The Redevelopment Authority of the City of York (RDA) is proud to announce a historic milestone in its mission to revitalize York’s neighborhoods. With the signing of a new redevelopment agreement, the Authority has officially committed the final available property in its inventory to revitalization, marking the culmination of years of strategic investment, community partnerships, and diligent efforts to breathe new life into underutilized spaces across the city.
“This is an exciting and momentous occasion for York,” said Michael Black, Chair of the Redevelopment Authority. “Our goal has always been to return blighted properties to productive use, and today, we celebrate the fact that every single structure in our inventory is now on a path toward renewal. This is probably the first time in 50 years that the RDA doesn’t have a building for sale.”
As the staff of York City identifies properties through its Blight Task Force and has them certified as blighted under Urban Redevelopment Law by the Vacant Property Review Committee and the York City Planning Commission, they are brought to the RDA for possible acquisition through the complex legal process of Blighted Property Removal.
Since its inception, the RDA has played a pivotal role in strengthening York’s urban landscape by acquiring, managing, and redeveloping properties that have fallen into neglect or abandonment. Through collaboration with local stakeholders, developers, and residents, the Authority has been instrumental in fostering growth and stability in communities across the city.
The RDA still has opportunities for new construction on over 95 vacant parcels where previously blighted structures have been demolished over the past 50 years. These parcels present significant potential for residential, commercial, and community-focused projects that will further enhance the city’s development efforts.
A map and list of available parcels is on the RDA’s website, and new homes built on these parcels are eligible for tax abatement through the City’s ReTAP program, which phases in property taxes over a ten-year period.
“This achievement is a testament to the hard work of our team, the support of our partners, and the resilience of the York community. While we celebrate this milestone, our work is far from over.” said Blanda Nace, Executive Director of the RDA, “We remain committed to identifying new opportunities for redevelopment and as we acquire more blighted properties, they will become available for redevelopment as well.”
The Authority also holds 12 community park parcels, 20 lots where community gardens are maintained in partnership with York Fresh Food Farms and has 63 total parcels currently under redevelopment agreements with developers.
As York continues its upward trajectory, the RDA looks forward to future initiatives that will further strengthen the city’s economic foundation, enhance the quality of place for residents, and attract new investment to the area. The RDA has facilitated the recent development of the final phases of the Northwest Triangle (Heritage Crossings) and the former Dentsply manufacturing campus and has recently taken title to a property to assist LifePath with their future facility to serve the community. Later this year, the RDA will issue construction documents for the multi-million-dollar rehabilitation of the historic Penn Market.
For more information about the Redevelopment Authority of the City of York and a map and list of available lots, please visit www.yorkcity.org/RDA
