HARRISBURG, Pa. — Two Harrisburg City Council members who originally voted against the construction company to rebuild the brick building of the Broad Street Market are now reconsidering their decision.
Earlier this month, the city council voted 5-2 against moving forward with Alexander Construction Company to rebuild the brick building of the Broad Street Market, which was destroyed by a fire last year.
City council members Crystal Davis and Ralph Rodriguez, who voted against the company back in May, have since changed their minds and are now asking for a re-vote.
Members cited “equity” concerns in the process to select the Harrisburg-based company as the construction manager. Members also said they felt there was a lack of "diversity and perspective" on the selection team.
Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams, who hand-selected the construction company, called the decision "careless" and “reckless.”
Sate lawmakers are also voicing concerns and said any delay on the rebuild could cost the Market state funding.
Davis and Rodriguez wrote letters and said they will reconsider their vote.
"It is not fair to the market vendors or the people of Harrisburg to wait any longer to start construction," wrote Davis.
“This project is paramount to our beautiful city’s economic development and tourism," wrote Rodriguez. "For these reasons, I feel comfortable to requesting a voter reconsideration.”
The mayor's office said the Council's decision earlier this month could set the rebuild back four to six months.
Since last Thursday, there was a temporary tent built which is currently housing eight vendors, five of which were housed inside the brick building before the fire last July.
The Harrisburg City Council plans to meet on Tuesday with a possibility to re-vote.