E-News

 May 2010 is a major month for the King & Beaver Cafe (located downtown on the corner of King and Beaver Streets), where owner Stephen Linebaugh has been named Merchant of the Month by Downtown, Inc. “It's an exciting time at the cafe,” says Linebaugh, “we've been open a little over a year now; and in that year, we've been able to gather some data. At this point, we're ready to make some changes with the customer in mind...stay tuned...we're already in the process. One thing that won't change, however, is our commitment to supporting 'all things York'.”

 

Nationally-Recognized Artist Shoots Film Downtown, Starring Students From William Penn Performing Arts Institute

The April 2010 e–Newsletter features the following:

York County Industrial Development Authority (YCIDA), a City of York Partner to Bring Artists Downtown

 

York County Industrial Development Authority (YCIDA), a City of York Partner to Bring Artists Downtown

 

The York County Industrial Development Authority (YCIDA) in partnership with the City of York is seeking artisans for a potential project that could create a professional artists' studio community in downtown York. 

 

This project will continue the momentum of revitalization within the Downtown Market District.  

 

Interested artists should contact:

 

Kevin Schreiber, Economic Development Director, City of York

717-434-6073

 

Blanda Nace, Redevelopment Manager, York County Industrial Development Authority

717-846-8879

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why you should return your 2010 Census form

 

By now, you should have received a 2010 Census form in the mail. Since a large number of federal programs give out money on the basis of population, it’s crucial that you take 10 minutes today to fill out your Census form if you haven’t already and mail it back. 

 

There’s more than $400 Billion in federal funds to be distributed to different communities depending on their population. Your participation in the census will directly impact the quality of life – including schools, roads, and public services – in the City of York. Don’t shortchange our City, stand up and be counted in the 2010 Census!

 

 

 

The spring 2010 York Business Academy will kick-off at 9:30 am this Saturday, March 13, at the Loretta Claiborne Center, 605 South George Street in York. Thus far there has been a successful registration turnout, however there are a few seats still available.

If you, or anyone you know, would like to take advantage of this educational opportunity to increase your business acumen and improve the likelihood of your success in the current economic climate don’t hesitate to register today. No formal education or prerequisite knowledge is required to participate in these sessions, just a desire to increase your business skills.

This six-week course will focus on:

• Opening and operating a successful business in the City of York or York County
• Strategic planning to turn your passion into profit
• Accounting and finance principles
• Marketing and promotion strategies
• Business writing and correspondence
• Legal and environmental responsibilities
• Developing your business plan

A nominal admission fee of $35.00 is required upon registration.  Upon completion of the course, a diploma will be provided to recognize the achievement and a full refund will be provided to those participants who have completed the majority of the classes. Classes will be held Saturday mornings from 9:30 – 11:30.

Applicants can register by calling Alcania Crisóstomo at (717) 849-2880 or by visiting  http://www.revyork.com/index.cfm?pg=york-business-academy for more information. Admission preferences will be given to applicants who either are York City residents, an owner, operator, or manager of a York City business, or an individual with a business plan relocation strategy that aims to start or expand their business in the City. 

# # #

The February 2010 e–Newsletter features the following:

Economic Development Department Relocation

York Business Academy starting March 13, 2010

Northwest Triangle Sanitary Sewer Project

The City of York RDA Blight Redevelopment Initiative

Economic Development Department Relocation

Due to the Market Street Garage Renovation Project, The City of York Economic Development Department office will be temporarily relocated starting Friday February 12 until further notice. Our new location will be at One Marketway West, 3rd Floor, York, PA 17401. Our mailing address of 49 East Market St. York, PA 17401 will remain the same.

York Business Academy starting March 13, 2010

The City of York in partnership with York College of Pennsylvania, and the Entrepreneurial Support Alliance presents the twelfth installment of the YORK BUSINESS ACADEMY (YBA).  Now entering its sixth year, the purpose of the Academy is to offer new and existing small businesses owner’s an educational opportunity that will increase their business acumen and improve the likelihood of their success in the current economic climate.  No formal education or prerequisite knowledge is required to participate in this session. 

This series of spring classes will run for six consecutive Saturday mornings (excluding Easter weekend) starting on March 13, 2010, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m, at the York College of Pennsylvania satellite classroom at the Loretta Claiborne Center, 605 South George Street (Boundary Avenue Side), York, Pennsylvania 17401.  York College professors, their respective MBA graduate students, student members of York College’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) organization, and other local business professionals teach each session that focus on a major aspect of opening, owning, and operating a successful business in the City of York or York County. 

Seating is limited to 25 participants so it is recommended that incoming students register early.  A nominal admission fee of $35.00 is required upon registration.  Upon completion of the course, a diploma will be provided to recognize the achievement and a full refund will be provided to those participants who have completed the majority (defined as four or more sessions) of the classes.    Scholarships are available to the first ten respondents.  Admission preferences will be given to applicants who either are York City residents, an owner, operator, or manager of a York City business, or an individual with a business plan relocation strategy that aims to start or expand their business in the City.  Applicants can register by calling Alcania Crisóstomo at (717) 849-2880 OR fax a completed registration form to (717) 812-0557. Spring 2010 Registration Forms can be found on www.RevYork.com under the Business tab.

Northwest Triangle Sanitary Sewer Project

Beginning on December 21, 2009, Wexcon Construction started their work for the City of York’s Arch Street Interceptor/Sanitary Sewer Replacement project.  This effort is a large undertaking spearheaded by the Director of Public Works, James E. Gross, and his diligent staff and is expected to take nearly six months to complete. 

The Arch Street Interceptor and associated sanitary sewer line has been in service for more than 105 years and is probably one of the oldest collection systems within the City of York.  During the time of its construction the gravity fed system was made of terra-cotta (clay) pipes.  Over the years the line itself has settled and cracked, allowing ground water and surface runoff to enter at any failure point along the system.  The scope of work calls for the replacement of over 2,500 feet of existing sanitary sewer pipe with newer, larger plastic runs along the following streets:

• North George, between Arch and North Streets
• West North Street, between North George and North Beaver Streets
• North Beaver Streets, between West North and West Gay Streets
• West Gay Street, between North Beaver to North Park Streets
• North Park Street, between West Gay to West Philadelphia Streets
• West Philadelphia Street, from North Park Street to Pershing Avenue

While this section of interceptor carries the wastewater from the City of York, it impacts another major interceptor (Poorhouse Run) downstream that carries flow from both York and Spring Garden Townships.  This section of the Poorhouse Run Interceptor will be replaced as part of a separate project in the near future as additional redevelopment efforts get underway in the area surrounding the Sovereign Bank Stadium. 

The first phase of this project began on North George Street between North and Arch Streets and is part of the overall infrastructural improvements slated for the Northwest Triangle Initiative redevelopment area.  This urban revitalization endeavor seeks to transform approximately ten acres of existing grey and brownfield sites into an urban mixed-use development of commercial and residential properties.  Renovations to the Thomas Somerville building located at 320 North George Street are scheduled to start later this summer to adaptively re-use the existing building and convert it to Class-A office space. 

Traffic delays and some road closures are expected during this project.  Please take into consideration the changes in traffic flow through this area when making travel plans.  Stay tuned to local media outlets or visit www.yorkcity.org or www.revyork.com for updates. 

The City of York RDA Blight Redevelopment Initiative

The City of York Redevelopment Authority (“RDA”) actively seeks experienced, goal-oriented, financially solvent rehabbers/property developers to enter into redevelopment agreements for blighted and/or RDA-owned properties.  RDA’s blight initiative aims to diminish slum in our neighborhoods, preserve historic structures, and foster owner-occupied market-rate housing and/or live-above-work studios.

The Redevelopment Authority staff will consider and screen proposals, and, if proposals are determined to be of benefit to the neighborhoods in which the blighted structure sits, redevelopment agreements will be presented to the RDA’s five-member board for approval.  Please log onto www.RevYork.com to download the latest RDA Owned and Blighted Properties list located under the About Us - Redevelopment Authority tab.

YORK CITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT &
REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY RECEIVE AWARD AT
IEDC'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE

City of York, PA, Agencies Recognized for Promotional Brochure

Acknowledging the City of York Economic Development Department & Redevelopment Authority (ED/RDA) in Pennsylvania for their exceptional promotional brochure, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) presented an award to the city agencies at IEDC's Annual Conference, which took place in Reno, Nevada, October 4-7. The ED/RDA team was noticed for this achievement during an awards ceremony on Tuesday, October 6th.
 
"Furthering economic development is rarely a simple task in the best of times, and advancing the cause in the midst of a global financial crisis is nothing less than arduous," said Ian Bromley, IEDC chair." As the consequences of the widespread economic turmoil have taken hold, we have seen our members become even more ardent proponents of economic development, flying in the face of one of the most challenging economic environments we have experienced in our careers. We proudly present this award to the City of York Economic Development Department & Redevelopment Authority for superior work during these difficult times."

Competing in the category of Special Purpose Brochure by organizations serving areas with populations under 50,000, the City of York Revolutionary Downtown Action Plan was a clear standout. The City of York desired a dedicated marketing brochure to highlight downtown revitalization projects and progress. Through 2007 and 2008, the Action Plan was drafted and reviewed by many community organizations and stakeholders, not limited to Downtown Inc, Better York, York County Community Foundation and The Spot Media Group. 

Aptly named York's Downtown Action Plan, the marketing piece highlights redevelopment projects--past, present and future--plans, amenities, special events, power partnerships, art and dining.  The brochure unfolds to an easy to read map highlighting key sites, downtown parking, niche districts, and key opportunity sites throughout the geographically defined as the Central Business District. The Downtown Action Plan highlights over $100 million in recent development and the forthcoming investment captured in public, private and non-profit partnerships.  

Kevin Schreiber, Economic Development Department & Redevelopment Authority Director, was grateful the Downtown Action Plan received such prestigious recognition from the IEDC.  “This award-winning piece was perpetually improved with the help of our community partners Downtown Inc, Better York and The Spot Media Group.  With their help, this document, which is meant to be fluid due to the dynamic nature of development, came to fruition and is an exemplary marketing piece for our community showcasing the revolutionary development throughout our City of York.” 

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is headquartered in Washington, DC. Its mission is to provide leadership and excellence in economic development for communities, members and partners. IEDC's professional economic development awards annually recognize excellence in the economic development profession.

Downtown Action Plan hard copies are available at various locations throughout the City of York, not limited to City Hall, Economic Development Department Office, Downtown Inc, the Yorktowne Hotel and the Downtown Visitors Center.  Electronic copies are also available to view and download at www.RevYork.com and www.YorkCity.org.

NORTHWEST TRIANGLE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
OHIO BLENDERS DEMOLITION COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

You are invited to attend the Ohio Blenders Demolition Commencement Ceremony.  On Monday, October 19 at 11:00 a.m., Mayor John S. Brenner and other state and local officials will preside over the ceremony that begins demolition procedures for the final remaining parcel of the Northwest Triangle Redevelopment Project.  The ceremony will be held on site at 260 North Beaver Street.  Parking is available just south of the Ohio Blenders site, at 220 North Beaver Street.  Staff will be on site to direct any vehicles. 

The Ohio Blenders property is the final remaining parcel slated for demolition and remediation, bringing full site control to fruition and completion of demolition and environmental remediation imminent. 

The Northwest Triangle Initiative, the City's largest economic and community development project, is a $53 million Brownfield redevelopment project.  The project includes land acquisition, environmental remediation, infrastructure and traffic upgrades, the extension of the York County Heritage Rail Trail, and the construction of 85-125 market-rate town homes and condominium residential units. Additionally, the adaptive reuse and rehabilitation of the historic Symser-Royer Foundry, Thomas Somerville building, the head house of the Western & Maryland Railroad building, and the Keystone Colorworks buildings into Class A commercial office, retail or residential condominiums. 

The Northwest Triangle will infuse downtown York with a critical mass of new homeowners, businesses and retail. The Triangle project envisions an entirely new neighborhood, featuring historic preservation and contemporary construction, and an extended York County Heritage Rail Trail, within a stone's throw of dining and nightlife, markets, boutiques, galleries, the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center, and downtown churches. This new, live-work-play neighborhood will support further development within and beyond the downtown core.

For more information please contact Kevin Schreiber at 717.434.6073 or visit www.RevYork.com.

Ohio Blenders circa 2006 (pictured above).

PENNSYLVANIA SUPREME COURT DISMISSES OHIO BLENDERS NORTHWEST TRIANGLE APPEAL

March 11, 2009 - The Pennsylvania Supreme Court announced Friday, March 6, 2009 that it has dismissed the Ohio Blenders appeal and will not hear the case. This decision upholds both the State Commonwealth Court and the York County Court of Common Pleas determinations regarding the condemnation of blighted land along the Codorus Creek, within the Northwest Triangle Redevelopment Area. The Supreme Court receives approximately 2,500 civil and criminal appeals per year. It has discretionary power to hear and decide those cases that it deems to have statewide importance or require a specific clarification on a point of law. This determination comes as environmental remediation work proceeds on site at the Northwest Triangle. Last week, Horizon Environmental of Cranberry Township, PA, began the soil remediation, debris and underground storage tank removal throughout the Northwest Triangle site. This essential procedure prepares the land to the highest environmental standard for shovel-ready development to occur. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision remits the case to the local level for value determination to occur. A three-member board-of-view is appointed by the York County Court of Common Pleas and based on evidentiary review and professional acumen will determine the fair market value and just compensation of the land that borders the Codorus Creek in Downtown York.

Full Slate Of Project Priorities In 2009

As soil remediation work proceeds on site, additional project priorities in 2009 include: 1. State Approval of the Redevelopment Authority's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program Special Conditions, submitted November 21, 2008; 2. Reimbursements received from the state based on the authority's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant of $7 million to begin paying down the Authority's line of credit with PeoplesBank; 3. Application approval for state Department of Community and Economic Development PennVEST and H20 loan and/or funds for sanitary sewer and/or water utility improvements; 4. Finalizing a redevelopment contract between City of York Redevelopment Authority and the private development team of York-based Kinsley Construction and Baltimore-based Enterprise Homes for consideration of and ultimate approval by York City Council; 5. Developing updated site plans, including the extension of the York County Heritage Rail Trail; three-dimension renderings of structures, for commercial development east of Beaver Street and three-dimensional rendering of standard townhouse design to be built west of Beaver Street; 6. Reverse sub-division and land development plans and other documentation for area west of Beaver Street required for zoning hearing board and planning commission review; 7. Design, proposal, and budget for extension of Heritage Rail Trail through site, including pedestrian-friendly crossings and culminating at a rest-point or pocket park immediately east of George Street at a site immediately south of the Codorus; 8. City of York General Authority-led improvements to the Philadelphia Street Garage, a prime public asset within the project area; 9. Design bid specs and proposals for painting bridges within site to enhance marketability and aesthetics of the site; 10. Solicitation of bids for storm and sanitary sewer improvements; 11. Solicitation of bids for improvements to and streetscaping of Philadelphia Street, Beaver Street, and intersection of Beaver and North Street portions of the project, based on federal allocation of $1.2 million, courtesy of Congressman Platts.

Northwest Triangle Project Summary

The Northwest Triangle consists of the brownfield northwest of Continental square in downtown York, bounded generally to the north and the west by the Codorus and to the east by North George Street, the Northwest Triangle will become a thriving live-work-play downtown neighborhood, providing a high quality sense of place in our city. The city's largest economic development project in recent history, the Northwest Triangle is a mixed-use project featuring market-rate residential, commercial office space, retail, and recreational space, including the extension of the popular York County Rail Trail. Based on current projections, the project will establish 84,000 square feet of commercial and retail space and between 85-147 market-rate townhouses and condominiums. The Triangle will infuse downtown with a critical mass of homeowners, spending power, job creation, and recreational enhancements.

For more information visit www.revyork.com or contact Kevin Schreiber at 717.434.6073.

V.I.P. PREVIEW OF ARTIST HOMESTEAD GALLERY

York, PA - The City of York announces the opening of "Unsigned Gallery of the Visual Arts" at 140 South Beaver Street, in the City of York. "Unsigned Gallery" is owned and operated by fine artist Chris Johannesen. In late 2006, Johannesen was named the City of York's first official Artist Homesteader. The flagship artist was welcomed into the City Artist Homestead Program. Together with wife Kristy, their home has been rehabilitated to a live-above-work studio, gallery establishment.

Thursday, June 12th at 3:00p.m. Johannesen will host a sneak preview of the gallery to officials, friends, well-wishers and members of the media. Saturday, June 14th 2008 is the official grand opening reception from 6-8 p.m. Both events are open to the public and media are encouraged to attend.

Unsigned Gallery's inaugural event will feature the work of Johannesen and highlight various other local artists throughout the year. For more information please call 717-818-5966 or email at unsignedgallery@comcast.net.

The City of York Artist Homestead program, the nation's only citywide homestead program, offers financial and amenity incentives to artists who relocated to the City of York, purchase a home and establish a live-above-work presence. Presently, five artists have entered the program and relocated to the City of York, with additional artist applications in progress. The program is designed as an economic and artistic stimulus to the renaissance underway in Downtown York.

For more information, please visit www.RevYork.com, www.ArtistHomestead.com, or call Kevin Schreiber at 717.434.6073.

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SECRETARY KATHLEEN MCGINTY TO MAKE SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING NORTHWEST TRIANGLE PROJECT

On Wednesday, March 26th, 2008 the City of York welcomes the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Kathleen McGinty, to make a special announcement regarding the Northwest Triangle Project. The Department of Environmental Protection has been an integral partner in the Northwest Triangle Initiative. DEP has played an important role through the demolition and environmental assessment phases of the project. A press conference welcoming Secretary McGinty will be held at 9:30am on site of the Northwest Triangle, at the Keystone Colorworks building. The Colorworks building, an important parcel of the project, will serve as the stage for the DEP announcement, as demolition occurs around the site. This location overlooks all quadrants of the Northwest Triangle site and offers a picturesque backdrop to welcome our DEP officials.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be held at: Stock & Leader Law Firm 221 West Philadelphia Street 6th Floor - East Building

The Northwest Triangle Initiative, the City's largest economic and community development project, is a $53 million Brownfield redevelopment project. The project includes land acquisition, environmental remediation, infrastructure and traffic upgrades, the extension of the York County Heritage Rail Trail, and the construction of 85-125 market-rate town homes and condominium residential units. Additionally, the adaptive reuse and rehabilitation of the historic Symser-Royer Foundry, Thomas Somerville building, the head house of the Western & Maryland Railroad building, and the Keystone Colorworks buildings into Class A commercial office, retail or residential condominiums. The Northwest Triangle will infuse downtown York with a critical mass of new homeowners, businesses and retail. The Triangle project envisions an entirely new neighborhood, featuring historic preservation and contemporary construction, and an extended York County Heritage Rail Trail, within a stone's throw of dining and nightlife, markets, boutiques, galleries, the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center, and downtown churches. This new, live-work-play neighborhood will support further development within and beyond the downtown core.

For more information please contact Matt Jackson at 717.324.6583 or visit www.RevYork.com.

For more details, please visit RevYork.com

A special "warm" thank you to all that were able to attend the Northwest Triangle Groundbreaking Ceremony held yesterday, January 15th, 2008. On a cold day, over 100 community supporters came together to support this significant milestone for the largest community and economic development project in recent history of the City of York. Special thanks to our speakers, Mayor Brenner, Bob Kinsley, and Bob Bobincheck, for their wise words. As of today, the homepage of the York Daily Record online has an engaging short video of the ceremony and images of the demolition. The homepage also features a "Virtual Tour" of the Triangle for your viewing pleasure. Please find this at http://ydr.inyork.com/ The Northwest Triangle project continues to move forward. As of yesterday, demolition has begun and in other news, the Phase II site characterization report by ARM Group of Hershey is complete. Based on this report, the city redevelopment authority is submitting applications for Phase III remediation funds through the state Industrial Sites Reuse Program and the federal, EPA Brownfield Cleanup grants program. The Redevelopment Authority received DCED's authorization letter to apply for ISRP grant last week. Stay tuned for updates and milestones in the forthcoming months. For more information please feel free to visit, www.revyork.com.

Mr. Bob Kinsley, CEO Kinsley Construction, addresses the crowd

Demolition commences with our Redevelopment Authority Chairman, Henry Leader at the helm.

Demolition has begun!

For more details, please visit RevYork.com

You Are Invited...

To the Northwest Triangle Groundbreaking Ceremony

The City of York Redevelopment Authority will host the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Northwest Triangle Initiative. The ceremony will take place Tuesday, January 15, 2008 promptly at 11:00 a.m. on-site of the former Weaver's Auto Body Garage located at 220 North Beaver Street. The Groundbreaking ceremony is free and open to the public and you are cordially invited to attend.

Serving as the backdrop to this significant event is the historic Smyser-Royer building, located at the intersection of North and North Beaver Street. The historic preservation of the Smyser-Royer building marks the first, and arguably most significant adaptive reuse project within the Northwest Triangle. Kinsley Construction continues diligent work on this 39,400 square foot architectural and historic gem, which will be completed, with Class A office space available for lease in 2008.

Smyser-Royer as painted by Artist Brenda Wintermyer

The City of York Redevelopment Authority Board recently and unanimously awarded Lycoming Supply of Williamsport, Pennsylvania the demolition contract for the Northwest Triangle Initiative project. Local engineering firm C.S. Davidson prepared demolition plans and specifications for the project and subsequently managed the bidding process. Lycoming submitted the lowest bid of the eight received for this phase of the project at the very competitive amount of $278,138.90.

This marks yet another significant milestone for the City's largest community and economic development project in recent history. With the demolition of stage one properties in the central core of the NWT (i.e. Weaver's Auto body at 220 North Beaver Street, 200 - 206 townhouses, B & C Fasteners 154 North Beaver Street, and the rear of the Western Maryland Rail Transloading facility at 350 North George Street), environmental remediation activities can begin in earnest in 2008 to prepare the site for the subsequent mixed-use redevelopment proposed by the master development team of Kinsley-Enterprise.

The total project cost of approximately $53 million includes land acquisition, environmental assessment and remediation, infrastructure and traffic upgrades, the extension of the York County Heritage Rail Trail, and the construction of 85-125 market-rate town homes and condominium residential units. Additionally, the adaptive reuse and rehabilitation of the historic Symser-Royer Foundry, Thomas Somerville building, the head house of the Western & Maryland Railroad building, and the Keystone Colorworks buildings into Class A commercial office and retail will create a bustling live, work, and play neighborhood.

The Northwest Triangle will infuse downtown York with a critical mass of new homeowners, businesses and retail. The Triangle project envisions an entirely new neighborhood, featuring historic preservation and contemporary construction, and an extended York County Heritage Rail Trail, within a stone's throw of dining and nightlife, markets, boutiques, galleries, the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center, and downtown churches. This new, live-work-play neighborhood will support further development within and beyond the downtown core.

For more details, please visit RevYork.com

Northwest Triangle Preps for Demolition

The City of York Redevelopment Authority is requesting sealed bids for demolition and site restoration of the existing, Authority owned, parcels that comprise the area known as the Northwest Triangle, generally bounded by Philadelphia Street, Beaver Street and the Codorus Creek. Deadline for sealed bid submission is November 7th, 2007, at which time the bids will be opened publicly. Copies of the bidding documents may be obtained from C.S. Davidson, Inc. the consulting engineer, located at 38 North Duke Street, York, PA 17401. C.S. Davidsion's contact is Timothy Kopenhaver, E.I.T.

The Authority owned parcels slated for this first phase of demolition include:
• B&C Fasteners, 150 North Beaver Street
• Weaver Auto Body, 220 North Beaver Street
• 200 - 206 North Beaver Street residential structures
• Rear structure of Western Maryland Head House, 350 North George Street

"The call for demolition bids is a major milestone. We are excited to be within weeks of demolition of select, blighted structures, showing continued, tangible action and momentum," said Matt Jackson, Economic Development Director and Redevelopment Authority Coordinator.

The Northwest Triangle Initiative, the City of York's top economic development priority, will be an approximately fifty million dollar ($50 million), mixed-use redevelopment project featuring the new construction of 80-125 market-rate residential townhouses and condominium units, commercial office space, retail, and recreational space on currently underutilized industrial lands.

In recent months several other project milestones have been achieved. Eight of the nine total footprint properties for the Northwest Triangle have been amicably acquired. Most recently, the York Rail and the City Redevelopment Authority executed a Memorandum of Agreement to purchase York Rail's footprint properties. Further, the Northwest Triangle was granted state designation as a Brownfield Action Team in May of 2007, meaning that the state Department of Environmental Protection will fast track the remediation by, amongst other things, making permit processes expeditious.

The Northwest Triangle project is funded in part by the Commonwealth's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). The capital budget has set aside seven million dollars ($7 million) in RACP dollars for, amongst other things, the RDA's site acquisition, and the seven million dollar pledge by Governor Rendell is the basis for a line of credit from PeoplesBank that has facilitated parcel acquisitions and will fund the demolition efforts.

A final environmental remediation study to be completed by ARM Group is expected by November 9, 2007, and a separate environmental remediation bid will be made available this year. Remediation is expected to take six-to-nine months to complete, with a cost estimate of $1,000,000. The authority vigorously is pursuing state and federal grant opportunities to pay for the lion's share of remediation costs.

Groundbreaking for new construction is still slated for 2008.

The Northwest Triangle will infuse downtown York with a critical mass of new homeowners, businesses and retail. The Triangle project envisions an entirely new neighborhood, featuring historic preservation and contemporary construction, and an extended York County Heritage Rail Trail, within a stone's throw of dining and nightlife, markets, boutiques, galleries, the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center, and downtown churches. This new, live-work-play neighborhood will support further development within and beyond the downtown core.

For more details, please visit RevYork.com

Northwest Triangle Steams Forward

Genesee & Wyoming, Inc. has approved a sales agreement to sell to the York City Redevelopment Authority three York Railway Company parcels, for $600,000.

The $600,000 was budgeted for the purchase by the Redevelopment Authority, and the entire amount is eligible for reimbursement under the state's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.

"The affirmative decision of Genesee and Wyoming is a major step forward for the Northwest Triangle," said Matthew Jackson, Economic Development Director and Redevelopment Authority Coordinator.

Under federal law, rail properties are protected from eminent domain, so an amicable agreement had to be reached before the transfer of parcels could occur.

Settlement will occur by early October of 2007. Specifically, the three parcels purchased total 50,334 square feet.

In addition to the York Rail parcels, amicable agreements have been reached on the following properties for the following amounts.

Bordering the Codorus is Ohio Blenders, the only remaining property to be acquired according to the Redevelopment Authority's Memorandum of Agreement with the Kinsley-Enterprise Homes Development Team, which will develop the site.

Environmental clearance studies and engineering and utility studies have been underway for several months and will be completed by October. These studies will enable the RDA to demolish select structures and to secure grant dollars to efficiently clean the site in 2007 and 2008.

The Northwest Triangle will transform the currently blighted brownfields and old industrial properties located northwest of Continental square in downtown York, bounded generally to the north and the west by the Codorus and to the east by North George Street.

The city's largest economic development project in recent history, the Northwest Triangle is a $50 million-plus dollar ($15 million for site preparation and over $35 million in new construction), mixed-use project that will provide 300,000 square feet of market-rate residential, commercial office space and retail space spread over 19-acres of land.

Conservatively, the project will create approximately 347 jobs and add at least 160 new residents of market-rate townhouses and condominiums. The Triangle will infuse downtown with a critical mass of homeowners, spending power, job creation, and recreational enhancements, including an extension of the Heritage Rail Trail.

For more details, please visit RevYork.com

GOING...

GOING...

Goodbye Graybill!!

The Graybill building, at 200 North Broad Street, in the City of York is officially environmentally remediated and demolished. The City of York Redevelopment Authority contracted Conservative Environmental Services to expeditiously, safely and efficiently demolish, infill and clear the 1.77-acre site. The building was comprised of four contiguous structures of varying heights that were historically used for candy manufacturing, tool and die making, metal salvage, electric sign production, electrical supply distribution and warehousing. The site has been vacant and decaying since the early 1990's. The building structures were dilapidated and in very poor condition and a tremendous eyesore and nuisance to the surrounding neighborhood and City as a whole. The site now is ready for development. The Redevelopment Authority is soliciting proposals for site development with the expressed intent of obtaining an urban grocery store and retail center. Please visit RevYork.com/RFPs to view and download the Request for Proposal, or email Kevin Schreiber at kschreib@yorkcity.org

For more details, please visit RevYork.com

The Northwest Triangle will transform the currently blighted brownfields and old industrial properties located northwest of Continental square in downtown York, bounded generally to the north and the west by the Codorus and to the east by North George Street.

The city's largest economic development project in recent history, the Northwest Triangle is a $50 million-plus dollar ($15 million for site preparation and over $35 million in new construction), mixed-use project featuring market-rate residential, commercial office space, retail, and recreational space, including the extension of the York County Rail Trail.

Conservatively, the project will create 347 jobs and add at least 160 new residents of market-rate townhouses and condominiums. The Triangle will infuse downtown with a critical mass of homeowners, spending power, job creation, and recreational enhancements.

The Triangle continues to progress according to schedule, which calls for site acquisition and environmental and engineering studies to be completed in 2007 and groundbreaking to occur by the summer of 2008. Environmental clearance studies and engineering and utility studies have been underway for several months and will be completed the end of September. These studies will enable the RDA to demolish select structures and to secure grant dollars to efficiently clean the site in 2007 and 2008.

The Ten Points of the Triangle

1) Historic Smyser-Royer Gets A 21st Century Makeover

Kinsley Equities has begun work on rehabilitating the historic Smyser-Royer, a key gateway to the Triangle and a symbol of York's turn-of-the-century industrial might, so 39,400 square feet are available for commercial offices. Located at 235 North Beaver Street, at the corner of Beaver and North Streets, this gem is comprised of six contiguous buildings that date to 1860 when the company was originally founded as Variety Iron Works. What later became the Smyser-Royer Company was an internationally known manufacturer of cast and wrought iron window frames and spandrels, spiral staircases, porch posts, lampposts, gazebos and statuaries.

Did you know the famous Smyser-Royer cast-iron work can be seen in the elaborate wrought-iron fence-work at the John Wanamaker Estate in Elkins, PA, the cast-iron lampposts along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, the famous iron grillwork in New Orleans' French Quarter? And, additionally some of the iron components of the Brooklyn Bridge are Smyser-Royer made! The famous Smyser-Royer facade is a three-story, brick, Italianate-styled structure with decorative window hoods and decorative brick cornices.

Artwork by Brenda Wintermyer

2) Only Owner-Occupied, Only Market Rate

The up to 125 townhouses and condominiums will be exclusively market-rate and for owner-occupiers only. The project does not include subsidized or low-income housing in any shape or form. Baltimore's Enterprise Homes, which has a record of creating high quality homes in urban environments, will construct the projected townhouses and condominiums.

3) Triangle: Blank Canvas For Artist Homesteaders

The City Redevelopment Authority will vote on pledging up to $50,000 for artist homesteaders who purchase live-above-work homes/studios/galleries on North Beaver Street within the Northwest Triangle. The goal is to incubate a small artist colony to foster small business creation and to bolster the city's newly designated cultural district.

4) Proceeds From Weaver Auto Body Auction Benefit the Artist Homestead Dynamic

Saturday, August 25th, the equipment of Weaver Auto Body, 220 North Beaver Street, a property acquired for the project, occurred. The proceeds from the sale will benefit the Artist Homestead dynamic within the Triangle.

5) Demolition Of Select Buildings Slated For Fall of 2007

Site will be prepped for groundbreaking on rehabilitation and new construction in the spring and summer of 2008.

6) Property Acquisition Nearly Completed

Friendly settlements of 7 of the 9 total properties that are required for the project have been accomplished and are now owned by the City of York Redevelopment Authority.

7) Capital Budget Application For $7 Million Completed

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) application will be submitted in advance of the application deadline of September 18, 2007. Following September 18th, a copy of the application will be available to the public for review at 49 East Market Street.

8) Project Earns Key Designation As Official Brownfield Action Site

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania designated the Northwest Triangle in May of 2007 as a Brownfield Action Team site, meaning that the state Department of Environmental Protection will fast-track environmental remediation by providing expedited review of grant applications and expediting state permit approval.

9) Deal On York Rail Parcels Nears

York Rail officials have been great to work with, and we have met with them several times to discuss the project. A sales offer for $600,000, based on a certified appraisal has been made to York Rail for its parcels, the board of York Rail has approved the sale at the price proposed by the RDA.

10) Litigation To Acquire Ohio Blenders Continues This Fall

Ohio Blenders is located at the far north section of the Northwest Triangle. As such, litigation to acquire Ohio Blenders will NOT affect any part of the timeline of the project, including environmental remediation, demolition, and other site preparation work that will commence in September.

For more details, please visit RevYork.com