RDA approves two small-lot sales, tables larger parcel proposals as parking, utilities and alternatives are researched

The York City Redevelopment Authority on June 18 approved two redevelopment agreements for small infill lots and deferred decisions on two larger clusters of vacant parcels while staff researches parking easements, utility connections and alternative uses.

The board unanimously approved an agreement to convey 534 North Beaver Street to Vaughn Rimmel (presented as "Vaughn Rimmel") for construction of a two-story, for-sale house. RDA staff noted the lot has no current water or sewer connections and will require utility work and some tree removal; the agreed sale price in the packet and motion was $2,500.

The board also unanimously approved the sale of 352 North Newberry Street to Keyon (Keon) Porter for $5,000, with a proposed duplex shown in the buyer's concept materials and the buyer indicating an intention to rent to tenants through a supportive-housing program. Staff noted the parcel borders Farquhar Park and suggested a recorded easement arrangement could allow shared gravel parking that would benefit the park and the new home.

At the same meeting the board declined to finalize agreements on two larger clusters and instead tabled the items for additional due diligence. The board voted to table consideration of five contiguous parcels at 147–157 South Newberry Street because a parking arrangement that appears to benefit Logos (a neighboring user) could make those lots undevelopable without resolving the easement or ownership specifics. The board also tabled a separate proposal for 10 contiguous lots at 725–747 Court Street; staff and board members noted that while Rimmel proposed eight single-story duplex units (four duplex buildings), sprinkler requirements and other code costs for larger connected developments could make resale economics difficult and suggested the authority "measure twice and cut once" before conveying large tracts.

Developer updates and additional context: During public comment developer representative Josh Duffy provided updates on two ongoing projects in which the RDA and private developers are involved. He said Heritage Crossings (also called the Northwest Triangle) is moving into design and engineering for the next phase and that a lot-consolidation plan will go to the planning commission and then council in July; construction there is "on budget, a little bit behind schedule" due to wet weather. On a separate site at Broad Street and East Philadelphia (referred to in the discussion as the Grayville/Graybill site), Duffy said the team negotiated with DEP to amend an Act 2 environmental covenant so the site can be used for residential development. "We still wanna build a 125 units of attainable housing," he said, and estimated a likely unit mix of one-bedroom and two-bedroom units with monthly rents for new one-bedrooms around "$1,000 to $1,100" as a realistic target for that project.

Why it matters: The actions move small-lot, for-sale and rental housing forward while the board pauses on larger tracts to ensure the city does not convey scarce contiguous redevelopment parcels without vetting other, higher-value uses. Board members cited the limited supply of larger undeveloped tracts in the city as a reason to research alternatives, consult a realtor and obtain architect sketches before final conveyance.

Votes at a glance: May 21, 2025 minutes — approved unanimously (yes: 3). Redevelopment agreement, 534 North Beaver (Vaughn Rimmel) — approved unanimously (yes: 3). Table consideration, 147–157 South Newberry — motion to table approved unanimously (yes: 3). Table consideration, 725–747 Court Street (10 parcels) — motion to table approved unanimously (yes: 3). Redevelopment agreement, 352 North Newberry (Keyon Porter) — approved unanimously (yes: 3). Modification of deed covenant for 1 North George Street (timing of completion) — board approved amendment reducing requested timeline to 36 months from date of new deed (vote recorded; see actions).

Next steps and staff direction: For tabled items staff was directed to research Logos' parking agreement, utility availability for single-lot infill sites, and to consult real-estate and design professionals to generate alternative development scenarios for the larger parcel clusters. For approved lots, conveyance steps and due-diligence (utility connections, tree removals, recorded easements where relevant) were directed to staff to finalize closing and enable construction.