The Sorace administration announced that $2.4 million in HOME funds were awarded to build 82 affordable homes in Lancaster city. HOME funding is allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and distributed through the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development.

The City of Lancaster identifies local opportunities and awards funding to create affordable housing units. This year, the City of Lancaster worked with the Lancaster County Redevelopment Authority (LCRA) to issue a joint, countywide request for proposals.

Projects within Lancaster city total $2,479,730 of HOME Funds for 82 affordable homes, most of which will be rental opportunities for low-income residents. Distribution of funds include The Apartments at College Ave by HDC Mid Atlantic, $850,000 (64 units); Landis Place on King by Landis Quality Living, $752,000 (five units); Scattered Rowhomes by Partners with Purpose, $377,730 (four units); and Conestoga North Townhomes by the Spanish American Civic Association, $500,000 (nine units).

In addition to these projects, the LCRA has awarded $1 million to an affordable housing project planned on the boundary of Lancaster Township and the city. This development, Bausman Place Apartments by Community Basics Inc., would bring the total to 136 affordable units within city limits. The LCRA has also funded three other HOME projects in the county - one in Millersville Borough, one in Columbia Borough, and one in Manheim Township - for another 72 housing units.

The city and LCRA convened an evaluation committee of experts to determine funding awards this year. The committee weighed selection criteria such as project feasibility, financial sources and uses, and anticipated benefits to low- and moderate-income populations. With respect to the city HOME projects, the Department of Community Planning & Economic Development partnered closely with developers to design good land development proposals and integrate affordable housing units where possible.

April was Fair Housing Month, and throughout the month, the city spotlighted the issue of fair, affordable housing on the City of Lancaster's social media and at http://www.cityoflancasterpa.com.