CITY OF LANCASTER

Authorities and Commissions

     Many citizens serve the city as volunteers by accepting appointments to the boards, commissions, and authorities which operate in conjunction with the city’s administrative bureaus. A significant difference between authorities and the boards and commissions is that authorities generally have the power to raise money by bond issues.

     Housing Authority — Originally set up in 1946 to build and administer the Hickory Tree Heights (now called Cleremont) project, the Authority is responsible for developing and administering public housing, with the current emphasis on scattered-site housing. The Authority also administers federal housing assistance programs.

     Redevelopment Authority — This Authority was established in 1957 to redevelop and rehabilitate blighted areas and to prevent property deterioration in other areas. It has the power, within areas set by the Planning Commission, to investigate, plan, purchase property, make contracts for demolition and rebuilding, and provide parks and recreation areas. Present emphasis is on rehabilitation rather than demolition.

     Parking Authority — The Authority, which is responsible for developing parking throughout the downtown area, operates parking garages, off-street parking lots, and parking meters.

     Downtown Investment District (DID) — The DID was set up in 1992 by affected property owners to ensure that downtown is a safe, clean, economically viable place to work, live, and play. The DID office is at 44 N. Queen St., 399-7977, or www.downtownlancaster.com.

Board of Appeals — This Board acts on exceptions and variances relating to the zoning ordinance. It also hears and decides appeals from decisions of the zoning officer in the Bureau of Planning and Community Development.

     City Planning Commission — The Planning Commission considers proposed changes in public buildings and public grounds, such as streets and parks, within the city and the region extending three miles beyond the city limits. It may communicate its disapproval to city council, but cannot veto such changes. In addition, all subdivision plans for segmenting a piece of land into three or more parcels for resale must be approved by the Commission before being recorded. Members are appointed by the mayor, with the consent of council, and serve four-year terms.

     Recreation Commission — Set up in 1960, the Commission consists of eleven members: two appointed by the city school board, two by city council, one township staff member, the city public works director, the school district business manager, three city residents, and one Lancaster Township resident. The Commission is responsible for providing, conducting, and supervising public playgrounds, athletic fields, recreation centers, and other recreational facilities and activities.