TheBurg

5. 3rD AnD Done What's up with 3rd Street? Over the last few years, residents and readers have asked me that question again and again. eir concern is understandable, as the 3rd Street corridor project has taken much longer than expected. But, finally, it's finished—milled, paved and striped. Some of you may have even grown to like the bump-outs (or maybe not). In any case, I consider 3rd Street just a warm-up for a question I expect to be asked during 2020 (and 2021 and maybe 2022): what's up with 2nd Street? 4. roAD gLuttonY In editorials, I've often criticized PennDOT for sitting on its collective hands while cars crash and pedestrians get picked off on its roads in Harrisburg. But, this year, the state transportation agency showed that it can be equally obtuse when it decides to take action. In a scheme that only Robert Moses could love, PennDOT proposed doubling the footprint of I-83, which would further devastate south Harrisburg, already cut to ribbons by roads and ramps. e city fought back with a consultant's report that recommended modifying the plan to ease the negative impact. Some Harrisburg officials claimed that PennDOT was listening, but, as past is often prologue, I remain skeptical until shown otherwise. 3. FIscAL Fortune Over the years, Harrisburg finances have been the most consistent topic on this annual list. I believe it's made my top-10 each year since 2011, when I started the ritual. However, whereas the city's fiscal situation was once a bad (OK, horrible) news story, it's now verifiably good news. In 2019, the city again ran a substantial budget surplus and, in June, finalized a five-year financial plan with the state-appointed Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority. Looking ahead to 2020, Harrisburg plans to use its surplus to boost pay for police officers and to pay down debt. It also expects to exit Act 47 this year, finally shedding the moniker of "distressed city." 2. wAter eVerYwhere News-wise, I once regarded Capital Region Water as something of a backwater (pun intended)—until, suddenly, it wasn't. In the spring, I heard rumors that the water/sewer authority planned to implement a new stormwater fee to help fund its 20-year plan to drastically reduce pollutants into area waterways. en CRW briefed me on the proposal. en the mayor, in response, told me he might sell the whole darn water system. en all hell broke loose. For the next two months, upset residents urged the city not to privatize the water system. In a surprise ending, the parties suddenly de-escalated and agreed that a stormwater fee would be imposed but not until July—and that privatization was off the table. So, heading into 2020, there seems to be peace in the (Susquehanna) valley. 1. schooL DAZe In recent years, I've struggled with what subject should rank as my No. 1 news story of the year. Not this time. Without question, the biggest local story of 2019 was the unceasing tumult in the Harrisburg school district. e year began with the appointment of a controversial district solicitor, proceeded with city voters giving the sitting school board the heave-ho and culminated with the June takeover of the district by the state. Since then, the news tempo has moderated, as the state-appointed receiver has ruled essentially by decree. However, a November financial update, which revealed a substantial budget deficit, again underscored the prior administration's profound dysfunction. As I said above, this list is my own subjective ranking of the local news for 2019. How subjective? Apparently, very much so, as none of these stories were among our most read online, as judged by readers voting with their clicks. What were the most popular? Here are eBurg's top-five, most-read online (not necessarily magazine) stories of 2019: 5. A January online feature that Elementary Coffee would build out a new, brick- and-mortar location on North Street. 4. A May story on the sale of H*MAC. 3. A November story about major redevelopment plans for the old Bishop McDevitt building. 2. A September feature about the closing of a homeless camp on Cameron Street. 1. A May story on the sudden death of Naed Smith, the long-time manager of the Catholic Worker House on Allison Hill. So, here we have a business story, a couple of development articles, a community feature and, basically, an obit—not a single wonky city government story among them. Oh, heck, what does your editor know anyway? Lawrance Binda is co-publisher and editor in chief of TheBurg. Illustrations by Rich Hauk

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