Harrisburg council backs design‑phase funding for proposed Town Center, delays full $2M commitment

At a Town of Harrisburg budget workshop, councilors agreed to pursue a design and public‑engagement phase for a proposed Town Center plaza rather than immediately commit the roughly $2,000,000 construction estimate shown in staff renderings.

Rob (speaker 2), a town staff presenter, showed conceptual renderings and said the larger number came from staff conversations at a retreat. Rob told the council: "If the community doesn't like this or people in this room aren't comfortable with it, don't do it." He said the $2,000,000 figure is a top‑end cap and that staff recommended a phased approach to avoid committing to a design that might be unaffordable.

Lee (speaker 5), who walked the council through the exercise results and project options, noted the town already has $700,000 allocated that could be used for design, surveying and public input. Several council members argued that keeping the smaller allocation to fund design work, community workshops and pricing studies would allow the town to return later with firm bids and a clearer construction price before approving additional capital.

Opponents warned against treating the proposal as a blank check. One councilor said they were "not on board" with approving a large construction allocation without more specifics, while others said a signature town center could generate foot traffic and longer‑term economic benefits.

Discussion also addressed whether the town should close the road in the project area or keep it open for events; staff said either option could be studied but emphasized that renderings and engineering contracts would require later council approval. Councilors repeatedly requested clearer, staged options and more public input before allocating construction funds.

Outcome: Council signaled consensus for the middle path recommended by staff — use existing funds (the $700,000 already in the capital plan) to complete design, conduct public engagement and return with pricing and finalized concepts for a future funding decision. That approach was presented as the third option during the workshop and drew majority support among attendees.

Next steps: Staff will use the design allocation to develop refined renderings, solicit community feedback and produce engineering cost estimates to bring back to the council. The manager's recommended budget, incorporating tonight's direction, will be presented at a public hearing and remain open to comment before final adoption.