Visioning Week Planned Next Month
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), in partnership with the City of Harrisburg and the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority, is conducting a week-long set of community engagement and design workshop events beginning Monday, September 19, at 6:00 p.m., through Thursday, September 22.
The Visioning Week will kick-off a transit-oriented development (TOD) study to redevelop the Harrisburg Transportation Center (HTC) and surrounding Market Street corridor as a vibrant, transit-oriented center.
“We are committed to advancing transit options through the Harrisburg Transportation Center and the revitalization of the surrounding community is an important benefit we want to advance,” said PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards. “We encourage the community to make their voices heard as we move forward.”
Added Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse: “I encourage Harrisburg residents and businesses to attend these important workshops to think through our area’s transportation needs. This study will help stimulate Harrisburg’s economic development and improve our connections to the entire region.”
The TOD Visioning Week will serve as an important opportunity for public input for redevelopment concepts. Events and activities will include design workshops, discussion groups, and walking tours to gather input from the community regarding the future improvements surrounding the HTC.
With the exception of two “Capitol Talks,” which take place Tuesday, September 20, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Wednesday, September 21, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. within the East Wing Capitol Rotunda, all discussion groups and design sessions for the week will take place at the HTC, located at 4th and Chestnut Streets, Harrisburg, PA 17101.
At the conclusion of the week, the study will provide different scenarios that may be advanced for implementation to promote redevelopment, business attraction, and improved connectivity to the train station and adjacent neighborhoods. Residents, business owners, and the general public are encouraged to participate in the planning process to ensure the improvements are representative of the community’s vision for the area.
The TOD redevelopment area encompasses a four-block area located between State and Mulberry Streets, Cameron Street, and the train tracks. The TOD study will promote the reuse and redevelopment of adjacent parcels, promote walkability and accessibility enhancements, create a sense of place, and encourage overall economic development. More information can be found at http://www.planthekeystone.com/HbgTOD.html.