As released by the Office of the Mayor:

HARRISBURG - The Mayor’s Task Force on the Broad Street Market will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. March 20, 2014 at the market, 1233 North Third St., Harrisburg, (Stone Building at Third & Verbeke Streets.)

“This is an opportunity for the community to weigh in on the issues impacting the Broad Street Market and offer their ideas for its management and improved operations,” said Mayor Eric Papenfuse. “We know the Market can be a strong catalyst for economic development in Midtown and in the entire city.”

The Broad Street Market was founded in 1860, and is the oldest continuously operating market in the United States. The Mayor recently created the Broad Street Market task force to assess the market’s operations and offer recommendations for its future. Bill Fontana, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania downtown Center, will moderate the forum.

Members of the new Broad Street Market Task Force include:

· Jonathan Bowser, Chair of the Broad Street Market Corporation and CEO at Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation.

· Bill Fontana, Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Downtown Center.

· Josh Kessler, Broad Street Market vendor and developer of the Millworks.

· Jackie Parker, Director of the Department of Community and Economic Development for the City of Harrisburg.

· Sylvia Rigal, Peer Professional at CRAM, Christian Recovery Aftercare Ministry.

· Deborah Robinson, HR specialist and Administrator for ABEL Personnel.

· Shawn Westhafer, lawyer and President of Friends of Midtown.

Photo/Natalie Cake