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Vendors, RDA spar over Penn Market repairs as authority readies $5.6M renovation bid
Summary
Vendors pressed the York City Redevelopment Authority for quicker, clearer action on safety, trash service and climate control at Penn Market. RDA staff said construction documents are nearly complete, estimated construction costs are about $5.6–5.8 million, and the authority still needs roughly $1.5–3.0 million in additional funding.
Vendors and business owners at Penn Market urged the York City Redevelopment Authority on June 18 to address immediate health and safety problems and improve communication about a long-delayed renovation, while RDA staff described where the project stands in design and fundraising.
The appeals came during the public-comment portion of the meeting. "We also do not have a dumpster on our property at all," said Nathaniel Damison, owner of a food stand in Penn Market, listing vendors' concerns about trash, heat and vendor absence. He added, "There was 2 people that passed out last year, customers, from being in there" and said tenant turnover and poor conditions are hurting sales.
RDA staff acknowledged the complaints and described progress on design and funding. Glenda (RDA staff) said the project is near final design: "We were at 99% drawings and I just got an email this morning from the architect. She has to take everything in front of HARB for historic approval" and that the RDA expects to put the project out to bid in September once council and historic approvals are complete.
Why it matters: Penn Market is a century-old city facility used by small food vendors; vendors say immediate fixes (trash pickup schedules, fans or temporary cooling, and clearer outreach) are needed even as the RDA pursues a longer-term, larger renovation funded with grants and matched money.
What RDA said about funding and timing: In a detailed update, Glenda described the RDA's current financing and cost outlook for the renovation. She said the authority has assembled roughly $3.3 million in combined sources (including a state grant and city contributions), but that construction cost estimates are about $5.6 million to $5.8 million. "We are expecting to have about a $3,000,000 shortfall," she said, adding that staff has identified roughly $1.8 million in additional state funding and a $50,000 state grant and that the RDA will likely need to raise about $1.5 million more from community, bank financing or historic tax credits.
On immediate repairs and operations, staff said some vendor-raised hazards have already been addressed. Glenda described discovering a vendor using a propane burner in a front corner store and said staff shut down roof-mounted exhaust units that were heating the interior. She said the RDA is working with Republic (waste contractor) to refine trash pickup and noted the RDA currently pays about $340 per month for one cart. "We have the ability to up," she said, but warned dumpsters can attract illegal dumping and require policing or gated enclosures after renovation.
Vendors pushed for faster, short-term solutions. Damison asked for at least temporary climate control: "At least give us an air conditioner...put the air conditioner in there so people feel comfortable to come in there and spend their money." Staff responded the full renovation will not include central air for the entire market because of cost; Glenda said the construction plan includes large ceiling fans and improved hood returns and that full air conditioning was estimated at about $600,000.
Communication and governance concerns: Vendors and RDA board members agreed on the need for improved vendor outreach. Damison and others urged a reinstated vendor committee and regular vendor updates. The board asked Britney (Penn Market manager) to consider a standing agenda item on Penn Market news. Nate (representing Downtown Inc.) said Downtown Inc. is preparing a marketing plan for the market and planned to meet with vendors and RDA staff.
Next steps: RDA staff said they will schedule bids once HARB and council approvals are complete (staff projected an out-to-bid date in September) and continue fund-raising. The board agreed to try to reconvene a vendor committee and to prioritize short-term operational fixes such as adjusting trash pickup schedules, addressing loitering at the adjacent bus stop, and policing known hazards.
Ending note: Vendors said they will pursue local fundraising and vendor-led outreach while the RDA pursues grants and tax-credit options to close the construction funding gap.
