What We Do
The Redevelopment Authority of the City of Lancaster was established in 1957 to redevelop and rehabilitate blighted areas and to prevent property deterioration in other areas. It has the power, within areas set by the Planning Commission, to investigate, plan, purchase property, make contracts for demolition and rebuilding, and provide parks and recreation areas. Present emphasis is on rehabilitation rather than demolition.
The Redevelopment Authority has properties for sale for the purpose of housing affordability and the elimination of blight conditions in the City of Lancaster.
This project is supported through the City of Lancaster’s Community Development Block Grant Program.
Resources
REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF LANCASTER PROPERTIES BEFORE AND AFTER
Juniata Avenue
In April 2023, the property situated at 156 Juniata Avenue undertook a stunning rehabilitation and was sold to an income-qualified family. This sale aligned with one of RACL’s primary objectives, which is to encourage owner occupancy at 80% or less of the Lancaster County AMI.
S. Prince Street
In June 2023, the property located at 547 S. Prince Street underwent a complete rehabilitation. As a result, it was made available for rent to a qualified low-medium-income family of three.
Upcoming Events
The Redevelopment Authority has properties for sale for the purpose of homeownership and elimination of blight conditions in the City of Lancaster.
Each property has been declared blighted by the Lancaster Property Reinvestment Board and the Lancaster City Planning Commission. Most properties require extensive rehabilitation and are required to meet Code before being occupied. The selling price is set according to appraised value in the “as is” condition. All properties need to be renovated within a twelve-month period, to meet standards set by the Building and Housing Codes of the City of Lancaster and, as applicable, the Historic Rehabilitation Standards.
Redevelopment Authority meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month. A written proposal to purchase the property must be submitted to Ada Rivera, of Home 1st Realty, at least two weeks prior to each meeting date. (Please note: when there are multiple bids for a property, it is possible that the property will be sold by auction at the RACL meeting.) Each proposal must include the following items:
- The purchase price
- Evidence of financial ability to acquire and rehabilitate the property
- A detailed description of a rehabilitation plan and cost estimate
- Names of contractors/subcontractors and completion date of work
- Intent of property after rehabilitation
- Proof of income – if you plan to occupy the dwelling as an owner-occupant. Owner occupants must have a total household income of less than 80% of the Area Median Income as defined by HUD. Documentation may include up to two years of tax returns, bank statements, and paystubs. HUD 2024 Income Guidelines are as follows:
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1-Person Family $58,800.00
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2-Person Family $67,200.00
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3-Person Family $75,600.00
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4-Person Family $84,000.00
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5-Person Family $90,750.00
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6-Person Family $97,450.00
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7-Person Family $104,200.00
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8-Person Family $110,900.00
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Language Access: ¡SE HABLA ESPAÑOL! If you require interpretation services for Spanish or another language during a RACL public meeting, please contact us.
For further information, contact Thomas Gilbertson at (717) 723-2382 or tgilbertson@cityoflancasterpa.gov.
This project is supported by a grant from the City of Lancaster through its Community Development Block Grant Program.
