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RDA approves license for mosque to garden 559 West Clark; board discusses sale option
Summary
The York City RDA approved a license agreement through Dec. 31, 2025, allowing members of an Islamic masjid to garden 559 West Clark Avenue and maintain the lot; the board discussed adding language on contamination and the possibility of selling the parcel.
The York City Redevelopment Authority approved a license agreement allowing Minister Lisa Glenn and members of the Islamic masjid at 549 West Market to use and maintain 559 West Clark Avenue as a community garden through Dec. 31, 2025.
RDA staff said Minister Lisa Glenn had expressed interest in turning the deep, currently cleared lot into a community garden to grow fruits and vegetables for mosque members and the neighborhood. Staff recommended a license agreement rather than an immediate sale so the group could begin maintenance and cleanup; the board voted to authorize a license through Dec. 31, 2025.
The authority instructed staff to include standard protective language in the license about potential contamination and to recommend raised planter beds if necessary; staff said the license will permit termination by either party on 30–60 days’ notice and that the RDA typically does not charge for garden license agreements when the licensee takes on maintenance.
Board members also discussed allowing an alternative path to sell the lot to the mosque; during discussion a sale price of $5,000 was mentioned as a possible figure to offer, although the motion authorized the license agreement and did not finalize a sale. Staff said if the mosque later expresses interest in purchase, the matter could be negotiated and brought back to the board.
Minister Lisa Glenn was expected to attend the meeting but did not appear; RDA staff presented photos of the mosque property and described the mosque’s footprint and interior improvements. Members noted the lot’s orientation (east–west) may limit light and recommended staff and the mosque plan accordingly. The motion to enter the license passed by voice vote.
