Karen M. Balaban

This document outlines the development of a Master Plan for Reservoir Park, the largest green space in Harrisburg. The plan seeks to reimagine the park by integrating traditional amenities like basketball courts with new features such as a dog park, extensive walking trails, rehabilitated four-figure fountain, and water play areas for children, alongside strategies for revenue generation and improved pedestrian access. Key initiatives also include the renovation of the bandshell and the addition of public restrooms at Reservoir Park, as well as the modernization of five other playgrounds and the refurbishment of Riverfront Park's lower walkway. The overall objective is to enhance the city's park system, emphasizing community engagement and sustainable development.

This document discusses the development of a new 20-year comprehensive plan for the City of Harrisburg, designed to replace an outdated plan and provide a collective vision for the city's future. It aims to guide growth and development in areas such as housing, transportation, and economic development, emphasizing intense community input and the creation of a living, adaptable framework for civic engagement and governance.

The board meeting covered new business items, primarily focusing on architectural replacement proposals. The first agenda item concerned 210 Hamilton Street, where the applicant proposed replacing real slate shingles on the main roof and dormer roofs with Ecostar synthetic slate shingles, a previously approved material. The planning bureau recommended approval with conditions regarding similar color matching. The second item involved 227 M Street, proposing to replace a paneled front door and transom with a half-view fiberglass door. The bureau recommended denial due to guidelines discouraging the replacement of paneled wooden doors with fiberglass, especially given the prominent location, although the applicant argued for the replacement based on security and material compromises like a paintable fiberglass exterior. The third item discussed replacing five existing wooden windows on the front elevation of 308 [Address truncated], proposing Fibbrric windows. This involved packing out the first-floor window by one inch on either side to match the profile of the upper-floor windows, which the bureau recommended for approval as a lesser impact than installing a fixed picture window, noting the proposed window replicated the existing off-centered check rail design.

This event was a swearing-in ceremony for four newly elected City Council members and the newly elected City Treasurer. The proceedings included the presentation of colors by American Legion Post 733, a special musical invocation, and the administration of the oath of office to Council members Jeffrey Baltimore, Cornelius Johnson, Destiny Hodges, Westburn Majors, and City Treasurer Tyrell Sprout. Following the ceremony, remarks were given regarding the relocation of City Council offices and an invitation was extended for refreshments and fellowship in the council chambers.

The meeting addressed several applications requiring Planning Commission review. Key discussions involved the approval of a proposed electronically changeable message wall sign for the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District, subject to conditions regarding message transitions for driver safety. A variance application for 1951 Hurst Street concerning signage size was continued due to the applicant's absence. Additionally, a special exception application for 1025 Market Street to establish an event space was discussed, with staff recommending approval contingent upon flood plane regulation compliance, securing off-street parking leases, and adhering to operational limitations such as prohibiting alcohol and ending events by midnight. Finally, a variance and special exception application for 1415 Sycamore Street to establish a convenience store while seeking relief from off-street parking requirements was reviewed, noting the structure's poor condition.