Man questions proposed city spending on Mill Street extension

A Harrisburg man questioned the method - and the intent - behind what the city of Harrisburg is doing to make commercial properties more attractive to potential business.

At Thursday's council meeting, Joe Hutchison said he believes the city is not lawfully using taxpayer dollars for projects like the upcoming extension of the east end of Mill Street.

The extension will make a large commercial tract of land, once Humm's Salvage, more accessible, and potentially more valuable.

Hutchison said he believes the Mill Street extension is a sweetheart deal for the property owners, who purchased the former Humm's Salvage for about $200,000 and are now asking about $2 million for its purchase.

Hutchison cited a state Supreme Court case that he said illustrates that it is not lawful for a municipality to take such action.

City commissioners, in what became a bit of a heated exchange with Hutchison, disagreed with his assessment.

The city, backed by co-city attorney Kolby Smithpeters, said it is legal for the city to extend a street, plus sewer and drainage, adjacent to a private commercial property.

Harrisburg Mayor John McPeek said projects such as the Mill Street extension are frequently used by municipalities to help attract business.

Hutchison disagreed and said he will continue to question such projects.

McPeek, joined by Public Property Commissioner Rupert Johnson and Public Safety Commissioner Raymond Gunning, accused Hutchison of not want Harrisburg to grow economically.

Hutchison said that was not an accurate reflection of his goals. He said he wants Harrisburg to succeed.

"It sure don't seem like it," Johnson shot back.

Hutchison said he will return to the next scheduled meeting July 15 to publicly comment on the city's actions.

The council will not meet July 1, due to the July 4 holiday.