Wolf tours Lancaster County redevelopment, offers new program as a solution

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Wolf visited several Columbia properties in the process of being restored through the county’s land bank on Wednesday. The governor said he expects his proposed infrastructure program to pass into law this year, which could raise up to $4.5 billion for similar projects around the state.
“I wanted to come around and look at the revitalization efforts and tout the Restore Pennsylvania program,” Wolf said. “One of the things it’s designed to do is address the issues of blight.”
Restore Pennsylvania, introduced in January, relies on a natural gas severance tax starting at $.091 per thousand cubic feet and rising with the price of natural gas. The governor has been persistent on enacting a severance tax since he took office in 2015, but a GOP-controlled legislature has so far resisted the levy.
Wolf’s new program would use proceeds from the tax to pay for high-speed internet access in rural areas, enhanced storm preparedness and disaster recovery, improved energy infrastructure, and revitalization and transportation projects.
Lancaster County launched its own effort to bring life to blighted properties through the Lancaster County Land Bank Authority. Created in in 2016, the land bank works with investors interested in redeveloping blighted properties for public or private uses.
“I see a lot more individuals and companies looking to invest in flipping or making an investment in Columbia, Manheim and Marietta,” said Justin Eby, director of housing and community development of the county’s redevelopment authority. “Lancaster city has a lot of momentum and I am seeing that come to the other boroughs.”
The county has sharpened its understanding of blighted properties in the region, according to Matthew Sternberg, executive director of the redevelopment authority. Sternberg said that Wolf’s program could bring more funds to the county that could help bring further interest from investors.
“Financial resources are scarce,” he said. “A reliable funding stream over four years will go a long way to bolster investment and position our communities for success.”