over the last three years, according to figures provided by Keystone MLS Network Inc., which is a listing of houses for sale by Realtors in the county.

The average sale price in the first quarter of 2003 was $119,329, according to Keystone MLS. It rose to $138,929 in the first quarter of 2004, but dropped to $132,582 in the first quarter of this year.

Overall, migration into the county from Lancaster County, the Harrisburg area and even Philadelphia has helped push up prices, Krall said.

As for real estate taxes, residents in Lebanon city, West Lebanon Twp. and Mount Gretna pay the most, and residents of North Annville Twp., South Annville Twp. and Cleona pay the least.

EastSideHBG

Jul 19, 2005, 11:37 PM

Squeezed by development, Charles Fleming staunchly defends his island of tranquility

Tuesday, July 19, 2005
BY FORD TURNER
Of The Patriot-News

No way is Charles Fleming going to allow his Lower Paxton Twp. island to be flooded by the sea around it.

His home of 45 years has a yard shaded by pear, apple and locust trees and sweetened by memories of family. It stands alone amid a sea of asphalt and capitalism.

His neighbors, once woods, farm fields and single-family homes, are Lowe's and Big Lots, McDonald's, Wendy's and Rita's, Fox's supermarket and the Comfort Inn.

Fleming has said "no," again and again to developers who have eyed his property of slightly less than an acre, near the Union Deposit Road exit of I-83.

"I plan to stay here until they plant me or put me in a nursing home. ... This is my little island. My little piece of the world," Fleming said.

But Fleming and people like him -- homeowners who have held on as commercial projects swallow land around them -- might be more threatened than ever.

A U.S. Supreme Court ruling last month is viewed by some as a victory for local governments that might seek to seize private land by eminent domain to benefit a commercial project.

"It's a disgrace," Fleming said of the ruling.

He fixed planes and helicopters for the federal government for 30-plus years. He earned his property, he said, and no eminent-domain decision for private gain should be able to take it away.

"They want to come in here and take this from me, just because somebody wants to sell it to somebody else?" Fleming said. "That isn't right."

The Supreme Court's 5-4 decision came in a case in which Connecticut homeowners were fighting a city's efforts to raze their homes to make way for private development. Justice Sandra Day O'Connor wrote in the dissenting opinion, "Any property may now be taken for the benefit of another private party."

Annadean Anderson, whose Susquehanna Twp. home is sandwiched amid businesses and offices, also knows of the ruling.

"I don't think it's a good thing," she said.

She lives with a roommate, Richard Reinard Jr., in a small house owned by Richard Reinard Sr., 81. The retired steel worker has Alzheimer's disease. His son and Anderson take care of him in the home on Linglestown Road near Oakhurst Boulevard.

"When he first moved out here, there was nothing. It was all woods," Anderson said.

Now, Associated Cardiologists is next door. Oakhurst Shopping Center is across the street, and Widener University School of Law is a short drive away on North Progress Avenue.

The elder Reinard, Anderson said, refused an offer from the developer of the cardiologists' office to buy his property.

In the wake of the Supreme Court decision, she isn't sure he would be able to say no anymore.

"He has worked all his life for this, and they can just come in and take it from him," Anderson said.

But some people familiar with the workings of eminent domain think the Supreme Court decision will have little impact in central Pennsylvania. The decision, they said, merely reaffirmed existing law. It did not create new opportunities.

"Townships typically don't do redevelopment," said Lower Paxton Twp. manager George Wolfe. "Our need to take land for redevelopment purposes is almost nonexistent."

Carlos A. Ball, who teaches property and land-use courses at The Dickinson School of Law, said, "I don't think this judicial opinion tells us very much more other than what governments already have been doing."

Christopher Houston, solicitor for the Cumberland County Redevelopment Authority, said the high court decision would make it easier for "responsible development" to occur.

But, he said, the authority is not in the business of trying to help developers. The rare occasions when it uses eminent domain, he said, typically involve blighted property.

"I don't think it is going to have much of an impact here," Houston said.

Nelson Berlin, a Silver Spring Twp. homeowner who retired from the state Department of Corrections, could not say if he thought that the Supreme Court decision would change things.

But Berlin, whose home is a short distance from the high-traffic intersection of the Carlisle Pike and Route 114, said he didn't like the sound of it.

"Just the basic idea that the government can take your land for private development is wrong," he said.

Sue Donson, a real estate specialist whose Silver Spring home is close to Route 114, thinks a road-widening project might require her to surrender a piece of her front yard. That, she said, would be a legitimate use of eminent domain.

"I'm not going to like it," she said. "But that's the way things happen."

Taking her land for a mall, though, would be a different matter.

"I really don't believe, that for private development, it should be allowed," Donson said. "Find another location."

Houston, the redevelopment authority solicitor, said government officials in the midstate would be leery of any eminent-domain proposal that would take someone's home.

"They are politicians, and it is not a politically attractive decision that they would make," he said.

Fleming, living on his self-described island in a sea of development, said he thinks politicians would sacrifice his house.

"Sure they would," he said. "If the law says they can do this under eminent domain, sure they would."

EastSideHBG

Jul 19, 2005, 11:39 PM

Music will likely play on outside downtown bars

No complaints lodged at LCB hearing on noise restrictions

Tuesday, July 19, 2005
BY JACK SHERZER
Of The Patriot-News

It's a virtual lock that the beat will go on for at least two more years on Harrisburg's "Restaurant Row" on North Second Street.

No members of the public attended a hearing yesterday on the city's request to continue to exempt downtown bars and restaurants from state restrictions on outdoor music, at least for a two-year extension.

"[Outdoor music in] the sidewalk cafes that have been opened downtown in the last five years has been an integral part of the downtown revitalization as a place of entertainment," said Craig Dietz, the assistant city solicitor handing the request before state Liquor Control Board hearing examiner Thomas R. Miller.

The board should announce its decision on the request by early August, Miller said.

Establishments that have liquor licenses usually are not allowed to have music audible outside, but the state has granted Harrisburg's requests to relax the rule in the downtown entertainment area each of the past two years.

Instead, city police enforce a Harrisburg ordinance allowing music to be heard up to 50 feet from an establishment.

EastSideHBG

Jul 19, 2005, 11:40 PM

And it's so funny, we see stories like this...:

Village to include 200 homes

Density too high for Carroll Twp. site, commission says
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
BY T.W. BURGER
Of Our Dillsburg Bureau

DILLSBURG - A Maryland development company is proposing to put more than 200 town houses on 30 acres of rolling hills and cornfields in Carroll Twp.

The Village at South Mountain is planned for a site along Logan Road in the township.

A sketch plan, the first step in the permitting process, was presented to the planning commission Thursday.

Craig Bachik of Kairos Design Group in Lemoyne told the planning commission that Powers Homes plans to put 230 town houses on the site in a type of traditional neighborhood development, or TND. TNDs typically involve several types of residences along with small retail businesses. Bachik said the site was too small to allow for the retail component.

Home prices are projected at $250,000 to $300,000, Bachik said.

Members of the commission told Bachik that the density of homes on the available space was too high.

"The commission told the developer that they needed a mix of homes, not just town homes," said Dianne Price, Carroll Twp. manager.

The Village at South Mountain is across Logan Road from the regional Logan Park recreational area and another residential development, Logan Meadows, which is owned by Altieri Homes, based in Columbia, Md. Logan Meadows will contain 165 single-family homes and town homes.

Altieri is putting in streets and other infrastructure construction, but actual home construction will have to wait until the Dillsburg Area Authority builds a wastewater pumping station in the area.

That project should be finished late this year or early next, DAA officials have said.

*******

...yet still see crap like this too. :rolleyes:

Chamber again says no to project

Tuesday, July 19, 2005
From staff reports

The board of directors of the West Shore Chamber of Commerce has reaffirmed its opposition to the Corridor One regional rail project.

The board, which took the action at a meeting last week on the recommendation of the chamber's transportation committee, said the project has been poorly planned and is not financially viable.

The board, which reviewed the most recent reports and studies from the Modern Transit Partnership and the Penn State Pennsylvania Transportation Institute, said it is concerned about the lack of funding, improbable ridership projections, and lack of coordinated local and regional planning.

"The committee's recommendation to the board was made after careful review and consideration of the transportation institute report," said Robert Lauriello, chairman of the Chamber's Transportation Committee.

Corridor One is a proposed 54-mile commuter rail line that would provide service from Lancaster through Harrisburg to Carlisle, with a rail station at Harrisburg International Airport.

"The West Shore Chamber of Commerce has an obligation to our members, the business community and area residents to continue to follow the progress of Corridor One and to consider its long-term impact upon all aspects of the community," said Edward Messner, the chamber's president and CEO.

wrightchr

Jul 19, 2005, 11:46 PM

"The West Shore Chamber of Commerce has an obligation to our members, the business community and area residents to continue to follow the progress of Corridor One and to consider its long-term impact upon all aspects of the community," said Edward Messner, the chamber's president and CEO.

they make statements like this and they vote against supporting CorridorOne??? if they were seriously considering the future and long term impact, they would support this with open arms. what is wrong with Cumberland County?

EastSideHBG

Jul 20, 2005, 2:03 AM

/\
Lots (and lots, and lots...). Somebody over there SERIOUSLY needs to get their act together, take a look around and realize what is happening right before their very eyes. When I come home from work during rush hour, the Front/2nd St. on-ramp to 83 is backed up for miles. Where are they all going? South/West to the WS. Same with the Harvey-Taylor, the Market St. Bridge... The construction on the WS is dizzying yet transportation is not even close to keeping up with it. Go ask Fairfax County, VA, and some counties in MD what happens when you do that sort of thing. :no:

EastSideHBG

Jul 20, 2005, 7:33 PM

Hershey Trust considers research park by Route 322

Project intended to stop 'brain drain'

Wednesday, July 20, 2005
BY MEGAN WALDE
Of The Patriot-News

The Hershey Trust Co. wants to develop a research park near the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center that would attract nontourism jobs to Derry Twp. and help stop the state's reputed "brain drain."

The trust company asked the township to amend its zoning ordinance to make 165 acres the company owns west of the medical center and south of Route 322 more conducive for a research park.

At a public hearing on the issue last night, Derry supervisors asked Community Development Director Jeffrey Keiser to draft the necessary ordinance.

Company representatives maintain there is no project on the books yet, but the pieces are coming together.

The company's land is in Hershey's part of the Harrisburg Market Keystone Innovation Zone, a program of the state Department of Community and Economic Development.

The program is designed to nurture business opportunities from research at colleges and universities, providing jobs to encourage college graduates to stay in Pennsylvania.

DCED has targeted biotechnology as a promising sector.

Proponents said a research park next to the medical center -- which brings in about $100 million a year in research and is poised to begin a $500 million expansion -- could help this area become a "hub" where biomedical devices and drugs are created and companies spring up, or relocate, to commercialize them.

In a letter, David Black, president and CEO of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and the Capital Region Economic Development Corp., urged township supervisors to approve the request.

"This step will allow local officials to further enhance Hershey's reputation as a magnet for innovation and research in central Pennsylvania," Black wrote.

"We are confident that the area will expand into a 'knowledge neighborhood' where nontourism economic development will flourish."

Jay Moskowitz, the medical center's first full-time dean for research, also is pushing for a research park within five miles of the campus.

Among other things, it could provide facilities where scientists involved with private ventures could have access to lab animals.

The county and township planning commissions have recommended approving the company's request.

*****

And elsewhere in the metro, the sprawl keeps spreading!!! :nuts:

SOUTH MIDDLETON TWP.

Home proposal to boost growth
Township feels growing pains

Wednesday, July 20, 2005
BY ANDREA CICCOCIOPPO
Of Our Carlisle Bureau

BOILING SPRINGS - Developers keep marching into South Middleton Twp., bringing plans for more houses -- and more traffic.

The latest proposal calls for 200 to 300 homes on 115 acres between East Springville and Ridge roads.

"We now have a sector 11/2 mile wide and 3 miles deep of at least 1,300 homes being planned or proposed," said Tom Faley, chairman of the board of supervisors.

"One thing that continues to amaze me is the huge market demands for homes in South Middleton Twp.," Faley said. "I keep saying to myself we should've reached the saturation point a year ago."

Faley said the latest development is being planned for the Dixon property, bordering Misty Meadows. The site has access to sewer and water and is zoned for moderate density.

The proposal, by Lexington Developers, will require a public hearing because the site is within the township's wellhead protection zone. No formal plan has been submitted, but Faley anticipates one will be ready by fall.

The proposed neighborhood could have access to Ridge Road and East Springville -- both narrow, two-lane roadways.

"Some of us supervisors have deep traffic concerns," Faley said. "We will strive to have appropriate road improvements made to Springville and Ridge Road."

Faley said the nearby intersection of Forge and Springville roads also concerns him. "I personally am going to fight to get a traffic signal at Forge and Springville," he said.

Several developments are in the works in the area:
--Traditions of America plans to build an age-restricted community on 80 acres at Ridge and Lindsey roads, abutting the Dixon tract.
--The McNaughton Co. last year won approval to build Wheatstone, 180 single-family homes at East Springville and Lindsey roads.
--Netherby, a 113-home community, is under construction on Lindsey Road. Carlisle Forge, a community of 581 homes, has been proposed off York Road and Fairview Street.

Spudmrg

Jul 21, 2005, 12:04 AM

Ack!!!! No....we don't need CorridorOne, we just need 2 Billion bucks (estimated) to rebuild I-83 so it can cross the river with 8-10 lanes! Please note sarcasm.

wrightchr

Jul 21, 2005, 4:40 PM

^ most def :D

EastSideHBG

Jul 21, 2005, 5:16 PM

HARRISBURG

City dedicates pool site fixed with donated cash

Thursday, July 21, 2005
From staff reports

Residents and children in South Harrisburg have a new, improved place to play and cool off.

Mayor Stephen R. Reed yesterday dedicated and renamed a rehabilitated recreation complex at the end of South 18th Street.

The site, formerly known as the Cloverly Heights Pool and Playground, was renamed the Penn National Insurance Pool and Playground.

The complex is adjacent to the Harrisburg Housing Authority's Hall Manor Public Housing Complex.

Reed said the work cost $70,000, most of it funded by Penn National Insurance.

A $30,000 donation from the Children's Home Foundation was also used.

The fundraising was part of the Harrisburg Parks Partnership's continuing efforts to raise donations to improve city parks, playgrounds and recreation facilities.

Reed said the 3-acre complex is among the city's busiest, with more than 20,000 people visiting the pool alone during the summer season.

The work included all new playground equipment, handicapped-accessible walkways, new ground cover, landscaping and trees planted, fencing repaired and all new signs installed.

wrightchr

Jul 22, 2005, 3:48 PM

they moved the forum on us! what's up with that?

wrightchr

Jul 23, 2005, 2:07 PM

Authority to seek new bids on project

Friday, July 22, 2005
BY MEGAN WALDE
Of The Patriot-News

Progress on the first part of a $12 million transportation center in downtown Hershey is on time and under budget despite minor delays, but a busy building season has stalled the next step.

Only one general contractor bid on phase two of the project next to the former Poser's Department Store building on West Chocolate Avenue.

The Derry Twp. Industrial and Commercial Development Authority, which is managing the project, rejected the bids last night, saying some were too high and others too low.

The second phase of the project includes multi-level parking, a bus station on Park Boulevard north of the site and a pedestrian bridge connecting the two.

Bids for plumbing, electrical and other work were competitive, said Paul McNamee, president of project architect Buchart-Horn, but the total cost of the work was nearly $1.5 million over budget.

No minority- or women-owned contractors were included in the bids, either. That sticking point caused the board to refuse the first round of bids for phase one last fall.

The big disappointment this time seemed to be cost.

"It's apparent they understood they were going to be the only bidder and they did not sharpen their pencil," McNamee said.

Buchart-Horn estimated one portion of the work at $100 per square foot. The only bid on that portion was for $400 per square foot.

Board members said they were surprised that Lobar Inc., the general contractor on phase one, did not bid the rest of the project.

Lobar and three other contractors were set to bid on the work two weeks ago, McNamee said. But the board last week decided to leave the foundation of the adjacent Hershey Laundry building in place and put parking on and around it rather than build three levels of parking from scratch.

Lobar felt there wasn't enough concrete work in the project to make bidding worthwhile, McNamee said; other firms said they were too busy with other projects.

Board members said they would consider reconfiguring pieces of the remaining project to encourage small businesses to bid.

Meanwhile, Lobar says it can make the Oct. 31 deadline to finish phase one even though sinkholes and a subcontractor delay have been problems. A large sinkhole earlier this year cost $30,000 to repair, but the latest hole is smaller and shouldn't pose a problem, McNamee said.

McNamee said the project is $100,000 under budget.

wrightchr

Jul 23, 2005, 2:11 PM

Airport bid to buy homes raises fears

Friday, July 22, 2005
BY MARY KLAUS
Of The Patriot-News

With Harrisburg International Airport planes flying overhead, Highspire residents are used to noise.

But residents of this close-knit borough of 2,720 have made their own noise about offers from the airport to buy homes close to HIA.

About 500 homeowners near the airport could be eligible to sell their houses to HIA as a result of a study showing that they live within a federally established "noise annoyance" level.

Under a federal program, HIA could buy homes from residents who wish to sell, with most of the money coming from the federal government. But the local government must agree to participate.

Some residents fear that airport officials plan to seize their houses by eminent domain, or that they could be forced to sell their homes.

About 30 residents came to Highspire's council meeting earlier this week to discuss their concerns.

The airport has no plans to acquire any homes against their owners' will, said Fred Testa, HIA's director of aviation. But residents say they are concerned.

"I'm not bothered by the noise," said Jennifer Martindale of 567 Eshelman St. "I don't even notice it. But I am bothered by all the different stories we're hearing about what may happen to our homes."

John McHale, Highspire borough manager and police chief, expressed concern that if everyone eligible takes the buyout, it would be "the death of Highspire."

Testa said he has grown weary of speculation that the airport is trying to seize homes. He said that 21 Highspire homeowners gave him a petition saying they want to sell their homes to HIA.

"I'm tired of being the big, bad wolf here," Testa said. "I'm sorry we ever started the thing. We did the study after some Highspire residents complained about the noise. We wanted to find a program to give people a choice."

Testa said the ball is in Highspire Borough Council's court "because council has to vote on whether it will or won't support this federal program."

Testa said that over the past two years, the Landrum & Brown engineering firm of Cincinnati conducted a study on HIA's noise in Highspire, Middletown and Lower Swatara Twp. Only the 500 homes in Highspire, where noise is highest, would be eligible for voluntary buyouts.

"We don't want to own property all around Highspire," he said. "We don't want to produce vacant lots all over the place or own strip malls. We just wanted to give people a choice about staying in Highspire or moving."

Testa said that under a voluntary buyout program, the airport would pay the appraised value, plus moving expenses. In some cases, HIA would pay more.

"If a person in a $65,000 Highspire home with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a 6,000-foot lot wants to move to Lower Swatara Twp. and finds a similar house for $85,000, we will pay the $20,000 difference if, and I emphasize if, it's a reasonable difference," he said. "They can't expect to move to a condo in Florida or a house in Camp Hill and have us pay the difference."

In a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration, McHale wrote, "The findings of the study and implementation procedures can also be used to remove most of the long-standing residential community for the purpose of bringing commercial and air cargo operations closer to the airport."

Testa said that won't happen. "We are not going to do dastardly deeds. We can't rezone; only council can. We can't sell 10 houses in a residential zone and say it's commercial."

Martindale, who has lived in South Africa, England, Belgium and several states, wants to stay in Highspire.

"I love my house," she said. "I love my neighbors. I've never felt a sense of community more than Highspire, which is why we bought here and want to stay here."

"People are getting stressed out over this," Councilwoman April Miller said.

"We're not a rich town, so if a lot of people leave and we have less tax money for services, it will hurt. And if four people on one block sell and their homes are torn down, the value of the other houses goes down. Council doesn't have all the answers."

"It's created controversy," said Mayor Wayne Shank, who has lived in Highspire for 72 years, of the study. "But it has people talking to each other."

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

wrightchr

Jul 23, 2005, 2:12 PM

Theater plan given $30,000 by county

Friday, July 22, 2005
From staff reports
Of The Patriot-News

The Dauphin County Commissioners yesterday gave a $30,000 grant to the group working to save the historic Elks Theatre Building in Middletown.

The money was given to the Greater Middletown Economic Development Corp., which is trying to raise $350,000 to buy the building, which opened in 1911 as the Realty Theatre.

County officials said it is the oldest continuously operating theater in the country.

wrightchr

Jul 23, 2005, 2:25 PM

WITF begins work to build media center
Saturday, July 23, 2005

WITF Inc., the local public broadcasting organization of south central Pennsylvania, broke ground yesterday for a 72,000-square-foot Public Media Center on 12.7 acres in Swatara Twp.

The two-story, $12.9 million building will house WITF-TV, the WITF-FM radio station and the monthly magazine Central PA. It will be next to the Holiday Inn at Lindle and Keckler roads.

WITF will spend an additional $6 million on state-of-the-art broadcasting equipment for the facility.

The state is providing $7 million for the project, with the rest of the money to come from individual, corporate and foundation donations.

The new building will enable WITF to consolidate operations under one roof and provide about 50 percent more studio space, according to Kathleen Pavelko, president of WITF Inc.

About 20 WITF employees, mainly in sales, have worked in rented space on Derry Street in Paxtang for about 10 years, she noted. WITF expects to move into the new building in early 2007.

The building is being designed with educational tours for the public in mind, including flat-screen displays and glass-walled technical spaces, Pavelko said.

Hayes Large Architects of Harrisburg and Gensler Architecture of Washington, D.C., are working on the project. High Construction Co. of Lancaster is the construction manager.

The WITF building on Locust Lane in Susquehanna Twp. is on the market for $1.2 million.

EastSideHBG

Jul 23, 2005, 3:34 PM

they moved the forum on us! what's up with that?
Yeah I was a little surprised when I saw the thread was moved. The first thing I thought of was, "Oh no, they did some Spring cleaning and deleted us!!!" ;) I'm happy for the move, though, as it does fit much better here...

As for the other stuff, yeah, good news!!!

EastSideHBG

Jul 24, 2005, 2:48 PM

Area realty sales set record

Midstate agents doubt region is seeing 'bubble'

Sunday, July 24, 2005
BY ELLEN LYON
Of The Patriot-News

Keith Sealover has been selling real estate for 29 years, and he calls this "the strongest seller's market of my career."

The numbers back him up. That's good news if you are selling and cashing in some equity. But if you are buying, that could mean competing with other bidders to get the house you want.

Local residential real estate sales broke a record in the second quarter of this year, both in terms of number of sales and average home price.

Realtors sold 2,573 units for an average price of $172,456, said Don Krieger, executive director of the Central Penn Multi-List, which tracks home sales in Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry and northern York counties.

In addition, properties stayed on the market an average of 48 days in the second quarter, a significant drop compared with five years ago.

February through June is typically the most bullish time of year in the real estate market, with May 1 being the peak, said Sealover of Jack Gaughen Realtor ERA.

The vigorous local market mirrors the national scene.

The National Association of Realtors recently revised its forecast to predict that home sales will hit an all-time high in 2005.

Citing continuing low mortgage rates and high employment, the association projects that existing-home sales will increase 2.8 percent, to 6.97 million, and new-home sales will increase 3.2 percent, to 1.24 million.

David Lereah, the association's chief economist, predicts the national median price for an existing home will jump 9.4 percent, to $202,600, while the median price for new homes will rise 5.8 percent, to $233,900.

Local Realtors weren't surprised at this area's performance in the second quarter .

Dan Piscioneri, broker/owner of Century 21 Piscioneri, called it a "frenetic market."

In his 22 years of selling real estate, May was his strongest period for getting houses under contract to sell.

June followed as his best ever for sales that went through to settlement, Piscioneri said.

"It is really a challenging market for agents and buyers, because we're still dealing with multiple offers," he said.

Sealover has noticed more interest in local property by well-financed national builders such as Ryan Homes and Toll Brothers and land-development companies.

Sealover predicts their entrance into the market will drive up land prices even more and make it harder for local developers to compete.

With some markets in California, New York and elsewhere seeing home prices appreciating as much as 80 percent, some economists are warning of a real estate bubble that could burst and lower values. Piscioneri and Sealover doubt that a bubble is forming here.

"Our prices are so far below the marketplaces where they say there could be a bubble," Piscioneri said. "Our area is very far below the national average. ... Our prices over the last 30 years, that I know, have always been behind the rest of the country."

In part that's because this area, as the state capital, has always had a lot of public-sector jobs with lower salaries than areas with heavy concentrations of corporate jobs, he noted.

Piscioneri also disputes that investors in real estate could be headed the way of investors in overvalued technology start-ups just before the tech bubble burst in the late 1990s.

"There's a difference, because people are out buying sticks and bricks rather than promises of [companies'] future profits," he said.

While most of the sales in the Northern York County School District are tracked by the Central Penn Multi-List, a handful of them are reported to the Realtors Association of York and Adams Counties.

RAYAC's figures for the second quarter of this year also reflect a record for that school district: 12 sales at an average price of $188,742, compared with nine sales at an average price of $177,656 in the first quarter. In the second quarter of last year, there were eight sales at an average price of $151,575.

Lebanon County real estate sales are tracked by the Keystone Multi-List Network.

Second quarter sales there were down, with 450 units sold, compared with the same quarter last year, when 492 units old.

But the average sale price was higher: $138,797 this past quarter, compared with $134,924 in last year's second quarter.

EastSideHBG

Jul 25, 2005, 6:45 PM

Craigslist.org offers Harrisburg page among its many Internet sites

Monday, July 25, 2005
BY DAVID DeKOK
Of The Patriot-News

Craigslist.org has come to Harrisburg.

The company's description of Craigslist is: "Local community classifieds and forums -- a place to find a job, housing, goods & services, a social life, advice and just about anything else."

In June, Harrisburg became one of 170 Craigslist sites in 34 countries, as did Jerusalem; Bangkok; Dayton, Ohio; Grand Rapids, Mich.; West Virginia; and a bunch of other places. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Allentown also have sites at www.craigslist.org.

"They've grown very quickly and proven themselves very successful in markets out in California," said Tim Williams, executive director of the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association, a trade group that monitors trends in the newspaper industry. "I think they have like 28 employees."

All Craigslist pages look the same, but the number of ads, which are free in most markets, and their content differ greatly by city.

The two categories that tend to draw the most ads are the help-wanteds and the personals. San Francisco-based Craigslist charges for help-wanted ads in a few large markets, but not Harrisburg. That's how it makes its money.

Some of the text and photos in the Craigslist personal ads can get graphic, including photos of male private parts on the "Men seeking Men" and "Casual Encounters" pages.

In the "Missed Connection" section, people try to hook up with that man or woman they spotted across a bar. Or the "Rants and Raves" section, which has several running arguments, one of which is on whether Harrisburg is an OK place to live -- or not.

Some of the classified ads compete with those that run in newspapers such as The Patriot-News; others do not. Craigslist is said to have seriously hurt the classified-ad revenue of the San Francisco newspapers, in particular.

"Newspapers will have to look at changing their current model for classifieds," Williams said. "They may have to reduce prices, or post online ads for free. Or maybe make them totally free for private parties."

Most newspapers in Pennsylvania also have Web sites that include paid classifieds, including The Patriot-News site at www.pennlive.com.

Although the newspaper industry has adapted to the Web, it does so slowly, Williams said.

"The Internet has had a powerful impact on newspapers," Williams said. "As an industry, we probably didn't move fast enough to change our business model to incorporate it."

Craigslist CEO Jim Buckmaster says fraudulent postings -- from Nigerian money-laundering scams to solicitations for multilevel-marketing pyramids -- represent less than one-tenth of 1 percent of listings. But the New York section, for example, has been found rife with con artists.

Craig Newmark, the founder of Craigslist.org, no longer runs the operation but remains one of three board members.

EastSideHBG

Jul 26, 2005, 7:24 PM

At a time when there is a box office slump, the HBG area decides to suddenly go haywire on theatres?!?

Retail center plan boosts cinema choices

Retail center plan supersizes cinema, grocery

Tuesday, July 26, 2005
BY ELLEN LYON
Of The Patriot-News

Lately, it seems, movie theaters around here are growing faster than state legislators' pay.

The developer who is planning a shopping center at Interstate 81 and Wertzville Road in Hampden Twp. says it will include a 16-screen cinema, which would be the area's largest.

The 325,000-square-foot Hampden Town Center also calls for a 90,000-square-foot Giant supermarket that would be the chain's second-largest store in the area.

Mark Caldwell, of Caldwell Development Inc. of Wormleysburg, isn't daunted by the midstate's recent surge in new and planned multiplexes, even though movie box office receipts are anemic throughout the nation.

Caldwell said he thinks the area can support a theater that would beat the current largest theater -- the 14-screen Regal Harrisburg Stadium in Susquehanna Twp. -- by two screens. The Regal is just a few exits north on I-81 and across the Susquehanna River from the proposed Hampden Town Center.

Caldwell noted that the area lost a theater in December when a Regal theater complex in the Capital City Mall closed.

The owner of the Camp Hill Shopping Center scrapped plans for a multiplex in favor of a fitness club shortly before the 12-screen Cinema Center opened nearby in Hampden Twp.

The owners of Harrisburg Mall in Swatara Twp. recently announced plans for a multiplex there with at least 12, and possibly 14 screens.

In addition, three theater complexes are planned in the Lebanon area.

"I just think that whole segment is already getting overstored," said Bob Gorland, vice president in the Matthew P. Casey & Associates office in Lower Paxton Twp. Gorland is a retail-site-selection consultant.

However, an existing theater interested in expanding might relocate to Hampden Town Center, he suggested.

Van Troutman, executive vice president of Cinema Centers Inc., said his company would not consider locating a theater there because of its proximity to the Cinema Center in Hampden Twp. and the Regal in Susquehanna Twp.

Gorland said the proposed shopping center's location along I-81 is ideal for drawing local and regional traffic.

Caldwell said Hampden Town Center, which will cover 70 acres, will include four restaurants, multiple "mid-box" retailers and several smaller specialty and lifestyle retailers. Mid-box retailers are generally between 20,000 and 60,000 square feet.

"We're not at a point to really get into names of tenants," Caldwell said.

A sketch plan for the shopping center was submitted in May to the Hampden Twp. Planning Commission. It probably will be a year before the still-to-be-filed preliminary plans are approved, Caldwell said. He expects construction to begin in 2007, with an opening date in 2008.

Giant was interested in the shopping center because "that whole area is really, really growing. Our Enola store is doing very well," said Denny Hopkins, vice president of advertising and public relations for the supermarket chain.

The Enola store, which opened in 1999 at 55,000 square feet and was expanded last year to 66,900 square feet, would be a few miles from the new Giant.

"Our plans at this time are to keep both stores open," Hopkins said.

Giant believes there is enough growth in the area to support a new store without "cannibalizing" sales from nearby stores, he said.

Gorland, who headed Giant's site selection and location research department for eight years, said retailers sometimes build another store near a high-performance store in a high-growth area to take pressure off the existing store.

wrightchr

Jul 26, 2005, 11:41 PM

^ wow...well this area is really growing with development as well. new housing tracts are springing up all over northern Hampden and western East Pennsboro twps. both twps already have well over 20,000 residents and are continuing to grow steadily. there is a lot of land still left to develop in the area the of the wertzville rd interchange and it's within the beltway corridor for the most part, so i think this type of sprawl isn't bad. it will support the housing boom of the area and isn't unlike other commerical/retail tracts throughout the region. i really like the idea of another theater as well.

Dave, my wife and I recently had a daughter...we named her Madison Elizabeth. We also moved up to Pottsville in Schuylkill County for the short term, so she and the baby could be close to my inlaws. what a huge difference in that region, compared to Harrisburg. it's like going back in time, seriously! i was home for two weeks for the birth, but i've already returned oversea's and won't be home until february now...maybe. i might be going somewhere sandy and hot after this...who knows anymore.

wrightchr

Jul 27, 2005, 5:59 PM

Shopping center signs L.A. Fitness
Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Cedar Shopping Centers Inc., owner of the Camp Hill Shopping Center, said yesterday that it has signed a lease with L.A. Fitness for a 45,000-square-foot facility on the site where a Giant supermarket is located now.

The supermarket will be torn down and replaced with a 91,000-square-foot Giant store expected to open in the fall.

The new Giant store, which will be the largest operated by the Carlisle-based supermarket chain, and the largest store of its kind in the Harrisburg area, sits on the site of the former Montgomery Ward store.

With the L.A. Fitness lease, Cedar Shopping said it has substantially completed its redevelopment of the former Camp Hill mall.

The first phase of redevelopment included redesigning the property as a strip shopping center and adding tenants such as Pier 1 Imports and Staples.

The second phase includes the new Giant supermarket and a free-standing, 40,000-square-foot medical building to be leased by the Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania.

The final phase will be the L.A. Fitness building, which should be competed in mid-2006. An additional 10,000 square feet of retail or medical space by the fitness center is available, the company said.

The fitness center site had been considered for a multiscreen movie theater, but that idea was scrapped months ago.

Cedar Shopping has spent up to $34 million to upgrade the shopping center. It bought the property in late 2002 for about $18 million.

L.A. Fitness, meanwhile, is holding a grand opening Saturday at its East Shore location at 5070 Jonestown Road in Lower Paxton Twp.

TOM DOCHAT / The Patriot-News

wrightchr

Jul 27, 2005, 6:06 PM

Area biodiesel plant takes shape
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
BY JOEL BERG
For The Patriot-News

Race Miner initially scoffed at the notion of biodiesel, a fuel made from soybeans. Then, in 2002, he started pumping the stuff into his Ford F-250 pickup.

He was hooked. Three years later, Miner plans to build a commercial biodiesel plant in central Pennsylvania.

"Everything's lined up," said Miner, founder of Keystone BioFuels Inc., based at his home in Silver Spring Twp., Cumberland County.

Miner will use about 20,000 square feet in the former Quaker Oats factory in Hampden Twp. for this operation. He said Arnold Logistics is the anchor tenant in the building. He said he picked the site because of its existing infrastructure and access to rail lines.

Miner hopes to begin production this fall in a plant that can brew up to 1 million gallons of biodiesel per year. It would be one of the first biodiesel production plants in the state.

He plans to have five employees, including himself.

The cost of the plant will fall between $1.5 million and $2 million, Miner said. He is investing his own money, earned from previous business ventures in the Harrisburg area.

The plant would convert soy oil, extracted from soybeans, into biodiesel in a process known as transesterification.

Miner began using biodiesel while living in Colorado with his wife, Allison. The couple moved there after selling a Camp Hill-based technology company called Traffic Safety Solutions.

The Miners moved back to the Harrisburg area after the birth of their twin sons, Kyle and Ryan, now 2.

High petroleum prices are one reason Miner and other entrepreneurs are searching for alternatives, said Andrew Kleit, a professor of energy and environmental economics at Penn State University. However, the alternatives typically have trouble competing, he noted.

"There's a reason you use petroleum. It's the least-costly source of fuel," Kleit said.

Regular diesel fuel costs about $2.50 per gallon at the pump. For drivers who can find it, biodiesel generally is more expensive.

Jerry Clever of Chambersburg said he pays about $3.60 per gallon for pure biodiesel at a station in Maryland along the route of his commute to Washington, D.C. He uses the fuel in his Mercedes sedan, which also runs on vegetable oil.

The price of biodiesel should drop if production plants are built in Pennsylvania, said Dan Desmond, deputy secretary in the energy and technology deployment office at the state Department of Environmental Protection.

"I think the day's not that far off when it will become directly competitive with the cost of imported oil," Desmond said. "But we need some economies of scale. It's so hard to do when you're hauling it in from Iowa."

Nationwide, about 35 plants produce biodiesel for commercial use, according to the National Biodiesel Board in Jefferson City, Mo. Their annual output was about 25 million gallons last year. The total is expected to reach 50 million gallons this year with the addition of new plants, said Jenna Higgins, spokeswoman for the board.

Even at 50 million gallons, biodiesel represents a small fraction of diesel use in the U.S.

Vehicles used on and off the road consume 55 billion gallons of regular diesel every year, Higgins said.

Adoption of biodiesel is being fueled by a federal tax credit of 1 cent for each percentage point of biodiesel mixed in with regular diesel. A 100 percent biodiesel fuel would be worth a tax credit of $1. Most biodiesel is sold in blends starting as low as 2 percent.

The tax credit goes to the company that blends the fuel, Higgins said. The blenders are expected to pass their savings from the credit on to their customers.

The tax credit expires at the end of 2006, but backers hope Congress will move to extend it at least through 2012, Higgins said. Many of the plants are coming on line because of the credit, she said. "If that goes away, that would stifle production and use."

Companies in Pennsylvania that market and sell biodiesel must get the product from other states.

Worley & Obetz Inc., an energy company in Lancaster County, imports 1 million gallons of biodiesel a year from plants in Iowa, New Jersey and Virginia, said Len Zvorsky, compliance manager for the company. Worley sells fuel that is 5 percent biodiesel.

Zvorsky declined to disclose the prices at Worley's commercial fueling station, but he said they are competitive with regular diesel.

Worley & Obetz is participating in a venture to build a biodiesel distribution center in Lower Swatara Twp. The center, operated by a company called Independence BioFuels Inc., is expected to open in late August or early September, said Zvorsky, who consults with the firm.

Independence also is looking at building a production facility somewhere in the Harrisburg area next year, he said.

EastSideHBG

Jul 27, 2005, 7:04 PM

Dave, my wife and I recently had a daughter...we named her Madison Elizabeth. We also moved up to Pottsville in Schuylkill County for the short term, so she and the baby could be close to my inlaws. what a huge difference in that region, compared to Harrisburg. it's like going back in time, seriously! i was home for two weeks for the birth, but i've already returned oversea's and won't be home until february now...maybe. i might be going somewhere sandy and hot after this...who knows anymore.
Congrats, Chris!!!! :) I hope you are safe and sound wherever you go, good luck to you and please keep visiting this thread!!!

They have money for raises but none for this, hence now why The State Museum to Charge Admission Fees (http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1122456130250570.xml&coll=1). My g/f and I were just there this past weekend and I just KNEW this was going to happen. :mad:

Spudmrg

Jul 27, 2005, 10:12 PM

Sitting out in sprawl-ville right now, I find it "interesting" that few of these new projects are in "greyfields" or even inside the HBG urban core. For instance, this WITF project takes existing facilities out of the urban core (Paxtang and Sus. Township) and moves it out further for no apparent reason. Why could'nt they take that money and use the "Penn Center" (AKA Polyclinic hospital) or the State Hospital Grounds, or HACC, or any of the existing dense public service areas? I'm sure that there is enough room in all 3 of those areas to provide the communications gear required, and it makes more sense to me to be closer to where the major public events (Read: The capital complex) happen.

harrisburger

Jul 27, 2005, 10:56 PM

good news all around it seems...but i don't agree with that new hampden shopping center. i live about 2 miles away from 81, and i can already get to 4 giants in less than 10 minutes, not to mention karns. is there really a need?

wrightchr

Jul 29, 2005, 9:16 PM

Well in case you guys didn't hear, the first (East Mechanicsburg to Harrisburg to Lancaster) and second phase (East Mech to Carlisle) to CorridorONE recieved funding with the recent passage of the T3/Transportation Bill. Hopefully we'll start to see construction get underway soon. You can look at the entire list: CLICK HERE (http://www.house.gov/rules/109hr3title3cr.pdf)

wrightchr

Jul 29, 2005, 10:47 PM

Hecht's stores to be renamed
Retailer to convert to Macy's brand

Friday, July 29, 2005
BY TOM DOCHAT
Of The Patriot-News

The Harrisburg area will have two Macy's stores when the Hecht's department stores are converted to the Macy's name in 2006.

The change is part of the pending takeover of May Department Stores Co. by Federated Department Stores Inc.

May owns Hecht's and several other department store chains, including Kaufmann's, Strawbridge's and Filene's. Federated operates more than 450 department stores under the Macy's and Bloomingdale's names.

The name change was announced yesterday by Federated, which plans to convert about 330 May stores nationwide to the Macy's brand.

The process should be completed in the fall of 2006, in time for the holiday shopping season next year. When the change made, Macy's will operate about 730 stores.

Federated said May's Lord & Taylor name, now on 58 stores, will stay, and it's studying the Marshall Field's name.

"We have chosen to proactively announce our decisions as they are made so that our intentions are clear," said Terry J. Lundgren, Federated's chairman, president and CEO. "This decision to expand the Macy's brand was based on careful study and new research on customer preferences in May Company communities."

Kurt Barnard of Barnard's Retail Consulting Group said Federated is making a smart move to unite most of the May stores under the Macy's name. "It will save them a lot of money," he noted.

But Barnard said customers should notice more than a name change. "The stores will look much better than the stores looked before," he said. "They will be like new stores."

"Our customers tell us through research and from their behavior that what's inside a store -- the merchandise, the service, the people, the shopping environment -- is what matters most," Lundgren said. "And this is where Macy's excels."

As part of the conversion process, Federated said it has identified 68 stores in 66 malls that will be sold off in 2006. Nine May and Federated stores will be sold in Pennsylvania, none locally.

In the Harrisburg area, Hecht's has stores at Harrisburg Mall in Swatara Twp. and at Capital City Mall in Lower Allen Twp. Another Hecht's store is at West Manchester Mall in York County.

"Federated is a terrific retailer," said Cheryl Dougherty, vice president of marketing for Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, owner of Capital City Mall. "We are very excited about the switchover. It's not just a name changing, it's a merchandise change."

She said Macy's, with 330 additional stores under its belt, will be in an even stronger position when dealing with vendors, something that should translate to better value and better selection for customers.

Dougherty said Federated and Macy's are well regarded with their private-label merchandise and have been "able to break through and resonate with shoppers."

Federated is spending $11 billion to acquire May. It expects the deal to be completed by the end of September, pending approval by the Federal Trade Commission. Shareholders of both companies have approved the deal.

TOM DOCHAT: 255-8216 or tdochat@patriot-news.com