The Lancaster City Council's Population & Steets report reveals some interesting facts. Its exempt appendix contained a recommendation to support over 9,000 new dwellings in the area. However, the public report did not mention this obligation. That was because the exempt appendix was justified under Schedule 12A, paragraph 3 of the Local Government Act 1972. This enables the council to make a decision without the need to consult the public.
In Lancaster City, the overall median income is $45,000, and affordable housing is limited. Most of the city's housing units are priced based on the county median income, which is $66,000. But Lancaster city council president, Danene Sorace, envisions a housing development that will be affordable to households earning below the median income, requiring less than 30% of a household's income. He envisions multiple-level structures with affordable units, along with retail and social services.
The new district also features two well-known city council members. Janet Diaz is looking for support from the Hispanic community, while Izzy Smith-Wade-El has strong support from the local Democratic Party and local community leaders. In fact, the new district is expected to continue development into the 2040s. This is good news for Democrats in the 49th House District. If she wins, she will represent the city's South Lancaster City.
The city has called a special meeting to discuss the issue. The grant would help pay for some of the costs of new homes and infrastructure in the area, but not all. Residents have repeatedly asked for evidence to support the upward target of 9,185 new dwellings. At the meeting, council officers tried to justify this number as a 'business case figure'. However, residents were unimpressed with the answers and demanded a public discussion.