Council to consider HOME-ARP amendment specifying senior housing and review CAPER draft

The York City Economic and Community Development Department presented a resolution to approve a substantial amendment to the HOME-ARP allocation plan, asking council to add a project-specific preference for seniors for a Market Street development and to place the amendment on the March 18 legislative agenda.

Tammy Harvey Bethea of the Bureau of Housing explained the change is required to meet HUD specificity requirements; the city’s original approval lacked project-specific language and did not list seniors. She said the Market Street project (addresses described in the file as 460–467 West Market) is expected to produce at least eight affordable units, and the HOME-ARP budget line discussed in the meeting cited $1,900,000 as the city’s allocation toward the goal of eight units. Harvey Bethea said the HOME-ARP money is HUD funding (HOME American Rescue Plan) distinct from local ARPA funds and that certain project affordability and leasing obligations—such as long-term usage agreements—apply. She told council the program seeks a minimum 15-year tenancy requirement to reduce the city's long-term liability.

Harvey Bethea also reviewed the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) draft, a HUD reporting requirement that aggregates work done in 2024. She said the CAPER remains a draft and the city retains up to 90 days to draw down funds and finalize numbers before submitting to HUD. Harvey Bethea listed several projects and programs included in the CAPER: Vance Park, Yorktown Center repairs, RDA acquisition/demolition/stabilization work on approximately 300 properties, a rehab program prioritizing older homeowners (62+), CASA literacy and workforce grants, Life Path (food services) where agreements are being finalized, Hudson Towers financing work, an Affordable Housing Associates project on Queen Street (expected to break ground in summer), Royal Square and Foursquare projects near Green Street, and small-business COVID-era grants that are now closed. She said some HOME/CDBG and ARPA-related funds roll over and must be tracked carefully in HUD’s systems.

Council members asked clarifying questions about the original January 2023 approval, the HOME-ARP submission timeline, whether an RFP had been issued (Harvey Bethea said an RFP was issued before January 2023 and responses were received), and whether any developer had been selected (Harvey Bethea said yes). After discussion a motion and second were made to place the HOME-ARP amendment and CAPER draft on the March 18 agenda; the motion carried by voice vote.