Residents and volunteers condemn alleged racial harassment at HPAL property and seek transparency

Dozens of residents used the public-comment portion of the Lower Paxton Township Board of Supervisors meeting on June 2 to defend the Harrisburg Area Police Athletic Association (HPAL) and to press the board for transparency after an incident at the nonprofit’s property.

Sylvia Stewart Holloway, who said she was speaking for her family, told the board the dispute involves multiple stakeholders and cannot be reduced to a single stormwater bill. "This is not my father's personal bill," she said, and she urged the township to present a full timeline and the circumstances surrounding the lien so the public can understand "how we arrived at this point." Holloway said that during a confrontation at the HPAL property on Sunday an individual directed racial slurs at her father and that "the n-word was said three times," adding that multiple witnesses can corroborate the claim.

Other speakers recounted HPAL’s work restoring an abandoned, vandalized facility and argued the organization has become a community asset. "HPAL approached me as one of the former board members some years ago," said Link Martin, who said the group revived the property and now owns the parking lot. Martin urged the township to resolve an outstanding stormwater bill, calling it "a silly issue" that could be written off to avoid harming services for children.

Several residents described personal connections to HPAL programs. "HPAL has done a lot for my family," said a resident identified as Dearis, and Walter Monroe, who said he is not a township resident, thanked HPAL for helping Harrisburg children participate in sports.

Township officials did not announce any immediate enforcement action at the meeting. Board members and the manager acknowledged the comments and said matters involving liens and the sewer/authority are often handled by the relevant authority or staff level; supervisors repeatedly emphasized the need for clear information and for the township to follow Sunshine Act requirements when deciding how to act.

The meeting record shows broad public support for HPAL’s programs and a repeated request that the township clarify the legal status of the stormwater bill, the steps that led to the lien, and what, if any, remedies are available to preserve programming for children. Residents also urged the board to take allegations of harassment seriously and to ensure volunteers and children feel safe using township facilities.

The board proceeded with other agenda items; residents said they will continue to seek public answers and expressed hope the township will provide a clear timeline and documentation on the lien and related actions.