'It's just an essential aspect of Central PA': Broad Street Alliance discusses 2025 budget

After a tough year in 2024, the Broad Street Alliance met to discuss the budget for the upcoming year. Around 20 people, including board members, vendors and Harrisburg residents attended the meeting.

The Alliance was clear on its hope for an open forum in the future, emphasizing the importance of community voices on the market.

"People here have been relying on the market for their groceries, food, and other items," said Eric Hagarty, the chair of the Broad Street Alliance. "It's just an essential aspect of Central Pennsylvania."

With winter around the corner, one of the main structural issues discussed were the pipes and their potential to freeze. The Alliance said it was meeting with the City of Harrisburg to ensure a structurally sufficient market site.

Some of the other ideas include a plan to utilize the outdoor space at all times, painting chess boards on the picnic tables, and creating space for schedules and community bulletin boards.

As promised by State Representatives Patty Kim and David Madsen, the board was given more than $300,000, with $100,000 to be used for capital repairs that were long overdue. Another sum of $144,000 is set to go towards staffing payroll, $30,000 granted for digital advertising with an added $5,280 for print advertising. They also have more than $30,000 in continued maintenance and upkeep.

Broad Street Market has been a staple in Harrisburg since the late 1860s and is one of the oldest farmers markets in the United States.