Residents plead with Harrisburg council to help save Midtown Arts Center amid tax dispute

HARRISBURG — Dozens of residents urged Harrisburg City Council on Feb. 17 to help resolve a tax dispute that supporters say could force the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (HMAC) to close, warning that a loss would eliminate jobs and a city cultural anchor.

Julia Tilly, speaking for HMAC supporters, said the venue is "the largest concert venue within the city limits, seating about 1,000 people in two concert venues," and that it has been central to a wide range of community events. "Refusing to meet with HMAC and hash out a payment plan is the equivalent of the city shooting itself financially in the foot," she said, noting HMAC received a $1,000,000 state grant for renovation.

Multiple employees, artists and family members described HMAC as a place that provides jobs and community programming — poetry nights, comedy, music and free events — and appealed to council to broker a meeting between HMAC’s attorney, the mayor’s office and the city solicitor. Mark Perry, a local promoter, and Jordan Trevino, a longtime bartender at the venue, recounted that the space offers opportunities for residents and touring acts and said closure would have a real economic and cultural impact.

Ed Jurock suggested the council hold a formal legislative hearing to capture written amendments and to use outside counsel time to explore whether a legislative fix is available for overdue amusement taxes or payment plans. Council members responded that council will work to facilitate communication between HMAC and the administration and that the city recently authorized hiring a community and economic development director to support businesses.

Council members thanked speakers for coming and pledged to continue working on both the ordinance under discussion and the HMAC situation. Chair Green recommended referring the ordinance to next week’s legislative session; she and other members separately said they would explore ways to assist HMAC and to discuss possible solutions with the mayor and solicitor.

The work session concluded with a reminder that the legislative session is set for Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 6:00 p.m., where the public will have another opportunity to comment on the ordinance and where council may consider amendments and votes.