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Lancaster council hears from new bakery owner and reviews proposal to revitalize Wiley Street Park
Summary
A local business owner described plans to open a chemical-free tortilla bakery at 222 South York that will hire local staff; separately, staff described a public-private offer to demolish the dilapidated tennis court at Wiley Street Park with the city paying only a $50 permit fee while a study to design park improvements was proposed.
During the public-comment period, business owner Sherry Gomez introduced herself and outlined plans for a Mexican-style bakery at 222 South York that will make chemical-free flour and corn tortillas and spice mixes. Gomez said the building retrofit is under way and that the shop will create local hiring opportunities when it opens to the public.
"We're the only ones who make chemical free flour tortillas in all of the Carolinas," Gomez said, describing product plans and a retail component at the site.
Separately, staff told council members they have received a public-private partnership offer to help revitalize Wiley Street Park. Staff said the private partner would fund demolition of the park's tennis court, which is in disrepair and no longer in use, and that the city would pay only a $50 permit fee to allow the work. Staff recommended a study to determine the best recreational fit for the site and suggested budgeting for a park-planning consultant in a future session.
Council members expressed support for taking advantage of private funding for demolition while also emphasizing the need for community input and a professional planning study to identify whether a dog park, skate park, basketball court or other use would best serve needs. Staff said redevelopment is likely a multi-year project and that planting grass would be an interim option.
The city did not commit funds beyond the permit fee at the meeting; council took no formal vote on a redevelopment plan and asked staff to continue planning and consider funding options during budget sessions.
