New Housing Coming to Lancaster, but Despite the Strong Market, Challenges Remain – Especially to Create Mixed-Income Communities

In 2019, Lancaster City was able to celebrate nearly 200 new, market-rate or affordable housing units being built in the City. Three major development projects are behind the jump in numbers. They include SACA Development Corporation’s affordable Conestoga North townhomes on Chesapeake Street, the Stadium Row Apartments adjacent to Clipper Magazine Stadium, condominiums Downtown at 101NQ, and LongCrest, an affordable Presbyterian Senior Living community on W. Walnut Street. These projects, plus additional anticipated projects in the planning stages, put the City at 27 percent of the Building On Strength goal of 2,500 new residential units by 2030.
“A safe and affordable place for a family or individual to reside in the City is reason to celebrate and we are pleased that 2019 brought these opportunities,” said Dana Hanchin, President and CEO of HDC MidAtlantic. “However, there is still a great need in our community for more residential opportunities at an affordable price,” she noted.
Organizations including HDC MidAtlantic, Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership, Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County, SACA Development, Community Basics, business leaders, government, and many others are coming together to intentionally address housing affordability in our community. There are no simple solutions, but everyone is looking for opportunities in 2020 to add to the City’s inventory of affordable or market-rate homes.