Residents voice concerns over police actions and city infrastructure at council meeting

Public safety and community relations took center stage during the Harrisburg City Council Legislative Session on April 22, 2025, as residents voiced concerns over police practices and crime response.

Brandon Basem, a resident from the 3000 block of North Third Street, shared a troubling experience involving the police and new license plates. He reported being pulled over and having his plates confiscated under a mistaken belief that he was deceased. Basem emphasized the need for the council to reconsider the issuance of citations in similar situations, arguing that many residents lack the resources to contest such fines. "This predatory... stuff doesn't make people feel comfortable approaching the police," he stated, urging the council to dismiss tickets issued under these circumstances.

Another resident, Toby Soha, raised concerns about crime in the community, specifically referencing the theft of a $2,000 e-bike from a friend near the courthouse. He criticized the police for their lack of action and questioned the effectiveness of a proposed citywide camera system, asking, "If the police are not looking at the cameras that are already in the city, why would we either spend the money or the resources to get more cameras?"

Attorney Corky Goldstein, a long-time Harrisburg resident and former city council member, praised the improvements made on Second Street but highlighted a growing issue with traffic on Division Street. He noted that as drivers avoid Second Street, they are using Division Street as a "racetrack," raising concerns about safety in the area.

The discussions reflect a community grappling with public safety issues and the relationship between residents and law enforcement. As the council considers these concerns, the implications for local policing and community trust remain significant.