Authorities Hire New Executive Director

Upon the recommendation of the search committee, the hiring of Matthew T. Sternberg as Executive Director of the Lancaster County Housing and Redevelopment Authorities was approved by the Boards of Directors of both entities, and he assumed the position on July 10, 2006.

 A native of Aberdeen, Maryland, Sternberg brings 25 years of experience in municipal development, economic development, regional planning, business brokerage and non-profit arts management to his new post.

 continue . .

 BACK TO TOP

A Letter from the Executive Director

 It’s a great pleasure to send you this, my first letter as Executive Director. Since starting at the Authorities in July, I have been getting to know the community and the many fine professionals working in the housing and redevelopment field. Lancaster is truly blessed with a pool of talented practitioners. Here at the office, our staff and Board of Directors have extended a wonderful welcome, making the “new kid” feel right at home.

 Exciting times are coming. Last year the Board adopted a strategic plan that envisions a wider range of activities than those associated with our on-going Block Grant program. We will be looking for new partnerships to expand our involvement with revitalization projects in the boroughs. We want to collaborate more closely with the City on a wide variety of initiatives. And we want to expand our funding base to ensure our future financial stability.

 But most of all, we want to maintain the high level of client service for which the Authorities are known. I’m excited to be a part of it and look forward to working with all of you.

 Sincerely,
 Matthew T. Sternberg
 Executive Director

BACK TO TOP

“Exit Interview” with Randy Patterson

This past spring the Authorities bid a fond farewell to long-time staff member and Executive Director Randy Patterson, who left to become the City of Lancaster’s Director of Economic Development and Neighborhood Revitalization.  Randy first came to the Authorities in September 1977 and over the years served as Administrative Assistant, Deputy Director of Administration and Community Development, Deputy Executive Director and, for seven years, Executive Director.  This interview was conducted just prior to his leaving for the City.

FOCUS:             What changes have you seen in Lancaster County since you started with the Authority?

PATTERSON:  The biggest change is (there has been) a concerted effort to manage growth, to preserve its agricultural heritage.  Number two, recently there’s been a recognition of the importance of affordable housing, a desire (for the County) to revitalize the  boroughs of the City, its urban areas.

Q:    What do you consider you greatest accomplishments as Executive Director?

A:    Without question, one is the (Clipper Magazine baseball) stadium.  Not just building it, but the impact its had on the City of Lancaster.  (Also, I’ve been) hoping to keep the focus on the need for affordable housing.  With the Authority, (it would be) the number of smaller-scale projects that we assisted in developing, both for families and the elderly.  Five to 60 units.   Many of the early projects were developed by utilizing vacant buildings - (former) industrial sites, etc.

 continue . .

BACK TO TOP

Construction Work Continues on
Manor Heights Apartments

Work began on Manor Heights, a 70-unit affordable family rental community, in January of 2006 and is slated to be completed by the end of the year.  Located in Manor Township, south of Columbia Avenue, it will include 35 two-bedroom units and 35 three-bedroom units.  The project is being developed by The Ingerman Group from Wilmington, Delaware, a unique “all-in-one” company that will be serving as builder, realtor and rental agent for the housing project, as well as developer.  $1.2 million in HOME Investment Partnership Funds have been awarded to Manor Heights Apartments.

 continue . .

 BACK TO TOP

Focus On:

FOCUS:          When were you first elected to the Lancaster County Redevelopment Board?

FLETCHER:  My first board meeting was May of 2003.

Q:        What made you decide to get involved with the Authority Board?   

A:        I was recruited.  Mr. (Randy) Patterson called and asked me (to serve on the Board).  I think they were looking for someone from the Northwestern part of the County, which had been under-represented.  And I had served two terms on the Marietta Borough Council and was president of the Council.

 continue . .

BACK TO TOP

                       

Failte (pronounced “Fall - teh”) is Irish for “welcome,” which is certainly what we want to do for the Lancaster County Housing and Redevelopment Authorities’ new Receptionist/Administrative Assistant and Board Secretary, Marian Joyce.

Born in the city of Cork in Ireland, Marian started with the Authorities on May 15^th of this year.

 Marian moved to the U.S. in 1985 because her husband Michael, a native of New Holland, PA, ”got homesick, so we moved back to the Lancaster area.”  Her family also includes two daughters - Nora and Maeve - and their dog Pongo, a border collie mix. 

 continue . .

 BACK TO TOP

Fiscal Year 2006 CDBG Funds Allocated to

Human Services Projects

The citizens’ allocation process for the County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) was completed on May 2, 2006. A total of $525,000.00 in CDBG funds were allocated to 13 different human service projects that serve low and moderate income persons in Lancaster County. Also, due to additional CDBG funds that became available in late June, 2006, an additional $80,000 was allocated to nine (9) other human services projects, for a total 2006 CDBG allocation to human service projects of $605,000.00.  These 22  projects, their funding levels, and a brief description of each are listed below.  Contracts began July 1, 2006.

 continue . .

 BACK TO TOP