City of Lancaster Holds July 8 Work Session Focused on Infrastructure Grants, Community Needs, and Zoning Changes

LANCASTER — The Lancaster City Council held a work session on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, to review upcoming grant opportunities, assess community needs, and consider rezoning proposals for housing development. The meeting covered a broad array of topics, with an emphasis on infrastructure, housing, and downtown development.

Key Items Discussed

Overview of grant categories and deadlines for infrastructure and community development projects.
Review and prioritization of 20 identified community needs.
Public comments regarding local cultural events and equity concerns.
Approval of zoning changes for proposed multifamily and tiny home developments.
Resolutions passed to support employee compensation updates and downtown events involving alcohol consumption.

Detailed Summary

Grant Opportunities and Funding Categories

Staff presented four key grant categories:

Infrastructure: Offered in the spring with up to $1 million in funding and a 10% local match. Eligible uses include water, sewer, road, and drainage projects.
Community Enrichment: Available in the fall, providing up to $750,000 for projects that improve economic competitiveness (e.g., brownfield cleanup, sidewalks), education facilities, and workforce development.
Local Priorities: Offers up to $300,000 for historic preservation, parks, energy conservation, and similar uses. Also requires a 10% match.
Ready to Go: Accepts applications year-round for fully bid-ready projects with a cap of $500,000.

Pre-applications for fall programs are due August 15, and final applications by September 15.

Community Needs Assessment Review

The council reviewed and reprioritized a list of 20 community needs identified in the city’s latest assessment. Key priorities include:

Sidewalk improvements as outlined in the 2023 Sidewalk Master Plan.
Stormwater upgrades on Ferguson Street.
Water and sewer infrastructure upgrades in low- and moderate-income areas.
Demolition of abandoned and blighted structures.
Affordable housing initiatives and support for the homeless population.

Several initiatives already in progress were noted, including upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant, sidewalk installation, and the development of a downtown farmers market.

Public Comments

Justin Allen, founder of Synergy Community Development Corporation, addressed concerns over his organization’s treatment during the city’s Juneteenth Festival. He cited issues of exclusion, lack of communication, and broader inequities in how Black-led organizations are treated compared to others. Council members acknowledged his concerns and committed to further discussion.

Resolutions and Approvals

Resolution R25-14: Approved the results of a city-wide employee classification and compensation study.
Resolution R25-15: Authorized public alcohol consumption during the upcoming “Finally Friday” downtown concert series on July 25, August 15, and September 20. Approved establishments must provide ID checks, wristbands, and designated cups.

Zoning and Development Approvals

405 Chesterfield Avenue Rezoning (Ordinance 025-07)
The council approved the rezoning of a 1.21-acre property to allow for a three-story multifamily apartment development with 15 units. While the Planning Commission had recommended denial based on aesthetics, council and staff supported the project, citing its alignment with housing and revitalization goals.
Tiny Home Subdivision (Ordinance 025-09)
A rezoning was approved to enable a five-lot tiny home development on Empire Lane. The project will feature 700–1,000 sq. ft. homes aimed at first-time buyers. Homes will be stick-built and offered for purchase, not rent, within the first 90 days of listing.

Next Steps

Council members will further refine the list of community priorities at future meetings, aligning project readiness with available grants. Staff will prepare revised needs assessments based on the evening’s discussions.

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