Upon taking the oath of office on January 7, 2002 until my final day on January 4, 2010, much has transpired to help move our City forward. Those early days confronted our administration with the results of a mounting fiscal crisis and the wake of multiple indictments from the tragic deaths of Officer Henry Schaad and Lillie Belle Allen. These events and many others focused our energy and attention on turning the page of history, learning lessons from the past, and creating a new vision for York as a thriving urban community.

No one person is responsible for the progress we have made in the renewal and revitalization of the City of York. Let me be perfectly clear. Without the hard work, dedication and commitment of each and every City employee, our progress would have been impossible. Supported by other governmental leaders, an army of business and community partners, and the remarkable tenacity of our residents, together we have helped build a better York.

Key economic development initiatives have been advanced including the renovation of Martin Library, the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center, the former Futer Bros. Building and the County Administrative Center. New construction and rehabilitation have taken hold at the Graham Aquatic Center, the Crispus Attucks Early Learning Center, York’s first “green building,” the Greenway Tech Centre, the Glatfelter Library and the Pullo Family Performing Arts Center at Penn State York, the York County Judicial Center, the Susquehanna Commerce Center and Sovereign Bank Stadium. 

Neighborhood revitalization has sprouted through the Commonwealth’s first “Elm Street” project with the leadership of the YWCA in Old Towne East. A similar project in the westend with the YMCA offers hope to residents. The Fairmont project, the renovated Farquhar Park Bandstand, Liberty Garden and a renewed Lincoln Park have touched the northwest neighborhoods. 

New homes on Broad Street and the removal of decades of debris at the Graybill site and the Broad Street Greenway paved a bright path for the future. New residential efforts including the Codo projects, Tobacco Warehouse on York Street, the 30 SoHo Condos on Howard Avenue and 550 Lofts on South Pine Street offer new or renovated housing options. Removing scores of blighted properties and holding owners accountable for nuisances has helped us wage a real war on blight throughout our City.  

A comprehensive approach to utility updates and repaving of streets and avenues has shown significant results. Energy improvements to six city owned facilities, relamping of 100 signalized intersections, adding dozens of new streetlights and lighting up our buildings has shown a spotlight on York.

Park improvements in nearly every neighborhood in partnership with our “Angels” have been instrumental in investing in these vital community-gathering places. The establishment of the first-ever national affiliated Little League program for City youth, including new facilities at Allen and Bantz parks has been a real home run for our children.

Enhancing public safety services, especially the recent purchase of three new fire apparatus, new police cruisers and the Shotspotter detection system and cameras have bolstered our police and fire/rescue department personnel.

Internal improvements, including annual administrative budget hearings, our complaint tracking system, the Budget Based Accounting System, sewer/refuse billing and a user-friendly web site, have made government more open and accessible to the citizens we serve. 

The City/County partnership and agreement marked the first time in history a direct County appropriation supported city revitalization. Federal, state and local partners have come together to help address the challenges of urban life including the federal Weed & Seed designation, the Curfew Center and the Gang Prevention program.

At every turn, the progress we have made has been because of the increasingly diverse and talented core of City employees dedicated to making York better. Although smaller in number than in 2001, our employees have taken up the difficult task of doing more with less, all the while being professional and even joyful in their approach to public service. Together, we have made a difference. On behalf of our 40,862 residents, thank you for a job well done.

May you and your family have a special holiday season and a happy and healthy New Year.

John S. Brenner is outgoing Mayor of the City of York.