Zoning board approves LifePath’s plan to convert foundry into emergency shelter after discussion of parking and program capacity

The City of York Zoning Hearing Board approved a package of 11 variances that will allow LifePath Ministries to renovate an existing foundry and nearby parcels into an emergency shelter and support facility.

LifePath CEO Patrick Ball told the board the organization has seen a sharp rise in demand: meal service climbed from about 101,000 meals in 2023 to roughly 165,000–170,000 meals so far this year, and average nights of stay have grown substantially. Ball said the project will consolidate and modernize operations onto a more efficient 46,000‑square‑foot site that can better serve people with ambulatory challenges, allow indoor queuing under a covered canopy and provide a dignified dining hall and support spaces.

The proposal divides the property into two tracks: Track 1 (the foundry) will house the primary shelter functions; Track 2 will provide supplemental parking. Attorney Chris Vetter summarised the 11 variance requests, the proposed restrictive covenant that would keep the two tracks tied together (not separately conveyed), and the applicant’s plan to submit detailed land development and safety plans. The project team said design is scheduled to reach 50% by late September, permits in October, and—barring delays—construction would begin by year‑end with an estimated 14–15 month buildout.

Board members focused on parking, staffing and neighborhood impacts. The applicant presented an employee staffing plan (roughly 39 employees across multiple shifts), an estimate that operational efficiencies could allow LifePath to serve about 5–10% more people with the same budget, and a parking strategy that uses a consolidated Track 2 lot primarily for employees while guest parking would be accommodated on Track 1. The project team also said they have partnerships with service providers and health systems to route clients into treatment and housing.

Solicitor Justin Heisler and the applicant provided a proposed motion text to approve the amended and restated agenda and the requested variances, which the board adopted after confirming no members objected. The motion carries a condition restricting separate conveyance of the two tracks and commits the applicant to follow local permitting and land‑development review for final lot consolidation and site improvements.

The board voted to approve the amended agenda and the 11 described variances. Chair Cena Jenkins called the motion; the recorded votes were Blade Klein: Aye; Lester Abbott: Aye; Franklin Williams: Aye; Nick Hohman: Aye; Cena Jenkins: Aye.

The project now proceeds to detailed land‑development and permitting work; the board record includes the applicant’s packet, site plans and renderings. The zoning decisions grant the variances but do not replace required building permits, land‑development approvals, or any other state or federal approvals.

The board concluded the hearing on LifePath’s application with the board thanking the applicant and noting the administrative steps that will follow.