reflections on Harrisburg

Harrisburg, like many Pennsylvania cities (indeed, like many mid-sized cities throughout the rust belt), is struggling to adapt to the changing economy. Downtown Harrisburg is an area in transition, with newly renovated restaurants and galleries neighbored by liquor stores and sub shops.

Fewer than ten blocks away from downtown, well-maintained brick row houses give way to dilapidated homes with broken steps and plywood windows. Corner businesses employ bulletproof glass to facilitate customer transactions.

Unlike many cities with which I am familiar, there are no physical boundaries separating the good neighborhood from the bad. In Washington, the Anacostia river has been keeping poor people out of sight for decades (centuries?). But here, driving down Market Street, the area transforms without warning.

I've been told I won't be here long, perhaps going home as soon as next weekend. Just long enough to miss A Silver Mt. Zion at the Black Cat, but not long enough to catch them here. Terrific.