Gloria Martin-Roberts, Interim Director of Economic Development and Building and Housing, is aware many argue Harrisburg’s priority should be improving the daily lives of its residents. Almost 30 percent of them live below the poverty line and desperately want a better life for themselves and their children.
Martin-Roberts and Jason Graves, Harrisburg’s Director of Business Development, told PennLive’s Editorial Board at a recent meeting that means creating more affordable housing, more walkable neighborhoods, filling potholes, and paving streets, as well as stimulating small business development in residential areas.
But there’s another argument many think should take precedence – revitalizing Harrisburg’s downtown. These are mostly business and cultural leaders who argue the capital city needs more swanky restaurants on Second Street, sophisticated condos around the Capitol and cute little shops along the river to attract tourists and well-heeled shoppers from the West Shore. Those arguments are hard to deny.
But Martin-Roberts says both points are valid, and she is right. The trick is in trying to satisfy both perspectives in a single plan that will guide the administration of Mayor Wanda Williams for the next four years.
People arguing both perspectives should take heart. Martin-Roberts says city leaders understand the arguments of advocates for the neighborhoods-first approach as well as those focused on downtown development. And they are working to satisfy them both…