City of Lancaster Water Alert
Public Service Announcement
Enclosed you will find a letter notifying you of elevated levels of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as forever chemicals, in drinking water sourced from the Conestoga River. This letter is prescribed by the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). We want to ensure our customers understand in plain language the current situation around PFAS.
Lancaster City Housing Authority Completes $4 Million HVAC Project.
LCHA will launch plan for $5 Million Facade Restoration at Church Street Towers.
Lancaster City Housing Authority Completes $4 Million HVAC Project, Launches Plans for $5 Million Façade Restoration at Church Street Towers
Lancaster City, Pennsylvania – February 25, 2025 – The Lancaster City Housing Authority (LCHA) is proud to announce the successful completion of a $4 million HVAC modernization project at Church Street Towers, located at 333 Church Street. This milestone marks a significant improvement in comfort and energy efficiency for the building's 101 apartments, which provide housing for elderly individuals and persons with disabilities on limited incomes.
Built in 1966, Church Street Towers previously relied on a centrally located boiler system, also dating back to its original construction. Residents used window air conditioning units, and aging infrastructure led to frequent maintenance issues, including persistent pinhole leaks in the piping system. In response, LCHA secured grant funding from the City of Lancaster (ARPA), the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHARE), and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (Capital Funds) to install a state-of-the-art Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system. This modern system now provides both heating and cooling to residents through individual wall units, significantly enhancing energy efficiency and resident comfort.
Key partners in the successful completion of this project included Hammel Associates Architects, Moore Engineering, Plymouth Environmental, E.H. Gochnauer & Sons, and HB Frazer.
As this project concludes, LCHA is turning its focus to the next major investment in Church Street Towers: a $5 million façade restoration. The upcoming project, supported by newly secured grant funding, will address critical structural concerns, including water infiltration behind the brick façade. Planned improvements include new windows, a roof replacement, and masonry repairs to restore the building's structural integrity and longevity.
“We are committed to ensuring the long-term safety and stability of Church Street Towers,” said Barbara Wilson, Executive Director of LCHA. “Our goal is to complete these essential upgrades efficiently while maintaining transparency and keeping our residents informed throughout the process.”
Wilson further emphasized LCHA’s dedication to resident well-being: “We deeply appreciate the patience and cooperation of our residents as we work to enhance the building’s infrastructure and improve their living environment.”
For more information, please contact the Lancaster City Housing Authority at (717) 397-2835.
Lancaster City Housing Authority Utilizes HUD Energy Performance Contract Program for Facility Upgrades
Lancaster, PA – The Lancaster City Housing Authority is pleased to announce that it has applied to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for final approval of its Energy Performance Contract (EPC) program. The HUD EPC Program, which began in the 1980’s, is a primarily HUD funded approach that will allow LCHA to make much needed upgrades to its facilities and ensure reliable living environments for its residents, while also reducing LCHA’s operating cost and carbon footprint.
The Lancaster City Housing Authority is partnering with Johnson Controls for this initiative. Johnson Controls is a national leader in public housing and HUD EPC programs. As LCHA’s consultant, Johnson Controls brings significant expertise to this partnership. The collaboration also provides substantial benefits to the authority including grants and incentive support, design, construction planning and management, and performance assurances. The LCHA Board of Directors selected Johnson Controls as its HUD EPC consultant in July 2024 through an approved cooperative purchase agreement.
Work is set to commence pending final HUD approval in early 2025. Proposed renovations include HVAC system upgrades, building envelope enhancements, and domestic hot water upgrades, all designed to improve reliability and reduce operating costs. With HUD incentives, LCHA will also harness grants and utility incentives to fund this program. This proven approach will allow LCHA to achieve much-needed upgrades that would otherwise take many years to complete, allowing LCHA to continue to provide safe, comfortable, and reliable housing for the City of Lancaster’s most vulnerable residents.