Construction to begin on York affordable housing project 

After COVID-19-related delays, an affordable housing development in York is moving forward. 

Construction will begin on The Homes at Thackston Park Phase II, 50 units of family housing along the Codorus Creek in the city. The development is a project of Creating Opportunities in Neighborhood Environments, in partnership with York Housing Authority. 

Existing vacated units will be demolished to make way for the new housing in the 300 block of West College Avenue, across the street from the first phase of Thackston Park. 

The second phase will replace the 32-unit Codorus Homes Complex, the first public housing developed in the City of York over 60 years ago. 

The tax credits and other funds being used for Thackston Park II were awarded through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. However, the process to close on financing took longer than expected because of challenges due to COVID-19. 

“Suddenly material and labor costs were significantly more expensive than priced in our pre-pandemic application, while our equity pricing for the tax credits dropped,” Regina S. Mitchell, executive director of York Housing Authority, said in a release. 

In response, PHFA drew on temporary funding sources from the American Rescue and Recovery Plan, and Creating Opportunities in Neighborhood Environments secured approximately $2 million in additional money to plug the financing gap and move to settlement on the $15 million construction contract. 

Phase II’s architecture will mirror the neoclassical design of Phase I, while adding brick exteriors and bay windows similar to homes in the immediate area. 

“We look forward to finally seeing the Thackston Park affordable housing community take shape in the fabric of a vibrant York neighborhood,” Mitchell said, “and welcoming new residents to a modern place with excellent access to green spaces and amenities.”