Table of Contents Baseball is Coming Executive Director's Message Focus On:  Neil Kinsey Human Service Development Funds The Grow Lancaster Fund Good Luck, Eric Meet Trish Schoor CDBG and HSDF Funds Allocated

Baseball is Coming to Lancaster!   At the stadium ground breaking (from left):  Stephen Diamantoni, Sen. Gib Armstrong, Commissioner Dick Shellenberger, Randy Patterson, Steve Zuckerman and Cindy Stewart.  Present, but not pictured:  Mayor Charlie Smithgall, Rep. Mike Sturla, Peter Kirk and Baseball Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson.  If you build it, they will come Those words, spoken by James Earl Jones in the 1989 film “Field of Dreams,”  have a special resonance these days here in Lancaster County. With Ace Rents (which occupies what will be part of left field and much of the first base side of Clipper Magazine Stadium) finally  relocated, and with the County Commissioners’ decision in March to guarantee revenue bonds that will be used to finance the stadium’s construction, the return of minor league baseball to Lancaster after a 44-year absence is that much closer to becoming a reality. As for the bit of prophecy quoted above, the turnout for the FanFest held at Franklin & Marshall College on Valentine’s Day bodes well. According to officials of Keystone Baseball – which will own the Independent Atlantic League’s Lancaster Barnstormers—somewhere between three and four thousand people attended that event and approximately 1,000 season tickets have already been sold or reserved. The Lancaster County Redevelopment Authority is responsible for the development and construction of the $23.4 million, 5800+ seat multi-purpose stadium.  Located along the west side of North Prince Street and north of Frederick Street in Lancaster City, the stadium will  host some 70 games per  year.  It could also be used for such events as Scout Jamborees, car shows, band competitions, concerts and other exhibits. Tetra Tech, Inc. has designed Clipper Magazine Stadium.  The Delaware architectural firm has designed many other minor league venues, including Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen, Maryland, and Harbor Yard Ballpark for the Bridgeport (Connecticut) Bluefish. With the first batter due up  in May 2005,  the start of the Atlantic League season,   demolition is  scheduled to begin this late spring.  A ground breaking ceremony was held on site on April 28th. Of course, the start of actual construction will be a culmination of the efforts of many different organizations and individuals who have been working hard to ensure that the stadium project continues to move forward. One such non-profit group, the James Street Improvement District (JSID), focuses on improving the quality of life in the north and northwest business district of Lancaster. Last August the JSID hired Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects of York to develop a Physical Environment Vision plan for the “Stadium District,” a 15-block area surrounding the new stadium site.  Issued in December, this report  includes results of 16 interviews with a total of 50 people—residents, business owners and employees, elected officials and others. According to the report, “all (interviewees) were positive about the potential benefits of the stadium and new developments in the area.” There are, however,  some “issues that might need to be addressed to maintain or improve the quality of life in the Stadium District.”  Most often cited  were a heavier volume of traffic, limited parking, and that some streets are not  currently pedestrian-friendly.  The report also notes that an 1886 map of Lancaster City identified an area near the stadium site (between North Mary and North Charlotte Streets, south of the Harrisburg Pike) as the “base ball ground.” Now, 118 years later, you can almost hear the crack of the bat, the pop of the glove, and the umpire yelling, “Play ball!”   back

Executive Director's Message Spring is generally thought of as a time of renewal; daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths are blooming again, trees are blossoming after the long winter, the grass in our yards is growing again and turning a rich green.  Spring is also an appropriate time to reflect on the renewal we anticipate in those communities receiving Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars in 2004 for infrastructure and community facilities projects; as well as the families and individuals that will receive services from social service agencies receiving CDBG funding. This year marks the 30th anniversary of both the CDBG Program and the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Lancaster.  In April the nation celebrated National Community Development Week to recognize the impact the CDBG Program has had on communities and low and moderate income families across the country.  The Redevelopment Authority will be celebrating its 30th anniversary later this year with a special edition Annual Report reflecting on the Authority’s accomplishments since 1974. During the 30-year history of the CDBG Program Lancaster County has invested more than $100,000,000 to provide affordable housing; rehabilitate existing housing; improve community facilities serving low and moderate income persons; rebuild the aging infrastructure of low and moderate income neighborhoods; extend public water and sewer to low and moderate income areas of the county to ensure the health and safety of residents; and provide a continuum of services to low and moderate income families and individuals throughout the County. The future of the CDBG Program is always in doubt because of fiscal pressures on the federal budget.  We believe it is essential that the CDBG Program, as well as the HOME Investment Partnership Program and the Emergency Shelter Grant Program continue, to enable us to meet the needs of those struggling to become self-sufficient and of those communities facing limited resources to address their needs.  In challenging times it is essential that we build strong partnerships between local, county, state and federal agencies to ensure that we can continue to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Lancaster County, with special emphasis on those communities lacking the resources to do so on their own. The Redevelopment Authority takes great pride in our efforts over the past 30 years to build and strengthen working partnerships with County departments, local municipal governments and community non-profit organizations to address the infrastructure, social service, community facilities and affordable housing needs of the low and moderate income neighborhoods and residents of Lancaster County. We look forward to 30 more years of strong and effective partnerships. back

Focus On: Neil Kinsey Assistant Treasurer of the Redevelopment Board Neil Kinsey became Assistant Treasurer in 1998, then served as Treasurer for three years and Vice-Chairman for the past two years.   This year, he’s come full circle.   FOCUS:   What do you feel you bring to the Board?  KINSEY:  The reason I was originally asked to serve on the Board is because of my background in local government.  I am currently serving my 16th year as an East Hempfield Township Supervisor.  I’m someone who brings municipal experience.  The projects that we encounter (at the Authority) all require some sort of municipal approval, . . .(and) I’ve always had a little bit of a soft spot for housing issues.  Q:  What does your current position with the State of Pennsylvania entail?  A:  I work for the Department of Community and Economic Development, specifically, the Center for Local Government Services.  We provide education, training, technical and financial assistance to municipalities in the entire state of PA.  Q:  Why did you decide to step down as Vice Chairman this year?  A:  There were two factors.  First, I believe Ed (Hollinger, current Vice Chairman) has shown strong interest in the business of both authorities and he is more than capable of leading the Board.  Secondly, since I work in Harrisburg, I cannot always be as available. . .as I think a Vice-Chair should be.  Q:  What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Lancaster County today?  A:  One of the biggest deals with smart growth and how we develop.  There are a lot of components: everything from affordable housing to agricultural preservation, economic development to redevelopment, to transportation.  There’s a host of subtopics.   back

FY 2003-2004 Human Service Development Funds Re-Allocated  As reported in the fall 2003 newsletter, the annual allocation of Human Service Development Funds (HSDF) was reduced by 90% as a result of the PA State Budget that was passed last year.  This led to many worthy programs not being funded, while others received at least 25% cuts in their allocation. However, the PA General Assembly and Governor Rendell worked together to re-allocate the HSDF grant almost in full, which resulted in over $600,000 being made available to non-profit agencies who applied last year to Lancaster County for these funds.    With the approval of the County Commissioners, the Redevelopment Authority began the process of distributing these funds, in accordance with the Citizens’ Allocation Panel’s original recommendations.  These funds must be spent by June 30th of this year.  Click here for a list of those programs that received additional HSDF monies, and the amount each received. One of the programs  not initially funded last July was Family Service’s Pregnancy and Parenting Center.  On how the agency dealt with the shortfall, agency President Jane Phillips noted: “As the 2003-04 fiscal year began, Family Service was acutely aware of the HSDF budget reductions at the State level.  We worked diligently with our legislators to assist them in understanding the impact of the reductions on our ability to provide services to the infants, children, mothers and fathers involved. . . Rather than terminate parts of the (PPC) program, we decided to seek cost savings ...(and) the most significant was  to co-locate PPC with Deb’s House [another Family Service program] to save rent and utility costs.” Without the $21,000 that was finally re-allocated to PPC, Phillips estimated that the program would have had to “eliminate at least one case manager and services to approximately 55 clients.”   Patrick Turnpaugh, Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster’s Family Intervention and Treatment Services, said he will be hiring at least one more person full-time to work with children and families “at risk.”  His enthusiasm is evident as he speaks about what the additional HSDF funds mean to the program, which provides in-home family counseling, parent education classes, parent and youth support groups, crisis intervention, case management and other services. “I’m very excited that we’re going back into the city (to serve families and in schools). That’s just so important to us.  The waiting list should be cut in half. . . Most importantly, we’ll be able to serve more families—those in the city and those who are over-income (for CDBG funding)—and work with more parent groups.” back

FINAL HSDF RE-ALLOCATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003-2004 YWCA / Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center - $11,470 Community Action Program / Outreach & Case Management - $15,000 Tabor Community Services / Family Self-Sufficiency Program - $12,818 Tabor Community Services / Rental Housing to Prevent Homelessness Program - $32,870 Council on Drug & Alcohol Abuse / Alternative Community Intervention - $31,111 Catholic Charities / Lancaster Counseling Center - $3,500 Council on Drug & Alcohol Abuse / Elementary & Youth Support Program - $77,600 Community Action Program / Domestic Violence Services - $22,500 Tabor Community Services / Shelter to Independent Living Program - $20,000 Boys & Girls Club / Family Intervention & Treatment Services - $90,972 United Disabilities Services / Active Case Management Program - $29,126 Community Action Program / Adult Socialization/Recreation Program - $27,500 The Gathering Place / Case Management & Supportive Services - $15,500 United Way of Lancaster / Lancaster Information Center (LINC) - $5,000 SouthEast Lancaster Health Services / Case Management Services - $22,500 Tabor Community Services / Jubilee House - $1,250 Community Action Program / Bridge Housing - $14,765 Family Service / Deb’s House - $19,500 Neighborhood Services / Representative Payee Program - $52,000 Catholic Charities / Lancaster Intensive Day Treatment Program - $37,125 Family Service / Pregnancy & Parenting Center - $21,000 Catholic Charities / Hope House - $13,328 YWCA / Sisters Outreach Program - $13,750 Clare House / Clare House Case Management Program - $9,750 AIDS Community Alliance / HIV/AIDS Case Management Program - $5,220 back

Since first contracting with the National Development Council in late 2002 to create the Grow Lancaster Fund, the County of Lancaster—through the Redevelopment Authority—has been providing Small Business Administration guaranteed loans to small businesses throughout the County.  A self-sustaining community program for small business financing, the Grow Lancaster Fund is part of the nationwide Grow America Fund program. In the first year of the Grow Lancaster Fund, three businesses were provided with loans for a total amount of  $875,000.  As of this writing, several other businesses are currently in the application process. The Lancaster County Commissioners have been so pleased with the program that they chose to make another equity investment, which increases the total amount of funds available to loan to businesses by  $968,194. The Grow Lancaster Fund offers borrowers long-term financing, low equity requirements, technical assistance, no prepayment penalties and flexible underwriting criteria.  The program will only provide loans to businesses within an adopted Urban Growth Boundary as defined by the Lancaster County Planning Commission. Grow Lancaster Fund is especially looking for businesses that create jobs and build the tax base of distressed areas in Lancaster County.  For more information, contact Aimee Tyson at the Redevelopment Authority at (717) 394-0793, ext. 211 or atyson@lchra.com . back

Good Luck, Eric! All of us here at the Lancaster County Redevelopment and Housing Authorities want to wish long-time staff member Eric Powell all the best as he embarks on  his new career as the Borough Manager of Mount Union Borough in Huntingdon County, PA.   We’re sure he’ll bring the same enthusiasm and effort to the other side of the public improvements  allocation process. back

Meet Trish Schoor

On April 5, 2004, Trish Schoor joined the staff of the Redevelopment Authority as its new Community Development Coordinator.   A native of Philadelphia, Trish holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Earlham College in Indiana. Her last position was as a Project Manager at the Bucks County Department of Community and Business Development, where she managed the Community Development  Block Grant (CDBG) Program.  Prior to that, she worked five years as the Communications  Coordinator for the PA Low Income Housing Coalition, a statewide legislative advocacy group. Trish is new to Lancaster and is anxious to get to know everyone in the field of Community Development.  “I was impressed with the level of commitment of advisory board volunteers through the award process. . . Please do not hesitate to contact me for information and questions regarding  the CDBG application process.” Trish can be reached at (717) 394-0793, ext. 210. back

CDBG AND HSDF FUNDS ALLOCATED TO HUMAN SERVICES PROJECTS The allocation process for the County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Human Services Development Funds (HSDF) was completed on June 7, 2004.  A total of $736,200 in CDBG funds and $669,000 in HSDF were allocated to 34 different human service projects that serve low and moderate income persons in Lancaster County.  The projects, their funding levels, and a brief description of each are listed below.  DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES OF LANCASTER COUNTY FY 2004 Funds Requested:  $90,000 CDBG Funds Recommended:  $90,000 Community Action Program of Lancaster County provides services to victims of domestic violence and their dependents, including:  24-hour protective shelter, individual and group counseling, legal advocacy, food, children’s programming, information and referral.  SHELTER TO INDEPENDENT LIVING             FY 2004 Funds Requested:  $41,500 CDBG Funds Recommended:  $41,500  Tabor Community Services provides counseling, advocacy, and housing education for homeless in Lancaster County to assist homeless households to move from area shelters directly into permanent housing.   SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION AND COUNSELING CENTER                                                              FY 2004 Funds Requested:  $39,106 CDBG Funds Recommended:  $39,106 YWCA of Lancaster provides crisis intervention, counseling and referral services to victims of sexual assault.  Funds to be used for the Child Advocate.  MEDICAL AND DENTAL SERVICES FY 2004 Funds Requested:  $78,750 CDBG Funds Recommended:  $70,875 The Welsh Mountain Medical and Dental Center provides subsidized medical and dental services to low and moderate income persons on a sliding fee scale.  PREGNANCY AND PARENTING CENTER      FY 2004 Funds Requested:  $44,000 CDBG Funds Recommended:  $39,600 Family Service provides prenatal and postnatal services for pregnant teens and adolescent parents, including:  group education, case management, counseling, support groups, information and referrals, pregnancy testing, child abuse and developmental screenings and transportation. BRIDGE HOUSING                                    FY 2004 Funds Requested:  $37,500 CDBG Funds Recommended:  $33,750 Community Action Program of Lancaster County provides transitional housing to victims of domestic violence who resided at the Domestic Violence Services shelter.  Program is designed to increase stability for the family in future situations.   JUBILEE HOUSE  FY 2004 Funds Requested:  $15,000 CDBG Funds Recommended:  $13,500   Tabor Community Services provides a long-term transitional housing facility for homeless mothers who have completed a residential treatment program for substance abuse.  COMPREHENSIVE PRIMARY MEDICAL AND DENTAL SERVICES     FY 2004 Funds Requested:  $90,000   CDBG Funds Recommended:  $81,000 SouthEast Lancaster Health Services provides general medical and dental services on an appointment and emergency basis to low income families on a sliding fee scale.  LEGAL REPRESENTATION TO LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS OF LANCASTER COUNTY  FY 2004  Funds Requested:  $86,250 CDBG Funds Recommended:  $77,625  MidPenn Legal Services provides free legal services in civil matters to low-income individuals and families living in Lancaster County.    CLARE HOUSE CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES FY 2004 Funds Requested:  $15,000         CDBG Funds Recommended:  $ 9,000 Clare House provides assessment, goal-setting, case management, referrals and aftercare support to both women with children and other single women to enable them to return to permanent housing.  COLUMBIA CLUBHOUSE                         FY 2004 Funds Requested:  $85,972 CDBG Funds Recommended:  $51,583 The Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster provides a comprehensive recreational, educational and developmental program for youth ages 6-18 years old in Columbia Borough.   TRANSITIONAL LIVING CENTER (TLC)           FY 2004 Funds Requested:  $35,100 CDBG Funds Recommended:  $19,950  TLC provides transitional housing, education and supportive services to homeless individuals, couples and families, empowering them to secure permanent housing and achieve independent living.  REPRESENTATIVE PAYEE PROGRAM FY 2004 Funds Requested:  $55,000 CDBG Funds Recommended:  $24,750  Neighborhood Services provides representative financial services for the elderly and for special needs populations, such as developing budgets, paying bills, providing clients with an allowance and financial/life skills coaching.  CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE DEAF AND HARD-OF-HEARING FY 2004 Funds Requested:  $25,000 CDBG Funds Recommended:  $10,000  Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services of Lancaster County provides case management, advocacy and referral services for deaf and hard-of-hearing clients throughout Lancaster County. ADULT SOCIALIZATION AND RECREATION          FY 2004 Funds Requested:  $60,000 CDBG Funds Recommended:  $24,000 Community Action Program of Lancaster County provides recreational, socialization, referral, and transportation services to senior citizens and persons with disabilities.  HOPE HOUSE FY 2004 Funds Requested:  $20,000 CDBG Funds Recommended:  $8,000  Catholic Charities provides a safe, supportive and structured environment for adults living with AIDS whose disease is such that they are unable to live independently without a caregiver.   RENTAL COUNSELING TO PREVENT HOMELESSNESS FY 2004 Funds Requested:  $98,826 CDBG Funds Recommended:  $42,000 HSDF Funds Recommended:  $46,943                     Tabor Community Services provides housing counseling and case management to low income families at risk of becoming homeless.  FAMILY SAVINGS ACCOUNT PROGRAM FY 2004 Funds Requested:  $43,000 CDBG Funds Recommended:  $28,700 HSDF Funds Recommended:  $10,000 This Tabor Community Services’ program is an asset building, matched savings account program for low-income families.  Over a two-year period, each participant completes financial literacy classes and saves toward a specific asset, including home purchase, education, business, home repair and first-time vehicle purchase.   FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY                    FY 2004 Funds Requested:   $45,800 CDBG Funds Recommended:   $31,261 HSDF Funds Recommended:   $10,031  Tabor Community Services provides skills and resource