Beyond Second: Discover Harrisburg Through Photography

Man, a lot has changed since I moved from that area.  I used to live in the 1300 block of Green.  Looks really nice.

Not meaning to counter what Amanda mentioned, but honestly, I think this is a terrible way to approach rebuilding in Harrisburg. There's no diversity--no commercial buildings, which means less pedestrian traffic. It defeats the romantic lifestyle of urban living--there are plenty of cookie-cutter row homes outside the city that don't include city taxes. It doesn't solve the slum problem, it only forces the poor into other neighborhoods and alienates people taking pride in their homes.

Gee, I have to disagree with you, Rich. I am assuming that these new houses replace a row that deteriorated beyond the point of no return. Look how nicely they fit the scale of the block -- similar set back, height, and materials. Somewhat contemporary in their simplicity but with traditional details. I don't believe I have seen anything this handsome in the suburbs, where vinyl siding reigns supreme! There is a commerical building on the opposite corner, where people were sitting out enjoying lunch when I took this picture. I'd also like to think that neighbors in the older houses would appreciate this new infusion and start thinking of ways to improve their own properties!

Rich, this area of town has struggled with abandoned properties, trash-strewn lots and other forms of blight since the Agnes flood of 1972. This is a remarkable improvement and unprecedented investment into this area that will have a major impact on decreasing crime, increased pedestrian traffic of diverse people, cleaner streets and so on. Alvaro's bakery is opposite this corner so you do have some mixed use already -- and the owners are very excited about these changes. I suppose if you lived here and were a little more informed you'd see the glass half full.

Nice John....

I lived in a similar house to that which frequented this area, and I have to say as well, this is a great improvement.  It is better housing for those who live in these areas. No they may not have the diversity that was there in the original homes, but they are better built and are safer home, as well.  I am sure, as the one I lived in, they were slowly (or possibly rapidly in some cases) falling down. 

well, i'm not gonna comment about the new block until i've had a chance to see it ... hopefully there's some sense of build-quality to it all. meanwhile, to rick's point, there is something to be said about integrating small businesses into the block, but this is a town which is far from retail-friendly, and these are not good days for retailers in general.  

hopefully, with new residents brings new projects with small business opportunities.

 jeff. 

Traditionally, Green Street has been pretty much residential from one end to the other, with the occasional storefront. Generally, small businesses would locate on streets with higher traffic, like Front or Second, or further east on Sixth and Seventh streets. These houses replace ones torn down by the city, so they did not displace any businesses. I visited them today and found them to be very attractive, well-built with high-quality materials, roomy, and well-priced. They have off-street parking for two cars, which is surely an advantage to those already living in the neighborhood. I learned that half are sold, mostly to young professionals. The corporation that built them is also rehabilitating more than 75 other, historic properties.

Good for the City! It is about time something is done to improve city living.  Yes, it is nice to have all that old history, however, for those who have to live in it, it can be quite a depressing sitiuation.  Spoken from experiance.

Sorry everybody, but simply replacing something doesn't solve it. I guess I just believe in the effectiveness of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), natural surveillance, and what I've read on the topics of new urbanism.

I'm not saying the neighborhood doesn't improve in the short term, but I don't see anything preventing these new row homes from befalling the same fate as the previous ones over time.

I think both side of the arguments are really valid.  I, myself, live in Capitol Heights row homes.  Do I think the Capitol Heights homes will last a long time?  Personally, NO.  I was a believer in the beginning, but now I am starting to become skeptical.  Of course the housing market is not really helping it.  But do I think it worth the efforts?  Absolutely.  Instead of having a flat to the ground land, or those filled with trash or collapsing buildings, these are a much better options.  In the long run, something need to be there.  But it is chicken and egg issue.  Which one should come first, businesses to bring residence or residence to bring in businesses?  I agree, there need to be more businesses in the area, such as coffee shops (no, not those Amsterdam style coffee shops).

Clearly, there are still a lot of challenges that Harrisburg need to do to get to the point that we can feel really safe walking at nights.  However, with the current housing and economy condition, we may have to be patience.  HACC Mid-town campus is hopefully going to help add pedestrian traffic.  I am not counting toward the Courthouse being in Midtown area.

As a home owner on the 1700 block of 2nd st, I'm delighted to see all the rebuilding in and around my area.  Having lived there for 6 years, we have witnessed nothing but a steady increase in crime.  Our taxes have increased, all our utilities have increased, cant hardly park in front of my own home and it has gotten to the point where we cant even walk the dogs at night for fear of being  mugged.  So yup...I'm glad because  all of this rebuilding just increases the potential selling priice of our home, and beleive me...were moving.