Harrisburg’s Broad Street Market received a $350,000 lifeline in the form of a state grant on Friday.
State Representatives Patty Kim (D-Dauphin/Cumberland) and Dave Madsen (D-Dauphin County) announced the grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development during a press conference in the market courtyard.
The grant will be used for operating costs as well as roof repairs and HVAC upgrades to the market’s stone building while the market’s brick building is rebuilt following a fire in July 2023.
“We worked hard in the budget negotiations to ensure that this was taken into account and was a priority,” Kim said.
Earlier this year, Kim and Madsen raised concerns about grant funding when Harrisburg City Council members voted against hiring a construction manager to lead the market’s reconstruction project. City Council members eventually reversed their decision and hired Alexander Building Construction Co.
On Friday, Eric Hagarty, chairman of the Broad Street Market Alliance, said the grant will help the market make improvements in a year he described as difficult and challenging.
“This news is a turning point for the market,” Hagarty said. “With this $350,000, we can not only break even every month, but also meet long-standing needs…”
Hagarty noted that the grant will help with heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades, roof repairs, bathroom renovations and painting, while also covering the market’s operating costs while the brick building is being rebuilt.
Since the fire, the market has struggled with expenses, largely due to lost business. In January, the board proposed raising rents for dealers by 100% to cover operating costs. But after cutting discretionary expenses, working with utility companies, and receiving a $30,000 donation, the board voted to raise rents by 25%.
Earlier this month, the market’s former manager, Tanis Monroy, was charged with two felony counts. Police say he embezzled about $17,000 from the market by using a company credit card for personal expenses, writing forged checks and accepting bonuses without permission.
Hagarty said the market was only recently able to clear over $50,000 in past-due and unpaid bills, while last month the market’s expenses and revenue finally broke even.
The market was founded in 1860 and is considered the oldest continuously operating market house in the United States. It is open Thursday through Saturday.
