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Community leaders press council to finalize MOU for Swaterra Street Park after DCNR grant award
Summary
Char Maguero and neighborhood volunteers told council the Swaterra Street Park project has a $218,000 DCNR grant and matching funds in hand but cannot proceed because the city has not finalized an MOU; volunteers urged administrative action and offered maintenance support.
Char Maguero, who identifies herself as the project manager for the proposed Swaterra Street Park in Allison Hill, told the council that the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources awarded a $218,000 grant for the passive park and that matching funds have been raised. She said the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority will manage grant money but that a required memorandum of understanding (MOU) remains unsigned and is blocking the project’s next steps.
"At that meeting ... the mayor agreed to allow me to build this park at no cost to the city as long as I would maintain it for five years after it was completed," Maguero said. She described community block parties, volunteer cleanup and a history of removing mattresses and debris from the lots and asked council to complete the administrative action needed to release funds and allow construction to begin.
Volunteer donors and organizers echoed the request. Holly Leggett, a supporter who helped distribute books and school supplies, said, “All we need is a signed MOU to get to DCNR, and we've been waiting for three years to get it.” Darius Davenport of Tri County Community Action said his organization stands ready to provide volunteers for maintenance and programming.
Council members responded that administrative action would be required and that councilwoman Rawls or the administration could follow up after the meeting. Councilwoman Ross confirmed the presentation materials can be posted online and encouraged a site visit. No formal council vote occurred; the speakers requested administrative follow‑up to finalize the MOU and get the project to construction readiness.
Next steps: Council staff or the administration is expected to meet with project leaders to clarify outstanding administrative steps and discuss posting the presentation online for broader public visibility.
