THE STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS BY THE HONORABLE STEPHEN R. REED, MAYOR OF HARRISBURG, BEFORE THE HARRISBURG REGION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, AT NOON ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2008, AT THE STATE FARM SHOW EXPO CENTER
Thank you, Mr. Beck, Chairman Murchie, President Black, Mr. Russell, Campaign Co-Chairs Manning and DeLaye, Representatives Helm and Grell, Commissioner Hartwick, County Recorder of Deeds Zugay, County Treasurer Creason, Township Supervisor Memmi, City Council Members Thompson, Koplinski, Martin-Roberts and Brown-Wilson, Fellow Public Officials, Sponsors, and Fellow Chamber Members, Ladies and Gentlemen
It is a privilege to again join you for this event. You do honor to this City and Region–and our Nation---by your presence today.
This annual occasion was first held by this Chamber more than two decades ago. Its importance and its wide attendance have inspired other cities and counties to do the same across the State. Once again, what started in Harrisburg has given rise to replication in other places.
Our thanks go to Soverign Bank, the platinum sponsor, and to all the gold, silver, bronze, media and video partners whose financial and in-kind services make possible this event which has grown over these years.
Your demonstrated support for the Harrisburg Region Chamber of Commerce serves as inspiration and example.
The work of the Chamber is crucial to our Region’s success. While our issues, challenges and opportunities are common to us as one region, there historically has not been much in the way of a regional approach to such matters.
The Chamber is the excellent exception. It brings together our various sectors into cohesive, goal-driven endeavors that give voice to the private sector, bring benefit to our citizens, and sharpens our competitiveness to both survive and thrive in the 21st Century.
The fragmentation and duplication common to the public sector create inefficiencies added costs and higher taxes. They diminish the capacity of the region to deal with common needs that no one municipality can effectively address. It is this fragmentation that has inhibited the ability of the region to capitalize on opportunities for advancement over the years.
The importance of the Chamber therefore cannot be over-stated. The City is a longstanding member and a co-founder of CREDC, the Chamber’s economic development arm.
As you have heard, the CREDC campaign---held every four years---was launched March 20th. Its $4 million goal is modest in relation to the major impact it will engender. Your support and pledge are respectfully encouraged.
As we urge that support, we also pause to recall the 32 years of service to the Chamber by Matthew Douglas, Jr., who retired as president in 1994 and who passed away in January. He was well known to veteran chamber members.
We recall, as well, fellow citizens of our nation who have rendered to us the ultimate in service and sacrifice. We have done so at each of these annual events since the nation went to war after September 11, 2001.
With greater focus on the national economy---and with the press of business and duties in everyday lives here at home---it is too easy to be distracted from remembering the duty being rendered to America by others.
From the cities and small towns and farm lands of Central Pennsylvania--- to communities across America----thousands of young men and women are wearing our nation’s uniform and serving in harm’s way.
While the wisdom of war is debated in civic circles, nothing can detract from the courage, valor, duty and service that our men and women in the Armed Forces have rendered.
In that debate, one clear fact cannot be disputed. A new enemy, borne of hate against democracy and America, poses real threat. It is their mission to do us harm both at home and abroad. The price of freedom is vigilance and preparedness.
We salute our soldiers, sailors, air and marine personnel, and members of the Coast Guard. We honor their sacrifice. We salute all veterans for their service, as well.
We especially remember these names: Tristan Aitken….George Mitchell, Jr…..Zachariah Long….Corey Small….Craig Ivory….Timothy Hayslett….Kimberly Voelz…Matthew Sandri….Martin Kondor….Nicholas Morrison….Anthony Santoriello….Brett Swank….Andrew Jordan….Kenneth Zeigler….Brett Walden….Nathaniel Detample….Carl Carroll….Jason Frye….Keith Bennett….Brent Dunkleberger….Edwards Shaffer….David Dietrich….Oralndo Gonzalez….Sean Thomas….Philip Murphy-Sweet….Aaron Genevie….Michael Koch….and Luke Runyan.
They range in age from 19 to 47. Most were in their twenties. All have given their lives in military service to this nation, from 2003 to February of this year. All were from Central Pennsylvania.
The question that haunts their families and friends is whether their sacrifice will be remembered. We answer that question by dedicating this event to each of them, as we have done each of the past four years. Their names echo into eternity---forever enshrined on the nation’s honor roll of hero’s.
Since we last met, much has happened in the American economy. Volatility in some sectors has given rise to overall economic constriction.
Our region is less affected than some other parts of the nation. The diversity of our area economy gives greater strength and resiliency in such times---although inflation in energy, health care and food prices here is cutting into consumer consumption and putting far greater pressure on lower and middle income households.
In contrast to the national trends, 2007 was a year of expanded investment in the city. There were 1840 building permits issued representing $266,433,000 in new economic development. That is an increase in the number of permits and a 68% increase in the level of investment over the preceding year.
For this era, this brings the total number of building permits to 37,971 and the total amount of economic development to $4,405,000,000---a far cry from when Harrisburg was listed as the second most distressed city in the nation, having suffered annual and precipitous decline during preceding decades. We were one of the dark holes of which Clifford Jones spoke.
2007 is therefore amongst the top five best years in terms of new economic development in at least a half a century.
Of further note is that in the past year, 76 blighted structures were demolished.
When Harrisburg’s resurgence first began, there were 1908 businesses on the taxrolls. Today, there are 8,658.
The progress of this era has taken Harrisburg to new levels of advancement never experienced in its long history.
The furtherance of these gains cannot be done in a vacuum. It requires vision, will and action. There is therefore an ever present dynamic in the City’s economic development that is a focus on long-term future. "Everything we do is about tomorrow", says the Chamber poster on the front of this podium. Amen to that.
The vision of the future is embraced with boldness and daring. We continue to subscribe to the adage of Theodore Burtis that "Great things do not get accomplished by setting safe, small goals."
We are doing this in the unfolding planning for the Southgate project. Encompassing the areas south of Chestnut Street to Interstate 83, between the river and the railroad lines, what may be the largest long-term economic development project in Pennsylvania is taking greater form.
In what began as a transportation initiative to extend South Third Street to Paxton Street ---and create improved access to and from the Central Business District and eliminate present gridlock---it has now grown to an ambitious endeavor to create extensive office, research, residential, retail and parking uses that over time represents over 3 million square feet of new space.
With buildings mostly constructed on plinths, land areas largely under-used or inaccessible will be put into dramatic new use.
It provides expansion to the present day Central Business District that is largely built-out and within which few open land parcels remain.
In response to an issued request for qualifications, real estate investment trusts and others have become engaged in the widening planning process for Southgate that, in coming years, offers major growth potential for this city.
The vision of what is to come further includes the Northgate project. Spawned in part by the upcoming widening of North Seventh Street from Reily to Maclay Streets, from two lanes to four lanes, multiple parcels become far more attractive for commercial office, retail, and residential use.
Once highway work is completed—and with the addition of new traffic signals on the Seventh Street at Reily and Maclay Streets---The North Second Street Corridor from Forster to Division Streets will be made a two-way street---creating a calming effect on traffic volumes and reconnecting the residential areas currently dissected by the three lanes of one way traffic. The commuter volume will be diverted to the widened Seventh Street Highway. Commensurate property value increase and improved investment feasibility will increase in both areas as a result.
For nearby areas, the Midtown Master Plan was unveiled last year. It is a comprehensive land use strategy to chart further development in the areas North of Forster Street and includes extensive low-rise construction and rehabilitation for office, retail, residential and educational uses.
In South Allision Hill, where the multi-year strategic plan continues to induce on-going business and residential development, expanded focus will be on the South 17th Street Corridor that connects to Interstate 83 ramps.
The area has excellent highway access, land zoned for industrial and all other uses, and active community engagement.
As part of this progress, city crews are nearing the completion of clearing a multi-acre site of long vacant and blighted buildings and where environmental remediation has already been successfully achieved. It will be build-ready when clearance work is done in the next two months.
We must note that all parts of the city are encompassed in the economic development policies and programs of Harrisburg. Areas targeted in these strategic plans are where most land is still available, where the least gentrification and disruption would occur, and where the highest potential for new construction exists.
In the places outside of targeted areas, the focus is on preserving existing investment, upgrading existing structures and uses, increasing property values, and further stabilization through increased homeownership, small business start-ups and neighborhood group formation.
What is in contrast to earlier years is that the city is no longer the principal or sole developer of every project. The private sector and committed entrepreneurs are now well engaged. As a result, projects are occurring throughout Harrisburg. The City’s own resources are largely expended not only outside the downtown but more outside of the targeted areas than within. Our policy is that the city resurgence must be inclusive of everyone in all areas of our community.
Projects occurring in the past year and soon to be underway abound. With over 1800 building permits issued in 2007, they are too numerous to recite today. A sampling of what is taking place does give us a snapshot of the future to come.
The new Staybridge hotel on Wildwood Drive is well under construction. At 5 stories with 125 rooms and meeting space and swimming pool----all located on the edge of the Farm Show---it represents an $11 million investment.
The Comfort Inn on South Front Street has begun a $2.5 million upgrade to its exterior and it’s 114 rooms. A second restaurant is being added.
The new and expanded headquarters of Powers and Associates was opened along the waterfront. Jaxxi Products and Design established its national design and repacking center in the city, serving clients that include Hershey Foods, Six Flags, Walt Disney Resorts, Rainforest Cafes, Marshall Fields Stores, CVS, Rite Aid and others across the nation.
At the long vacant tract at Cameron and Herr Streets, the New Commerce View Center is well under construction. Offering 215,000 square feet of manufacturing, distribution, office and retail space, it is a $28 million project.
A new 18-story mixed use tower offering office, retail and parking space is slated for 210 North 2nd Street. At 219,000 square feet, it is a $35 million endeavor and should be completed by the end of 2010.
The first-ever State Judicial Center is more than half completed. At 12 stories and 342,000 square feet, with a cost of at least $107 million, it will expand Harrisburg’s role as a Judicial Center for the Federal, County and now State Governments.
The same role is enhanced with the eventual new Federal Courthouse, when its new site is ultimately selected. The city remains of the view that the best location is 6th and Reily Streets.
The city already is a regional center for medical services. This is an industry sector expected to have major growth in America and here in the coming years. It is therefore a vibrant part of our present and our future city economies.
Pinnacle Health is now proceeding with a $26 million expansion of its emergency care facilities in the downtown. They, along with Hershey Medical Center, have already jointly opened a needed mental health services center at the Polyclinic Campus.
At Penn Center in the Uptown section, this splendid office center, with easy access and off-street parking, has added further upgraded space and tenants.
Nearby, Pascotti Realty will soon have under construction a 40,000 square foot commercial office building.
Last year, Strawberry Square, the largest retail center in the city, underwent $1.5 million in upgrades. Numerous small businesses have opened there and at sites across the city, including many set in neighborhood areas and more of them are minority-owned.
Soon, the new Campus Square project should be underway. Expanded from its original plan, it will now involve 70,000 square feet of new space for offices, retail, the Midtown Cinema, and an expanded higher education presence in the city at the southwestern corner of Third and Reily Streets.
Across the street, Powers and Associates are in the acquisition and planning stages for a series of parcels at which retail and service sector occupancy is expected.
Given the extent of further development in the Midtown and Uptown sections—and the resultant increased demand for parking---the City and Parking Authority will commence with planning for the first parking garage in that area. It is likely additional structures will occur in later time.
Nine new or upgraded and re-themed restaurants have opened in the city, in the past twelve months. The market for these business endeavors will be further strengthened as the final design, financing and permitting are completed for the new Aloft Hotel on 2nd and State Streets---and the nearby additional hotel at 3rd and State.
This underscores Harrisburg’s further evolution and growth as a point of destination for tourism. At one time, the city was dismissed as a place to visit---entirely excluded from the tourism market except for those coming to the Capitol Building.
This has considerably changed. Tourism is now an integral part of city economic development. What induced this were multi-faceted city projects. City parks underwent extensive upgrades with expanded facilities---creating the largest municipal parks system in Central Pennsylvania.
An ever-growing special events schedule was created. Recreation programs were established, primarily based in the parks. Six new historic districts were designated. History-related displays have been set at 114 sites. Hotels were built. Museums were opened. Marketing was conducted.
All but one of the professional level sports played in this region are now based in Harrisburg. And during this time, the state renovated and expanded the Farm Show.
There has been an intentional inclusion of the arts, with growth in the arts and cultural scene as a result. Many do not see the arts as part of economic development but they are. They bring life and vitality and add exciting dimensions to the space we use and the lives we lead.
As part of this effort, what is today the Whitaker Center was born in the city’s executive office, followed by the historic engagement of the private sector and the Commonwealth to produce these splendid facilities.
Open Stage of Harrisburg was accorded space. The Susquehanna Art Museum established its first permanent quarters. The Art Association of Harrisburg continues with its good work. The Greater Harrisburg Arts Council utilizes a city-provided site. The Arts Village at Reservoir Park, the Levitt Pavilion there, the city-wide summer concert series, the Arts-Fest, the American Musicfest, the Kipona Arts Expo---all have been a part of economic development here because of their positive impact in helping to define a better place in which to live, work and play---and visit.
In 2005—the last year for which complete data is available---this two-county market experienced $1.3 billion in visitor spending. This helped sustain the 30,877 tourism-related jobs in our area.
The primary tourism draw is from people living within 175 miles. Based on their surveys, the six top activities in which they are engaged are dining, shopping, sightseeing, visiting a park, going to a museum, and stopping at a historic site. Harrisburg now accommodates all six.
The sites, events and amenities created here are also what gave rise to restaurant row and an array of spin-off business endeavors and this further bolsters tourism.
Part of this story is found in the numbers. The Harrisburg Senators attracted over 240,000 fans last year, bringing their total to 5,080,000 since inception. The National Civil War Museum has been visited by over 450,000 since opening. In 2007, just over one million were at events at the Farm Show and the State Museum had over 121,000 in attendance.
Add the numbers for all other venues and events, including overnight hotel stays, conferences, and festivals, and the total exceeds 3 million attendance in 2007.
The advances in commercial development and in tourism, the arts, historic preservation, and special events and all the rest have created an increased demand for city living. The result is an accelerated rate of residential investment.
On North Front Street, the $22 million condominium, office and restaurant complex is proceeding, involving 107,000 square feet of new and restored space using what was once the Tracy Mansion and adjacent land.
The second phase of Market Place Townhomes broke ground last year and is well along, with new homeowners already occupying the first series of completed homes. This project more than doubles the size of this neighborhood.
Capitol Heights, which has created an entirely new neighborhood where vacant lots were dominant, continues with more construction.
Olde Uptown Townhomes is advancing with both new construction and the complete rehabilitation of older structures – in both the midtown and uptown areas totaling 100.
The Historic Mount Pleasant Apartments project has been finished with 49 completely restored and upgraded units on Allison Hill. Later this year, the Tri-County Housing Development Corporation, with support from the city and state, shall proceed with what will be 25 new townhomes on Swatara and South 16th Streets in South Allison Hill.
Seventy-one new townhomes are getting underway as part of Governor’s Place in the city’s uptown, where 222 units have just been completed and transformed an eight square block area.
The city has been awarded $2.1 million additional dollars by the federal government to upgrade and remove lead paint from 140 residential sites. The city has already completed 500 units. This city program has been cited as a national model.
Habitat for Humanity has completed additional new homes, with more under construction, and all are being sold to first-time homebuyers.
The city’s homeownership and home improvement programs continue to restore existing homes. For years, Harrisburg has been engaged in taking title to hundreds of vacant but restorable structures and seeing to their rehabilitation for sale to new homeowners. With City funding, first-time homebuyers must first attend the Homebuyers Counseling Workshop.
There is a very conscious effort here to assure that the American dream of owning one’s home is an attainable reality.
Residential projects recently completed, now underway or about to start represent more than 1,500 units. In this era, projects in which the city has been either the developer or a partner have accounted for over 5,500 new or restored homes and apartments. This makes Harrisburg one of the largest residential developers in Central Pennsylvania.
A new element has been introduced into this effort, with a just-awarded Youth Build Program grant. Sixty young men and women, who previously had dropped out of school, will now be taught construction trade skills while earning their high school diploma. They will be engaged in residential rehab work as part of the learning. There is a significant under-met need for skilled tradespersons in this market so this new endeavor fulfills multiple positive goals.
The continuing and expanding array of economic development endeavors involves projects large and small, and citizens and companies of all manner. It is an impressive group in both numbers and quality. The honor roll of those investing in 2007 include:
Pinnacle Health Systems
Sheron Row
Allegheny Electric Corporation
Harristown Development Corporation
Powers & Associates
WCI Partners, LP
S & A Custom Built Homes, Inc.
Christopher G. Cox
Jesus Briseno
Dimitri & Pauline Zozos
Mark Richardson & Arthur Richardson, Jr.
Endurance Real Estate Group, LL
ESL, Inc.
Susan Auchincloss
Kennedy-Wilson PA Management
Sage Market Square Plaza, LP
Streuver Rouse Homes
Vartan Enterprises
M&T Bank Property Management
Reese Leasing Corporation
Bell Atlantic of Pennsylvania
Ricardo Suarez
Penn Center Harrisburg, LP
Uptown Partners, LP
The PA AFL-CIO
Gladys Freeman
Navnitlal Zaver
Harrisburg Hospitality Group, LL
McNees, Wallace & Nurick, LLC
Cameron Real Estate, LP
W & L Sales Company, Inc.
Kramont Realty Trust
Bartlett, Traynor & London, LLC
The Tri-County Housing Development Corporation
The Community Action Commission
and the list goes on.
All have our thanks and public salute---as do our government partners---Governor Edward Rendell, Congressman Tim Holden, U.S. Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey, Jr., State Senator Jeff Piccola, State Representatives Ron Buxton and Susan Helm, and Dauphin County Commissioners Jeff Haste, Nick DiFrancesco and George Hartwick, III and others.
As part of its economic development incentives, the City utilizes a variety of policies, the effect of which is to reduce cost, encourage the highest and best use of land and buildings, and reward investment.
One is the two-tiered tax rate, through which the tax rate on buildings is only one-sixth the tax rate on land.
Another is tax abatement, which allows a phase-in of any new taxes as a result of development over a ten-year period.
Both have been critical to development progress.
We now shall propose that the tax abatement policy be modified to assure there is no tax increase on new development for the initial ten-year period after completion.
Economic development and investment are also means to helping address the nation’s social issues. We must therefore note the unprecedented cooperative effort in which the public and non-profit sectors are engaged in both the City and County.
Through competitive grants from the federal government, there is the Continuum of Care Initiative. It is aimed at ending chronic homelessness within a ten- year period here.
It is not enough to merely provide shelter for those without. The underlying causes of homelessness require resolution or the homelessness never ends. The emphasis now is on wrap-around services that include job training, alcohol and drug rehabilitation, mental health services, and transitional housing.
Soon, the Susquehanna Safe Harbor on North 12th Street will be under construction, where 25 permanent beds and 40 shelter spaces will exist with full-time staff. And Bethesda Mission is now underway with it’s major facility upgrade.
No diverse community advances absent such inclusive efforts.
America itself is a more diverse nation and society---and the world marketplace far more so. How well this nation successfully competes is directly related to how inclusive we are at home. That includes South Central Pennsylvania
Minority-owned businesses should be accorded full opportunity for construction projects, procurement of materials and supplies, professional services and the array of functions in the daily business world.
Minority inclusion in the workforce also makes business sense. Exclusion of any part of our society weakens America, undermines communities, diverts our resources, and denies the founding principles of American democracy.
America is strong when the American Dream belongs to everyone. These basic truths bear repeating as we work for a more inclusive marketplace in this region. The Chamber has an excellent diversity program. The City, in its endeavors, has awarded tens of millions of dollars in work to minority-owned businesses with fully satisfactory results. The engagement of all in the public/private sectors is needed.
When we speak of economic development in Harrisburg, its definition includes education. In many places in America, there is a clear disconnect between the two. That is a mistake. One does not exist without the other.
For the first time in its history, Harrisburg has evolved into a center for education, including higher education. It is the most significant advancement of this era and one that adds far greater dimension to what the future shall hold.
The new Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, now in its second year of operation, is the first comprehensive university chartered in Pennsylvania in over 100 years. Its second commencement is set for May 15th.
The new 16-story Academic Center, offering 371,000 square feet of classrooms, laboratories, seminar rooms, auditorium and other space, will be dedicated December 11th at 4th and Market Streets.
It is a non-traditional university focused on the STEM skills of science, technology, engineering and math. These skills are most in demand in a 21st Century economy where technology is the driving force.
The National Science Foundation has funded the National Center for Science and Civic Engagement headquartered at the University. Its reach is global---as is the partnership put into place last year with Carnegie Mellon University’s Center of Advanced Entertainment and Learning Technologies.
The establishment of this university is one of the most strategic economic development projects in the region’s history.
Last year, The Wall Street Journal chronicled the brain drain that has afflicted Pennsylvania for decades. The same subject was covered in Richard Florida’s book, "Flight of the Creative Class."
While Pennsylvania attracted more freshman college students from out-of-state than any other state, the past trend tells us that they---and many of our own students---are likely to leave this state when they graduate. Pennsylvania has been providing the skilled human capital to Los Angeles, New York and other places for years.
For graduates to stay, a community must have quality higher education, a lower cost of living than the major markets, nightlife, other forms of entertainment and competitive jobs. Harrisburg has put all these things in place.
The author Richard Florida listed Harrisburg as one of the top five cities in our population category in the nation where growth will occur by the attraction and retention of those who will lead economic endeavor. The Wall Street Journal focused on Harrisburg University in their report of last year for the same reason.
Yesterday, Select Medical Corporation gave its commitment of $2.6 million to the University’s Capital Campaign. The Campaign has an initial goal of $40 million, of which 79% is now raised.
The leadership gift of Select Medical Corporation and the Ortenzio Family serve as both a call and a challenge for others to join them.
The need for technology skills and the difficulty of employers in filling skilled positions are well known. Will this region have the workforce with the skills---will employers be able to meet personnel needs here---or elsewhere---are questions that determine our region’s competitiveness and future economic strength.
Harrisburg University’s mission and work answer these questions in profound ways. Your support is therefore encouraged as an investment in that future.
Of special note is that the University and the nearby Science and Technology High School of the City School District have been catalytic in the emergence of Harrisburg’s Technology Corridor.
Digital Samba USA just established its U.S. headquarters here. They join a growing roster that includes the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania, the Corporate University Exchange, Life Sciences Greenhouse, The Pennsylvania Institute of Homeland and Defense Technologies and others. All are clustered in the same area of the city.
In this city there is now the confluence of education and training, research and development, skilled workers and entrepreneurs---all with focus on technology and the ever-expanding means of its application and use.
This is as exciting as it is profound. The inter-connection of education and workforce development and economic development has been achieved and is growing in Harrisburg. We are one of the few places in America where such is happening.
But the City’s role in higher education includes much more.
The Midtown Center of Harrisburg Area Community College opened last Fall. The $14 million project involved the retrofit of a vacant 120,000 square foot building. Up to 2,500 students will eventually use the new center and other connected and nearby facilities---all serving as an anchor and catalyst for other development close by.
Messiah College’s Harrisburg Institute moved into new quarters that represent a $2.5 million adaptive upgrade to a 10,000 square foot building that is part of the growing International House Neighborhood known as SOMA---South of Market Street.
The growing nebulous of higher education here includes Penn State University, the Dixon University Center and Temple University---all with classrooms and instruction in Harrisburg. Two of the great leaders of American higher education are here – Dr. Madelyn Hanes and Dr. Mel Schiavelli.
The major focus on education includes the arduous and comprehensive and long-term process of improving urban public schools.
It is one of the nation’s most challenging issues and simple and quick solutions do not exist. We are, in this city, engaged in nothing less than a complete rebuilding of a school system.
The District administration has been restructured, improved facilities created, an evaluation process instituted, technology expanded in operations and classrooms, and new academic initiatives founded.
Better security in all schools has been established, full-day kindergarten was reinstated, the early childhood program for 3 and 4 years was started, and after-school programs---an extension of the school day with tutoring and mentoring---were created.
The first-ever Alternative Education Academy was established for at-risk students, the new Career Technical Academy launched, and the high school was divided into smaller learning communities.
The School District now has a Summer Enrichment Program for both advanced learners and for remedial purposes. There is a district-wide literacy and math emphasis. Tens of thousands of books and teaching materials have been put into place.
Curriculum has been upgraded, which is a process that continues. Professional development for teachers and administrators is on-going.
Career track programs have been spawned. With the Math and Science Academy started for grades five through eight, students can continue the same academic focus in the Sci-Tech High School for grades nine through twelve and, if they choose, go onto The Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. The career track program accords the same curriculum focus from grade five to post-graduate university level – all in the same city.
To address underlying issues affecting academic preparedness, social and emotional learning programs have been emplaced. In-school clinics provide medical, dental and other support.
The Gear-Up Program prepares students for college, Dual Enrollment Programs allow college credits to be earned in high school, and the Credit Recovery Classes allow students that are behind to catch-up.
Thus far, the results are these:
- The graduation rate has increased 116%
- The number of graduates going on to higher education has risen 383%
- There has been a 39% enrollment increase
- The dropout rate has been cut from 8.4% to 4.8%
- The teenage pregnancy rate is down 35%
Test scores overall have risen, but greater increases in test scores is the goal of the accelerated improvement steps now underway in this and the next school years.
The School District remains challenged by insufficient resources to address all academic and student needs, making its budgeting process difficult and wrenching. The Harrisburg Public School Foundation, a separate entity, has successfully raised targeted private funds, usually using tax credits. They would be glade to have your participation.
The last component of this presentation shall be about energy, infrastructure, amenities and city operations.
The price of oil now has the nation’s attention. Largely unnoted is that the generation of alternative energy and energy conservation have been City priorities for two decades.
In the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant, methane gas---one of the worst of the greenhouses gases---is captured and burned. Fueling a generator, this produces electricity and heat. The green energy is sold to PPL. The heat is used to raise the temperature of a digestor facility, which causes more methane gas to be produced.
At the same plant, sludge---which is a by-product of wastewater treatment---is brought in from other communities and processed. This provides more methane gas for the co-generation of energy.
Combined, these two operations have produced $14,000,000 in revenue. And by modifying an over-designed oxygen generation component, $10 million was saved in future operating costs.
At the City Water Bureau Treatment and Filtration Plant, a small hydro-electric facility has been built to capture the benefit of high-pressure water flowing from the DeHart Dam.
When including the turbine-generating plant commissioned by the City, which utilizes solid waste as its fuel, over 1 billion kilowatts of electrical energy have been thus far generated by the city, saving at least 150 million gallons of foreign fuel oil. Revenues from electricity sales have exceeded $59 million.
The City has purchased hybrid vehicles and utilizes blended ethanol and diesel to cut foreign fuel use. And by this year’s end, all 93 signalized intersections throughout the city will have LED technology installed, which cuts energy use by 80%.
The City’s conservation work has been extensive. For the 21st consecutive year, Harrisburg will receive the Tree City USA Award this month.
In 2007, major improvements to the 7th and Radnor Streets’ Ballfield and to the Gorgas Playground were completed. In the next two months, a major addition to the Capital Area Greenbelt---in a portion of the city’s uptown---will be dedicated.
The Harrisburg Parks Partnership, the private non-profit group first spawned by the City, is now engaged in their second capital campaign for the further upgrade of other neighborhood parks. Funds have already been raised to create a new playground at 24th and Berryhill Streets.
The open space that has been conserved is the host to most of the special events in the city. Its enhancement includes major new public murals dedicated last August in Reservoir Park, where added murals are also planned this year.
This special events calendar is now augmented by additional events undertaken by partner groups in other open spaces---including the new International House Oktoberfest and the Harrisburg Street Festival held by the Downtown Improvement District.
In basic infrastructure work, the Harrisburg Transportation Center underwent $5.4 million in renovations and upgrades, completed last Fall. Amtrak ridership there has risen 20% in 2007 over the previous year.
Three dozen city streets are slated for repaving during this year.
New streetscape, sidewalks, streetlights, curbs and trees were placed in parts of the SOMA Neighborhood as part of the Messiah College Project.
The new South Street Parking Garage opened in November, representing a $16.6 million project creating 755 spaces on 12 floors.
Improvements to lighting and other parts of both the State Street and Mulberry Street Bridges are in the works.
Flood and related erosion control projects are now in design for Wildwood Lake and the tributary streams known as Black Run and Asylum Run. By diverting high water from Wildwood Lake to the river, the incidence of flooding from the Paxton Creek will be sharply reduced.
Along the 6th Street, 13th Street and 17th Street Corridors, 13 intersections will now receive new traffic signals to improve safety, reduce vehicle idling and save energy.
Similar upgrades have now been made to 48 other intersections. At one problem site---19th and Market Streets---there had been 27 accidents over a 4 year period. Since the new signals have been installed, none have occurred.
The City also remains committed to the long-needed Regional Rail Transit System. Its first corridor will be from Harrisburg to Lancaster. The United States Congress has fully funded its construction. Securing its operating subsidy from the State, however, has been difficult. The matter shall be further pursued.
Meanwhile, the Second Corridor, from Harrisburg to Lebanon, is in the planning stages and would be a welcomed addition.
For City government itself, public demand for services has not diminished but resources have been cut. The City has the smallest workforce in more than 50 years. The use of new technology and equipment helps---but does not fill the gap. Deferred maintenance and the challenge of meeting every day’s expectations are the result.
If the legislation just approved by a state House Committee – to provide funds to offset what is lost by tax-exempt properties is adopted, this problem is resolved in this city, where 48.4% of assessed real estate is entirely exempt from taxation. Many of these tax-exempt sites are significant generators of demand for municipal services.
Nonetheless, an exceptional range of services has been provided in 2007. The City Water Bureau supplied over 3 billion gallons of finished water. The Wastewater Plant processed over 8 billion gallons from 7 municipalities.
Streetsweeping picked-up 3.5 million pounds of debris and 558,000 pounds of leaves, which is then used for composting. Crews cleared 909,000 pounds of illegally dumped materials. Weekly trash collections yielded 30,700 tons of waste.
The Public Safety Communications Center handled 326,000 incoming and outgoing calls. 2,455 traffic accidents were investigated. 3,133 cars were towed. 18,645 staff hours of in-service training were conducted for fire personnel. Codes inspectors handled 7,927 inspections and cases.
There were 207,000 visits to the City website while Channel 20’s video website was accessed by over 14,800.
In 2007, there were 271 fires---two more than the previous year. The overall fire rate, however, has dropped 76% in this era.
There was a 9.93% increase in the statistics for Part I Crime. All but five reported incidents associated with this increase are non-violent property crimes, with 70% of the increase related to theft, which can involve items of any value.
Robbery, assault, arson and homicide showed declines.
Overall, the crime rate in this era is actually down 51.3%.
The contemporary property crime increase is cause for concern. Habitual offenders are repeatedly preying on the property of others. Restructuring the deployment and field work of the Police Bureau has therefore been ordered as part of an expanded effort to deal with this challenge. It would be helpful if repeat offenders receive greater penalty for being engaged in a lifestyle of crime.
Recognition of achievement amidst our challenges has a special value. For the 20th consecutive year, the City received the highest award in the nation for financial reporting and accounting.
Harrisburg was rated in the Top 5 Best Places for Retirees by Kiplinger’s Magazine. Country Home Magazine named the City in the Top 25 Green Cities in America. Relocate America.com listed Harrisburg in the Top Places to Live in the Nation.
Street and Smith determined Harrisburg and Hershey together to be the Second Best Minor League Sports Market in the Country---and the Harrisburg City Islanders Professional Soccer Team won the Division Championship, the first soccer team in the region to ever do so.
The U.S. Government gave the City a Green Designation for its success in abating lead paint contamination. The International Festivals and Events Association conferred gold and bronze awards for special event publications and memorabilia.
Harrisburg Magazine readers chose Kipona as the Best Festival, City Island as Best Picnic Site, and the City’s fireworks as Best Entertainment last year.
The Pennsylvania Parks and Recreation Society conferred the Top Excellence in Programming Awards for the Reservoir Park Mural Project and for the Black Enrichment Series that is funded by the Mayor’s Black History Gala held each year.
The Water Bureau, for the sixth consecutive year, received the Director’s Award from the Partnership for Safe Water. The Fire Bureau again attained the Life Safety Achievement Award. The Police Bureau maintained National and State Law Enforcement Accreditation, the highest recognitions in the nation and the state.
The list goes on involving recognition of Harrisburg by independent bodies who objectively review---and have no political ax to grind.
The presentation this day gives only a glimpse of the depth and extent of Harrisburg’s endeavors. Economic development, historic preservations, the arts, special events, tourism, higher education, school reforms, city operations---the list is extensive.
It reflects the comprehensive vision and work in which this city is engaged. Transformative has been this era---real has been the progress. The gains of this time have taken Harrisburg to new levels and none of it happened with ease or by accident.
There shall be much more achieved. Neither the City nor this region has fulfilled its potential.
With ardor, spirit, passion and vision do we embrace the future. The best days are yet to come.
With conviction, faith and confidence, we believe in a future without limits and dedicate our work to the highest ideals of public service, saying, as we do, that ancient prayer: "Lord, make us instruments of thy will." This, ladies and gentlemen, is the state of the city.
May God bless Harrisburg and this region --- and may God bless the United States of America, the greatest country in the world.
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