The City of Lancaster Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ) Authority, managed by Lancaster City Alliance, has announced a new plan to help shape the future of the area surrounding Penn Medicine Park (formerly Clipper Magazine Stadium). CRIZ has launched the process for a Lancaster Stadium District Small Area Plan, a collaborative initiative to establish a shared vision for the more than 50-acre area roughly bound by Harrisburg Avenue, North Prince Street, and West Liberty Street.
The small area planning process aims to guide future CRIZ Authority investments using incremental tax revenues. These funds have the potential to enable financing to support redevelopment projects including demolition, site preparation, and new construction. CRIZ funding comes from the state and local taxes paid by businesses in the CRIZ/zone. The taxes are certified by the PA Department of Revenue and City of Lancaster and transferred back to the CRIZ Authority to encourage economic development in the zone.
This initiative will help guide redevelopment and investment opportunities in alignment with the Building On Strength Economic Development Strategic Plan for the City of Lancaster, Our Future Lancaster, The Comprehensive Plan for the City of Lancaster, and aspires to build off of the Lancaster Train Station Small Area Plan, adopted last year by the City of Lancaster and Manheim Township, for the adjacent area surrounding the Amtrak station.
To develop the Small Area Plan, the CRIZ Authority has brought in a nationally recognized team of consultants to collaborate with stakeholders and explore opportunities for land use, connectivity, and economic development. The consultants include: MKSK (Columbus, OH), TAIT (Lititz, PA), RGS Associates (Lancaster, PA).
Wednesday, February 26, launched the kickoff at Penn. Medicine Park, with more than 40 stakeholders, including district property owners, business leaders, municipal officials, and community representatives, in attendance. The CRIZ Authority and the planning team introduced the initiative, discussed initial aspirations, and began gathering input to create a vision for the district.
“A decade ago, the City laid out a broad framework for economic development through Building On Strength,” said Marshall W. Snively, Acting Executive Director of the CRIZ Authority and President of Lancaster City Alliance. “A Stadium District Small Area Plan now provides us with the opportunity to take a more detailed, granular approach to planning in this key area, ensuring that redevelopment and investment align with the community’s vision while leveraging current financing tools available through the CRIZ.”
The planning process will take place over the next nine months. During time, the CRIZ Authority and its planning team will engage with property owners, business leaders, municipal officials, and community stakeholders to improve the plan. The public and neighboring residents will have opportunities to provide input through workshops, public meetings, and outreach sessions. Updates on the process, including ways for the community to get involved, will be shared in the coming months.
