Creating usable green-space in York City
The Codorus Creek is a staple of York City’s downtown landscape. Running through the city, and out into the surrounding areas, the Codorus is ripe with opportunity for revitalization. That is precisely what YCEA’s Codorus Creek Initiative aims to do. With the help of the Powder Mill Foundation, this project that has been discussed for decades can finally take shape.
The Codorus Creek Beautification Initiative hopes to breathe new life into the Codorus. The plan focuses on restoring access to the creek shoreline, reducing flooding impacts, providing increased public recreation amenities, and encouraging economic development.
A central feature of the redevelopment will be a 1.4-mile greenway on the creek shore. This greenway will connect the Codorus with the York Heritage Rail Trail, local roads and existing bike and pedestrian paths.
In addition to creating usable green-space for York residents and visitors, the initiative will also enhance the ecological health of the Codorus Creek Watershed. The affected section of the Codorus Creek was originally built to convey flood waters; with improvements, the creek will be reconnected to its floodplain and have a buffer from water quality impacts from nearby overhead highways, run-off, erosion and lack of shade. Powder Mill Foundation’s support will allow the YCEA to leverage millions of dollars in state and federal grants.
As an avid champion of York’s potential, we believe Louis Appell would be whole-heartedly supportive of this project. Mr. Appell spearheaded many similar initiatives that make stagnant or ugly elements of the city beautiful and functional.
Kevin Schreiber, YCEA President & CEO
The YCEA has partnered with Powder Mill Foundation on other projects, notably the Yorktowne Hotel redevelopment project. We are proud to share Mr. Appell‘s passion for the development of York City, and are excited to see this project come to fruition. The beautification of the Codorus Creek will transform the face of York City and create a lasting positive impact on the York community.
