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  #21  
Old Posted May 27, 2004, 2:17 PM
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More good news for HIA!!! Man, things just keep getting better and better around here:


FAA chief to deliver funds for HIA work

Thursday, May 27, 2004
BY ELLEN LYON
Of The Patriot-News

Marion C. Blakey, administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, will tour the terminal under construction at Harrisburg International Airport today, bringing with her some federal money for the airport and state.

Blakey will present a check for $11.2 million to the Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority, which owns and operates HIA in Lower Swatara Twp. and Capital City Airport in Fairview Twp.

Most of that money -- $10.3 million -- is earmarked for HIA's $222 million expansion project, according to FAA spokesman Jim Peters.

The check is one installment in the $108 million in federal funding for the project, which includes a new, larger terminal and apron, a parking garage, a navigational system and Amtrak train station.

HIA officials have billed the new terminal as the first in the country designed and built with post-Sept. 11 security considerations in mind.

Capital City Airport will get $930,700, Peters added.

Blakey also will present state transportation officials with $11.7 million, representing Pennsylvania's federal aviation block grant for 2004, Peters said.

HIA officials reported to the authority board yesterday that passenger traffic at the airport was up 14.8 percent last month when compared to April 2003. So far this year, traffic is up 6.5 percent when compared to the same period in 2003.

"The 117,839 passengers that chose HIA last month made April 2004 the busiest April since 1999 and the fourth-busiest April ever," Aviation Director Fred Testa said.

He attributed the increase to more flights into and out of the airport.

The HIA numbers compare to a national increase in passenger traffic of 10.2 percent in April and a 4.6 percent increase so far this year, according to airport officials.

The board awarded a contract for the sole right to pick up taxi passengers at HIA to American Taxi of Harrisburg.

"We've had too many instances over the past two years when arriving passengers have had to wait long periods of time for taxicab service from the airport," Testa said. "A taxicab driver from any company is still allowed to drop off passengers at the airport. However, only drivers from American Taxi will be allowed to pick up passengers and transport them from the airport."

Last year, an estimated 21,000 cab trips were made from the airport, with an average fare of $24, HIA spokesman Scott Miller said. Under American Taxi's contract, the same amount of traffic at that average fare would bring the airport $35,000 in revenue, he said.

There were two other bidders for the taxi contract, but neither met all the requirements listed in the request for proposals, Miller said.

The board announced that six car-rental companies -- Hertz, Avis, Budget, National, Enterprise and Thrifty -- will have contracts to operate concessions in the new parking garage, which is scheduled to open in late summer.

Dollar and Alamo rental cars also will be available, but their pickup and drop-off locations will not be on airport property.

The authority also awarded a contract not to exceed $353,500 to Stewart Stevenson Power Inc. of Houston for a runway snow broom vehicle.
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  #22  
Old Posted May 27, 2004, 2:30 PM
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Regional marketing to begin

New slogan helps promote best attributes of midstate
Thursday, May 27, 2004
BY ELLEN LYON
Of The Patriot-News

Think "Where's the Beef," "Like a Rock" or "King of Beers."

Now think of a catchy slogan to promote south-central Pennsylvania, which includes 1.7 million people living in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties.

How about "The Smart Market."

That's the slogan Southcentral Team Pennsylvania dramatically unveiled yesterday in the darkened Sunoco Performance Theater at Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts in Harrisburg as a shower of green and blue balloons descended from the ceiling.

What's so smart about this region?

To start with, answers David Schankweiler, president and CEO of Journal Publications, the region has more than 20 colleges and universities and a superior highway and rail infrastructure.

"This is a very exciting region. We need to believe that first and then shout it to the world," Schankweiler said at the unveiling.

To do that, Southcentral Team Pennsylvania, which is a public-private partnership devoted to the region's economic development, has about $90,000 left from $150,000 in a state grant and matching funds, said David Black, president and CEO of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber.

"We want to target some specific industries and go after them," Black said.

The first opportunity to do that with the new slogan and logo will be at a biotechnology show in San Francisco June 5-10, Black said. The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center attracts biotechnology companies to the region, he noted.

Other targeted industries include technology services and advanced manufacturing. "All the [region's] counties have core strengths in those," he said.

The team also will be looking for additional funding to support the marketing effort.

To develop the region's first brand name, Southcentral Team Pennsylvania hired the Harrisburg marketing agency Sacunas & Saline.

The firm researched branding efforts in other parts of the country, conducted focus groups and interviewed national site-selection specialists and local business and community leaders, according to Bob McNary, executive director of the Lebanon Valley Economic Development Corp.

"I guess it's no surprise they found there was great economic diversity in the region," which presents a marketing challenge, he said.

When companies search for a site, they don't care about municipal boundaries, McNary noted. Instead, they care about factors such as the work force, transportation systems, utilities, research and educational opportunities and business services.

Economic development officials in the eight counties said yesterday they will use "The Smart Market" concept while continuing their own marketing efforts.

The brand "presents a vision for this region to go out and promote itself," said Skip Memmi, deputy director of the Dauphin County Department of Community and Economic Development. "We will partner into this branding effort and also continue to do individually what is necessary to be successful."

W. Douglas Wendt, director of the Cumberland County Office of Economic Development, explained that "no single brand sells a region. A brand is a cornerstone for a strategy.

"The Smart Market gives us a brand that helps us have a common theme while we also are focusing on the distinctiveness of each county," Wendt said.

Memmi said that "in some respects, it is a friendly competition to promote each county, [but] without this region you don't bring in national concerns."

Black predicted the counties will rely on the regional brand for the more expensive national marketing efforts.
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  #23  
Old Posted May 27, 2004, 2:31 PM
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City plans office of Latino Affairs

Thursday, May 27, 2004
BY DIANA FISHLOCK
Of The Patriot-News

Harrisburg will soon have a council and an office of Latino Affairs, the mayor announced yesterday.

The council will serve as an advisory board to city government, said Mayor Stephen R. Reed, who also hopes it will galvanize the Latino community. "I need a vehicle to bring together the diverse elements of the Hispanic community for one common cause," he explained.

The council will have 11-13 members representing the city's diverse Latino population, which hails from Puerto Rico, Spain and several Central and South American countries, Reed said.

The office will consist of one staff member, probably housed at the Mount Pleasant Hispanic American Center. Both the council and the office should be working by mid-summer, he said.

There is no African-American council or office because they are very well represented in city government, said Reed. All of the members of the city council are black.

/\
Which I disagree with, but what are you going to do....
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  #24  
Old Posted May 27, 2004, 2:33 PM
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Pretty nice of these guys!!!


Members of blink-182 lend a hand as painters of the state

The Patriot-News
Thursday, May 27, 2004
BY BARRY FOX
Of The Patriot-News

Mention the band blink-182 and jokey music videos done in the nude, tattoos, body piercings and catchy pop punk are what come to mind.

Community service probably is not on the list.

But there the California trio -- known for albums such as 1999's "Enema Of The State" -- was yesterday afternoon "helping" paint a nearly completed Habitat for Humanity house on 13th Street in Harrisburg.

While drummer Travis Barker sat in a folding chair eating a burrito -- he's on crutches and wearing a cast after foot surgery -- guitarist Tom DeLonge and bassist Mark Hoppus got to work with the white paint.

It was DeLonge's first-ever painting project. He was using the "Karate Kid" as the inspiration for his brush strokes.

"I usually paint unicorns and leprechauns," he said. "That's not needed here, but it's always an option."

Even though Hoppus is an experienced painter, after working on his home in San Diego, he had to put his brush down to talk.

"I'm not that good," he said. This program "is awesome, really cool. We're stoked to be a part of it."

The band was in the area for a show at the Star Pavilion in Hershey last night.

Its home improvement trip was the first for "Raise The Roof," a partnership between Clear Channel Entertainment and Habitat for Humanity.

Clear Channel is the promoter for the summer concert series at Hersheypark Stadium and the Star Pavilion.

Habitat for Humanity provides homes for people in need using volunteers to keep mortgage payments low.

Homeowners are required to invest 350 hours of "sweat equity" working in Habitat for Humanity's local office or on their own or other Habitat homes.

Kimberly Bowron, Clear Channel's vice-president of corporate culture and philanthropy, said five artists will work on homes through "Raise The Roof" on cross-country tours this summer.

What made this house unique -- besides blink-182's visit -- is that WHP-TV 21, Lowe's, Clear Channel Broadcasting (WHP's owner) and Habitat joined forces to build it in 21 days.

The foundation, framing, roofing, plumbing and electrical work have been done since May 7. The house will be turned over to its owner, Veronica Rice, tomorrow.

John Neumann, Habitat's construction manager, said this type of project would normally take three to six months.

But, with two crews of contractors and volunteers working nearly nonstop, Rice and her son Derrick will get the keys to their home three weeks after the project started.

"It's overwhelming," Rice said. "It's been a really humbling experience."

After painting four doors (as well as being mildly scolded for getting paint on the hinges), posing for pictures with Rice and the volunteers who worked on the house, the members of blink-182 were gone about 40 minutes after arriving.

Barker had a doctor's appointment to change his cast and there was a show to prepare for last night.

It was a short but apparently moving visit.

"It's cool to do something for people," DeLonge said. "We usually tear down the good things people instill in their children."
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  #25  
Old Posted May 27, 2004, 3:14 PM
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Great articles Dave I especially like the new marketing idea for the region. I think it will pay off! Blink 182 was in town painting houses??? NUTS:nuts:
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  #26  
Old Posted May 27, 2004, 5:40 PM
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I agree. I wish I would've known they were here. I would've snuck away from work and grabbed some pics or something....
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  #27  
Old Posted May 28, 2004, 3:52 AM
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<b>Irresponsibility on stormwater </b>
Wednesday, May 26, 2004

This week the state Department of General Services receives proposals to build a hotel on the north parking lot of the Farm Show Complex. Will it exercise stormwater stewardship, or will it continue stormwater irresponsibility?

In requesting proposals for the future hotel, the DGS and its partners, the Department of Agriculture and the City of Harrisburg, did not require the bidders to consider any onsite infiltration of stormwater, despite being advised of the need by Paxton Creek Watershed and Education Association, and others. It is ironic that some state agencies, the departments of Environmental Protection and Conservation and Natural Resources, promote desirable, alternative techniques of stormwater management, while others ignore the need, as with the addition to the Farm Show Complex two years ago.

The association strongly supports economic redevelopment, particularly along Cameron Street. However, it must be done responsibly. Granted, flooding of Paxton Creek in Harrisburg is a major impact of development in municipalities upstream, but those downstream must do their part. The association has planned dozens of projects to promote stormwater infiltration and to help reduce upstream runoff.

How can we expect sympathy and support in upstream communities when the DGS and others ignore the issues and build structures that worsen the situation?

It is time for the DGS to cooperate by requiring Low Impact Development stormwater management techniques. If it starts doing this with the proposed hotel, we will be proud to recognize them as partners in stormwater stewardship. If not, just the contrary.

E. DRANNON BUSKIRK JR.

President, Paxton Creek Watershed and Education Association Harrisburg
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  #28  
Old Posted May 28, 2004, 4:02 AM
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oh my god...i had to post this Dave! lol


Verbal pollutants
Wednesday, May 26, 2004

I have no doubt there is some global warming. I do, however, disagree with the "experts" on the chief cause.

Most "experts" blame this global warming on fossil fuel pollution. Toward this end, we have numerous means to contain or eliminate these so-called emissions.

On our automobiles, we have emission controls that burn these pollutants. On coal-fired generating plants, we have a number of controls; from filters to some type of washing of the plant's discharge.

All of these control methods are good and helpful, but do not address the biggest polluters of all.

It is my humble and unscientific opinion that the biggest cause of any global warming is pollution. However, it is not caused by using fossil fuel.

The largest factor is the verbal pollution coming out of our duly elected officials in Washington. If you listened to any of the committee meetings in Washington on the 9-11 tragedy or the prisoners in Iraq, you will know what I mean.

The hot air-verbal pollutants were audible as Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., and Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., tried to blame the American troops for anything and everything.

Sen. James Imhofe, R-Okla., seemed to furnish the emissions control that the other two surely needed.

If we could get some safety devices on these hot air bags to keep the gases from escaping and sending their pollution into the sky, we could contain or reduce global warming. Get rid of fossil fuel and fossil windbags in Washington, and we will have cleaner air.

JOSEPH L. THEURER SR.
Harrisburg
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  #29  
Old Posted May 28, 2004, 4:19 AM
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here's another one for you...i like reading what other people have to say about these issues.


<b>Light rail, bicycles offer alternatives </b>
Saturday, May 22, 2004

All of the solutions the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has come up with to ease the congestion and limit the effects of accidents in the area will not work, and some would cause more accidents.

A transportation management center, while better coordinating emergency response, would not solve the problem of crashes.

The highway advisory radio system would not be helpful unless people entering the area get the message in time to make better decisions.

Message boards will cause more accidents, as people crane their necks to see what is blocked where as they zoom past at 85 miles per hour three feet from the next car. And widening the roads would only encourage reliance on the automobile as a transportation system.

Why not encourage people to leave their cars at home? Build light rail to the suburbs and encourage people to use it. Build bicycle lanes and provide incentives for companies to provide showers for workers and bike parking on the premises.

This would free up valuable road space for the people who really need it; emergency personnel trying to save lives.

It's not right that children are born in traffic jams when most of those cars are filled with only one person going somewhere that could be easily serviced by light rail or bicycling.

PennDOT has been trying to solve traffic problems using brute force for years with little success. I think the time has come to try a few more elegant solutions.

PAUL ROTHROCK
Harrisburg
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  #30  
Old Posted May 28, 2004, 4:32 AM
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i'm all for this....i think this deal give the Army more space it needs, provides more land and links the current game lands in norhtern Dauphin and Lebanon counties, and preserves the topography of the area while changing the boundaries of the base. i'm an avid outdoorsman and i've actually hunted on portions of this land and fished most of stony creek when i was younger. i don't want to see this area ruined and i don't think it ever will be by letting the area become buffer zone for the Gap ranges. i think this can be a win/win situation for all parties involved. you might not really be interested in this Dave, but i thought i would post it anyway...lol.

<b>FORT INDIANTOWN GAP

Hunters criticize proposed land swap
</b>
Friday, May 21, 2004

BY AL WINN
Of Our Lebanon Bureau


FORT INDIANTOWN GAP - For the Pennsylvania National Guard, a proposed land swap with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Harrisburg Water Authority is part of a fight to keep the Fort Indiantown Gap military reservation open and viable as a training base.

But for some area hunters and outdoorsmen, the proposal that would turn 1,800 acres of game lands on the north side of Second Mountain over to the National Guard would be an incursion on treasured landscape.

"This land is sacred to a lot of people," said Clyde Herr, of Union Twp., at a public meeting at Fort Indiantown Gap last night. About 40 people attended to ask questions and voice concerns.

The proposed three-way deal would involve the National Guard buying 1,800 acres of DeHart Reservoir watershed from the Harrisburg Water Authority and turning it over to the Game Commission. In turn, the commission would give up a six-mile strip of land along the north side of Second Mountain between Cold Spring Road and the Middle Paxton Twp. line. A bit more than half the land would be in Dauphin County.

National Guard officials said they need the land for a safety buffer for expanding firing ranges on the south side of Second Mountain. Tanks and artillery using the ranges shoot parallel to the ridge, but there is a chance of shells ricocheting over the mountain, they said.

Guard officials said they are trying to cram as many training activities as possible onto the 17,000-acre base to keep it viable. Fort Indiantown Gap, Lebanon County's largest employer, came close to closing after a Base Realignment and Closing Commission decided the U.S. Army would pull out of the facility.

"The future didn't look so good in 1995," said Guard spokesman Lt. Col. Chris Cleaver.

The buffer zone the Guard wants would extend down the north slope of Second Mountain to just short of Stony Creek. The land would not change under National Guard ownership, officials said. "The slope of second mountain today is the way it will be in the future," Cleaver said.

Guard officials said they would allow hunters and others access in the same way they allow access to other Gap land. But as with other National Guard land, it could be closed to the public to accommodate training activities, some hunters pointed out.

The western portion of the buffer zone might never be closed, base commander Col. Ray Hulings said. But the eastern portion, nearest Cold Spring Road, could be closed as much as half the time, Cleaver said. An effort would be made to keep it open during big-game hunting seasons.

The land the Guard wants would not include Stony Creek, the nearby rail trail, or the historic ruins at Cold Spring. Some who could accept that the current proposal probably wouldn't affect recreational possibilities in the game lands worried the Guard might not stop with this acquisition.

"How long is it going to be before tanks come into the [Stony Creek] valley?" Dennis Ibberson asked.

In the other part of the three-way deal, the land the Game Commission would get from Harrisburg could link Game Lands 211 and 210, thereby creating the largest game-lands area in the state, Game Commission officials have said.

Guard officials said the proposal is still in its early stages, and none of the three entities has approved the deal.

"We're going to keep right on pushing for new programs," Cleaver said.

AL WINN: 272-3759 or awinn@patriot-news.com
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  #31  
Old Posted May 28, 2004, 1:08 PM
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I'm interested in everything around here, Chris.

As for the editorial on the LRT and bicycle, I TOTALLY agree!!!

Check this out. We are finally getting some national attention!!! :carrot:


Harrisburg Region Featured In National Magazine

Thursday May 27, 2004 3:47pm
Posted By: Katie McCarthy

Consumer Center - The June issue of Money magazine says our region is a place industries need to consider. Couple that with a just announced regional marketing plan and we look to be pretty competitive for jobs. "What is it about south central Pennsylvania. Is it our historic towns, national parks or stunning landscapes of mountains, rivers and farmland?"

There is a DVD presentation that companies all over the country will be receiving. It links our eight counties together in a "smart market" because local chamber of commerce leaders say that's what it takes to be competitive. David Black/President Harrisburg Regional Chamber, "Companies quite frankly don't care whether it's Lancaster County or Dauphin County or Cumberland County. I mean they want to locate in a part of a state with certain transportation amenities." Or - "Is it how very close we are to major metropolitan hubs of the northeast like Washington DC, Baltimore, New York and Philadelphia? You just can't position yourself as one county, one city. You have to do something a little broader and it is a global market place."

In the June issue, Money magazine recognizes the potential of the Harrisburg region - naming it one of the top three up and coming regions in the whole country. "That kind of earned media is wonderful for a region and it is Harrisburg, PA but it is obviously the region." About one point seven million people live in our eight county region. That is certainly a large enough group to support most or any job creating industry.


EDIT: This story came from www.abc27.com
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  #32  
Old Posted May 28, 2004, 2:05 PM
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woohoo
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  #33  
Old Posted May 29, 2004, 2:15 PM
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Owner plans transformation of restaurant

Saturday, May 29, 2004
BY ELLEN LYON
Of The Patriot-News

It's time for 5:01 Downtown to close, owner Ron Kamionka says.

But the Harrisburg restaurant renowned for its fresh fish won't be dark for long, and the corner of Walnut and Second streets will retain the New Orleans flavor of 5:01.

While the eatery will close on June 5, Bourbon Street Station, a new establishment under the same ownership, will open on the site the following Thursday, June 10, Kamionka said.

Bourbon Street Station will open daily at 4 p.m., primarily as a "beverage operation" with a raw bar, he said.

"The profit margins are a lot less in food than in beverages, so I've decided to focus on beverages," Kamionka explained.

Bourbon Street Station also will fit better with Kamionka's other properties, which include Eclipse and the Hardware Bar in Harrisburg and the Hardware Bar and Vertigo dance club in York, he said.

Kamionka also manages NOMA and Mars in downtown Harrisburg and plans to open BD Sports Bar and Cherry Lane Cafe in York on June 15.

5:01 Downtown opened in December 2000, replacing the former Dewey's Dry Dock.

Kamionka sounded almost sentimental yesterday. "5:01 was my first place in downtown Harrisburg," he said. "It's an extremely successful restaurant. ... It's a matter of profit margin."
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  #34  
Old Posted May 30, 2004, 3:29 AM
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interesting...well i can understand the transformation. selling alcohol is a lot easier than food. have you gone DT or along the riverfront yet this weekend Dave? i went to Artsfest today and took my girlfriend to her first minor league baseball game. she really liked it a lot. i think the city is really growing on her
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  #35  
Old Posted May 30, 2004, 3:12 PM
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I haven't been to the Artsfest yet, Chris. I plan on getting down there today, though, because tomorrow is supposed to be a wash out. It never fails: it always rains on Memorial Day.

And I'm glad the city is growing on her. Keep up the good work, and continue to spread the word.
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Old Posted May 30, 2004, 3:30 PM
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AWESOME news!!! And the tables weren't in the online article, so I typed them out.


THE RACE FOR SPACE

Demand remains strong for commercial property

Sunday, May 30, 2004
BY DAVID DeKOK
Of The Patriot-News

Overall commercial real estate occupancy rates are approaching 93 percent in the Harrisburg area, the highest level in a decade, according to a quarterly report by Landmark Commercial Realty Vice President Thomas T. Posavec.

Fueled by growing demand for space in all areas of the region, tenants continued to line up for space in both existing buildings and those under construction during the first quarter of the year.

"I just came from a conference in Phoenix," Posavec said. "If two years ago was a 'C,' and one year ago was a 'B,' this year I'd give the business an 'A.' Nationally, things have really picked up big time."

Even so, the growth is not uniform. In Pittsburgh, overall occupancy rates are about 75 percent to 80 percent, Posavec said. He said Harrisburg is fortunate to have a more stable commercial real estate market.

Just about his only cautionary note concerned buildings under construction, such as Market Square Plaza in downtown Harrisburg and a new office building at 4507 N. Front St. in Susquehanna Twp. Posavec said the new construction and the renovation of certain other space might eventually have a "short-term impact" on occupancy levels in the midstate.

He said he was particularly pleased with the West Shore, where the occupancy rate moved up to 95 percent in the first quarter, from 94 percent in the previous quarter. Occupancy of the best Class A space remained at 97 percent, he said. Even so, occupancy rose by 45,300 square feet overall.

One of the big West Shore transactions was acquisition of the former EDS building at 275 Grandview Ave. in Camp Hill by Szeles Real Estate Development Co. of Lower Paxton Twp.

In downtown Harrisburg, occupancy dropped by 6,400 square feet, while occupancy remained at 98 percent in the Class A sector. Class B+ space was the only gainer downtown during the first quarter.

Also creating potential occupancy declines in the future is a decision by Verizon Communications, the state's largest telephone company, to all but abandon its former regional headquarters in the Strawberry Square office complex. Verizon will aim to sublet 80,000 square feet of space beginning later in the summer.

Union sources have said Verizon is moving its work force from leased facilities to sites it owns, such as the former GTE building in Hershey and the building at Second and Pine streets in Harrisburg.

"There is significant state interest in that [Strawberry Square] space," Posavec said. "How many spaces have a food court and easy access to parking garages?"

He said the East Shore business district has "a few pockets of weakness," even though about 9,200 square feet were absorbed by the market during the first quarter.

Class A occupancy remained at 93 percent, where it has stood for the past three quarters.

Overall, Posavec said he would give the first quarter an "A-" grade. "It really couldn't have been a much better quarter," he said.

*The first table would not fit in the space provided. Just use the number to find the appropriate rent per sq. ft. charge. I am surprised at how close the rent is in all of the markets. That must make the competition even tougher, and that sure explains all the commercial building going on around here now.


Occupancy Rates

Midstate office space occupancy rates in %:

Harrisburg 1st Qtr. '04/ 4th qtr. '03/ 1st qtr. '03
1. Class A 98/ 98/ 97
2. Class B+ 92 92 91
3. Class B 88 89 94

East Shore
4. Class A 93 93 92
5. Class B+ 90 87 88
6. Class B 96 96 95
7. Class C 85 88 82

West Shore
8. Class A 97 97 97
9. Class B+ 93 92 92
10. Class B 91 90 89
11. Class C 95 94 93

Rent. per sq. ft.
1. $17 to 22
2. $14 to 16.45
3. $11.95 to 13.50
4. $16.50 to 21
5. $14.95 to 16.35
6. $13 to 14.50
7. $10.50 to 12.75
8. $16.50 to 20
9. $14.75 to 16.25
10. $13 to $14.50
11. $10.95 to 12.75
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Last edited by EastSideHBG; May 30, 2004 at 3:45 PM.
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Old Posted May 30, 2004, 3:40 PM
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Cont'd


Absorbtion Rates

Total square footage absorbed in the 1st qtr. Numbers in parenthesis indicate space that became available and was not leased:

Harrisburg
Class A - (6400)
Class B+ - 8,424
Class B - (13,123)
Class C -
Total - (11,099)

East Shore
Class A - (13,200)
Class B+ - 28,100
Class B - 2,700
Class C - (8,400)
Total - 9,200

West Shore
Class A - 17,000
Class B+ - 9,600
Class B - 15,400
Class C - 3,300
Total - 45,300


Space Breakdown

The market report rates office space in the following categories:
  • Class A - Buildings are modern, top-of-the-line structures that command the highest rents and attract the most upscale tenants.
  • Class B+ - Newer buildings that have been substantially upgraded.
  • Class B - Older buildings with some rennovations and upgrades.
  • Class C - Older buildings that haven't been upgraded.
  • NOTE - The suburbs typically have more Class B+ and Class B space than Class A. Harrisburg has an equal amount of the three classifications.
Damn!!! That makes the competition even crazier I bet. :nuts:
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  #38  
Old Posted May 30, 2004, 3:44 PM
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Here's a related article, so I figured I would post it. Chris and harrisburger, did you guys see the first building they are talking about in this article yet? I am so used to having my attention drawn to the two new ones off of I-81 at the split in LP Township. When I drove by East Park Dr. (near the Sheraton) the other day I was totally blown away. "Holy crap, when did they build that?!?" I find myself saying that a lot these days, and I'm loving it.


Family positions businesses for growth

Sunday, May 30, 2004
BY DAVID DeKOK
Of The Patriot-News

You can't say the Szeles family isn't confident about the direction of the U.S. economy.

By the Szeles family we mean Alex R. Szeles, 62, who is the paterfamilias, son of a steelworker and founder of Szeles Real Estate Development Co. and Szeles Building and Leasing Co., both in Lower Paxton Twp.

His son, Rick Szeles, has been managing partner and director of investments for the past 10 years. Brian Szeles, another son, heads Alex R. Szeles Inc., a restoration company. Todd E. Gelbaugh, son-in-law of Alex, heads Mobile X-Ray Imaging Inc., which provides X-rays on wheels at nursing homes in the region.

All the companies this summer will move into a new 25,000-square-foot headquarters building at 945 East Park Drive, across from the Four Points By Sheraton.

-What's more, the real estate companies plan to acquire between 300,000 and 500,000 square feet of office space for the investment portfolio.

"Yes. We're optimistic," Alex Szeles said. "We have seen more activity in the last six to eight months than in the past couple of years. A lot of it has to do with the Bush tax incentives."

Those tax incentives, especially one that accelerated depreciation of capital equipment, were weighted toward corporations and the wealthy in the theory that jobs would then "trickle down" to the general public. Szeles is saying it seems to be working.

"We spent a little over $500,000 we would not have normally spent," he said, referring to purchases of computers and X-ray equipment. "Anyone with a small business would want to take advantage of that. Across the country, it has to be spurring activity."

Among their real estate purchases lately has been the 60,000-square-foot EDS building at 275 Grandview Road in East Pennsboro Twp. Renovations are being made, and a tenant, Liberty Mutual, already has signed up for 20,000 square feet of the space.

"Some of our recent purchases were not on the market," Szeles said. "We went out and knocked on doors."

The only major sale of commercial property the firm has ever made occurred in the late 1990s, when real estate investment trusts, or REITs, were on a buying binge. Szeles sold 400,000 square feet of space because the price offered was irresistible. But it wasn't the majority of their holdings, and the firm is now back to buying and building.

"So many companies were downsizing for 24 or 36 months," he said. "We see bright spots in the economy and have invested a substantial amount of money."

In addition to the EDS building, Szeles has acquired the West Shore Office Center and the Slate Hill Business Center. Jim Koury of Rothman, Schubert and Reed in Camp Hill handled the transactions.

The medical imaging subsidiary seems an odd pairing with a commercial real estate company. Szeles said Gelbaugh, his son-in-law, came out of the Army as an X-ray technician and wanted to explore the possibilities of a company that would bring mobile imaging equipment to nursing homes rather than have the residents travel to fixed facilities.

"We started eight years ago and now have 42 full-time employees," Szeles said. "We expect to soon be one of the biggest in the state."

Szeles is a native of Steelton -- his father worked at Bethlehem Steel and eventually ran the Friendly Taverns in Steelton and Rutherford. After graduating from Bishop McDevitt High School, Szeles spent several years working and traveling for State Loan Corp. Eventually, he brought his family back to the midstate.

His first commercial real estate project was the 120-unit Locust Ridge and Londonderry Apartments in Lower Paxton Twp.

Szeles married his high school sweetheart and has four children and 18 grandchildren. All of them live in the area. He is "semiretired," but stays active both in the business and in fitness activities at the Harrisburg YMCA.
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  #39  
Old Posted May 30, 2004, 4:33 PM
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Cool thread and reads and btw light rail+bicycles=a more fit and productive local public which in itself attracts new business...

Albert (Shoowaa
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  #40  
Old Posted May 30, 2004, 4:51 PM
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You got that right, Albert!!!
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