120 N. Duke Street, 1st Floor
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 291-4731
cmccoy@cityoflancasterpa.com

Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Unit Brochure (PDF)

The principal housing strategy for the City of Lancaster's Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Unit  is to promote reinvestment in the existing housing stock. Preserving existing housing through maintenance and rehabilitation and increasing home ownership are goals in the City’s adopted comprehensive plan and are primary means to promote this strategy.

The majority of dwellings in the City were constructed prior to 1940; most are brick structures, many with original exterior and interior wood trim, plaster walls, and historic architectural features. The age of the City’s housing stock contributes to Lancaster City’s attractive historic character: at least 75 percent of the City’s original four-square mile area is an eligible National Register of Historic Places historic district. However, the age of the dwellings also contributes to the need for ongoing maintenance and, in many instances, substantial rehabilitation when property owners have not undertaken necessary maintenance.

As pointed out in the comprehensive plan, the City’s first priority is to stimulate the maintenance of existing homes by private owners in conjunction with the Homeowner Rehabilitation Program, Critical Repair Program, and the Renovate & Repair Program.  In conjuction with these programs, the Lead Hazard Control Program greatly reduces the risk of lead hazards found in City homes. Second, rehabilitation of deteriorating dwellings is necessary, and a combination of private and public investment is needed to support this effort. Finally, substantial renovation of vacant, substandard properties is needed to return them to useful service, and both private and public support is necessary. These efforts are initiated by the Lancaster Property Reinvestment Board.

The success of neighborhood revitalization efforts is dependent on effective, ongoing property maintenance and rehabilitation activities. Through its Federal & State funding programs, the City of Lancaster has been an active participant in the preservation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of the housing stock. The Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Unit continues to plan and create new neighborhood revitalization programs through out the City.