Final - 50% w/o address

The South Allison Hill

U.S. EPA Brownfields Area-Wide Plan

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
PLANNING

STROMBERG GARRIGAN & ASSOCIATES

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
PLANNING
DRAFT
FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY

STROMBERG GARRIGAN & ASSOCIATES DRAFT DATE 05/03/2019

 DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Prepared For: The Redevelopment Authority of the PROJECT CONSULTANT TEAM

City of Harrisburg
Prime Consultant/Planning & Urban
Design
A project of this scope could not be realized without the
Stromberg/Garrigan & Associates, Inc.
support and commitment of many individuals. It is import- The Penn Building
ant to acknowledge the vision and leadership of those who 102 E. Main Street
assisted in the preparation of this plan and in all of the sup- Suite 300,
Somerset, PA 15501
porting technical work. All of the participants who played
a role in the project, including business, community, in- In Association with:
stitutional, and government leaders, are too numerous to Michael Baker International
list, however special acknowledgment goes to the United
Gaito & Associates
States Environmental Protection Agency for funding this
Sustainable Strategies DC
project.
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April 2019
This Brownfields Area-Wide Plan represents the dedication of time and vested effort by
the South Allison Hill community over the past 18-months to develop an implementation
focused strategy for neighborhood revitalization.
Through the input at multiple public workshops, focus groups meetings, site tours, and
one-on-one discussions, the desire of the community to see greater economic invest-
ment occur is validated and focused on several strategic opportunities. This Brownfields
Area-Wide Plan advances this vision by delving deeper into the factors that influence
how incremental economic investment and vitality can be achieved, including consider-
ing current and projected market factors, physical conditions, and new opportunities that
may have not existed previously. A major emphasis of the plan is focused on ways to
merge physical opportunities in terms of sites and buildings with local activities that have
the potential of growing, as well as un-tapped need to better serve local residents and
workers with a variety services, employment, and shopping/food opportunities.
Through project partnerships with organizations such as Tri County Community Action
and Capital Regional Water and especially the project Stakeholder Committee of resi-
dents, owners, and agencies, a broad cross-section of community representation and
interests participated in informing, refining, and focusing the plan and its instrumental
recommendations. This highly engaged group is motivated to see the recommendations
happen; they have expressed an overwhelming willingness to continue to participate in
guiding projects to fruition.
Finally, the outcome of this planning effort results in specific recommendations that define
a pathway forward toward realizing long-desired goals. First and foremost, it highlights
opportunities to address potential brownfield conditions by focusing public resources and
directing specific economic opportunities in their direction, hence overcoming conditions
that have otherwise hindered the drivers of private reinvestment in the neighborhood.
The plan harnesses the 17th Street Corridor’s capacity as the nexus of neighborhood
activity. It advocates an approach that focuses on creating a concentration of investment
into sites and buildings in and near this corridor as a way to maximize the social, econom-
ic, and visual impacts of revitalization efforts. This emphasis includes improving the road-
way itself through a “complete streets” approach that improves traffic flow while also en-
suring that sidewalks, bicycle, parking, drainage, and transit facilities are also enhanced,
including making the street safer and more inviting through aesthetic improvements.
As with any effort of this magnitude, success is achieved incrementally. As each project
and initiative outlined in this plan are undertaken, the City is committed to continuing the
partnerships formed through this planning effort and to maintain community engagement
throughout each step. Through these collaborations the overall vision can be maintained
and instilled into each project, large and small, to achieve the great outcomes that are
possible.

Bryan K. Davis

Executive Director
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Contents
Project Introduction & Key Recommendations 1
Planning Framework 13
Site Reuse Strategies 31
Environmental & Civic Infrastructure 55
Resources Roadmap & Funding Strategies 75
Appendix A: Background Assessment A1
Appendix B: Market Analysis B1
Appendix C: 17th Street Corridor Study C1
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Project Introduction & Key Recommendations

Planning Framework
Site Reuse Strategies
Environmental & Civic Infrastructure
Resources Roadmap & Funding Strategies
Appendix A: Background Assessment
Appendix B: Market Analysis
Appendix C: 17th Street Corridor Study

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Plan Mission
ff To assist the neighborhood, property owners, and the City in identifying and documenting specific
steps needed to remove barriers and unlock the economic reuse potential of properties encumbered
by real or perceived environmental conditions.

ff To identify key public infrastructure investments needed to attract greater private investment.

ff To provide local leadership with a resource roadmap to pursue and secure potentially available
funding to support priority implementation projects.

ff Facilitate tangible improvements in South Allison Hill.

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Area-Wide Plan Goals

Rehabilitate vacant buildings and
properties encumbered by real or
perceived environmental conditions.
Cultivate employment opportunities
and talents of local residents.
Support, retain, recruit, and expand
local businesses.
Invest in public infrastructure
improvements needed to retain
businesses, support private investment,
and serve neighborhood residents.
Connect local leaders and property
owners with resources to pursue
priority projects.
Engage community members to
participate in policy and public
investment decisions.
Enhance and protect South Allison
Hill’s historic and unique character.

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Background properties were identified as potential brownfield sites.

Owners were concerned that they could become the
The South Allison Hill Brownfields Area-Wide Plan (AWP) target of regulatory enforcement action by either the
is the result of a neighborhood planning initiative funded U.S. EPA or the PADEP. The project team explained in
by the U.S. EPA and led by the Redevelopment Authority various meetings during the Community Workshops
of the City of Harrisburg. It is an opportunity to find that no environmental investigation would be conducted
out what obstacles are keeping brownfields in an area on any properties under this grant funded effort and
from being reused, what opportunities for community- that there is absolutely no enforcement component to
supported development exist, and what infrastructure the U.S. EPA Brownfields Area-Wide Planning Program.
and supporting improvements are needed. South Allison There was also a perception by property owners that
Hill is one of only nineteen communities nation‐wide to their property values may be negatively impacted as
receive AWP grant funding in 2017. An emphasis of the a result of the “brownfield label.” This concern was
effort is creating a great community where transportation, addressed by explaining that the desired outcomes of
housing, community services, modern industry, and the U.S. EPA Brownfields Area-Wide Planning Project is
commercial development investments are coordinated to determine site reuse opportunities and potentially
so that residents and visitors have access to adequate, remove as much uncertainty regarding potential existing
affordable, and environmentally sustainable options. The environmental conditions at properties as possible. It also
recommendations of this effort include a focus on public focuses on identifying solutions for mitigating potential
investment such as improving pedestrian crosswalks, environmental impacts, if they are known to exist, and
sidewalks, streetscapes, stormwater management, visual facilitating reuse and redevelopment of such sites. A
character, branding, and parking improvements. The plan primary goal of the AWP is to assist property owners,
prioritizes implementation by providing local leadership and the community as-a-whole, to broaden the range
with an understanding of potentially available funding and of economically viable options and hopefully increase
a “road map” to pursue each funding source. This project property values.
is the next phase of ongoing economic development and
community-wide planning in Harrisburg. HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The study area is defined by the city blocks located
ABOUT BROWNFIELDS between 13th Street, 17th Street, Market Street, and
A brownfield is an underutilized parcel of land devalued Derry Street. In the late 19th century this was a thriving
by the real or perceived presence of contamination. center of production and commercial activity. The area
They are vacant or underutilized sites that are not included the Harrisburg Foundry and Machine Works
being redeveloped because people fear they might be (where the Hamilton Health Center is located today) and
contaminated from previous industrial or commercial the Harrisburg Boot and Shoe Company. Together these
use. If a property has a historic industrial legacy or is in facilities once employed more than 1,400 people. Over
the vicinity of other brownfields and its environmental the last century the district has hosted a range of activities,
status cannot be confirmed, lenders and developers including automotive storage and repair, manufacturing,
typically require environmental assessments to be warehousing, and rail lines. These businesses have left
performed. Assessments determine the potential for a legacy of dozens of older, former industrial buildings
environmental risks and/or can minimize uncertainty and along with the assumption (if not fact) of the presence of
dispel potential negative impressions, including for the environmental conditions which may be impairing their
public at-large. The purpose of the AWP endeavor is to full utilization or reuse.
assist the neighborhood, property owners, and the City
in identifying and documenting specific steps to remove
barriers and unlock the economic reuse potential for
properties. As typically happens at the on-set of a U.S.
EPA Brownfields Area-Wide Planning Project, property
owners in South Allison Hill raised concerns that their

5 //// Project Introduction & Key Recommendations

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PROJECT INTRODUCTION

STUDY AREA

1937 Aerial Photograph Showing the Industrial Complex Oriented Along the Former Reading Railroad Rail Spur.

The South Allison Hill U.S. EPA Brownfields Area-Wide Plan //// 6
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Downtown
Study Area

Study Area Context

Study Area
7 //// Project Introduction & Key Recommendations
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PROJECT INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS A BROWNFIELDS AREA- scenarios, including in some cases for private properties.
The proposed physical layouts depicted on the plans
WIDE PLAN? were developed in conjunction with the property
In order to promote redevelopment activities that spur owners in most cases. Ultimately, though, the final
economic development employment opportunities configurations of any redevelopment or adaptive reuse
the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Harrisburg plans will change as the level of design progresses and
pursued funding from the U.S. EPA to prepare a Brownfields based on what property owners or developers choose to
Area-Wide Plan (AWP). An AWP integrates land use, advance. So why is this effort important? By developing a
transportation, and economic development elements likely reuse scenario for sites, it allows the City and other
to create a comprehensive urban redevelopment public agencies to fully understand the potential physical
strategy, considering site specific redevelopment constraints and opportunities for a particular site, and
and neighborhood improvements, including broader most importantly, their relationships with surrounding
infrastructure needs required to attract and support sites and the broader neighborhood.
private investment. An important component of the The plan is not a plan that recommends more planning
AWP is the identification of resources and strategies that for planning’s sake. In addition to short-term more
are potential available to support the implementation of immediately implementable recommendations, a project
the AWP’s recommendations. of such magnitude will inevitably also result in a series of
recommendations that require further evaluation. In the
WHAT ARE THE PLAN’S vast majority of cases, the next steps require determining
the details through a design and engineering process,
LIMITATIONS? together with a process to secure financing and other
The recommendations in this document are purely for resources for implementation These steps will determine
guidance in decision-making; the plan is not the letter how a project should be realized, its functional
of the law. The decision-makers include multiple parties refinements, and the exact specifications needed to
and therefore the plan should serve as common reference advance towards construction, but does not go “back to
for all parties, as step-by-step decisions are made. the drawing board” with regard to conducting further
analysis as to whether or not a specific recommendation
The Site Reuse Strategies illustrate potential build-out should be pursued at all.

1900 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of South Allison Hill Area showing industrial uses.

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Priority Actions & Outcomes Proposed land-based actions will improve the
neighborhood but their impact extends to the city as a
whole when considering aspects such as environmental
HOW DO WE ACHIEVE THE quality and flooding potential of Paxton Creek and the
Susquehanna/Chesapeake Bay Watersheds. There are
VISION? numerous regional and local efforts focused on improving
Due to the complex nature of all of the inter-related environmental quality. These efforts need to be promoted
factors and considerations needed to develop viable at the neighborhood level. Education for others regarding
and implementable set of initiatives and projects, it is this opportunity is the pathway to building broader
important to have a focused set of actions needed to support for garnering the resources needed to achieve
supporting the plan’s vision to reality. The following is all that is possible for the neighborhood. Each project
a list of suggested high priority actions to be address in should build-upon earlier efforts to create greater
the next three to five years, by topic area, targeted goals leveraged impact from each dollar invested, whether
for each, potential resources, and potential advocates. It public or private.
serves as a roadmap to lay the groundwork for the larger Advocacy – Building support with potential funders starts
efforts, whether programs and policies, private-public well before funding applications are submitted. A key
partnership developments, or infrastructure investments role of the Task Force and its partners in any particular
and upgrades. project is to advocate for projects by doing outreach upfront
The Importance of Communications, Coordination, to inform potential funders of the visions and how a
Education, & Advocacy particular project(s) fits into the big picture. It is critically
important the funders are fully informed by the time they
Building on the notion of a creating a dedicated team
receive an application so the project has maximized its
(the Task Force) focused on the implementation of
opportunity to be competitive for funding and resources.
the recommendations in this plan, there are five key
elements that will be important to that group’s success. Remember to Reference the AWP as a “Living” Guidance
Document - This plan is purely meant to guide decision-
Communication - In order to fully realize this plan, it is
makers in the development of the study area; it is not
recommended that a formal communication strategy be
the letter of the law. This makes coordination and
considered that HRA and Tri County Community Action
communication critical. Key stakeholders are wide ranging,
continue to provide regular community updates on all
both public and private, so it is important that this document
of the steps and projects. This includes requesting that
serves as a common reference and a starting point for
private developers provide public engagement as a part
decision-making and is updated regularly to reflect project
of their development process, especially if any public
progress and as conditions change and evolve.
resources are included in projects.
Coordination - It is also recommended that this project Key Next Steps
coordinates closely with all of the partners required for The following table on the following pages outlines
each proposed action, in order to make the ultimate specific key Actions and Outcomes needed to advance the
realization of the site reuse and revitalization efforts truly AWP recommendations. These next steps are not listed
great; this includes HRA, City Departments, Tri County in a particular or chronological order and multiple efforts
Community Action, as well as County, State, and Federal could and ideally should be undertaken simultaneously,
agencies based on their involvement, as well as property based on capacity and resources.
owners, and many others.
Education - In order for the outcomes of this AWP
to happen and for them to be successful, the role
of education is important. This is especially true for
addressing brownfields conditions in a way that is safe
and sound and provides assurance to the public that
human and ecological health are being protected.

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KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
+
Capacity Building/ Health+Wellness
Organizing &
& Community
Project Oversight Services

Actions Actions

▪▪ HRA + Tri County Community Action to act ▪▪ Convene the Dauphin County Library System,
as lead organizational and implementation PA CareerLink, and Hamilton Health leadership
advocates. to discuss the opportunities to construction
a joint South Allison Hill Community Campus
▪▪ Continue key stakeholder member involvement that includes a library and community services
through an organized group such as a South center and supporting facilities.
Allison Hill Revitalization “Task Force” or other
similar structure. ▪▪ Support Hamilton Health Center’s Building
Expansion Plans to create a Health + Wellness
▪▪ Establish an annual strategy for pursuing grant Campus.
funding with a supporting local (matching)
funds sources plan. ▪▪ Develop local food-based programs focused
on healthy foods and nutrition to link healthy
▪▪ Advocate key projects to state and federal and lifestyles with food
state agency and elected officials in support of
current priority initiatives and projects.
Outcomes
Outcomes ▪▪ Establish cooperative agreement to undertake
a feasibility study for the joint South Allison Hill
▪▪ Convene Task Force meetings at least quarterly.
Community Campus Complex.
▪▪ Pursue two to three grants per year.
▪▪ Continue efforts focused on the clean-up the
former foundry site to support completion of
Potential Funding Sources Hamilton Health Center expansion.

▪▪ Work with Tri County Action + Hamilton Health

Wells Fargo Foundation
on community food based programs.

▪▪ Work with the Joshua Group on a formal

organizational plan for Joshua Farm to
reorganize and broaden urban agriculture/fresh
food opportunities.

Potential Funding Sources

U.S. EPA; USDA; U.S. HHS; NDC; PADCED; PADEP; DC

Note: Agency Abbreviation Glossary on page 12.

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+
Brownfields Economic
& Development
Neighborhood Revitalization &
Job Creation

Actions Actions
▪▪ Promote voluntary participation in
▪▪ Work with N.F. String & Son on potential
environmental assessment and remediation
operational expansion plans to include HRA-
activities with private property owners.
owned 1365 Howard Street.
▪▪ Work with local property owners (including
▪▪ Advance the Food Accelerator Concept
residential properties) on exterior renovations
by undertaking a full feasibility study that
and improvements.
includes evaluating organizational structure,
▪▪ Evaluate the application of an urban sector-specific market evaluation, financial
homesteading and/or deconversion housing operations plan, site feasibility and food center
program. programming plan.

▪▪ Provide design guidance for exterior building ▪▪ Engage with the new 137 S. 17th Street
rehab with an emphasis on ground level property owners to determine potential
improvements that engage with the sidewalks development synergies and site specific plans
(i.e. windows and doorways at the fronts of for the property.
buildings) and improving safety.
▪▪ Establish a brownfields job training
▪▪ There is a pending threat of closure of programming for local residents.
neighborhood churches through parish
consolidations. Efforts to attract new religious Outcomes
or other re-purposed uses should be considered
before these large buildings are left vacant. ▪▪ Establish a Memorandum of Understanding
Follow models such as Johnstown, PA’s Steeples (MOU) with N.F. String & Son as a formal
Project for guidance and outreach. working relationship on potential operational
expansion.
Outcomes ▪▪ Complete Food Accelerator Feasibility Study and
potential establish initial organizational entity if
▪▪ Quantify status and develop a strategy to
determined to be viable.
address environmental conditions on at least
three key parcels within the study area. ▪▪ Establish partnership with established regional
brownfields job training program to expand to
▪▪ Rehabilitation of housing along 17th and Vernon
include South Allison Hill.
Streets as initial target areas for the effort.

Potential Funding Sources

Potential Funding Sources
Federal Qualified Opportunity Zone; U.S. EPA; U.S.
U.S. EPA; HUD; PADCED; PADEP; PHMC
EDA; USDA; HUD; PADCED; PADEP

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KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
+
Infrastructure Parks
Improvements &
& Civic Spaces
Expansion

Actions Actions

▪▪ Advance Phase I of the 17th Street Corridor ▪▪ Undertake a joint Hamilton Health Center/
Improvements (Mulberry to Holly Street) South Allison Hill Community Campus plan and
including the new entrance into the Hamilton Vernon Park/Indoor Community Recreation
Health Campus through the engineering and Center facility feasibility study.
permitting process.
▪▪ Develop neighborhood branding, banners, and
▪▪ Pursue potential public-private stormwater gateway signing and landscape treatments.
management projects with Hamilton Health,
N.F. String & Son and other property owners
Outcomes
as a part of potential site improvement/
parking projects. ▪▪ Completed strategy for how the Hamilton
Health Center can be built-out to meet its
Outcomes
current and projected needs and provide
▪▪ Secure funding for Phase I of the 17th Street opportunities to better serve the neighborhood
Corridor Improvements. with recreational and outdoor health and
wellness programming to create one unified
▪▪ Address immediate flooding issues through campus and neighborhood center.
green infrastructure improvements by working
with Capital Regional Water (CRW) through
Potential Funding Sources
the deployment of green infrastructure
stormwater recommendations in the plan.
U.S. EPA; NFWF; NDC; PADCNR; PADCED; PADEP
▪▪ Develop public-private agreements for
stormwater management projects.

Potential Funding Sources

U.S. DOT; U.S. EPA; NFWF; PennDOT; PADCED; PADEP

Potential Funding Agencies Abbreviations

U.S. EPA - United States Environmental Protection Agency PADEP - Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
U.S. DOT - United States Department of Transportation Protection
USDA - United States Department of Agriculture PADCNR - Pennsylvania Department of Conservation &
Natural Resources
U.S. HHS - United States Health & Human Services
Administration PennDOT - Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
HUD - United States Department of Housing & Urban PADCED - Pennsylvania Department of Economic
Development Development
NDC - National Development Council PHMC - Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission
NFWF - National Fish & Wildlife Foundation DC - Dauphin County
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Project Introduction & Key Recommendations

Planning Framework
Site Reuse Strategies
Environmental & Civic Infrastructure
Resources Roadmap & Funding Strategies
Appendix A: Background Assessment
Appendix B: Market Analysis
Appendix C: 17th Street Corridor Study

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Planning Framework
Due to the complex nature of all of the inter-related factors and
considerations needed to develop an economically viable and
physically construct-able list of reuse opportunities and physical
improvements, an extensive analysis of varied topics is required.
The outcome of the analysis, including the information provided
in the Background Assessment and Market Analysis provided
as appendices to this plan, is a basis of the opportunities that
inform a framework for reuse planning. The Planning Framework
includes:
 The informative thread of all of the various other previous and
parallel planning efforts that support the mission and goals of the
AWP.
 Ongoing and proposed projects; many of which build upon recent
investments such as the expansion of the Hamilton Health Center.
 Market trends, challenges, and opportunities that can be harnessed
to drive new investment into the South Allison Hill neighborhood.
 Demographic characteristics and needs that are not meeting the
needs of the local population.
 A determination and prioritization of the community’s concerns
and opportunities for their neighborhoods and the redevelopment
projects on each of the former industrial sites and the priorities.
 Linkages between opportunities and sites and how sites could be
redeveloped based on economic realities and physical conditions.
 Targeted infrastructure improvements needed to better serve
the neighborhood and new development and types of uses on
the former industrial sites, as well as improve conditions in the
surrounding residential streets.
 Economic factors, incentives, and programs that could attract and
support initiatives and redevelopment, in terms of promoting
physical development, expanding human capacity, and providing
connections to available resources to support the “green-housing”
of new economic ventures.

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The AWP represents an opportunity to advance

the goals of the community, as defined in
various recent planning documents as well is
this document. It is an implementation tool to
support community goals identified by neighbors
and the Tri County Community Action “Heart of
the Hill” Action Plan. Needs were identified in
the AWP Public Workshops held in April 2018,
which included a number of informational and
interactive working sessions. The AWP builds
upon previous and ongoing plans, especially the
Heart of the Hill Strategic Plan and the City’s in-
progress Comprehensive Plan.

OPPORTUNITY
The AWP also provides a strategy to specifically
tap into current economic opportunities and is
designed to: 1.) document specific investments
that will unlock economic reuse potential
for area properties; 2.) make new economic
opportunities available to area residents; and 3.)
research latent economic market potential by
supporting the neighborhood, property owners,
and the City in attracting new businesses,
employers, and investors.

Opportunity comes in many forms. Through

the designation of strategic supporting
public investments needed to attract private
investment and maximize available resources,
the AWP can aid advancing critical infrastructure
improvements that supports both new projects
and the existing neighborhood and its residents.
Therefore, the AWP is also a public work
initiative, applying the Capital Region Water
(CRW) City Beautiful H2O Plan and the City’s
Comprehensive and Capital Plans.

Funding opportunities exist to advance the

vision for the future for South Allison Hill. The
AWP outlines strategic sources of public funding
either through grants or special tax incentive
programs, to serve as the basis to kick-start
the various proposed projects. This is only
possible as a result of the partnerships created
by all of the inter-related community initiatives
underway, including all of the work underway
by the TCCA, HRA as well as other public and
private effort. Momentum exists in the form of
community capacity to move projects ahead
and is one of the greatest South Allison Hill
assets; a community opportunity that should
be continual supported and promoted as each
success story is achieved.

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Previous Plans
The framework for redevelopment and supporting actions defined in this AWP are based heavily upon the work done
as a result of recent or ongoing planning efforts. It was the intention of the AWP process not to “start over” but
instead expand upon recent efforts and to broaden the opportunity to refine recommendations in order to focus on
“implementable” actions.

City Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code Update - The recent City Zoning Code update
////

and the ongoing work on the Comprehensive Plan mark the first major update to the zoning
code since the 1950’s. The revamping of the City’s zoning code began approximately five
years ago in an effort to streamline and simplify a code that had become overly complex and
even obsolete, according to the City. The new Comprehensive Plan acknowledges Allison
Hill as one the City’s seven primary districts and offers specific policy goals and objectives
to guide private development, public improvements, and institutional investment over the
coming decades. Specific goals include redevelopment of “abandoned and underutilized
property along the former railroad spur … incorporating social, economic, and recreational
activities to reactivate former manufacturing buildings.” This was a point of discussion at the
community workshop topic meetings, as was an interest in expanding the list of permitted
uses and exploring the potential of form-based and performance-based regulation to
encourage flexibility and home-based businesses.

Heart of The Hill Strategic Plan – Tri County Community Action - The focus of the Heart of
////

the Hill Plan is the area bordered by Cameron Street, South 18th Street, Market Street, and
Paxton Street to the south. The Action Plan details specific initiatives offering support for
engagement, education, employment, cohesion, leadership. The plan includes improved
security and services, education of landlords and tenants, and resources for maintenance
and repair of older homes. There is an emphasis on physical planning and reinvestment and
on objective measures of performance, specifically on maintenance and rehab of houses.
Mention of former industrial properties focuses on vacant parcels that could be converted
to useful purposes such as parks, parking, health services, or housing.

CRW Community Greening Plan & City Beautiful H2O Master Plan - The Community
////

Greening Plan describes Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) strategies for planted
elements at various scales and designates specific hydraulic and structural problems in
South Allison Hill (e.g. standing water in streets and basement flooding) as high priority
needs to be addressed. This is part of a larger, city-wide project. As is the case for many
older cities, the combined sewer system tends to overflow during storms, sometimes even
during moderate storm events. This overflow leads to river and creek pollution and flooding
caused by system backups. The City and Capital Region Water are tasked with reducing
pollution due to stormwater runoff and combined sewer overflow events.

These three guides cover neighborhood planning, city policy, and public investment in South Allison Hill. However,
property owners, city leaders, and local residents have direct, hands-on influence over day-to-day decisions and
development in the neighborhood. Their concerns and input was captured during the AWP Public Workshops held in
April 2018.

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PLANNING FRAMEWORK
Ongoing/Proposed Projects
Several ongoing and initiatives in or near the study area have the potential to bring about profound improvements.

Receive and Transform - In recent years the TCCA has worked in the community to repurpose
////
vacant lots. Vacancy in the neighborhood is pervasive enough to devalue property values
and to diminish the perception of safety as well as the economic health of these blocks.
Taking a very opportunistic approach, TCCA helps to connect users to vacant parcels with
assistance in the selection, design, and maintenance of sites. The ability to support the
continuation and potential expansion of this program is important.

Mulder Square - The project takes its name from the two streets, Mulberry and Derry,
////

that join at a critical neighborhood node. The project will reduce blight, increase home
ownership, and greatly expand affordable housing options. Public realm enhancements
include traffic and pedestrian improvements, new sidewalks, curbs, and trees. Initial phases
include four new townhomes, followed by renovation of 15 Harrisburg Redevelopment
Authority properties and one privately owned property into 48 new, high-quality, affordable
apartments. The final phase includes three new buildings, 50 units total, with commercial
space planned for use as a pharmacy.

Green Market at Mulder Square - CRW and HRA worked collaboratively to propose a new
////

open-air market would offer fresh produce, and off-street parking. Innovative stormwater
management features include a rain garden, subsurface stormwater storage, porous
pavements, and a bioswale that would remove pollution from the runoff water. This
project has faced funding hurdles but its implementation is important to the surrounding
neighborhood (just outside of the AWP study area) and compliments the recommendations
in this AWP.

Community Greening Plan - As part of the City and CRW’s long range objective to reduce
////

sediment and nitrogen levels discharging into the Susquehana River and ultimately the
Chesapeake Bay; the Community Greening Plan includes dual-use landscape proposals for
streets, parking lots, gardens, yards, and roof tops. The plan vividly documents an array of
design solutions that could be deployed in the study area.

Community Policing Center - A new building will be located at 313 South 15th Street and
////

will be staffed 24 hours a day by officers trained in community policing and familiar to the
residents. This project is a key component for achieving the goal to implement a community
policing strategy and promoting greater safety for residents, workers, and visitors.

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ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND  In 2017, approximately half of all housing units in the
South Allision Hill trade area were renter‐occupied (50.8
MARKET STUDY percent). While a mix of both owned and rented homes is
necessary to serve a diverse population in any community,
From the outset of this planning effort, there was wide- homeownership generally encourages better home
spread concerns about the local economy and the real maintenance compared to rental properties. The high
estate market realities and how they represent a major rental rate and absentee landlords in South Allison Hill
are widely recognized challenges for the neighborhood.
hurdle to attracting new investment. For this reason, it is
High vacancy is a also contributing factor to the housing
important to delve into the details with the goal of better chanllenges. In 2017, the South Allison Hill trade area had
understanding how the local economy works and if there a vacancy rate of 22.5 percent, compared to 7.7 percent
are unmet opportunities. A detailed Market Analysis in the MSA.
Report is provided in Appendix B of this document. There
 Concentrations of vacant and underutilized industrial
are several trends worth highlighting. buildings and blocks of blighted and unsafe residential
structures suggests the need for neighborhood stabilization
Positive Trends as a first component of reinvestment. As defined by
 In Harrisburg, the City experienced growth in population HUD, neighborhood stabilization refers to assistance in
for the first time in 50 years, growing from 48,950 in 2000 neighborhoods that have high rates of abandoned and
to an estimated 50,980 residents in 2016. While modest, foreclosed homes, and to assist households whose annual
the population growth reflects recent national trends incomes are up to 120 percent of the area median income
and bodes well for continued community and economic (AMI).
development initiatives to improve the City’s residential
neighborhoods, parks and recreational amenities, and
business attraction efforts.
 The AWP is an opportunity for property owners to evaluate
future capital investments in the context of anticipated
improvements in the neighborhood. Examples of positive
transformation include the Hamilton Health Center, now
located on a former brownfield site.

Economic Challenges Community Snapshot: Spending Trends

 With a median Consumer “market segmentation” is commonly used by
household income the real estate and retail industries to describe the typical
of $29,015 in 2017, consumer lifestyle and spending habits of customers
the South Allison within a retail trade area. Using information collected
Hill neighborhood
through point of sale (POS) data and consumer surveys
is defined as a
very low-income spending traits of the top 75 percent of consumers can be
area by the U.S. defined for the area. Within the South Allison Hill trade
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). area, the top tapestry segments are Fresh Ambitions,
Unemployment is high (13.9 percent in 2017, compared to City Commons, and Traditional Living. Descriptions of
11.8 percent in the City and 4.8 percent in the Harrisburg‐ each segment, which describe the average person, are
Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)) and provided on the following page.
employment barriers include low levels of educational
attainment (approximately 29% of residents have not This analysis is used by the real estate and retail
completed high school) and transportation barriers (many industries to predict the typical consumer spending
households own one vehicle or none, emphasizing the habits, including customers within the South Alison Hill
impact of public transit). Stakeholder interviews identified retail trade area (wording and graphics are from ESRI
additional challenges including drug use and limited soft‐ Business Analyst).
skills necessary for obtaining and holding a job.

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PLANNING FRAMEWORK

Fresh Ambitions – These residents tend to be

young families who focus on their children.
Many are immigrants, and multigenerational
families are prevalent. These residents
spend what they can on their children and
on occasional trips to visit family. They are
predominantly renters and most households
have at least one vehicle. Unemployment is
high, and consumers are price‐conscious.

City Commons – This segment reflects a

young community, primarily comprised of
single‐parent and single‐person households
within metro areas. Many households own
either one or no vehicle and use public transit
when available. Unemployment is very high,
and approximately one quarter have not
graduated from high school.

Traditional Living – Residents in this younger

market are a mix of married‐couple families
and singles who are new to independent or
married living. Manufacturing, retail trade,
and health care are the most prevalent
sources of employment, and more than three‐
quarters of these residents have completed
high school or have some college. However,
unemployment is still higher at approximately
7 percent.

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POPULATION DATA
Community Snapshot: Projected Growth
A primary factor in measuring the depth of a retail or commercial market is assessing population trends. The local
population represents the primary consumers of goods and services that could be offered in the trade area, as well as
the local workforce that could potentially be tapped to support retail, commercial, or industrial development.
As the State Capital and regional employment hub for Central Pennsylvania, the City of Harrisburg enjoys a large
residential population and a large day‐time population comprised of weekday commuters. The South Allison Hill
neighborhood, however, is primarily residential and does not witness the surge in daytime population when compared
to the downtown and other sections of the City.
The South Allison Hill area is projected to experience a 3.1 percent increase in population between 2010 and 2022,
while the City of Harrisburg is projected to increase by 3.4 percent. The residential population in the Harrisburg‐Carlisle
MSA is projected to increase by 8.8 percent during the same time, demonstrating population growth is primarily
occurring in the suburban areas.
Table 1: Population Trends
Market Area 2010 (Actual) 2017 (Actual) 2022 (Actual) % Change
(2010-2022)
South Allison Hill 12,721 12,956 13,121 3.1%
Harrisburg City 49,528 50,368 51,188 3.4%
Harrisburg Carlisle MSA 549,475 576,957 597,681 8.8%
Source: ESRI Business Information Systems

Community Snapshot: Race and Ethnicity

U.S. Census Bureau data reflects the race or races with which residents most closely identify. Based on 2017 estimates
(Figure 1), 51.3 percent of residents in the South Allison Hill trade area identify as Black Alone and 20.1 percent
identify as White Alone. Approximately 35.1 percent of residents reported a Hispanic origin. This racial and ethnic
identification is similar to the City of Harrisburg but differs greatly from the Harrisburg‐Carlisle MSA which has a racial
and ethnic identification distribution of 10.4 percent Black Alone and 81.1 percent White Alone.

Community Snapshot: Age

Based on 2017 estimates (Figure 2), the median age of the population in the South Allison Hill trade area is 29.1 years,
compared to the City of Harrisburg and the greater Harrisburg‐Carlisle MSA which have median population ages of
33.6 and 41.2 respectively. Residents in the South Allison Hill trade area are younger than those in the surrounding
areas and represent a concentration of young families.

Figure 1: South Allison Hill Trade Area Population by Race, 2017 Figure 2: South Allison Hill Trade Area Age Distribution, 2017
Source: ESRI Business Analyst Source: ESRI Business Analyst

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PLANNING FRAMEWORK
Retail Opportunities
Based on existing conditions, the South Allison Hill trade area can support approximately 72,000 square feet of
additional retail. Based on the average establishment size, average sales by establishment, and average sales per
square foot for each retail store type, the trade area may be able to currently support one additional clothing store
and one additional restaurant.

Industry Opportunities
A cluster analysis provides information on the health of industries that are related to one another in terms of common
sales, tier suppliers, or shared labor forces. Analysis of industry clusters provides a representation of the specializations
of the Harrisburg-Carlisle MSA and the types of businesses that are growing within the region.

Table 2: Top 10 Harrisburg-Carlisle MSA Traded Clusters Ranked by Employment

Cluster Name 2016 Employment Traded Cluster National Rank
1 Business Services 27,119 * 58
2 Distribution and Electronic Commerce 14,786 * 66

3 Insurance Services 8,943 * 47

4 Hospitality and Tourism 8,615 60
5 Education and Knowledge Creation 6,208 80
6 Transportation and Logistics 4,987 * 61
7 Food Processing and Manufacturing 4,556 52
8 Marketing, Design, and Publishing 1,805 82
9 Printing Services 1,573 * 72
10 Plastics 1,369 115
Source: US Cluster Mapping Project. * indicates strong cluster. National rank is out of 917 MSAs.

Based on an industry cluster analysis and the available opportunity sites within the study area, the local market is
most ripe for food processing & manufacturing, malt beverage manufacturing, and microeconomic projects such as
makerspaces. True throughout all cities, but especially important to low-income neighborhoods, manufacturing and
other industrial activities are often part of that “right balance” for redevelopment, as they are more able than retail
and most service jobs to provide a living wage.

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CHANGE MODEL
An essential element of the AWP planning effort is to, whenever possible, identify resources to amplify and support
ongoing community-driven revitalization inititives. Tri County Community Action’s 2016 project “Heart of the Hill”
has diverse perspectives and shared responsibility for implementation, action, and change across multiple entities,
and customized to meet the unique needs and goals of the community. It includes an evaluation of obstacles to
reinvestment and economic vitality, such as obsolete infrastructure that is insuffecient to support planned-for future
uses. For example, the notion of “connectivity” is important when considering the ability of residents and visitors to
move through the study area as well as the ability to connect South Allison Hill to the rest of the City and the region.
Through this and previous planning efforts a few key aspects of transportation and connectivity were identified. The
AWP’s action-oriented approach supports: ongoing community-driven revitalization inititives; diverse perspectives
and shared responsibility for implementation; and action and change across multiple entities.
Focus Short-Term Long-Term
▪▪Increase accessibility to quality ▪▪Increase in number of young ▪▪Decrease unemployment rates
job training resources people qualified and earning
Youth ▪▪Identify specific resources to quality employment
create meaningful training and
employment opportunities

▪▪Increase community project ▪▪Improve strong cross-sector ▪▪Sustain community ownership

Sense of Community opportunities collaboration and leadership in community
▪▪Increase information sharing ▪▪Increase the amount of change
and joint planning among resident engagement
organizations ▪▪Add to the capacity of
▪▪Increase awareness of community leadership to
community events, activities, accomplish specific short, mid
and programs available and long term objectives and
▪▪Increase knowledge base on projects.
processes of civic engagement

▪▪Increase opportunities for ▪▪Improve relationships of trust ▪▪Decrease incidents of crime

Safety and Security police and residents to develop between community and ▪▪Decrease crime opportunity
joint solutions police areas (defined by combination
▪▪Identify resources and specific ▪▪Increase community of prevalence and blighting
safety/security enhancements perceptions of safety factors)
related to recommended AWP ▪▪Reduce availability of
priority projects. structures used for criminal
activity

Physical Environment ▪▪Increase community ▪▪Increase Property Values

ownership of vacant land by ▪▪Increase occupancy rates in
converting it into community formerly vacant homes
use space ▪▪Increase property maintenance
▪▪Increase the number of vacant and condition levels
lots greened with low mow ▪▪Neighborhood becomes more
grass attractive for private/public
▪▪Assist with qualifying greening development
initiatives and with acquisition ▪▪Eliminate blighted vacant lots
and/or repurposing of vacant
properties.

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PLANNING FRAMEWORK
COMMUNITY VOICE
There is a concentration of vacant lots and abandoned structures. It was noted that the older industrial buildings (like
the Coca Cola bottling plant) are handsome, solid buildings and that it would be ideal if they could find new uses. The
exercise confirmed that there are a healthy number of community institutions – approximately 30 schools, community
organizations, and places of worship in roughly a 60 block area, thus indicating a vital community life. Residents were
asked to “Draw Your Neighborhood,” which indicates that the blocks framed by 13th, 17th, Derry and Berryhill Streets
are the core of the neighborhood experience and that Derry Street is experienced as both a “center” and an “edge.”
These observations were confirmed in follow-up stakeholder conversations.

Perception of “Center”
Potential Project Locations
Engagement activities during April 2018 Community Workshop.
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COMMUNITY MAPPING
During the AWP Community Workshop, residents located existing neighborhood landmarks, destinations, and ideas
for future projects. The annotated maps locates Centers and Projects. South Allison Hill’s CENTERS for this activity were
defined as local attractions, civic organizations, places of worship, and schools. PROJECTS are participant’s suggestions
for reuse of buildings or vacant parcels and for improvements for public streets, parks and parking lots.

The discussions also focused on the need for resident parking, safe sidewalks, after-school activities for young people,
and employment opportunities for those seeking work. It was noted that transit service is not frequent and very few
stops are sheltered, and certain streets flood often. It was also observed that the success of Derry Street and Market
Street businesses is limited by inadequate customer parking.

COMMUNITY MAP Landcover Map

LEGEND
Streets
Roads Parcel Boundaries Existing Assets
Parcel Boundaries
Building Footprints Contour Lines Projects [Opportunities]
Project Site Boundary
Project Study Area Boundary Street Trees Parks & Recreation Opportunities
Building Footprints
Centers

Potential Project Locations Tree Canopy

Vegetation

25 //// Planning Framework Other Impervious

Soil / Dry Vegetation

DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY

PARTNERSHIPS environmental conditions left in place from the area’s

former industrial and manufacturing legacy. Recently,
The AWP planning process builds upon partnership through Pennsylvania’s Industrial Sites Reuse Program
established through previous planning efforts and (ISRP), an additional $911,113 was committed by the
other ongoing projects and initiative. The relationships Commonwealth to enable further remediation work on
established include resident participation, as well as the adjacent property, allowing Hamilton Health to move
government and institutional representation. Together forward with a planned expansion of the facility that will
these partnerships bring a continued and renewed focus potentially include a new on-site preschool, a child day
to agreed-to values and goals, increasing the potential care, second-floor medical office space, and expanded
to achieve successful progress and achievement of plan parking.
recommendations.
 Community Advocats : TCCA, Career Link (WIB), Wildheart,
The AWP also describes and seeks to support and advance YWCA, Joshua Farm, Shalom House, SAH Residents
several of the capital projects and community initiatives Association, Friends of Allison Hill
that are underway or are being contemplated, including  Public Agencies: City Departments of Planning and
the ongoing evolution, diversification, and expansion of Engineering, the U.S. EPA, PADEP, PADCED, Dauphin
the catalytic Hamilton Health Center. County Library System, Capital Region Water, HRA, CAT,
CREDC, Tri-County Housing, and others
The site of the Hamilton Health Center Campus was a  Non-Profit/For-Profit Potential Partners: Community
key proposal of the 1998 Neighborhood Action Strategy, First Fund, Broad Street Market, HACC, Harristown
led by the TCCA’s precursor organization, the Community Development
Action Commission. That foundational plan for  Developer / Owner / Operators: Hamilton Health,
community reinvestment proposed reuses that included Retailers, Makers and Manufacturers (especially food-
educational, training, and an instructional center, based), Realtors, Property Owners, Developers, Investors,
predicting that “it could be the single most important Local Lenders
contribution to neighborhood ‘livability’ in the history The AWP planning process provides opportunities for
of South Allison Hill.” Most agree that the outcome South Allison Hill residents, businesses, and property
has been extraordinarily positive for the community. owners to channel resources and expertise toward high-
Hamilton Health moved into its Allison Hill facility priority projects. Key public entities and area institutions
in 2012 after extensive environmental remediation are committed to work collaboratively to remove barriers
and demolition work necessitated by substantial to investment and revitalization.

200 S. 18th Street - Former Schmidt’s Bakery Plant.

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Community Partnership Structure

Community Partnership Structure

Community Advocates

Tri County
Community
Action
Joshua
Farm YWCA

SAH
Residents Shalon
Assoc. House
Community
Well-Being

Wildheart Friends of
Harrisburg Ministries
Area Allison Hill Hamilton
Community Health
College
Property
Broad Street Owners
Market

South
Allison Hill Realtors
Workforce Commerce
United Way AWP
Development Economic
of Capital Projects
Region Education Revitalization
&
Initiatives
Makers and
Manufacturers

TFEC
Career Link City Planning Harrisburg
Community SCPA WORKS & Retailers
Development
First Fund Engineering

Potential Non-Profit Partners Infrastructure Developer/ Owner/ Operators

Land Use Harrisburg
PA DEP Redevelopment
Authority

Harrisburg
Tri County Capital Area Capital Regional
Housing Transit Region Chamber
US EPA, Water & CREDC
USDA &
Other
Federal

County
Public DCED
Library

Public Agencies and Resource Providers

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PLANNING FRAMEWORK
STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES - USES
Over the course of the development of the AWP, through the assessment of existing conditions and meetings and
discussions with the community and City leadership, as series of strategic opportunities that represent the creative
possibilities that could drive reuse recommendations were identified:

Hamilton Health - This is a community health and related social services organization
////

that created a campus “anchored” by the Hamilton Health Center. The leaderships see the
potential for expanded services such as, behavioral health, social services, veteran’s clinic,
childcare, and healthy-living programs including food-related aspects. The opportunity
exists to concentrate facilities which could necessitate a need for a potential parking deck.
Additional improvements might include streets, sidewalks, open spaces, and landscaping.
Related needs include housing for Harrisburg University’s new medical services program
and a medical training hub. Hamilton Health is a popular training location because of the
access to diversity here. Additional housing is needed for those who are training.

Career Link - There is a significant need for job training and workforce readiness programs.
////

Space for existing or new provider/vendors is needed as well as expansion opportunities

for existing businesses, shops, trainers, local entrepreneurs, and contractors/building
trade persons. Career Link may establish or support future training/counseling/placement
services here, including working in partnership with potential employers and educational
institutions.

Food-related - Culinary training and food-based business development opportunities are

////

examples of specialized opportunities that exist to stimulate new activity and opportunities
to especially adaptively reuse existing structures. Programming could include preparation,
packaging, marketing, distribution, and dining, as well as a training and start-up business
element that could engage local residents and attract entrepreneurs. The desire for a
year-round farmers market and restaurants were mentioned as related uses. The Broad
Street Market may be looking for a satellite location that could be a fit for this community.
Union Kitchen (located in the Washington DC area) was mentioned as a model for a “food
accelerator” that could potentially flourish here.

Library - A library-based community services hub of learning and development program

////

could provide opportunities to an under-served population. The Dauphin County Library

System may be considering a potential expansion to their system. The possibility of meeting
the system’s needs through the creation of facility in South Allison Hill could be explored.
The present 5,000 sf. facility is undersized for the present and projected use and number
of daily visitors. Linking a library with other community services would promote cross-
utilization and partnership opportunities.

Retail – There are opportunities to fulfill niche neighborhood-oriented retail needs.

////

Currently local dollars are being spent outside of the neighborhood. Although the national
retailing environment is rapidly evolving, retail space, again potentially within the food
product realm as well as clothing and other life necessities, may be an opportunity. Most
likely retail would be a component of a larger “anchor” reuse/development program.

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OPPORTUNITIES: ECONOMIC BUZZ

Although South Allison Hill faces real and perceived economic challenges the opportunity exists to focus efforts to
create catalytic change. This clearly has already started with the major investment by Hamilton Health. Building on
this success is important, but other independent investments and projects are also needed. Based on the number of
available properties, the challenge is focusing efforts in a manner that creates a concentration of impact, and results
in significant “economic buzz” that investment opportunities exist. The first project is typically is the hardest; once a
successful track record is achieved, each subsequent project becomes easier. Some of the specific considerations for
create investment interest include:

In this economic environment, redevelopment of some vacant South Allison Hill properties and underutilized buildings
will be more likely, and more successful, if the site and/or building is in some way prepared for future re-use. Advance
preparations might include; assessing environmental status, remediation, infrastructure and building system upgrades,
permitting, financing, security enhancements, and/or façade improvements.

Small-Scale Can Be Good Neighbors and Have a Big Impact: Underutilized commercial and
////

industrial districts exist throughout the city. In some places they are directly adjacent to
residential neighborhoods, as is the case for South Allison Hill. Identifying lower-impact,
neighborhood-sensitive businesses such as Makerspaces, tool libraries, business incubators,
and light fabrication uses could restore the economic and social value of these properties
while minimizing potential conflicts with adjacent residential properties.

Capitalize on the Architectural Character: The blocks between 17th and 18th Streets
////

are still occupied by unique and potentially handsome brick industrial buildings that are
today, largely underutilized. Many of these properties may be eligible for a 10% or 20%
federal Historic Preservation Investment credit as well as a potential 25% Pennsylvania Historic
Preservation Tax Credit, a potentially significant reinvestment financing opportunity. Historic
preservation requirements should not be viewed as a constrain but instead viewed as an asset to
create a further distinctive place and as a set of guidelines to ensure as investment occurs
that it is done in a universally consistent manner, protecting each incremental investment.

Tap into the Food Culture: There is a general recognition that as national trends guide
////

local-based activities. This is especially true in the realm of industrial adaptive reuse. Food
culture especially represents a broad range of opportunities from dining, to production, to
malt beverages, education, and other “experience-oriented” activities. These trends can
be powerful drivers of economic investment and are generally locally started, operated,
community-oriented, and resident serving.

Place-Based Branding: Developing new placed-base branding can be a powerful tool in

////

stimulating economic interest. For example. former uses can create new identities, such
as the term “the Bottling Works” for the reuse of the former Coca-Cola building. A similar
example is the Goggleworks Center for the Arts in the City of Reading. Branding can be
in the form of naming buildings, places, complexes, streets and corridors, public spaces,
events, etc. It can also can permeate all aspects of economic development including
gateway, banner, building, and wayfinding signage, streetscape elements, and web-based
promotions.

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PLANNING FRAMEWORK
STRATEGIC OPPOTUNITIES - Stormwater Management/Flood Mitigation – The
City is moving towards the active integration of green
SUPPORTING ELEMENTS infrastructure into various aspects of infrastructure.
Stormwater management techniques can address
In addition to the primary opportunity uses and activities localized flooding issues and enhance the neighborhood
that could drive revitalization, opportunities exist to through greening.
upgrade various aspects of the public realm, especially
infrastructure needed to support reinvestment. Over Parking - Limited parking for residents is a consistent
the course of the development of the AWP, through complaint. Workshop participants suggested that
the assessment of existing conditions and meetings and additional convenient, secure parking would add to the
discussions with the community and City leadership, a desirability of the neighborhood. Since on-street parking
series of strategic opportunities focused on multi-modal is constrained by street width and traffic speed, off-street
transportation, stormwater management, the quality spaces could be created in underutilized lots throughout
of the public realm (including streetscaping and public the neighborhood. Resident-driven management,
spaces), and improving environmental quality, were coordinated planning, and flexible standards (including
identified: shared parking arrangements) could address this need.

Circulation – South Allison Hill is located between critical Environmental Quality – Resources are potentially
city-wide transportation corridors, Derry and Market available to identify and assess current brownfield
Streets, and close proximity to the I-83 regional highway environmental conditions and, if necessary, remediate
corridor. 17th Street has the potential become both a them. Creating “clean” sites can further stimulate
major multi-modal transportation spine and the prime investment in otherwise constrained properties.
economic activity corridor within the neighborhood, i.e.
functioning like the neighborhood’s “main street.” Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ) – Some financial
incentives to promote reinvestment are already in place.
Transit – With service access via 10 transit routes, South The KOZ status expires in 2023 so redevelopment plans
Allison Hill is connected to the entire City and the larger should be developed with the KOZ financial incentives in
region. Opportunities exist to promote transit ridership mind.
and to enhance the riders experience through upgraded
facilities linked with a greater concentration of transit-
oriented development around key transit stops.

Urban Design/Community Character – Although many

properties are in need of care, the architectural character
of the neighborhood, including both residential and
commercial properties, is distinctive and attractive. The
overall building form is focused on traditional pedestrian-
oriented streets. Opportunities exist to increase the
relationship of buildings towards sidewalks, especially
for commercial buildings including Hamilton Health, to
make streets more engaged with uses along them and
therefore more vibrant and safer.

Public Space/Neighborhood Identity – Opportunities

exist to create strategic and signature public spaces,
especially surrounded by active commercial buildings 17th Street has the potential to look and feel like the “Main Street” of
South Allison Hill.
and residences, can support civic activities, placemaking,
branding, social, recreational, stormwater management,
and economic development goals.

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Project Introduction & Key Recommendations

Planning Framework
Site Reuse Strategies
Environmental & Civic Infrastructure
Resources Roadmap & Funding Strategies
Appendix A: Background Assessment
Appendix B: Market Analysis
Appendix C: 17th Street Corridor Study

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Site Reuse Strategies

The goal of this effort is to reinvigorate
and revitalize South Allison Hill, especially
through the reuse and or redevelopment
of many of its former manufacturing/post-
industrial properties. Utilizing potential
redevelopment opportunities presented
in the Planning Framework, as identified
through the physical and market analysis
phases of the project, as well as working with
the community, viable and neighborhood
appropriate reuse strategies for several key
area are proposed. Draft reuse concepts
were presented throughout the process
and included one-on-one meetings and
discussions with many property owners.
No two areas or sites are the same,
whether due to physical attributes of a
site or context, or as a result of known or
perceived environmental barriers to reuse.
In some cases, potentially viable near-term
reuse alternatives were identified whereas
in other instances, a potential long-term
reuse was proposed.

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SITE REUSE STRATEGIES

Placemaking and Great places are not easily formed. They are certainly not
created by policy alone, but rely on strong partnerships
Brownfields Redevelopment between many public-sector partners, at all levels of
government, combined with private land owners and
as an Overall Approach to the development and business communities. The overall
reuse and redevelopment strategies presented, including
Neighborhood Revitalization for the targeted brownfield properties, consider all
aspects of the placemaking equation; however, they focus
The proposed site reuse strategies for South Allison Hill especially on those aspects that can be most defined and
follow broad placemaking principles and speculates a shaped by the public sector. These components of the
potential build-out based on a physical assessment of the framework can serve as the skeleton upon which each
sites, their context, and the overall intent to create a high individual private sector action can connect. In some
quality-of-life neighborhood with a vibrant mixed-use cases, the division between public and private sector
neighborhood center. This in turn will support the goal activities are well defined, but sometimes they are a
of the City as a regional commercial, cultural and social function of inter-related aspects which when combined,
activity hub. add up to a result that is greater than the sum of the
individual pieces. In both cases, they serve the notion of
The AWP’s fundamental approach emphasizes the notion forming truly great places and establishing South Allison
of the creation of new “places” versus parcel-by-parcel Hill with a reputation as an attractive and desirable
“developments.” The foundation of this idea is the community to live, work, and grow.
desired outcome that both public and private activities
should result in the creation of highly desirable places The proposed reuse strategies are based on the notion
for people, and as they are expanded, ones that mesh that local needs and character are the basis for a vibrant
seamlessly with their surrounding context. This approach economy – Unique assets and local character make a
emphasizes the notion that street life is a fundamental place distinctive. Keeping investments circulating close to
aspect of urban living. The creation of successful places home and attracting new resources to the neighborhood
is a function of a thoughtfully considered mix of uses and will grow the local economy, incrementally over time.
the design and functionality of infrastructure systems. and firmly reinforces it role as a regional economic hub.
These two items working together form economically In the case of South Allison Hill, the Hamilton Health
vibrant and sustainable building blocks of an overall Center is a local asset, so building upon and enhancing
community. As redevelopment occurs, new development this valuable resource is fundamental to a viable
should feel like a modern interpretation of the historic, revitalization approach that has the potential to link to
well-established and highly functional pattern of the many of the proposed recommendations.
city versus suburban development that mostly considers
auto-convenience, with little physical, functional or social
connection to its surroundings.

An important part of Placemaking includes the orientation of buildings towards streets and public spaces.
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Hamilton Health Center/ The facility today offers a wide range of health services
under one roof, including adult medicine, pediatrics,
South Allison Hill women’s health and dental services (hosting the Women,
Infant and Children Supplemental Feeding Program
Community Services Campus [WIC]), Quest Diagnostics lab, behavioral health services,
services for individuals with HIV/AIDS, a pharmacy, and a
The Hamilton Health Center has been a remarkable turn- full-service optical shop. A planned 2022 expansion will
around story for the 100 block of South 17th Street in South bring online a new on-site preschool, daycare, additional
Allison Hill. Situated on the former Harrisburg Foundry medical office space, and expanded parking. The future
and Machine Works, the property more recently hosted Hamilton Health Center/South Allison Hill Community
a number of industrial activities, including auto recycling Services Campus will build on the present-day “medical
and a state-owned print shop. Hamilton Health moved mall” to become more of a mixed-use neighborhood
into this facility in 2012 after extensive remediation and center, providing a broadening array of wellness-
demolition work on the property that was necessary due related activities such as: prepared food and cooking
to the numerous environmental hazards left behind in the demonstrations, perhaps a Dauphin County library
area’s industrial and manufacturing legacy. Harrisburg branch, housing for trainees, health business incubator,
Redevelopment Authority and the Hamilton Health clinical services, occupational training, medical devices,
Center received a Phoenix Award in 2017, a national fitness facilities, as well as sports and medical clothing,
award for excellence in brownfields reuse. and other health-themed retailers.

Hamilton Health is a vital, region-serving institution. It is

a community anchor, bringing new jobs and improving
PROJECT FACTS AND DRIVERS
the lives of people throughout the area it serves. In  The Hamilton Health Center is model for the successful
addition, it is a catalyst for growth and economic activity reuse of a brownfields. It is the major health and social
in the South Allison Hill neighborhood. Looking into the services hub for the neighborhood, city, and region. It
future, the facility has the potential to grow, becoming serves as not only a provider of services to the community,
a neighborhood campus, bringing together a range of it is a major employer with more than 235 employees.
health-related and social services as well as healthy-  The Hamilton Health Center is undertaking 30,000 SF
living offerings. expansion which include remediating brownfields site at
47 South 14th Street.

The Hamilton Health Center is a major redevelopment anchor in South Adjacent brownfields land targeted for facility expansion.
Allison Hill.

35 //// Site Reuse Strategies

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SITE REUSE STRATEGIES

 Hamilton Health has acquired additional adjacent land center as extension to the entrance wing of the existing
along 17th Street Corridor which is currently utilized for Hamilton Health Center. This would extend the civic uses
additional off-street parking. and the activity of the Hamilton Health Center to engage
 Hamilton Health foresees the possibility of further future with the streetscape frontage along 17th Street.
expansion. Other uses and services have expressed a  Swapping land of the existing Hamilton Health Center
desired to be located in close proximity to the facility. surface parking lot with portions of Vernon Street Park,
As additional development occurs the opportunity exists maintaining the amount of public open space, but greatly
to maximize the functional, physical, and visual inter- increasing the quality, safety and functional relationship of
relationships between facilities to create a campus-like the public space with the surrounding campus. This would
setting. allow for the creation of a potential location for an indoor
 Hamilton Health sees the connection between the mission community recreation facility at the corner of South 15th
of its organization as a provider of health care services and and Vernon Streets or a building for additional community
its ability to provide social services and to promote overall services associated with the Hamilton Health Center.
community health and well-being. The organization is  The potential for further expansion of the Hamilton Health
thinking in a holistic way that increases healthy living and Center on the South 14th Street frontage of Hamilton
that expands the economic opportunities of everyone it Health complex once structure parking is introduced to
serves, especially the South Allison Hill community. the campus.
 Community building, the highly necessary counterpart to  The creation of a well-defined public space or plaza
healthcare access work, has been steadily gaining traction adjacent to the proposed library community facility. This
within the field of public health. According to the Robert space could serve as an outdoor venue for programs and
Wood Johnson Foundation, sixty percent of premature services hosted by Hamilton Health (health fairs), the
deaths are related to environmental conditions, social library, other social service providers, as well as serve as
circumstances, and behavioral patterns; just ten percent a potential branded neighborhood “town” square for the
are the result of inadequate healthcare access. There is a South Allison Hill neighborhood.
major push to make healthcare for low-income individuals
less reactive and more proactive; medical providers are RECOMMENDATIONS AND
striving to reach these patients more frequently at less
expensive points in the healthcare system. This holistic ACTIONS
approach represents a significant potential driver for new
development activity within the study area, especially  As the pending expansion of Hamilton Health Center
along the 17th Street Corridor. occurs onto the 47 South 14th Street site, opportunities to
improve the overall access to and from the complex from
OVERALL REUSE VISION 17th Street should be promoted. The reuse plan shows
how a complete four-way intersection can be created with
The conceptual reuse vision for the area surrounding one leg of the intersection serving as the in and out access
the existing and pending expansion of Hamilton Health point into the Hamilton Health Complex.
Center focuses on creating a campus-like environment  Upgrade 17th Street between Mulberry and Chestnut
with a series of buildings and public space facilities. The Streets as a complete street with a strong emphasis on
conceptual reuse vision includes; the relationship of the design and land use on each side
of the street. This area has the opportunity to function as
 Improving the vehicular access to and from the complex the neighborhood core and the functionality and design of
via a new access drive that aligns with the Mulberry Street the street and the design of the building fronting onto the
intersection of 17th Street. street should reflect this ideal. Since there are no buildings
located in close proximity to the right-of-way on the
 The potential construction of a structured parking facility
east side of the street, 17th Street could be widened to
at the southeast entrance to the campus, (the address of
accommodate a 38-foot wide cartway versus the current
record is 140 S. 17th Street).
34-foot wide cartway. This would allow for two 8 feet wide
 The creation of the South Allison Hill Community Campus parking lanes on each side as well as ample sidewalks
through the construction of a library/community services within the 60 feet wide right-of-way.

The South Allison Hill U.S. EPA Brownfields Area-Wide Plan //// 36
 DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY

Plan and Soils Management Plan during construction;

incorporation of a subslab ventilation system for new
buildings; and annual inspection of any capping features.
The new parking lot could support additional structures,
again, as long as the terms of the Environmental Covenant
are met.
 The property located at 138 S. 17th is currently operating
as a restaurant and an auto repair business. It was
formerly a gas fueling station. This parcel was also part
of the Harrisburg Foundry and Machine Works therefore
additional environmental assessment activities may be
necessary to support and redevelopment of the property.

NEXT STEPS
The opportunity exists to engage the Center with 17th Street through  Support the remediation of the 47 South 14th Street site
improved architecture and urban design elements. and the completion of the pending expansion phase of the
Hamilton Health Center.
 Any extension of the existing Hamilton Health Center
building towards 17th Street should employ strong  Facilitate a process between HRA, the City’s Engineering
urban design principles. These include an entrance and Department, and Hamilton Health to create a new access
significant use of glass along the 17th Street and proposed drive into the health center complex with improvements
public space facades, the creation of courtyard entrance at the intersection of Mulberry and 17th Streets.
from 17th Street into the Hamilton Health Center, setting  Convene discussions between the Dauphin County
back any new buildings 10 to 15 feet from the existing Library System, Hamilton Health, and other social service
17th Street Hamilton Health building frontage in order providers that have expressed an interest in located in
to provide a more generous pedestrian realm, and the area. Undertake a feasibility study to explore the
architectural elements to denote the civic significance of creation of a new Allision Hill Community Hub facility as an
the entire complex and to act as a beacon along South extension to the current Hamilton Health Center complex.
17th Street.
 Investigate ways to create a public/private partnership
 The “Quonset Hut” property located at 140 South 17th to master plan the upgrades to Vernon Street Park and
Street is a .5-acre site currently owned by Hamilton the construction of a public space at the entrance to the
Health. Sanborn Maps indicate that the parcel was part of Hamilton Health Complex and the proposed Allison Hill
the Harrisburg Foundry and Machine Works. Additional Community Hub. Depending on the ultimate ownership
assessment of this site may be necessary to support reuse, or long-term easement agreements for some of the land-
although a majority of this portion is recommended for swap portions, these projects may be eligible for public
the new main entrance into the Hamilton Health Center. space and stormwater management funding (i.e. grants)
 The Majid Meeting Hall parcel is located at 220 South to support their planning, design, and construction.
17th Street at the intersection of South 17th Street and
Mayflower Street. This property is currently utilized
for religious activities, but was also once part of the
Harrisburg Foundry and Machine Works. Additional
environmental assessment activities may be necessary if
the site redeveloped in a manner that necessitates new
construction. The site is not proposed to be redeveloped,
however, as a part of this schematic reuse plan.
 The catalyst site is currently being further remediated to
support a new building and parking lot for the expansion of
the Hamilton Health Center. The site has achieved PA Act
2 relief of liability for residential end uses (as defined by
PADEP) as long as the terms of the Environmental Covenant
are met. These terms include use of a Health and Safety

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SITE REUSE STRATEGIES

View of 17th Street Corridor showing new entrance to Hamilton Health Center and Community Services Campus.

The South Allison Hill U.S. EPA Brownfields Area-Wide Plan //// 38
 DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY

Hamilton Health Center Expansion/South Allison Hill

Community Services Campus –
How might this effort be funded?

There are several resources that could help to support the various fundable
components of the Hamilton Health Center expansion into Community Services
Campus to include a library, CareerLink job placement center, and multi-purpose
community rooms. One key resource that aligns well with this project is the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and
Families (OCS) Community and Economic Development (CED) grant (see Resource
Roadmap & Funding Matrix section of this report). This grant program provides
grants of up to $800,000 for projects that help create employment opportunities
in distressed areas through a variety of activities, including startup of expansion
of businesses, physical, or commercial activities; capital expenditures such as the
purchase of equipment or real property; certain operating expenses; and loans or
equity investments (example projects include business incubators, shopping centers,
manufacturing business, agricultural initiatives).

The potential location of the CareerLink job placement center in the extension would
make this project particularly competitive for these funds. These grants are only
available to Community Development Corporations (CDCs), so HRA would need to
partner with Tri County Community Action to apply. This grant is currently open and
accepting applications through June 3, 2019, with annual cycles likely to follow a
similar timeline.

Other resources that could be leveraged to support this project include:

 Brownfields Remediation and Cleanup: U.S. EPA Brownfields Assessment (HRA has
pending application for community-wide assessment resources); U.S. EPA Brownfields
Cleanup grants (see page 71 of the Resource Roadmap); PA Department of Community &
Economic Development (DCED) Industrial Sites Reuse Program (ISRP) grants;
 Development Costs: PA Office of the Budget’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program
(RACP); National Development Council (NDC) Public-Private Partnership (P3) Design-
Build; and Dauphin County Local Share Gaming Fund.

39 //// Site Reuse Strategies

 Hamilton Health Center/South Allison Hill Community Services Campus
DRAFT

30,000 SF Expansion -
FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY

Education, Training, and

Daycare
Health/Nutrition
Related Vendor or
Branch Library

Transportation Hub
- Parking Facility
and Retail

Community Recreation
Building

Vernon Park
- New Configuration via
Land Swap Parking Facility
SITE REUSE STRATEGIES

The South Allison Hill U.S. EPA Brownfields Area-Wide Plan //// 40
NTS
DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY

The 137 South 17th Street RECOMMENDATIONS AND

Site Reuse ACTIONS
 Work with current or future property owners to determine
This visually prominent vacant site fronts onto the 17th that actual environmental status of the property. If HRA
Street Corridor, across from the Hamilton Health Center. is able to secure U.S. EPA Assessment grant funds, it
It was part of the Harrisburg Foundry and Machine Works should consider utilizing the funds to determine if any
and was associated with the primary facility located remediation work is required for this site.
where the Hamilton Health Center is now located. More  Upgrade 17th Street between Mulberry and Chestnut
recently the site was a storage lot for scrap automobiles. Streets as a complete street with a strong emphasis on
the relationship of the design and land use on each side
PROJECT FACTS AND DRIVERS of the street. This area has the opportunity to function as
the neighborhood core and the functionality and design of
 The .71-acre parcel is centrally located and is for sale. the street and the design of the building fronting onto the
 The property was formerly used for industrial street should reflect this ideal. Since there are no buildings
manufacturing and the storage of vehicles and therefore located in close proximity to the right-of-way on the east
the potential exists for environmental conditions that side of the street, including this site, 17th Street could be
could impede reuse if not addressed. widened to accommodate a 38-foot wide cartway versus
the current 34-foot wide cartway. This would allow for two
 The property owner’s representative indicated that a 8 feet wide parking lanes on each side as well as ample
Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment was performed sidewalks within the 60 feet wide right-of-way.
at some point in the past; however, the document was
not made available for this planning effort. Therefore,  Explore opportunities to develop this site with a mix of uses
existing environmental information should be reviewed including commercial/retail and social services, as well
with proposed or potential end-uses in mind and as a potential parking facility, either as a surface parking
additional/updated Environmental Assessments should lot (initially) but designed to potentially accommodate a
be conducted, as needed. future parking structure.

OVERALL REUSE VISION NEXT STEPS

 HRA should continue communications with the property
The property has the opportunity to serve as location for
owner’s representative related to any sales transaction for
development associated with the Hamilton Health Center the property.
and/or other associated social or community services.
Once the access drive to the Hamilton Health Center is  Depending on the potential on the actual known
environmental status of the site, further environmental
realigned with the intersection of Mulberry Street, this
assessment activities should be performed, if warranted.
corner of the intersection will become more prominent.
The opportunity to shape any new development so there
is a functional and visual relationship on each side of
17th Street, will support the concept of establishing the
block of 17th Street from Mulberry to Chestnut Streets
as the core of the South Allison Hill neighborhood. This
could include creating a public space on each side of the
street that has a common design theme and/or design
elements.

View of vacant lot at 137 South 17th Street.

41 //// Site Reuse Strategies

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SITE REUSE STRATEGIES

137 17th Street

The South Allison Hill U.S. EPA Brownfields Area-Wide Plan //// 42
 DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY

The Bottling Works/Food  The building has a substantial amount of adjacent land
from the former rail line that ran behind the building

Accelerator Center complex. This land could potentially support a formal off-
street parking lot needed to support the proposed reuses
within the building.
Commonly referred to by locals at the “Coca-Cola
Building,” the building at the corner of 17th and Holly  Market analyses identified unmet opportunities within
the neighborhood to support a restaurant and food-based
Streets shares many of the architectural features of other
businesses. This data-driven analyzes is further supported
bottling works built in the 1930s and 1940s. Generally, by the overwhelming community sentiment for a greater
Coca Cola produced the syrup, formula, marketing, supply and access to food including in the form of fresh
and branding, and then distributed, by agreement, to and healthy grocery options, cost-conscious pre-prepared
hundreds of independent bottling companies like this foods, and sit-down dining opportunities.
one. The importance that the Coca-Cola Company placed  Harrisburg has a growing food culture and specialty
in self-marketing is demonstrated through the building’s food industry. This includes the success of the Broad
architecture which included plate-glass shop windows Street Market as well as the increase in varied dining
on the first floor, allowing the bottling operation to be opportunities as well as the malt brewery/micro-brew
viewed by the passing public. This detail was typical of industries.
Coca-Cola bottling facilities throughout the United States  The growing food service industry within the city and
at the time. Since the beverage operation ceased in the regionally is generating demand for a greater trained
1980’s, the building has been used by a variety of tenants workforce. The Harrisburg Area Community College offers
for production and storage purposes. several education programs that could be married with a
food-based industry accelerator, including: a new Culinary
PROJECT FACTS AND DRIVERS Areas/Associate in Applied Science Degree; Certified
Production Technician, and Hospitality and Tourism
 The former Coca-Cola bottling works located at 227 South Management Certificate and Associate in Applied Science
17th Street was built in 1936. The building has been under Degree.
its current ownership since 1988 and at the time of this  Opportunities exist to leverage healthy-living services and
report is for sale. programs underway and being considered at the Hamilton
 Coca-Cola, through its regional network of bottling Health Center to create a cross-fertilization dynamic
companies, was known for constructing buildings with between the two centers.
distinctive Coca-Cola themed architectural elements.  The site is a designated Keystone Opportunity Zone.
Numerous other buildings of similar age and style across
the United States have been adaptively reused. The OVERALL REUSE VISION
building has major architectural branding elements and
is located within the Mount Pleasant Historic District and The concept is to create a concentration of diverse and
would be eligible for federal and state historic preservation vibrant uses with an emphasis on food-based activities,
tax credits. as well as other healthy living related services. Commonly
 Although the building, which is actually an aggregation of referred to as “food accelerators” for the broad role
several structures added to the original building located in utilizing all aspect of food to advance community
along the South 17th Street frontage, is over eighty years goals, the vision is to create a facility that acts like a
old, it is generally constructed following modern practices. “greenhouse” to foster new food and health activity in
The building has high ceiling heights, wide and regular South Allison Hill and as another anchor (complimenting
column spacing, and is a combination of masonry, wood,
the Hamilton Health Center) along the 17th Street
and steel construction, all of which supports relative
flexibility in adaptively reusing the structure for modern Corridor. The concept is to pack as much symbiotic food-
uses. based activities into one facility as possible to create a
beehive of activity. There are a growing number of food
 At 60,000 SF it is large enough to support substantial
accelerator models in large and small cities throughout
redevelopment and attract potential investors, yet is
not so large that the property would require an unlikely the United States that can serve as models of success and
amount of funds to kick-start its substantial reuse. potential mentors for Harrisburg.

43 //// Site Reuse Strategies

DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY

SITE REUSE STRATEGIES

RECOMMENDATIONS AND will likely be instrumental in pulling together all of the
partnerships, efforts, actions, and projects needed to
ACTIONS get the entire initiative up and running.
• Pursue funding sources for Phase I capital project
Recommendations under this initiative can be grouped (estimated at $100K design/$1M construction) which
into three distinct modes. The first focuses on the may consist of establishing base occupancy on ground
leadership and capacity-building structure to organize floor of the Coca-Cola Building facility with street
and manage the effort. This entity would they undertake visibility. It would likely require, at a minimum, a
efforts to create the physical infrastructure needed to community-shared commercial kitchen (up to 3,000 SF),
support the initiative as well as create the economic flex processing, production, packaging, shipping, and a
and industry partnerships needed to provide technical trade area (an additional 3,000 SF).
support for start-up food related ventures.
 Establish a Leadership Structure – This effort would
What is a B Corporation?
Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest
effectively be the initial undertaking to get the idea off the
standards of verified social and environmental performance,
ground. It focuses on creating a primary champion and
public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit
advocate for the Food Accelerator Center and all of the
and purpose. B Corps are accelerating a global culture shift to
tasks needed to make things happen. Key actions under redefine success in business and build a more inclusive and
this recommendation include: sustainable economy.
• Form a formal advocacy development entity, possibly a Society’s most challenging problems cannot be solved by
Certified B Corp. government and nonprofits alone. The B Corp community
• Establish a development director position, ideally for a works toward reduced inequality, lower levels of poverty,
a healthier environment, stronger communities, and the
period of two years.
creation of more high-quality jobs with dignity and purpose.
• Develop an operational and capital development plan. By harnessing the power of business, B Corps use profits and
• Form partnerships with key local and regional entities. growth as a means to a greater end: positive impact for their
employees, communities, and the environment.
• Establish a board of directors and/or advisors.
B Corps form a community of leaders and drive a global
• Pursue capital and advocate for grants, foundation movement of people using business as a force for good. The
support, and other financial resources. values and aspirations of the B Corp community are embedded
in the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence.
• Work with local lenders to establish a seed capital fund
with favorable terms for accelerator users. B Corp Certification is administered by Standards Analysts
at the non-profit B Lab. Standards Analysts are located at B
• Perform a space feasibility plan starting with the former Lab’s Pennsylvania, New York, and Amsterdam offices. The
Coca-Cola Building and potentially secure an option on standards for B Corp Certification are overseen by B Lab’s
start-up space within the facility. independent Standards Advisory Council.
• Pursue and obtain letters of interest from established THE B CORP DECLARATION OF INTERDEPENDENCE
operators and potential end-users for a space to have
We envision a global economy that uses business as a force for
some established anchors at the time of opening. good. This economy is comprised of a new type of corporation
- the B Corporation - Which is purpose-driven and creates
NEXT STEPS benefit for all stakeholders, not just shareholders.
As B Corporations and leaders of this emerging economy, we
• Advance the overall effort with an in-depth first phase
believe:
feasibility study (estimated $100K study). This work
could be supported by efforts such as the Local Food, • That we must be the change we seek in the world.
Local Places Technical Assistance Program sponsored by • That all business ought to be conducted as if people and
the U.S. Department of Agricultural in partnership with place mattered.
the U.S. EPA, the Centers for Disease Control and other • That, through their products, practices, and profits,
partnering agencies. businesses should aspire to do no harm and benefit all.
• Pursue the Leadership Structure recommendation and • To do so requires that we act with the understanding that
we are dependent upon another and thus responsible for
associated actions. The ability to establish a formal entity
each other and future generations.
with a dedicated leadership position for the initiative
The South Allison Hill U.S. EPA Brownfields Area-Wide Plan //// 44
45 //// Site Reuse Strategies
Roo
f

Shared Commercial Kitchens and

Office: 8,000 sf

Meeting Space: 10,000 sf

Seco
nd F
loor
Roof Garden: 7,000 sf

Distribution: 8,000 sf
Print Shop: 3,000 sf
Food Truck Commissary: 9,000 sf

First
Floo
r

Market and Retail: 8,000 sf

Greenhouse: 3,000 sf Restaurant: 3,000 sf

Building Service and Storage: 10,000 sf

PHASE 1 PROJECT Base

men
t
DRAFT

FOOD
FOOD ACCELERATOR
ACCELERATOR DIAGRAM DIAGRAM
THE SOUTH ALLISION HILL U.S. EPA BROWNFIELDS
AREA-WIDE PLANNING PROJECT
June 2018
FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY
DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY

SITE REUSE STRATEGIES

View showing adaptive reuse of the former Coca-Cola Building as the Bottling Works/Food Accelerator Center.

The South Allison Hill U.S. EPA Brownfields Area-Wide Plan //// 46
 DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY

N.F. String & Son Expansion reducing the amount of impervious surface and creating
an opportunity for a stormwater flow-through planter on
the west side of the street.
N.F. String and Son are manufacturers who have been in
business since 1929 and are Pennsylvania-based. N. F.  Opportunities to reduce stormwater runoff through the
String & Son, Inc. is located in the heart of South Allison design of on and off-street parking improvements should
be considered.
Hill and employs 60 people many of which are local,
drawn by the availability of steady work and generous  All of the parcels related to potential expansion and
employee benefits. As a leader in the manufacturing retention of the N.F. String & Son’s operations have been
of coin counting and related machinery, the company’s identified as part of the former Harrisburg Foundry and
Machine Works. As such, appropriate environmental site
products are found across the United States and it
assessment activities should be conducted as part of
consistently looking to grow its list of suppliers and future site redevelopment efforts.
vendors. Located in a large multi-story structure that was
once part of the former Harrisburg Foundry and Machine
Works, the leadership of the company would like to
NEXT STEPS
expand onto undeveloped land it owns along Howard  HRA and the leadership of N.F. String & Son should
Street. continue discussions related to the potential opportunities
to support the company’s efforts to expand at its current
location within South Allison Hill.
PROJECT FACTS AND DRIVERS  HRA, the Office of the City Engineer, Capital Regional
 Employing 60 people, N.F. String & Son represents the Water should work with N.F. String and Hamilton Health
largest private business operation in the study area. to pursue re-designing the intersection area of South 15th
Street and Chestnut Street.  
 The vertical layout of its current production line is not
efficient and they can no longer expand within their
current building footprint.

OVERALL REUSE VISION

The opportunity exists for N.F. String & Son to expand
horizontally to adjacent properties they own. In order to
accommodate growth, they will need additional land to
supplement the land they own on the opposite side of
Howard String.

RECOMMENDATIONS AND
ACTIONS
 HRA and the leadership of N.F. String & Son should
continue discussions related to the potential sale of HRA
N.F. String & Son is a significant employer and currently occupies a
owned property that could be used to support business multi-story structure that was originally part of the former Harrisburg
expansion. Foundry and Machine Works.
 Truck access to the facility is somewhat challenging. Trucks
enter from Market Street, via Howard Street, turning
onto South 15th Street. Backing into their loading dock
accessed via South 15th Street. Opportunities exists to
address truck turning radii issues by shifting the roadway
towards east side of South 15th Street, south of Chestnut
Street. North of Chestnut Street the curbline on the west
side of South 15th Street could be shifted to the east,

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SITE REUSE STRATEGIES

N.F. String & Son Expansion –
How might HRA assist in supporting this South Allison Hill
employer expand and create more local jobs?
The site preparation, infrastructure, and utilities components of the N.F. String & Son
expansion project competitively align with the Economic Development Administration
(EDA) Public Works or Economic Adjustment Assistance grant program (see Resource
Roadmap & Funding Matrix section of this report). These programs provide strategic
investments on a competitive merit basis to support economic development, foster job
creation, and attract private investment in economically distressed areas. EDA funding
can be used to undertake site preparation, utilities work, and infrastructure upgrades
for sites where businesses can commit that the federal investment will help them to
locate or expand and grow family-sustaining jobs. Examples of the types of projects
typically funded include access improvements to industrial parks, water and sewer
system improvements for manufacturing facilities, or brownfields remediation for a
business technology incubator.

The average grant size is approximately $1.4 million, with match provided on a sliding
scale that is tied to the distress level of the location of the project. Harrisburg’s Census
Tract 312 meets criteria for a federal matching rate of 80%.

To initiate an application, HRA should work with N.F. String & Son to:
 Develop a 1-page briefing sheet about the project, including the anticipated grant request,
the project need and impacts, and expected job creation. The briefing sheet should highlight
that the project is located in an Opportunity Zone.
 Send the briefing sheet to the Pennsylvania Economic Development Representative (EDR),
Christopher Casper (215-597-1074 or [email protected]) to set up a call to discuss the
project and seek guidance regarding how to make the application most competitive.
 Once you HRA has coordinated with the EDR, HRA can proceed with the two-phase review
process. This will require submission of an initial pre-application to secure an invitation to
submit a full-application. The full application must be accompanied by a form completed
by N.F. String indicating the number of jobs and amount of investment it anticipates could
come from expansion.
Other resources that could be leveraged to support N.F. String & Son expansion:
 Brownfields Remediation and Cleanup: U.S. EPA Brownfields Assessment (HRA has
pending application for community-wide assessment resources); U.S. EPA Brownfields
Cleanup grants (see page 71 of the Resource Roadmap); and PA Department of Community
& Economic Development (DCED) Industrial Sites Reuse Program (ISRP) grants.
 Redevelopment Costs: PA Office of the Budget’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program
(see Resource Roadmap & Funding Matrix).
As these resources could also be applied at other catalytic sites, it is important that HRA
coordinate with the City and other stakeholders to determine which projects are most
competitive and shovel-ready with the highest degree of political and public support.

The South Allison Hill U.S. EPA Brownfields Area-Wide Plan //// 48
 N.F. String and Son Expansion
Employee Parking
20 Spaces

49 //// Site Reuse Strategies

New/Expanded
Manufacturing
Facility
12,000 SF

Mid-block Truck
Curb Crossing to
Accomodate a
Y-turn Maneuver
at N.F. String
Loading Dock

Intersection
Improvements
(Chestnut and 17th)
DRAFT

to Facilitate Truck
Movements
Church Parking Lot An HRA Held Long-Vacant Parcel
Improved and Leased could become part of a landscaped,
During the Week secured employee parking lot.
FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY

NTS
DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY

SITE REUSE STRATEGIES

The 18th Street Gateway  The four-story building that houses Derry Street Family
Grocery and Cidras Cabaña Restaurant appears to be
of concrete frame construction and could be costly
Most of the two-block area at the southeast corner of the
to demolish and remove, making reuse the more
study area is controlled by a single owner. The prominent economically viable approach.
location, framed by Derry Street and Holly Street, between
 Adjacent properties should attract quality potential
17th and 18th Streets supports a variety of commercial
tenants and real interest supporting over-the-shop uses if
operations, some vacant, some thriving, as well as an managed shared parking were available. In addition, other
active church congregation and a Veterans facility. Derry site amenities, lighting, and landscape improvements
Street Family Grocery and Cidras Cabaña Restaurant should increase activity and therefore property values.
occupy the lower level of a four-story concrete frame
 The assumption that existing businesses thrive-in-place
building originally constructed for textile manufacturing. may be optimistic, depending on the entire development
With large windows and generous ceiling heights the program proforma and on construction phasing
building has attributes that make the vacant upper floors, considerations.
especially, attractive for adaptive reuse. The upper floors
 Similar to the MulDer Square project under construction a
have supported a variety of commercial endeavors in the few blocks to the east, surrounding commercial properties
recent past. The building shares its north wall with an would benefit from the presence of a new “anchor”
older, three story masonry structure, a former Hershey operation and from infrastructure improvements occurring
Ice Cream facility. It was constructed in the middle of the at the same time – such as shared parking, stormwater
block, set far back from 18th Street and Derry Street, management, lighting, and landscape plantings.
limiting its attractiveness for contemporary users. When  City Zoning and on-site parking requirements, if strictly
it was built, however, the location was very valuable, as applied, would limit what can be accommodated and
it offered direct rail siding access from an active railroad reduce its urban infill potential.
spur that served other major manufacturing operations  A significant “landmark” building at the corner of Derry and
towards Market Street. The two buildings just described, 18th Streets, along with intersection improvements will
the former railroad right-of-way, as well as other parcels heighten the gateway identity of this major intersection
on the block are controlled by same owner and thus can into South Allison Hill.
be redeveloped in an incremental, but coordinated way,  The traffic volumes at this intersection represent an
as suggested by the schematic reuse plan. Unlike the untapped opportunity to provide retail/commercial uses
other reinvestment proposals shown in this document, that could serve the neighborhood and capture a portion
these reuse recommendations were not developed of the large market travelling along Derry Street.
through discussion with the property owner despite
earnest attempts to contact the owner and their local OVERALL REUSE VISION
representative.
The conceptual reuse vision for 18th Street Gateway
The conceptual design recommendations shown here anticipates that planned redevelopment and site
respond to the clear opportunity presented by the improvements can also bring significant value to
large (2-acre) urban site offering excellent visibility and the surrounding properties. A strategic approach to
access. Clearly, this is a community gateway and future increasing the overall development potential of this
development could add vitality, visual interest, shared significant property within the study area. The potential
parking, green stormwater management, and improved exists to create a complete mixed-use block grouping of
walkable connections buildings, including a church, deli, bank, and grocery, as
well as other uses. New infill buildings, especially at the
PROJECT FACTS AND DRIVERS corner of Derry and 18th Street, would not only offer
great visibility for businesses, excellent vehicular access,
 The principal property owner did not participate in this and the ability to reestablish a traditional street frontage,
community planning process; therefore, it is unknown if making the busy intersection safer and livelier for
the primary objective is to sell off individual properties, pedestrians. All of this could be served by an attractive
offer long term lease(s) to a developer, or to continue inner-block parking lot used to support and animate
develop, improve, tenant, and manage the properties.
The South Allison Hill U.S. EPA Brownfields Area-Wide Plan //// 50
 DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY

surrounding properties and allow visitors to park once  Explore application of Capital Region Water’s
and visit multiple uses. In addition, if creative design recommended green stormwater designs for commercial
approaches are utilized, parking and hardscaped spaces properties, parking lots, and streets. Anticipating that
could serve parking during weekdays, and provide a great there will be stormwater management fee levied on
commercial properties in the future, a 2-acre site that is
location for weekend markets and community events, all
mostly impervious or rooftop, could realize a significant
with high-traffic and visibility. reduction by introducing integral green stormwater
management elements.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND  Recruit a ground floor tenant(s) for the proposed corner
ACTIONS building. Uses such as a library branch, bank, coffee shop,
restaurant, specialty stores were mentioned in discussions
 The plan for the improved parking lot, green storm water as potentially desirable in this location.
facilities, and the cross-block connection should be
developed as Derry Street, 17th Street, and 18th Street NEXT STEPS
frontages are re-occupied or improved.
 Contact the owners of the parcels located between Derry,
 An entity should be established to coordinate utilization Holly, Carlisle and 18th Streets to learn about their plans
and maintenance of parking and site amenities, especially for the property and to review reuse plan concepts.
if shared.
 Assist owners in convening discussions with Capital Region
 Most of the properties located between 18th Street and Water, HRA, and other city agencies and suggest potential
Carlisle Street were primarily served by the former rail upgrades to plans, as necessary.
corridor and focused manufacturing activities from the
post-Civil War period to the mid-twentieth century. It is  Explore the potential to engage a master developer and
likely that subsurface environmental conditions exist, to pursue the creation of a mechanism for a redeveloper
along with building materials that contain environmentally or other entity to capture some of the value created
controlled products such as asbestos. Additional/updated outside of the property boundary to be reinvested in
environmental assessments should be conducted as infrastructure, site amenities, and maintenance of the
needed or to facilitate reuse and land transactions. public spaces.

The 18th Street Gateway Area includes the multi-story, former industrial warehouse often referred to by locals as the “Big Ugly.” This view should
the abundance of open land available, including the former Reading Railroad right-of-way, that is mostly under one-entity/common ownership
making it well suited for redevelopment.

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SITE REUSE STRATEGIES

The 18th Street Gateway
Shared, Co-managed
Parking with Green
Stormwater Collection,
Storage, and Reuse

Cross Block Connection

for Access and Shared
Parking

Defined Work Yard for

Existing/New Maker or
Shop Tenant

Parking for Retail

and Over-the-Shop
Businesses

New Mixed Use Building

8,800 SF Retail

NTS
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 DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY

Opportunity Zone Designation –

How can this federal tax program benefit landowners?

Landowners of properties located within a Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ)

can benefit from selling or ground leasing their property to, or arranging a joint
venture with, a Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF) than can raise sufficient capital
to develop the property.

Sale or Ground Lease: For landowners seeking to sell brownfield properties or other
properties located within QOZs for redevelopment, the QOZ designation creates
new incentives for developers and investors to purchase vacant and potentially
contaminated properties in distressed areas such as South Allison Hill. This new
incentive should help to increase the value of the property or attract buyers who
might otherwise have been deterred by the brownfield challenges or distress of
the surrounding neighborhood. Landowners can best access this benefit by working
to ensure that their available properties are well-marketed as QOZ properties.
Landowners might consider listing their properties on web-based sites accessed by
developers and syndicators, including CoStar, LoopNet, OppSites, and Brownfields
Listings. In addition, a list of Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF) managers and their
geographic focus and areas of interest can be found at this link: https://www.
novoco.com/resource-centers/opportunity-zone-resource-center/opportunity-
funds-listing.

Retaining Interest: For landowners seeking to retain an interest in the development

or expansion of existing properties, the timing requirements and “related-party”
rules of establishing Opportunity Funds create some hurdles to the use of this
incentive. For a landowner who acquired a property prior to December 31, 2017,
the property must be sold to an unaffiliated purchaser after December 31 to be
eligible for Opportunity Fund investment. Under the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
rules regarding sale transactions to related parties, the original landowner can
retain a minority interest of up to 20% in the new owner of the property.

If the landowner does not want to divest itself of 80% or more of its ownership
interest in the land, there may be other means to meet the QOF requirements
through undertaking improvements to land (which has been contributed to or
leased to the QOF) that can be considered self-constructed separate depreciable
tangible property that could meet the requirements if the new tangible property
is worth at least 90% of the real property. Land owners that wish to explore the
options for meeting these requirements should seek the guidance of a tax attorney
or accountant.

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INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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Project Introduction & Key Recommendations

Planning Framework
Site Reuse Strategies
Environmental & Civic Infrastructure
Resource Roadmap & Funding Strategies
Appendix A: Background Assessment
Appendix B: Market Analysis
Appendix C: 17th Street Corridor Study

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 DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY

Environmental & Civic context is critically important to the revitalization of the

neighborhood.
Infrastructure 138 South 17th Street (tax parcel #09-056-003) was
formerly a gas station and auto repair facility. Its current
In addition to the site reuse plans described in the prior
environmental status is not known. The location of the
chapter, a major focus of the overall AWP planning
property is important to overall redevelopment of the
effort is placed on the public site preparation actions
core of the 17th Street Corridor.
and infrastructure work needed to support the site
reuse recommendations and broader neighborhood 140 South 17th Street (tax parcel #09-056-004) is owned
revitalization. The following information summarizes the by the Hamilton Health Center. This 1.08-acre tract located
key strategies for advancing projects by topic area. along the 17th Street Corridor is critical to implementing
the AWP. The site is used to store maintenance vehicles
Project tables are provided for primary topic area and
and has an old Quonset hut designated for demolition.
outline the key projects and elements needed to advance
The site was formerly part of the Harrisburg Foundry and
the overall AWP plan.
Machine Works. This parcel is important from a reuse
perspective for a new main campus entry to the Hamilton
BROWNFIELD ENVIRONMENTAL Health Center.
SITE ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES 227 South 17th Street (tax parcel #09-064—004) is the
former Coca-Cola Bottling plant. Current environmental
Although extensive environmental site assessment
information is not known for this property, but end-
(ESA) work has been performed on many of the target
uses being considered related to the Food Accelerator
brownfield sites, there is still a need for additional
Center include end-uses that may be required meet
environmental work, and in some cases additional
the residential clean-up standard as defined by PADEP.
Phase I and II assessment activities are recommended.
Therefore, existing environmental information should
The exact amount of funds required to perform the
be reviewed with proposed end-uses in mind and
following items, will be dependent upon the timing
additional/updated environmental assessments should
of actions, and final outcomes from more detailed site
be considered as needed.
planning and preliminary engineering for end uses. The
following is a list of sites that were highlighted as having 341 – 345 Carlisle Street/1721 Holly Street (tax parcels
potential eligibility for U.S. EPA Assessment grant funded #09-071-001, 09-071-003, 09-071-004) is a cluster of
activities and relative impact on the ability to undertake parcels that includes the former railroad spur through
aspects of the economic development of infrastructure the area as well as other former industrial uses. The
improvement recommendations of the AWP. The environmental status of these parcels is not known, but
following is a list of potential sites that should be based on their former uses and potential future reuse,
considered for further environmental related activities, performing environmental assessment activities may
pending the voluntary participation of landowners. be recommended and if the property owners chose to
undertake such activities.
137 South 17th Street (tax parcel #09-057-009)
was acquired by WH RE LLC in April of 2019. The 1365 Howard Street (tax parcel #09-061-008) is currently
environmental status is of this site is not known beyond owned by the Redevelopment Authority. It’s previous
the fact the realtor representing the sale stated that a use is not known but on historical mapping it appears
Phase I ESA was performed. The site was formally part that industrial or commercial buildings once occupied
of the Harrisburg Foundry and Machine Works and more the site. The AWP proposes the potential of locating an
recently it was storage lot for scrap vehicles. Located underground stormwater management facility on this
at the core of the 17th Street Corridor and across from property as a part of parking improvements to support the
the Hamilton Health Center, the reuse of the property expansion of the N.F. String & Son business. This would
and how it relates to the street and the surrounding

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ENVIRONMENTAL & CIVIC INFRASTRUCTURE

necessitate soil excavation; therefore, it is recommended
that environmental assessment activities occur on the
site to determine if there are any soil conditions that
may require special accommodations to construct such
as facility.

1442 Vernon Street (tax parcel #09-062-015) is currently

industrial building. It is not known what use is occurring
inside of the structure or what activities occurred on this
site in the past. This site is proposed to be incorporated
into the redesign of Vernon Park and potentially support
indoor recreational facilities. If this site is acquired for a
public use, a Phase I ESA should be performed prior to
acquisition.

The AWP prioritizes several potential brownfield sites for environmental site assessment activities. There are numerous other post-industrial
sites that may require environmental assessment and remediation depended upon the future redevelopment.

The South Allison Hill U.S. EPA Brownfields Area-Wide Plan //// 58
STO
DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY

WN CARNATION

Potential
Potential Environmental
Environmental Assessment Areas
Site Assessment Areas
GH
B AU

FIF
B OM

TE
HELEN

E
NT
Y
LE

H
I
BA
E PARK
PL
B AP
C RA
BRADY

ETHEL

MARKET ST
CROOKED

FIFTEENTH

SIXTEENTH
ZARKER
LINDEN

ZARKER

HO
W
AR
HESTNUT D CHESTNUT

NINETEENTH
HAMILTON HEALTH
ST

CENTER
RE
FO

BELLEVUE
CROOKED

2
MA

NELSON
YF
LO
W
ER 1
VE
RN
ON
3 MULBERRY

7
TH
EN
TE
UR
FO

TH
OM
TH

PS
ON
P
EN

HO

4
HA
TE

EH
NL
FIF

EN

HOLLY

BURCHFIELD
DARLINGTON
THIRTEENTH

Public/Private Parking Projects

DR
UM
MO
ND
5 SPENCER

REESE
Public Parking Projects RUDY
BUCKTHORN

DAISY

BROOK

SULLIVAN

SWATARA SWATARA
LEGEND
SEVENTEENTH
FOURTEENTH

FIFTEENTH

Denotes Potential Target Areas

SIXTEENTH

EIGHTEENTH

1 137 S. 17th Street DE

RR
HUNTER Y
ST
2 138 S. 17th Street

3 140 S. 17th Street HE

AG
Y
4 227 S. 17th Street BERRUHILL ST

5 341-345 Carlisle Street/1721 Holly Street

HILL
LUDWIG
6 1365 Howard Street
NAUDAIN
7 1442 Vernon Street
NORTH
Note: Color denotes common parcel ownership
SCALE: NOT TO SCALE

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ENVIRONMENTAL & CIVIC INFRASTRUCTURE

MULTI-MODAL frontage – the manner in which the public realm of the
street and sidewalk meet the private line of building
TRANSPORTATION facades. Streets and other thoroughfares are public spaces
balanced for function and character. Streets shape blocks.
CONNECTIVITY Larger voids in the block structure should generally only
The focus of the AWP transportation framework is exist as public spaces such as plazas, playgrounds, and
to improve mobility for people and goods moving parks, not as pedestrian “inactivity zones.” Promoting a
throughout the AWP study area, especially in relationship safe and quality pedestrian experience, however, does
to improving multi-modal circulation into and through the not mean that efficient vehicular traffic circulation must
core, via the 17th Street Corridor. The emphasis is mostly suffer. Transportation design decision-making must be
on upgrading existing infrastructure to improve mobility made using a balanced approach between all modes,
and reduce modal conflicts. This means improving curbs, considering that a minimum base-line of pedestrian
sidewalks and crosswalks, properly defining on-street services be achieved that are above the typical norm.
parking lanes, and potentially improving intersection This multi-modal approach is the fundamental basis
safety. for all transportation recommendations in the AWP
and can be used to inform future schematic designs
Through the increased consideration for promoting and engineered plans and includes the following
multi-modal transportation and the upgrading of existing
approaches:
streets and intersections, it is possible to improve
upon current transportation conditions. This includes 17th Street can act as the neighborhood “main
accommodating increased traffic volumes associated with street” serving both as the spine for all modes of
adaptive reuse and infill development. The goal should transportation and as the central activity corridor that
be to mitigate potential impacts of increased traffic and major neighborhood anchors associate themselves to
at the same time make the neighborhood increasingly as a placemaking reference. Reinforcing the importance
more attractive for walking, bicycling, and transit use. of the street as the center of activity and the place
This is especially important since the establishment of people want to be serves as a framework to link new
a new sense of vibrancy through the redevelopment redevelopment together and with the surrounding
of potential brownfields properties, including ones neighborhood and the overall transportation framework
that consists of a vibrant mix of uses, depends upon a of the city. It means that 17th Street must be desirable
consistently good pedestrian experience to promote the and by so doing, it becomes part of the identity or
notion of a walking neighborhood or district. “brand” of the economics of the neighborhood.
In this case of the AWP overall vision, it focuses on a Street and thoroughfare typologies should be
few strategic land use/redevelopment efforts discussed determined in relation to both multi-modal
in Site Reuse Strategies section. With a few exceptions, transportation needs and urban design guidelines for
most of the projects and efforts are located along the 17th the uses and buildings that front onto them. Employing
Street Corridor, making it the spine of the revitalization a “complete street” approach to the design of all streets
efforts. The value of making 17th Street a high-quality, and thoroughfares will provide the maximum opportunity
multi-modal street cannot be overemphasized in terms of a balanced benefit to all modes. Ensuring that streets
of supporting the redevelopment efforts of this plan. The are constructed to include the appropriate widths for
prime determinant of the pedestrian experience is the both travel and the parking lanes, along with bicycle and
quality of the streetscape; “complete” walkable streets pedestrian facilities, as well as supporting streetscaping
are visually stimulating, while environments that are and green infrastructure elements such as street trees,
hostile or uninteresting immediately turn pedestrians landscaping, street fixtures, green infrastructure, etc.
away. In addition, eyes on the street promote safety, so will all support the redevelopment goals of this plan.
having buildings located close to the sidewalk with lots Clearly defining adequate on-street parking lanes is
of visual connections from the building interiors to the critically important. It will help reassure that if one parks
streetscape is important. In fact, the most important their vehicle on-street, the vehicle will not likely be side-
element of a good streetscape is the quality of street
The South Allison Hill U.S. EPA Brownfields Area-Wide Plan //// 60
 DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY

Cut-out section showing

underground stormwater storage system at
intersection bump-outs.

Proposed 17th Street Corridor Multi-Modal Streetscape and Green Infrastructure improvements.

swiped and motorists do not need to mount the curbline calming devices such as curb bump-outs at corners and at
to try to protect their vehicle. Today, on-street parking mid-block pedestrian crossings should be considered as
is not defined, creating a “free-for-all” situation with part of the palette of options to create a stronger sense
vehicles regularly parked on the sidewalk, compromising of a balance environment between pedestrian, bicyclist,
the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists. and motorists.

Transportation infrastructure decision-making should There is a special opportunity to create unique

consider multi-modal needs, including current and neighborhood-wide pedestrian connections within the
future transit services. Maximizing interconnectivity AWP study area. The former rail spur through the study
and providing transit supportive elements such as transit area represents an opportunity to create a unique level
shelters and stop locations, or at a minimum adequate of pedestrian connectivity. The AWP advocates that as
space for future facilities, ensures that full transit mobility properties that include this former railroad right-of-way
is not precluded now or in the future. Reinforcing transit redevelop, a pedestrian connection be provided through
service along existing routes with support facilities, each parcel. Based on the configuration of the existing
especially along 17th Street is important. The AWP structures, if they were to redevelop and if portions of
proposes these type of transit upgrades, including the former railroad right-of-way were also to be used for
following the new recommended guidelines for bus parking, there would likely be building entrances located
stop and station amenities/standards from the 2018 facing the parking areas. If ample pedestrian walkways
Harrisburg Bus Stop Optimization Project. were located at the building lines, the walkways could
serve both the immediate needs of the property and also
Area-wide traffic calming strategies should be considered inter-connect to each other as properties redevelopment,
for new and existing streets as they are designed. creating one inter-connected network. In essence they
While transportation efficiency is a goal, it should not be would function like a second system of sidewalks along
achieved at the cost of safety and street designs should the rear of the buildings. This outcome could be created
be evaluated to determine the need “calm” traffic to an as easements as properties are submitted as land
appropriate speed. This is especially important for the development plans to the City for redevelopment and
design of the 17th Street and Vernon Street upgrade would not require any City acquisition of property.
projects and as other streets are improved in support of
new redevelopment or residential enhancements. Traffic

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ENVIRONMENTAL & CIVIC INFRASTRUCTURE

PROJECT RECOMMENDATIONS - TRANSPORTATION
Map Estimate of
Priority Project Description
Key # Probable Costs *

T1 MID 17th Street Corridor $170K Design & The core of 17th Street will be reconfigured to include new curbing with
TERM Multi-Modal Permitting ample parking lanes on both sides of the street. Additionally, a newly
Streetscape Project located bus stop will provide upgraded safe loading/unloading area with
$1.4M Construction
Phase I - Core Area shelters and transit ride ammenities. Sidewalks to be reconstructed with
new drainage conveyance, underground stormwater retention, street
trees, and ADA accesibility facilities.
T2 NEAR 17th Street Multi- $90K Design & This project will create a designated ample width parking lane on the
TERM Modal Streetscape Permitting west side of 17th Street at the northern and southern ends of the
Project - Phase I 17th Street Corridor. Sidewalks to be reconstructed with new drainage
$748K Construction
conveyance, underground stormwater retention, street trees, and ADA
(Stormwater
Construction Costs accesibility facilities.
separate and listed
under Project S1)
T3 MID 17th & Mulberry $30K Design & The expansion of the Hamilton Health Center will require improved
TERM Streets Intersection Permitting access and circulation. This project will addess the current mid-block
Realignment/ $200K Construction entrance location by creating a new four-way intersection at Mulberry
Hamilton Health and 17th Streets. The project would extend Mulberry as a complete
Main Entry Project street into the core area of the Hamilton Health Center camp and woud
include new sidewalks, streetscaping with architectural lighting, street
trees, and ADA accessibility facilities.

T4 LONG Holly Street $38K Design & Depending on the final Bottling Works reuse strategy, additional parking
TERM Diagonal On-Street Permitting along Holly Street may be desired. This project adjusts the curb line
Parking Upgrade along the Bottling Works side of the street to provide for angled parking
$360K Construction
along Holly Street. This will require that Holly Street becomes a one-way
(Stormwater
northbound street between 17th and 18th Streets. Sidewalks to be
Construction Costs
reconstructed with new drainage conveyance, underground stormwater
separate and listed
retention, street trees, adding architectural lighitng to match existing
under Project S2)
lighing along 17th Street, and ADA accesibility facilities.
T5 LONG Vernon Street $70K Design & Upgrade sidewalks, ADA accessibility facilities, architectural street
TERM Neighborhood Permitting lighting, and street trees from 13th to 17th Streets. Portions of the street
Complete Street $550K Construction along the recently constructed housing between 14th and 15th Streets
Upgrade have already been upgraded.

T6 LONG 14th/15th Street $50K Design & Upgrades include replace sidewalks or infilling missing sidewalks
TERM Upgrades Permitting between Market and Zarker Streets. The configuration of the wide
instersection of 15th and Chestnut Streets should be evaluated to
$375K Construction
improve truck loading at N.F. String & Son. Opportunities to locate
(Stormwater
undeground stormwater detention in this large paved area should
Construction Costs
be considered. Sidewalks to be reconstructed with new drainage
separate and listed
conveyance, underground stormwater retention, street trees, safety
under Project S1)
measures, and ADA accesibility facilities.

T7 LONG Interior Block N/A As properties are redeveloped, pedestrian connectivity, most likely in
TERM Pedestrian the form of pedestrian walkways directly adjacent to the buildings facing
Connectivity the former railroad right-of-way should be required. If private, off-street
parking is created along the former railroad right-of-way, building access
will be desirable, so the walkways would serve the individual properties
and should also be located to interconnect between properties to create
on interconnected pedestrian circulation network. Once created the
walkways should be protected with permanent easements to ensure
they remain in perputiuty.

The South Allison Hill U.S. EPA Brownfields Area-Wide Plan //// 62
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Transportation Improvements

NORTH
SCALE: NOT TO SCALE

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ENVIRONMENTAL & CIVIC INFRASTRUCTURE

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE The following principles should be considered as
ways to integrate blue/green infrastructure and
The AWP promotes the integration of blue/green resiliency to all projects and improvements with
infrastructure elements into the ultimate design the AWP study area are consistent with CRW’s
and execution of projects, especially within public plans and policies:
spaces. Based on the local and regional conditions
there are several factors that should be considered Pollution filtration BMPs can provide storage/detention
when designing public infrastructure and private site for the purposes of addressing localized flooding in
development projects throughout the AWP study area. large storm events. This mean integrating facilities
These elements are also especially important to support into the streetscapes, parking lots, parks and other
funding strategies, since many state and federal agencies open spaces to maximize the opportunity to retain
place emphasis on projects which include such green rainfall during storm events, and slowly release it after
infrastructure measures. the event, and the peak flooding potential, have past.
Underground storage, flow-through planters, and other
An important consideration when utilizing numerous similar facilities possibly integrated into new public green
smaller stormwater elements as a part of a system- spaces should be consider for transportation facilities
wide approach is the fact that stormwater and drainage and redevelopment projects, wherever possible.
are inherently part of networks. Water flows downhill
into continually larger, more concentrated conveyance Filtration Best Management Practices (BMPs) which
systems. If stormwater management systems are treated improve water quality of runoff by removing sediment
as an area-wide network of interconnected components, and nutrients should be employed where there are
it ensures effectiveness while providing the benefit of opportunities. Considering the direct link between runoff
overlaying other uses that also want to interconnect. This and regional water quality it is important to consider
is especially true for parks, public spaces, and parking lots the ability to remove sediment and pollutants in runoff
that may connect from a public space or transportation- before these negative elements end-up in surface water
related function as well as serve as an inter-connected bodies.
chain of stormwater management facilities if they are
designed to function in that manner. Runoff from roads and sidewalks is particularly
important to capture as de-icing materials and other
In the case of the AWP study area, there are two runoff from roadways can be harmful to water quality,
dynamics that are important to consider both of which especially considering the CSO conditions and therefore
are important aspects of Capital Region Water’s (CRW) if direct discharge were to occur into Paxton Creek.
City Beautiful H2O program plan from 2018. The first is Systems and flow should foster natural drainage patterns
mitigating as much as possible the amount of stormwater as much as possible and prevent runoff from directly
flowing towards Paxton Creek during major storm events. entering the creek and river from road to pipes to outfall.
The second, is the need to pre-treat runoff during all This is where the interconnection of facilities between
storm events. In order to address these conditions, the in-street and parks and public space elements can be
ability to engage stormwater at the most local level will especially effective.
improve overall environmental quality and incrementally
reduce flooding. Stormwater is often considered a liability Incorporating other structural technologies such as
that must be “mitigated,” but it can also be viewed as a green roofs or grey water capture within buildings will
vital asset. The creative storage and reuse of stormwater maximize local utilization and detention capacity during
runoff from buildings and paved surfaces to irrigate major storm events. Every opportunity to capture and
civic landscapes, streetscape, and urban beautification store runoff during peak events should be considered
plantings, parks, and community gardens can offer cost- as a way to incrementally reduce flooding within the
savings and should be encouraged. existing combined-sewer overflow (CSO) network within
the neighborhood. These combined approaches would
reduce the amount of direct CSO discharges.

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PROJECT RECOMMENDATIONS - GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE/STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

Map Estimate of Probably

Priority Project Description
Key # Costs*

S1 17th Street Corridor $72K Construction (Design The core of 17th Street will be reconfigured to include new
Multi-Modal Costs included in Project curbing. As a part of sidewalk upgrades underground structural
Streetscape Project T1) soil cells will be located at all intersection bump out locations.
Phase I - Core Area Installation could only occur if transportation improvements are
made.

S2 Holly Street Diagonal $36K Construction (Design As a part of sidewalk upgrades underground to accommodate
On-Street Parking Costs included in Project the reconfiguratoin of parking, structural soil cells will be located
Upgrade Stormwater T4) at all intersection bump out locations. Installation could only
Storage and Bump- occur if transportation improvements are made.
Outs

S3 N.F. String Business $75K Construction (Design Project includes the installation of underground stormwater
Expansion Parking Costs included in Project storage system. Assumed system is 1.5 feet deep over entire
Lot and Green PK1) project area.
Infrastructure

S4 South Allison Hill $65K Construction Project includes the installation of raingarden planting as
Central Square - landscape features in the plaza space. Assumed system is 1.5 feet
North and South deep over entire project area.

S5 Vernon Street $185K Construction Project includes the installation of underground stormwater
Park Raingardens storage system. Assumed system is 1.5 feet deep over entire
& Underground project area.
Stormwater
Retention

S6 18th Street Gateway $60K Construction (Design Project includes the installation of underground stormwater
Shared Parking Costs included in Project storage system. Assumed system is 1.5 feet deep over entire
Area and Green PK4) project area.
Infrastructure
Improvements

S7 15th Street $225K Construction Project includes the installation of underground stormwater
& Chestnut (Design Costs included in storage system. Assumed system is 1.5 feet deep over entire
Underground Project T6). project area.
Stormwater
Management

S8 13th Street Outdoor $500K Construction (Total Project is partially funded including $200K DCED Watershed
Market/Parking Project with Stormwater Restoration Grant and $65K Tri-County local funding. Although
Lot Underground Management) outside of the AWP study area, there is a strong relationship to
Stormwater the intended flexible use as a farmers market and parking area,
Management/ as well as stormwater management.
Rentention

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Green Infrastructure Improvements

NORTH
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PARKS AND CIVIC SPACES a modest, but well-designed civic space at the entrance to
the Hamilton Health Center Campus, fronting onto 17th
The AWP considers the role the public and civic space can Street, which would serve as a physical neighborhood
plan in promoting economic development and serving gathering space and also be a place for highly visibility
the needs of local residents. It focuses on the creation of organized events. It could also be branded as the central
a focused new public park facilities and ways that open square for South Allison Hill enabling it also function as a
space that functions like public civic spaces can be created marketing tool. The opportunity also exists to extend the
in partnership with private and/or non-governmental design of the civic space across 17th Street to the 137 S.
entities. Specifically, it looks at opportunities associated 17th Street site. Even is a modest civic space is created
with the expansion of the Hamilton Health Center as on this site, as long as it relates to the placement and
establishes a health and wellness campus, as well as ways character to larger space on the opposite side of 17th
to layer duel purposes on other facilities, such as parking Street, it will significantly increase is community impact. It
lots, to function as special events spaces. The AWP’s will also enhance the prominence of the development on
key strategies include the following approaches: the 137 S. 17th Street site. These sites also represent an
opportunity to provide greater stormwater management
Merging the Hamilton Health Campus, Vernon Park, opportunities as a landscape amenity within the civic
and potentially adjacent properties, into one cohesive space.
public space and recreational complex. There are
opportunities to maximize the build-out potential for
Hamilton Health and create a campus-like context which
can provide greater and safe civic open space for the
neighborhood. This could be achieved by including more
parcels into a comprehensive site planning effort and
by shifting use to different locations within the same
general area. A key element of this concept is the fact
that there are geothermal wells located under portions
of the current parking lot for Hamilton Health. Although
buildings cannot be easily and/or cost-effectively placed
in this location, green space could be located there.
Shaping civic space with buildings that face and engage
Penn State Abington Campus - Example of integrating stormwater
with those open spaces helps to make them more active management into the design of civic space at the entrance of a public/
and safer because of the regular visual connection institutional building.
between indoor activity and outdoor use.

Explore developing an interior recreational complex Boost Joshua Farms by providing organization support
through a partnership of entities including the City, and potential connections as an urban farm to promote
Hamilton Health, Headstart, as well as other. The growing fresh produce for healthier living. Joshua Farm
community expressed a need and desire for indoor space has been operating as a part of the Joshua Learning
for active and social recreational activities and programs. Group, a non-profit organization focused on the guidance
The ability to manage and operate programs, especially of at-risk youth. The organization runs several programs
associated with health and well-being programs makes it in South Allison Hill since 1998. The farm operation is
potentially a good fit with Hamilton Health’s mission and located just outside of the AWP study area, across 18t
programs. Street. It is located on Harrisburg School District property.
Although very active in the past, it has faced challenged
Create a signature civic space at the core of 17th Street in recent years. The mission and operation of this facility
that functions like a mini-neighborhood central square. focuses on providing employment opportunities for
Well-crafted public and civic space not only serves a youth already involved in Joshua Group’s mentoring
recreational use, it can also provide a valuable economic and academic support programs; making locally grown
development function. The opportunity exists to located and organic produce more accessible and affordable to
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South Allison Hill residents; and offering service-learning
experiences to students a of all ages. All of these aspects
compliment many of the recommendations of the AWP
and serve the community well. It is recommended
that organization support be provided and possibly
expanded to include the Joshua Group, as well as other,
to reinvigorate the facility and to tie it more closely
with other health and wellness programs within the
community.

Explore public-private partnerships to make “site”

improvements that provide badly needed parking in
ways that also provide flexible and attractive venues for
special events such as festivals and markets. Potential
opportunities to improve the provision of parking within
the neighborhood are made in separate section of this
AWP. An important considering in the context of civic
space, is the concept that some of the proposed locations
can be designed with a dual purpose. This means that
parking areas or internal circulation could be designed
to accommodate special events or other temporary uses
when not being used during peak parking times of the
day or week.

Integrate stormwater management into public spaces

as much as possible. The AWP acknowledges that public
spaces are costly to construct and to maintain. Therefore,
it is important to layer on multiple purposes and values
to support their creation and their care. The AWP
strategically shows parks and public spaces that include
elements which provide stormwater management. In
some cases, these are landscape amenities that provide
management and aesthetic value. In other cases,
they are literally public spaces above underground
stormwater retention. In both scenarios, the stormwater
aspect can support their need, potentially aid in their
construction funding, and support the cost of their long-
term maintenance.

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PROJECT RECOMMENDATIONS - PARKS AND CIVIC IMPROVEMENTS

Map Estimate of
Priority Project Description
Key # Probable Costs*

P1 LONG Vernon Street Park Master Plan The City should work with Hamilton Health to evaluated ways to
TERM Park Upgrade & $50K reconfiguring this entire area to maximum public recration benefit, provide
Expansion Phase I greater venues for community health and active lifestyles, while better
Design &
engage the Health Center Campus with the community. This includes
Construction TBD
looking at long-term strategies to provide structured parking to reduce the
amount of impervious surface parking areas on the campus and promoting
greater build-out and open spaces available to the public.

P2 LONG Vernon Street Feasibility Study There is a strong desire for an indoor community recreation space. These
TERM South Allison Part of Project P2 facility can be costly to construct and to maintain. The City should work
Hill Indoor with Hamilton Health and other community partners to study the specific
Community/ feasibilty of programming and operating such as facility as a part of Project
Recreation Center P1.

P3 LONG Vernon Street Vernon Street Vernon Street Park Upgrade & Expansion Phase II.
TERM Park Upgrade & Park Upgrade &
Expansion Phase II Expansion Phase II

P4 LONG South Allison Hill $40K Master Plan The AWP shows how a central civic space, focused on 17th Street and the
TERM Central Square - buildings that exists and could be built around it, could serve as a valuable
$100K Design &
South economic development resources as well as a programmable space for
Permitting
events, etc. It could also serve to form a central space that is indentified as
$1M Construction the “civic” center of the neighborhood.

P5 NEAR South Allison Hill $30K Design & This smaller public space should be design to related to project P4,
TERM Central Square - Permitting creating a visual relationship between the two facilities across 17th Street.
North Could be incorporated as a part of land development plan for the 137th
$250K Construction
Street site by also providing required stormwater management for the
new development.

P6 18th Street Design and The concept of this space is to design part of the vehicular circulation in
Gateway Shared Construction Costs way that it could serve as an events space on weekends. If accent paving
Flexible Hardscape Part of Project PK4 or other details are included, the space could support food trucks, food
Events Space festivals, flea markets, and other special events, while still allowing the
adjacent parking areas to function.

P7 NEAR Joshua Farms TBD Organizational support and capacity building linking the operation and
TERM Partnerships community benefits with Public Health & Wellness and Food Accelerator
Activities within the South Allioson Hill and at the Hamilton Health Center
and its programs.
P8 NEAR 13th Street $500K Construction Described under Project S8.
TERM Outdoor Market/ (See Project T8)
Parking Lot
Underground
Stormwater
Management/
Rentention
C1 NEAR Neighborhood $20K Design In order to promote the neighborhood improvement efforts and
TERM gateway signing branding, especially of the 17th Street Corridor as the central spine of the
$65K Construction
elements and neighoborhood, signature urban design elements should be considered.
& Permitting Per
lighting to promote These could be within the streetscape or through strategic partnerships
location/Estimated
neighborhood through easements with private property owners. The goal is to create
four locations
branding. a strong visual presnece with architectural features, wording/graphics,
lighting, and potentially landscape plantings.

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NORTH
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PARKING a neighborhood-scaled transit center. A location at the

core of the 17th Street Corridor would further support its
The need to improve upon the current parking conditions use, based on the current and planned concentration of
was a reoccurring topic during the AWP planning activity generators and also support transit ridership as
process. The supply and distribution of parking within both an origin and destination for transit service.
South Allison Hill is function of several factors, most
notably the supply of on-street parking, mostly but
not exclusively for residents, and the ability to provide
off-street parking. The recommended transportation
improvements in the AWP attempt to maximize on-street
parking through several means. Along the 17th Street
Corridor the proposed streetscape design proposes to
widen the street in the core blocks between Mulberry
and Chestnut Streets to accommodate properly sized
and clearly designated on-street parking lanes on both
sides of the street. In other areas it proposes to properly
stripe parking lanes on one side of 17th Street to create
a parking lane of ample width to protect vehicles and to
discourage parking on sidewalks.

In terms of off-street parking, the AWP identified a few

opportunities where the City maybe able to work with
private property owners to create properly constructed
parking facilities as a secondary land use to support
active or planned uses. In all cases, the concept focuses
on ways to not only expand the supply of parking but
also include the ability to integrate green infrastructure,
including underground storage and infiltration and/or
with raingardens and flow-through planters. In addition,
design elements such as specialty and permeable paving
are advocated in strategic areas in order to create
opportunities to utilize paved area for other purposes
such as events, markets, fairs, etc. This will allow them
to increase their economic development potential and
serve as flexible venues for other uses.

Finally, the concept of introducing structure parking

is considered. Ultimately, if significant redevelopment
of existing building within the study area and the
construction of new infill buildings occurs, additional
parking facilities will be required, potentially beyond
what could be accommodated by surface parking only.
The AWP depicts two potential locations for one modest-
sized parking deck (two floors) or a multi-story garage.
In either case, a facility of such scale and cost will
likely need to be closely associated with the Hamilton
Health Center Campus and possibly jointly constructed
through a public/private partnership. Ideally, the facility
should include transit facilities to allow it to function as
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PROJECT RECOMMENDATIONS - PARKING
Map Estimate of
Priority Project Description
Key # Probable Costs*

PK1 NEAR N.F. String Business $18K Design, Estimated 120 parking spaces, plus buffer fencing, landscape
TERM Expansion Parking Engineering, Permitting plantings, underground stormwater management detention, and
Lot and Green security measures.
$5K Surveying
Infrastructure
$175K Construction
(Stormwater
Construction Costs
separate and listed
under Project S3)
PK2 LONG Hamilton Health $35K Schematic Design Estimated 240 - 480 parking spaces depending on the number of
TERM Campus/17th Corridor & Feasibility levels. Ideally with ground floor commercial space fronting onto
Core Area Parking the new entrance streetscape. Parking supply to support Hamilton
$400K to $700K Design
Structure Health Center expansion and adaptive reuse and development of
$5.5M to $11M other properties along the 17th Street Corridor.
Construction

PK3 LONG 17th Corridor Core $35K Schematic Design Estimated 450 parking spaces on five levels with ground floor
TERM Area/Hamilton Health & Feasibility commercial space fronting on 17th Street and public space.
Campus Parking $650K Design
Structure (Alternative
to PK2) $10M Construction

PK4 MID 18th Street Gateway $65K Design, Estimated 100 parking spaces with green infrastructure flow-
TERM Shared Parking Engineering, Permitting through planters underground storage detention, fencing,
Area and Green landscape buffering, and security measures
$15K Surveying
Infrastructure
Improvements $450K Construction

PK5 MID Diagonal On-Street Budgeted Under Provides 28 on-streetpull-in diagonal parking spaces by relocating
TERM Parking and Supporting Project T4 the curb line on the Coca-Cola side of the street. See Project T4.
Streetscape Upgrades

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Parking Improvements

LEGEND

Public/Private Parking Projects

Public Parking Projects

NORTH
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Project Introduction & Key Recommendations

Planning Framework
Site Reuse Strategies
Environmental & Civic Infrastructure
Resource Roadmap & Funding Matrix
Appendix A: Background Assessment
Appendix B: Market Analysis
Appendix C: 17th Street Corridor Study

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Resources Roadmap & ORGANIZING FOR EFFECTIVE

Funding Matrix RESOURCE ADVOCACY
The section provides recommendations on how the
This Resource Roadmap recommends a strategy for
City of Harrisburg can best organize itself to pursue and
seeking resources that can support the implementation
secure resources for implementation of key projects.
of the South Allison Hill Brownfields Area-Wide Plan.
The recommendations here outline an approach that is
The Roadmap includes recommendations on how the
robust and pro-active, and that could propel progress in
Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority (HRA), the City
the South Allison Hill neighborhood more quickly and
of Harrisburg, and its partners can organize to be most
effectively.
effective in pursuing resources and highlights the best
sources of potential funding in a Funding Matrix that An effective approach to resource advocacy would
aligns key projects with attainable include federal, state, involve the following steps:
and philanthropic grants, loans, and technical assistance
opportunities. The Funding Matrix includes program 1. Maintain a Vibrant Project Team with Identified
descriptions, estimated grant opportunity deadlines, Leaders & Managers
funding amounts, and matching requirements. This
section also considers how the City of Harrisburg can The AWP Planning process is an important first step in
best facilitate and leverage investment the federally- coalescing community leaders to plan for revitalization
designated Opportunity Zone that encompasses the of South Allison Hill. Building upon this process, the
AWP project area. community should establish a formal South Allison Hill
Revitalization Task Force of key stakeholders to promote
coordinated project management, resource allocation,
FUNDABLE PROJECTS leveraging and momentum for progress. This ongoing task
This Resource Roadmap focuses on components of the force can include various municipal department officials,
overall South Allison Hill AWP that are most likely to private sector partners, non-profit and community
be competitive and well-positioned to receive funding groups, supportive and involved Commonwealth of
federal, state, and philanthropic grant opportunities or Pennsylvania officials, project consultants working on key
the private sector. Fundable priority projects in the South initiatives, and others.
Allison Hill AWP include:
HRA has been effective in having a designated project
 Local foods and community health, including the Food manager for the AWP initiative and should continue to
Accelerator Center and the Hamilton Health Center have an engaged manager with sufficient authority and
expansion; access to support. Further, it is important that to keep
 Site preparation, brownfields cleanup, and economic Harrisburg’s elected leadership engaged and supportive,
development on catalytic sites, such as the 18th Street both to maintain community backing and so that they
Gateway, 137 S. 17th St. Site, and N.F. String Expansion; can serve as spokespersons to funders and potential
 Public infrastructure improvements, including the 17th partners in the implementation process. Maintaining
Street Multi-Modal Streetscape Project, 17th & Mulberry this level of organization will have the positive impact of
Street Intersection Realignment, and stormwater demonstrating to funders that Harrisburg has the buy-in
management upgrades; and support of key stakeholders and the community, and
 Parks, recreational facilities, and public spaces, including that you are well prepared to receive and utilize grant
a South Allison Hill Central Square civic space; resources and get the job done.

2. Identify Priority Public Sector Projects

Grants and other resources are provided for specific,
discreet projects or project components. The HRA/City
of Harrisburg team must identify the specific projects

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RESOURCE ROADMAP & FUNDING MATRIX

and project components that are most catalytic for the and Resource Roadmap include recommendations for
transformation of South Allison Hill. Only with clear how to secure funding for on-street parking by including it
priorities can the community determine how it will into fundable complete streets/multi-modal upgrades and
allocate its time and resources, pursue external funding, stormwater infrastructure improvements.
and set the right expectations for how implementation  Local Food System: Vibrant local food systems can
will proceed. serve as a major source of economic revitalization and
job growth, while also fostering a culture of health that
This AWP recommends a number of specific projects supports a healthy workforce and quality of life. This AWP
and project components including roadway and recommends reuse of the Bottling Works site as a “food
intersection improvements, streetscaping, park and accelerator” with a variety of food-based uses and healthy-
recreational facilities, local food system projects, living related services that can advance community health
and wellness, such as a greenhouse, demonstration
stormwater management and green infrastructure, and
kitchen, roof garden, food truck commissary, and food
economic development projects. The HRA team and
related retail and dining. This Resource Roadmap provides
lead City of Harrisburg departments should confirm recommendations for resources that support a variety of
the list of projects to pursue, and identify which ones elements of a vibrant local food system, including urban
are the highest priorities for implementation. These and community gardens, local food hubs/accelerators,
priorities should be re-evaluated and re-confirmed as nutrition education programming, and local food access
the project progresses, based upon how private sector for underserved communities.
redevelopment progresses and what local/state/federal  Parks, Recreation, Public/Civic Spaces, and Stormwater
resources become available. At the time that this AWP Management: The AWP recommends the creation
plan was finalized in April 2019, the following key areas of new public, civic, and green spaces, as well as the
have emerged as project priorities which could help installation of green infrastructure to enhance stormwater
achieve the goals of this overall AWP initiative: management capacity. This Resource Roadmap provides
recommendations for funding opportunities to support
 Site and Economic Development: This AWP calls for a parks planning for the study area, as well as resources to
mixed of development types, including, health-care, retail, support design and construction of new public gathering
commercial, and production-related economic activities places and civic spaces, such as South Allison Hill Central
on redeveloped sites. Key areas for public sector support Square. In addition, Harrisburg’s location within the
for such economic development could include brownfield Chesapeake Bay Watershed renders the community eligible
cleanup assistance and site preparation. The Opportunity for a variety of resources to support green infrastructure
Zone designation for Census Tract 213 that encompasses facilities integrated into transportation projects and parks
South Allison Hill can be leveraged to attract private equity and recreational upgrades.
partners for key projects in the AWP.
3. Delineate Project Phasing & Estimate Project
 Transportation Infrastructure and Parking: Due to South
Costs
Allison Hill’s location between Derry and Market Streets,
and close proximity to the I-83 regional highway, complete When seeking funding, it is often best to consider “eating
street/multi-modal upgrades to the 17th Street Corridor
the elephant” one bite at a time. Each discrete project
have the potential to drive economic development
may involve different components (such as infrastructure,
from a connectivity standpoint and spur neighborhood
revitalization as civic spine of development activity. stormwater, and vertical development components).
This Resource Roadmap includes recommendations for Likewise, each distinct project should be considered as a
potential state level funding sources to support Phase I multi-phase project, with each stage potentially fundable
and II Environmental Site Assessments along and near the (and sometimes from different sources). For example, a
17th Street Corridor. These resources could also support typical public works project consists of phases including
critical upgrades to Holly Street, Vernon Street, 14th/15th planning, design and engineering, potential right-of-
Street, and inter-block pedestrian connectivity needed to way (ROW) acquisition, permitting, construction, and
successfully implement the AWP recommendations for operation. Often, funders who support an early stage
site reuse in the study area. Parking is a high priority need
of a project can continue to provide funding in the
identified in the AWP; however, few grant resources exist
later stages. As small steps of progress are made into
to support the construction of parking facilities. This AWP
successive phases, it is important to inform and engage

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the community in order to maintain support and build Further, the team should breakdown project needs with
momentum. a concise briefing sheet for each specific project, phase,
and/or component as appropriate to provide stakeholders
Once priority projects have been identified and their and potential funders with a succinct explanation of the
key components and phases have been delineated, the project scope, objectives, benefits, status, supporters,
project team should establish estimated project costs and active requests.
for each project and its core components. This will help
HRA to better identify the best potential funding sources, Developing briefing sheets on the front end of a project
understand the levels of matching funds required, often helps to formulate a consensus on a cohesive
and tailor advocacy efforts to gain political support for project concept before moving forward with a full grant
funding requests. The project team can enlist municipal application. Additional briefing sheets specific to specific
staff with project management and cost-estimation project components/phases can also be beneficial for
expertise, obtain expert consulting support to help more targeted advocacy efforts, as well as for providing
confirm cost estimates for key projects, and/or even ask information to key stakeholders when seeking letters of
vendors for their estimates on what a job might take. support or commitments for grant applications. These
Most importantly, determine costs for the immediate sheets will also be helpful for attracting Opportunity
next stages of each project and secure support for that Fund investment, discussed further in number 11.
stage. Federal agencies and philanthropic funders are
often most interested in projects in which they can 6. Seek State Funding
leverage existing funding to fill project gaps.
Often, the best sources of funding, grant matches,
4. Align Funding Sources with Project Components and other support can be found at state agencies,
and Phases such as the Pennsylvania Department of Community
and Economic Development (PA DCED), Pennsylvania
This Resource Roadmap section compiles information on Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP),
the best and most significant sources of federal, state, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT),
local, private sector, and philanthropic funds for priority and other state agencies. It is valuable to coordinate
projects of this AWP. It is important to review grant closely with these agencies, regardless of whether there
solicitations and confer with funding officials to determine are applications for funding pending. Further, federal,
whether the key projects are eligible and competitive philanthropic, and private sector funders will typically be
for specific resources, and consider whether and how a more supportive if they understand that the Governor,
particular project can be shaped or changed to reflect state agency leadership, and other key state officials
the priorities of funders. Contacting agency officials prior support a project (and may even be willing to commit
to applying also helps to familiarize the agency with the state match or leverage). Work with your state legislative
project, upping your chances for thorough and favorable representatives, who can play decisive roles in advocating
consideration once it becomes time to apply. for support for your projects.

5. Create Strategic Plans & Outreach Materials for 7. Collaborate with Federal Agency Officials
Each Priority Project
It is critical to be engaged with relevant federal agency
When ready to proceed on a specific project or project and program officials on a project and its key components
component, there is high value in creating a written, step- before asking them for money. Potential agency partners
by-step strategy for securing funding and other support include the U.S. Economic Development Administration
for that specific project and specific funding opportunities. (EDA), the Federal Emergency Management
This memo can describe the specific objective for that Administration (FEMA), the U.S. Department of
project, describe the targeted source(s) of funding, Transportation (DOT), the U.S. Department of Housing
identify the necessary entities and stakeholders, specify & Urban Development (HUD), and other agencies can
those responsible for each task, establish timelines, and be supportive guides and advocates. Approach agency
identify contingency plans. leaders to build their understanding and support for

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Harrisburg’s AWP projects and funding requests. Plan have meetings with federal agency leaders running the
and conduct visits to funder HQs (Washington DC) and funding programs, the White House, and other decision
regional offices (typically Philadelphia); invite federal makers, or even to host federal officials in Harrisburg to
agency representatives for site and project tours in discuss the progress and potential of key projects.
Harrisburg; and conduct collaborative roundtable events
and project workshops to build their ongoing support. 10. Establish Matching/Leverage Strategies &
Assess Feasibility of Debt Financing
8. Prepare for Grant Writing & Establish
Matching/Leverage Strategies Many projects will require more funding than grants alone
can supply, meaning that some projects may need to be
Prepare ahead of time to write effective grant financed with some form of municipal debt, particularly
applications and do not wait until you see a notice of for the big construction phases of public works projects.
funding opportunity and submission deadline. Determine There are many good sources of publicly-backed or
the best local agency or other entity to be the lead subsidized lending, but these are only feasible and will
applicant and confirm key application partners. Identify only be available for applicants who can demonstrate a
the internal/external grant writer(s) for each application viable repayment strategy.
and have the lead grant writer review past application
materials to consider how to position future applications The project team should undertake an analysis that
to be more effective. If you have applied unsuccessfully considers the possible revenue streams for servicing
for those resources previously, seek a debrief from debt, the eligibility and competitiveness of the project for
the agency on why you were not selected for funding. local bonding, the potential sources of state- or federally-
Confirm project costs and seek to solidify matching and backed debt that can provide lower-cost financing, and
leverage commitments. Consider using the recently the political feasibility of debt strategies. Revenue streams
produced architectural rendering for downtown spaces, that might be available to service debt for projects within
charts, and other visual designs to make the application the downtown area could include development fees,
look its best. stormwater fees, or incremental future tax revenues
associated with economic development.
The most competitive funding requests will have
committed matches and high leverage, which takes 11. Leverage and Facilitate Opportunity Fund
municipal financial planning, budgeting, and requests Investment
to key funding stakeholders well before grants become
Commercial and residential real estate projects, including
due. Create a match/leverage strategy for each funding
affordable housing projects, located within Harrisburg’s
request, and do the work necessary to explore and
designated Opportunity Zones may be good candidates
secure match commitments from key funding partners
for equity investment from Opportunity Funds. The
in the City, Dauphin County, the Commonwealth of
HRA/City of Harrisburg team can take several actions
Pennsylvania, community groups, foundations, and other
to position its key projects for Opportunity Investment
private sector entities.
including through:
9. Secure Congressional Support  Building a Harrisburg Opportunity Zone team with
representation from key economic development and
When funding requests are ready to be submitted, seek
affordable housing stakeholders.
and secure congressional support from Senator Bob
Casey, Senator Pat Toomey, and Congressman Scott  Engaging developers to identify strong projects in the AWP
Perry working with their local district staff, as well as that are ready-to-go but for the lack of financing.
the relevant staff in their Washington DC offices. It is  Building relationships with officials in PA DCED which is
important to ask the Members and their staff for support managing Pennsylvania’s approach to the Opportunity
beyond the standard letter, which will not have a major Zone Program.
impact by itself. Instead, ask that they make calls and  Developing an “investment prospectus” to provide
investors with key due diligence information on the City’s
economy, industries, and priority projects.
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 Conducting tours and forums with key stakeholders 12. Celebrate Success
(developers, business groups, banks, wealth advisors, tax
experts) to build interest in the AWP Opportunity Zone. Success breeds success. As implementation activities
 Gauging interest of the local/regional financial community progress, invite key stakeholders, including funders,
in creating a Harrisburg-focused Opportunity Fund. federal and state elected officials, and others, to
groundbreakings and ribbon-cuttings and work with the
 Reaching out to Opportunity Fund managers to discuss
key projects. media to publicize progress. This will create momentum
for the project and encourage federal agencies that seek
to collaborate to join in and share in the success.

Funding Matrix Purpose Amount, Match, & Potential Uses & Key Considerations
Deadline
BROWNFIELDS REMEDIATION & SITE PREPARATION
U.S. EPA Region 3 ▪▪ Provides assessment of ▪▪ Technical Assistance ▪▪ Coordinate with EPA Region 3 to submit TBA
Targeted Brownfields eligible brownfields site at application to receive no cost assessment on
▪▪ Rolling
Assessment (TBA) no cost to City key site(s) in AWP area.

U.S. EPA Brownfields ▪▪ Provides funding to ▪▪ $200,000 ▪▪ Harrisburg may be ready to apply for EPA
Cleanup Grant cleanup contamination Brownfields Cleanup funding for key sites in
▪▪ 20% match required
on public or non-profit the AWP by the next round of EPA Brownfields
properties ▪▪ Deadline Fall 2019 grants in the fall of 2019.
▪▪ Harrisburg should prioritize sites where Phase
I & II assessment are completed and catalytic
redevelopment is planned.
U.S. EPA Brownfields ▪▪ Provides seed money for ▪▪ Up to $1 million ▪▪ RLF grants are expected to be offered in the
Cleanup Revolving Loan a revolving loan fund and fall of 2019.
▪▪ 20% match required
Fund subgrants to remediate ▪▪ RLF would allow Harrisburg to manage loans
sites owned by public, ▪▪ Deadline: Fall 2019
and subgrants for multiple concurrent cleanup
non-profit, and private (offered every other year)
projects within the AWP study area.
entities

PA DCED Industrial Sites ▪▪ Provides funds for Phase ▪▪ Grants Assistance ▪▪ Three types of funding available: grants
Reuse Program I, II, & III environmental for environmental assessments; grants for
▪▪ Assessment: Up to
assessments and $200,000; Remediation: environmental remediation; and loans for
remediation/removal of Up to $1,000,000; 25% environmental assessments and remediation.
hazardous substances match required ▪▪ Potential source of funding for additional
at sites where industrial assessment and/or cleanup actions needed on
activity was conducted ▪▪ Loan Rate & Terms:
AWP brownfield properties where industrial
prior to July of 1995. ▪▪ Interest rate on all ISRP activity was conducted before 1995 such as the
will be 2%; term for Bottling Works building or 137 S. 17th St.
assessment loans shall
not exceed 5 years; term
for remediation loans will
depend on the nature/
duration of remediation,
but will not exceed 15
years.
▪▪ Rolling submission.

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Funding Matrix Purpose Amount, Match, & Potential Uses & Key Considerations
Deadline
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION
U.S. EDA Public Works & ▪▪ Supports public ▪▪ Average grant is $1 ▪▪ EDA Public Works funding can support site
Economic Development infrastructure and million, but up to $3 preparation and infrastructure needs at key
Facilities Grant site development for million sites in the AWP where redevelopment will
projects that will result support job creation.
▪▪ Matching requirements
in demonstrable job on sliding scale; AWP ▪▪ Potential source of funding to support N.F.
creation and economic census tract 312 meets String & Son business expansion. Would need
diversification criteria for 80% federal to coordinate closely with EDR (below).
share; 20% match ▪▪ Pennsylvania Economic Development
▪▪ Two-phase rolling Representative (EDR): Christopher Casper
submission & review P: 215-597-1074
process E: [email protected]

U.S. HHS Administration ▪▪ Supports employment and ▪▪ Awards range from ▪▪ As applicants must be Community
for Children and Families business development $100,000 to $800,000; no Development Corporations (CDC), Tri County
(OCS) Community projects that provide match Community Action would need to serve as the
Economic Development economic self-sufficiency ▪▪ Application out now; due applicant.
Grant for low-income residents June 3, 2019 ▪▪ Could support wide variety of business start-
and their communities up or business expansion activities. May be
good fit for Food Accelerator or NF String. See
examples of previous projects.
▪▪ Contact: Rafael Elizalde
P: 202.401.5115
E: [email protected]

PA Office of the Budget’s ▪▪ Provides reimbursement ▪▪ Reimbursement program; ▪▪ The process for securing RACP funds begins
Redevelopment for aid community and min. project cost of $1 with the inclusion of a line item authorization
Assistance Capital economic development million for a specific project the state’s Capital Budget,
Program projects with significant allocating a certain amount of funding to
▪▪ Next deadline exp.
economic impacts the project and submission of an electronic
Jan-Feb 2020
application to apply for RACP grant funds.
▪▪ Can cover construction,
land acquisition, ▪▪ Could align with several site reuse projects.
permitting and any ▪▪ Potential resource for Hamilton Health Center
interest costs paid during expansion.
construction.
▪▪ applicants must present a plan to manage
and market the development of the site
and demonstrate that there is a substantial
likelihood of future use of the site after the
property is made shovel-ready; that future
use will generate economic growth, revitalize
a downtown, or otherwise strengthen the
community; and that the proposed future use
will increase employment opportunities in the
surrounding area.

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Funding Matrix Purpose Amount, Match, & Potential Uses & Key Considerations
Deadline
PA DCED’s Business in Our ▪▪ Provides grants and ▪▪ Up to $250,000 to public ▪▪ All applicants must present a plan to manage
Sites Program low-interest loans for entity; private developers and market the development of the site
the acquisition and eligible for loans only (no and demonstrate that there is a substantial
development of key max or min) likelihood of revenue- and job-generating
previously utilized or future use of the site after the property is
▪▪ Amount of grant may not
undeveloped sites for made shovel-ready.
exceed $4 million or 40%
future use by businesses,
of total combined grant/ ▪▪ HRA should prioritize completing plans for site
private developers, and loan award, whichever redevelopment on key parcels to prepare to
others
is less seek Business in our Sites funding; HRA should
also ensure private sector stakeholders are
▪▪ Rolling submission
aware of this resource.
Opportunity Funds ▪▪ Incentivize private ▪▪ Capital gains tax benefits ▪▪ AWP census tract 213 is designated
investment in distressed that depends on duration Opportunity Zone.
areas through deferred of investment ▪▪ Commercial real estate investment and
capital gains taxes ▪▪ Nominations announced startups are well-positioned for equity
in March 2018, partnership from Opportunity Funds.
investment clock driving ▪▪ Potential source of funding for food
early action
accelerator at Bottling Works building.
▪▪ See #11 on for strategy to attract Opportunity
Fund investment in AWP.
National Development ▪▪ NDC designs-finances- ▪▪ Guarantees a fixed-price ▪▪ Contact Stephanie Dugan at 325.668.6555 and
Council (NDC), Public- builds-operates public of ~25% less than local Joe Gray at 561.537.0933 to discuss viability
Private Partnership (P3) facilities and bring bid costs of NDC model for prospective development
non-profit bonding funds projects (could potentially work for community
▪▪ Rolling
recreation facility at corner of S. 15th and
▪▪ Municipality would lease
Vernon if land swap goes through or for other
to own facility from NDC
building with community services.

U.S. Treasury New Market ▪▪ For infrastructure and ▪▪ Can subsidize up to 20% ▪▪ AWP area meets eligibility criteria for NMTC
Tax Credits development that of a project’s capital investment.
supports job creation needs with NMTC ▪▪ NMTC can be used in concert with Opportunity
▪▪ A qualified “Community ▪▪ Projects typically amount Fund investment.
Development Entity” to $3-$7.5 million in ▪▪ Local CDE’s include Commonwealth
can invest in a project, equity investment Cornerstone Group
compensated by an ▪▪ Begin work mid-year for
investment tax credit preparing investments in
the following year

PA DCED’s Pennsylvania ▪▪ Provides grants, loans, ▪▪ Maximum assistance ▪▪ Businesses, non-profits, City, HRA, or other
First Program and loan guarantees among cannot exceed development entities eligible to apply.
to facilitate increased $5,000 for each job ▪▪ Eligible businesses must commit to major job
investment and job projected to be created
creation (variety of requirements equivalent
creation through job or maintained (100 jobs; to creating or retaining a minimum of 100 full-
training; infrastructure $500 million grant or
time jobs in PA).
upgrades; land and loan)
building improvements; ▪▪ Depending upon number of anticipated jobs,
▪▪ Rolling application
acquisition of land, could be a fit for N.F. String & Son expansion or
buildings, and rights-of- Hamilton Health Center expansion.
way; and working capital

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Funding Matrix Purpose Amount, Match, & Potential Uses & Key Considerations
Deadline
U.S. Conference of ▪▪ Supports local projects ▪▪ Two awards for “medium” ▪▪ Mayor Papenfuse is USCM member and
Mayors and Wells Fargo that invest, strengthen, cities: $150,000 winner eligible to nominate up to 3 non-profits to
CommunityWINS and promote long-term & $50,000 outstanding apply for funding.
economic prosperity achievement ▪▪ Funding could be used to support youth job
▪▪ No match required training.

Wells Fargo Regional ▪▪ Supports comprehensive ▪▪ Neighborhood ▪▪ Tri County Community Action has accessed
Foundation Grants community development Implementation Grants this funding to increase stability in the South
projects that target specific range from $100,000 Allison Hill neighborhood, including a $650,000
neighborhoods based on to $750,000 and are grant awarded in 2011 and completed in June
a current resident-driven disbursed over 5 of 2017.
neighborhood plan years; Neighborhood ▪▪ HRA should consider applying for additional
Implementation Renewal Implementation Renewal funds to carry out
grants are up to $500,000 economic development and neighborhood
over a 5-year period building activities such as the 18th Street
▪▪ Fall application deadline: Gateway project.
October 18, 2019

Dauphin County Local ▪▪ Provides funding ▪▪ Grants range from ▪▪ Funding comes from county’s share of gaming
Share Gaming to support facilities approximately $5,000 to revenue generated from Hollywood Casino at
and infrastructure; $200,000 Penn National in East Hanover Township.
transportation; emergency
▪▪ In 2019, Harrisburg was awarded $203,000
services public health
to upgrade its phone system and Hamilton
and safety; public interest
Health Center received $115,000 to remove
initiatives; and human contaminated soil in an adjacent lot to prepare
services for a planned facility expansion.
▪▪ HRA should consider Dauphin County Local
Share Gaming grants as a potential resource
from which to secure match for federal grants
such as US EDA Public Works grants.
▪▪ Contact: Brooke Echevarria, Grants
Coordinator Dauphin County Department of
Community & Economic Development.
P: 717-780-6250

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Funding Matrix Purpose Amount, Match, & Potential Uses & Key Considerations
Deadline
LOCAL FOODS & COMMUNITY HEALTH
USDA Local Food ▪▪ LFPP supports planning or ▪▪ LFPP: $25,000 to ▪▪ LFPP can support to help build supply chains
Promotion Program implementation of projects $100,000 planning; for sustainable, local food.
(LFPP) and Farmers that assist in development, $100,000 to $500,000 ▪▪ HRA should consider pursing LFPP funding to
Market Promotion improvement, and/or implement.; 25% match support the comprehensive feasibility study for
Program (FMPP) expansion of intermediary ▪▪ FMPP: $100,000 the food accelerator project.
local and regional food to $500,000
business supply chain ▪▪ FMPP could support efforts to establish and
implementation; no promote satellite location for the Broad Street
activities. match requirement Market.
▪▪ FMPP provides funds for ▪▪ Exp. deadline June 2019
developing, improving,
expanding, and providing
outreach, training, and
technical assistance
to domestic farmers
markets, roadside stands,
community-supported
agriculture programs,
agritourism activities, and
other direct producer-
to-consumer market
opportunities.
Healthy Food Financing ▪▪ Provides funding for ▪▪ Grant awards range from ▪▪ Projects must seek to provide access to staple
Initiative’s Targeted Small projects or partnerships $25,000-$250,000. and perishable foods and allow for use of
Grants Program that increase access to ▪▪ Exp. deadline Feb. 2020 SNAP benefits.
fresh food for low-income ▪▪ Program will fund market feasibility studies,
and underserved site development planning, and limited capital
populations expenditures.
▪▪ Targets innovative ▪▪ HRA should consider applying for funding to
business models with plan, design, & engineer the foods accelerator
potential to scale if there is a sufficient tie in to retail.

USDA Community Food ▪▪ Program supports planning ▪▪ Up to $35,000 for ▪▪ These grants can support personnel,
Program and implementation planning; up to $125,000/ programming, equipment, and construction.
projects that promote yr for no more than ▪▪ Funding could be used for organizational
access to local foods, $400,000 over four years. support and capacity building associated with
increase nutritional ▪▪ Exp. deadline in summer linking community benefits of Public Health
literacy, and reduce food
of 2019 & Wellness and Food Accelerator Activities
insecurity in low-income within South Allison Hill and the Hamilton
communities. Center with Joshua Farm partnerships or
capital funding needs for food accelerator.

Local Food, Local Places ▪▪ Provide direct technical ▪▪ Assistance centers around ▪▪ HRA should seek a debrief with the Local
support to help a two-day community Food, Local Places office and ask about other
communities build strong workshop wherein resources to support technical assistance for
local food systems as experts help community local food system.
part of their emerging members develop an
economic action plans implementable action
plan that promotes local
food and neighborhood
revitalization.

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Funding Matrix Purpose Amount, Match, & Potential Uses & Key Considerations
Deadline
TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE
PennDOT Transportation ▪▪ Provides funding ▪▪ TCRPC/HATS accepts ▪▪ HRA should consider pursuing this resource
Alternatives Set-Aside on- and off-road applications on a year- to support Phase I and/or II of the 17th Street
Program pedestrian and bicycle round, on-going basis; Multi-Modal Streetscape Project or the 17th
facilities, infrastructure the next statewide & Mulberry Streets Intersection Realignment/
projects for improving application is expected to Hamilton Health Main Entry Project.
non-driver access to open July 2019 and close ▪▪ Requires coordination with Tri County
public transportation Sept. 2019. Regional Planning Commission’s (TCRPC)
and enhanced ▪▪ Grants of $250,000 - $1 Harrisburg Area Transportation Study (HATS)
mobility, community million (soft cap) to place project on priority list of Regional
improvement activities, Transportation Plan.
and environmental
mitigation, trails that serve
a transportation purpose,
and safe routes to school
projects

PennDOT Multimodal ▪▪ Provides funding to ▪▪ Up to $3 million, 30% ▪▪ Multimodal funding is best suited for shovel-
support projects: (1) which match required, exp. ready projects, with limited ability to use on
coordinate local land deadline for PennDOT fall design.
use with transportation 2019, exp. deadline for
▪▪ HRA should consider pursuing this resource
assets to enhance existing CFA July 31, 2019
to support Phase I and/or II of the 17th Street
communities; (2) related
Multi-Modal Streetscape Project or the 17th
to streetscapes, lighting, & Mulberry Streets Intersection Realignment/
sidewalk enhancement Hamilton Health Main Entry Project.
and pedestrian safety; (3)
improving connectivity
or utilization of existing
transportation assets;
and (4) related to transit-
oriented development

U.S. DOT Better ▪▪ Supports transportation ▪▪ Average grant is $13 ▪▪ Could support a project that combines
Utilizing Investments to projects that promote million; minimum of $5 Phases I and II of the 17th Street Multi-
Leverage Development safety, accessibility, million Modal Streetscape Project with the 17th
(BUILD) Transportation mobility, and economic Street Intersection Realignment/Hamilton
▪▪ 20% match minimum;
Discretionary Grant redevelopment Health Main Entry Project if the total cost
competitive projects will
match >30% of construction with stormwater and any
additional upgrades would rise to above $5
▪▪ Expected Deadline June million (currently sits at $2.4 million).
2019
▪▪ Previous round allowed for planning
applications but did not award any funding for
planning; read NOFO carefully and consider
contacting USDOT directly prior to submitting
a planning application for design and
engineering funding.

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Funding Matrix Purpose Amount, Match, & Potential Uses & Key Considerations
Deadline
See EDA Public Works & ▪▪ Supports public ▪▪ Average grant is $1 ▪▪ EDA Public Works funding could be used to
Economic Adjustment infrastructure and million, but up to $3 support transportation projects (access roads,
Assistance site development for million exits, etc.) that are necessary for key AWP
projects that will result redevelopment sites that can be linked to
▪▪ Matching requirements
in demonstrable job on sliding scale; AWP demonstrable job creation.
creation and economic census tract 312 meets ▪▪ HRA should consider pursuing this funding
diversification criteria for 80% federal for the design and/or construction of the
share; 20% match 17th Street/Mulberry Street Intersection
Realignment into Hamilton Health Main Entry
▪▪ Two-phase rolling
submission & review Project.
process

See Dauphin County Local ▪▪ Provides funding ▪▪ Grants range from ▪▪ In addition to providing infrastructure and
Gaming Share to support facilities approximately $5,000 to site preparation support of community and
and infrastructure; $200,000 economic development projects, Dauphin
transportation; emergency County Local Gaming Share grants can serve as
services public health match for PennDOT Transportation Alternative
and safety; public interest grants and/or PennDOT MultiModal grants.
initiatives; and human
services

PARKS, RECREATION, & PUBLIC SPACES

PA DCNR Community ▪▪ Provides grants for ▪▪ Multiple C2P2 deadlines ▪▪ HRA should pursue a C2P2 planning grant to
Conservation Partnerships public parks, recreation, each year. See upcoming support the development of a Park Master
Program (C2P2) greenways, and trails, deadlines. Most will open Plan, which can help prioritize projects and
including: January 2020 for April determine funding needs for future C2P2
2020 deadline. applications.
▪▪ Community Recreation
and Conservation Planning
Grants
▪▪ Park Rehabilitation and
Development Grants
▪▪ Motorized and
Non-Motorized Trail
Grants
Outdoor Recreation ▪▪ Funds projects that ▪▪ Up to $750,000 ▪▪ South Allison Hill should be competitive for
Legacy Partnership increase recreational ▪▪ 50% match required this funding as a distressed urban area that
Program access in distressed urban lacks adequate green space.
areas ▪▪ PADCNR deadline for next
▪▪ HRA should consider pursuing this resource to
round likely summer
implement upgrades and recommendations
▪▪ Expected federal deadline outlined in the proposed Park Master Plan,
late summer/early fall including for Vernon Street Park upgrades.
2019

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Funding Matrix Purpose Amount, Match, & Potential Uses & Key Considerations
Deadline
NEA Art Works, & Our ▪▪ Our Town grants support ▪▪ Our Town: 25,000 to ▪▪ Funding could support design and/or
Town Programs creative placemaking $200,000, deadline exp. programming of South Allison Hill Central
projects that help to August 2019 Square North and/or South or the 18th Street
transform communities Gateway Shared Flexible Hardscape Events
▪▪ Art Works: $10,000 to
into lively, beautiful, and $100,000, deadline July Space.
resilient places with the 11, 2019
arts at their core.
▪▪ 1:1 required match
▪▪ Art Works grants support
community projects across
a variety of disciplines
that achieve the following
key characteristics:
creation and excellence,
engagement,
learning, livability, and
collaboration.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Chesapeake Bay Green ▪▪ Provides support for ▪▪ Technical Assistance or ▪▪ Harrisburg is eligible for funding, as it is within
Streets, Green Jobs, local, grassroots-level charette Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
Green Towns greening efforts to reduce ▪▪ Up to $30,000 for design ▪▪ This program could support various elements
stormwater runoff from
▪▪ Up to $75,000 for of the recommended stormwater management
communities in urbanized
implementation upgrades as part of complete streets projects
watersheds. in the AWP.
▪▪ Can support planning & ▪▪ Up to $20,000 for white
▪▪ Contact: Jeffrey Popp
design projects, financing papers
E: [email protected]
strategies, and/or ▪▪ Match encouraged but P: 410-974-2941 x103
implementation of green not required
street projects.
Chesapeake Bay ▪▪ Small Watershed Grants ▪▪ Small Watershed Grants ▪▪ Harrisburg is eligible for funding, as it is within
Stewardship Fund (SWGs) fund projects that range from $20,000 to Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
promote community- $200,000; one-third ▪▪ One of the program priorities is green
based efforts to protect matching requirement
infrastructure in urban landscapes.
and restore the diverse ▪▪ Innovative Sediment
natural resources of the ▪▪ Could potentially support South Allison Hill
Reduction Grants range
Chesapeake Bay and Central Square rain garden planting, Vernon
from $750,000 to $1
its tributary rivers and Street Park Raingardens & Underground
million; encouraged 1:1
streams. Stormwater Retention; 18th Street Gateway
match Shared Parking Area and Green Infrastructure
▪▪ Innovative Sediment ▪▪ Preproposal due May 14, Improvements, or the 15th Street and
Reduction Grants (INSRGs) 2019 Chestnut Underground Stormwater Manager.
fund projects that
dramatically accelerate ▪▪ Requires detailed information on anticipated
quantifiable nutrient sediment pollution reduction.
and sediment reductions
through innovative,
sustainable, and cost-
effective approaches,
methods, and new
technologies.

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Funding Matrix Purpose Amount, Match, & Potential Uses & Key Considerations
Deadline
NFWF Five Star and ▪▪ Funds projects that build ▪▪ Up to $50,000, average ▪▪ Could support implementation of community
Urban Waters Restoration capacity and educate grant will be ~$30,000 greening plan to install green stormwater
Program communities to improve infrastructure to reduce sediment and nitrogen
▪▪ 1:1 match is required
urban water quality, levels discharging into the Susquehana and
watersheds, and habitats ▪▪ Expected deadline ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.
January 2020
▪▪ Must include community engagement (i.e.
engaging community members in planting,
etc.).
FEMA Flood Mitigation ▪▪ Provides grants to support ▪▪ Up to $100,000 for ▪▪ Can be used to plan and implement flood
Assistance Grant Program projects that reduce risk to community flood mitigation activities in the AWP area.
population and structures mitigation advance ▪▪ Must demonstrate flood risk and previous
from flooding assistance; up to $10 flood damages.
million for community
flood mitigation projects; ▪▪ Must first coordinate with and submit
up to $100, for mitigation applications to Pennsylvania Emergency
planning Management Agency (PEMA), which then
submits application to national competition.
▪▪ Expected deadline
January 2020; must ▪▪ Contact: Tom Hughes, State Hazard Mitigation
submit to PEMA by Officer
December E: [email protected]
P: 717-651-2726
PENNVEST Clean Water ▪▪ Provides loan funding for ▪▪ Low-interest loan ▪▪ PA allocates funding to “Green Infrastructure”
State Revolving Fund green infrastructure, water program for planning, projects.
and energy efficiency, or design, and construction ▪▪ Must be on PA State Revolving Fund Intended
other environmentally of facilities
Use Plan.
innovative projects
▪▪ Rolling ▪▪ Contact: Richard A. Wright, P.E., Municipal
Finance Section
E: [email protected]
P: 717-772-4059
U.S. EPA Region 3 ▪▪ Part of a national network, ▪▪ Technical assistance ▪▪ Review existing research programs on
Environmental Finance these centers provide and training for management for water systems, wastewater,
Center research, training, and demonstration and and other strategies.
assistance to communities applied research projects ▪▪ Contact program staff to discuss specific
in their region on energy ▪▪ No deadline projects or strategies.
and water programs

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