Harrisburg to seek $1 lease from PennDOT for parking under I‑83 South Bridge

Harrisburg City Council discussed Resolution 16 of 2026 on March 17, when City Engineer Joel Siders outlined a proposed lease with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation that would allow the city to use a portion of right‑of‑way beneath the I‑83 South Bridge as parking for the Capital Area Greenbelt.

Siders said the area — now a small gravel lot off South Front Street — is slated for paving and security lighting as part of PennDOT’s bridge work and that the $1 lease would let the city take over maintenance responsibilities. “If the city were to enter into the lease agreement with them, we would then take over maintenance of that area,” Siders said, listing plowing, debris clearing and lighting adjustments as examples.

Council members framed the measure as a practical way to expand parking for Greenbelt visitors ahead of the bridge construction. Councilwoman Rawls said she was “very excited to see… trying to add some more parking,” and Councilman Lawson described himself as “happy to see parking for expanded recreation.” President Hill moved to add the resolution to the next legislative session agenda for a formal vote.

Why it matters: The lease would let the city make short‑term improvements to support recreational access to the Greenbelt while PennDOT completes bridge work. Under the proposal the city would pick up ongoing maintenance costs and responsibilities.

What’s next: Council moved to place Resolution 16 on the next legislative session agenda for a formal vote; no final vote was taken during the work session.