Background

Binns Park is a vital public space in downtown Lancaster, offering green space to residents and visitors for almost two decades. Part of what was formerly known as Lancaster Square, the area was once a concrete slab with very little green space and it lacked community usage. Through both private and public funding, the space on the west side of North Queen Street was overhauled in 2005 to provide a downtown green space for residents to enjoy, trees for shade, a stage for community events and concerts, and a splash fountain for relief from summer heat. The name was changed at that time to Binns Park, after a benefactor and Lancaster community leader.

 

Overview of Binns Park, with property ownership boundaries and planned construction fencing listed.

Overview of Binns Park, with property ownership boundaries and planned construction fencing listed.

What work is being done?

After years of community use and exposure to the elements, Binns Park has experienced some wear and tear. In July 2021, the City of Lancaster began planning for a refresh to the park, with design being done by RGS Associates. The contract for the work has been awarded to Doug Lamb Construction. The total cost of the project is just under $650,000 with proceeds coming from private donations and public bond funds.

The planned restoration of the park aims to address the deterioration. The restorations will also upgrade the aging electrical and stormwater management infrastructure. In addition, this plan will upgrade the lighting in the park, to ensure greater energy efficiency and better visibility and accessibility leading to greater public safety.

Renovations will include masonry restoration, rehabilitation and painting of steel structural members on the stage and decorative trellises, installation of trees and other decorative vegetation, site electrical system and lighting retrofits, and placement of new amenities for trash and recycling collection.

Construction Timeline

Work is expected to begin the week of May 15, with an completion in mid- to late-September.

The City advised the County of this capital project several months ago in concern for those experiencing homelessness who congregate in Binns Park and to identify expanded solutions for short-term shelter. Social workers and outreach staff continue to provide referrals to meals, housing, and substance abuse treatment. As well, the City has partnered with the Lancaster City Alliance to engage stakeholders in the Binns Park area. There was a meeting for stakeholders on the west side of North Queen Street recently to update them on the possible impacts of the work, and another meeting for other stakeholders is being planned for April.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services are available for people who stay in Binns Park?
Who is responsible for social services and addressing homelessness in Lancaster?

The County of Lancaster is the federally designated Continuum of Care for those experiencing homelessness. The Office for the Homelessness Coalition (O4C), staffed by the Lancaster County Redevelopment Authority, functions as the support agency for the PA-510 Continuum of Care (CoC). The County of Lancaster is also the main provider of social services in areas like behavioral health, addiction treatment, and youth intervention. While the City of Lancaster is supportive and an eager to partner where possible, it does not receive significant funding to address these issues.

What is the City of Lancaster doing to assist those experiencing homelessness?
  • The City of Lancaster continues to leverage what it can to both combat homelessness and promote affordable housing community-wide.
  • City Council allocated $1.6 million of the City’s American Rescue Plan funds to address homelessness. These funds are pending a coordinated plan with the County of Lancaster. City Council has also made historic investments to create and preserve affordable housing.
  • The City-funded Downtown Outreach Worker (staffed by Lancaster City Alliance), the City’s Police Social Worker, and Housing Caseworker continue to conduct outreach and connect those willing to needed services. The City’s Police Social Worker made 68 service referrals in 2022.
  • The Police Bureau partners with Blueprints for Addiction Recovery to meet people where they are and build relationships to connect individuals with needed services.
  • The City seeks to support and collaborate with the County to ensure adequate shelter for those experiencing homelessness in the City. The City participates in the Continuum of Care, serves on the Homelessness Coalition, and directly coordinates with the Lancaster County Redevelopment Authority as the lead entity.
How can I help?

Thanks to various community organizations, there are three free meals a day, available seven days a week in Lancaster City. The Lancaster Community Meals Program relies upon volunteers to plan, prepare, and serve the meals. The best way to help is to support these organizations by volunteering or donating. 

  • Volunteer – more people-power is needed at many of the organizations serving food to those in need.
  • Donate – to the many deserving organizations providing food and services to those in need; Refresh Lancaster also has a wish list.

Access to safe and nutritious food is key to promoting good health. Improper handling of food, time and temperature abuse, improper hygiene and sanitation may lead to food borne illness. For these reasons, food should not be dropped off or handed out at Binns Park. 

 

More information about the Lancaster Community Meals Program can be found at ourcommunitymeals.org.  

What is the Police Bureau’s role?

Officers continue to respond to calls for service and enforce City ordinances to ensure public safety. The Bureau’s response related to Binns Park has not changed. Officers continue to work closely with the Police Social Workers to connect individuals and families facing homelessness and other challenging issues with local resources based on their individual needs. The Bureau has also partnered with Blueprints for Addiction Recovery, an addiction treatment center, to encourage those suffering from substance abuse disorder to seek treatment and recovery. It is the City of Lancaster’s view that Police Bureau enforcement cannot and should not be a solution to homelessness, rather the answer is increased and improved social services.