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RDA raises Penn Market manager fee, pledges to push renovation into bid phase
Summary
York City Redevelopment Authority approved a one-time management-fee increase and contract extension for Penn Market’s manager and heard updates on renovation design, a multi-million-dollar funding shortfall and a planned July bid release.
The York City Redevelopment Authority voted to amend the Penn Market management contract, raising the monthly management fee to $3,000 and extending Brittney Walker’s agreement through Dec. 31, 2026.
The board said the increase responds to Walker’s work overseeing market operations and preparing for a major renovation. A staff presentation said Walker had requested $3,300 a month; the board approved an interim increase to $3,000 effective with the next pay period (the motion specified implementation starting in June). The motion also extended the May 2023 Management Services Agreement to Dec. 31, 2026.
Why it matters: Penn Market is due to move from design toward construction bids this summer, and the manager will be central during the renovation and the subsequent busy construction period. Board members said Walker had saved money, improved market operations and needed support during the expected construction disruptions.
During the meeting staff said the full design package and bid specifications should be ready in a matter of weeks, with a goal to issue the bid in July and possibly start construction in September. The project still faces a capital shortfall; staff estimated the gap at roughly $2.5 million to $3 million depending on final bids. The presentation said RDA staff are exploring multiple strategies to close the gap, including shifting state funds previously allocated to another project and pursuing historic tax credits or other financing options.
Staff said one state grant that may be available is a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) allocation that had been reserved for another developer; RDA staff intend to seek state approval and coordinate with the original grantee if that path is pursued. The presentation also noted bid documents now include six or seven alternates so the authority can choose or defer specific scope items after bids arrive, rather than relying on costly change orders during construction.
Board members emphasized urgency in obtaining hard pricing. One staff speaker said accurate bid pricing will allow the authority to refine funding scenarios and prioritize alternates. The motion to amend Walker’s contract passed by voice vote.
