Mixed-use housing project underway in York

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A mixed-use housing project is being constructed in York City.

The project at the former Dentsply site in York is receiving $1.53 million from Pennsylvania‘s Housing Action Plan to create 81 apartments and retail space.

State Rep. Carol Hill-Evans (D-York) joined Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger Wednesday for a tour of the housing project. According to a release, the visit highlighted the need for housing infrastructure investments across Pennsylvania.

Addressing Pennsylvania’s projected shortage of roughly 185,000 homes by 2035, Gov. Josh Shapiro‘s Housing Action Plan supported the project with an investment of over $1.53 million through the Mixed-Use Housing Development Pilot Program.

“As housing expenses continue to consume more of our budgets — especially here in York — it leaves less money for other essentials that families desperately need,” Hill-Evans said in a statement. “Affordable housing is a necessity for every community, and this project represents meaningful progress toward ensuring that more individuals and families gain access to safe, stable, and attainable homes. Efforts like this help strengthen our neighborhoods, support a healthier local economy, and build a more equitable future for all of us in the 95th Legislative District and across the commonwealth.”

The Dentsply complex is located at 550–570 W. College Ave., and will create 81 apartments as well as retail, office, and makerspace space.

“Pennsylvania’s first Housing Action Plan lays out a clear roadmap to boost housing access and affordability across the commonwealth,” Siger said. “Housing comes in all shapes and sizes, from single-family homes to senior apartments, and even redeveloped sites like this one we’re visiting today in York. Housing access provides stability for our local economies, strengthens the workforce, and builds the foundation for success.”

Angelo Munafo, vice president of CAM Development, said that the grant was critical in creating workforce housing. The plan will restore long-deteriorating historic structures.

“This project is about more than new units — it is about creating opportunities for individuals and families to live, work, and thrive in the heart of our community,” said Hill-Evans, chair of the PA House State Government Committee. “It’s through collective goals like this one that we can reverse this unacceptable trend of housing insecurity and lift up our neighbors so they can focus on life without the daily burden of worrying about where they are going to find safe shelter.”