2 minute read
Dwelling Downtown in the Pursuit of Justice
For empty-nesters Chuck and Nancy Snyder, the choice to live in Downtown York is not just about affordability, accessibility, and community. The choice is about justice.
BY: JONATHAN DESMARAIS | Marketing & Communications Manager
After raising their four boys in the Avenues Neighborhood of York City in the 1990s and early 2000s, Chuck and Nancy wanted to downsize without sacrificing the sense of community that they found in their first city home. When they purchased an historic rowhome on Newberry Street in the WECO DISTRICT of Downtown York in 2010, community is just what they found. Whether it was a neighbor lending them a plunger, helping them with snow removal, or an impromptu backyard anti-racist book discussion, Chuck and Nancy couldn’t have found better neighbors.
Not only were the neighbors friendly, but so was the price. With a purchase price of less than $50,000, Chuck and Nancy were able to add their own personal touches of modern-day convenience while preserving the historic charm of their early 20th century home.
Whether it’s walking to the Holy Hound for trivia night, swimming at the YMCA, biking on the rail trail, sampling the diverse culinary delights of Penn and Central Markets, mentoring students at nearby Logos Academy, enjoying arts and culture festivals, walking to the library, or exploring the city’ s many playgrounds with their energetic grandson, they have it all, right outside their front door.
Chuck and Nancy Snyder outside their home in Downtown York
In addition to the vibrant cultural life that city life provides them, Chuck and Nancy appreciate the growing business community. “I love seeing highly-skilled professionals, whose work could thrive anywhere, purposefully root their businesses in the city to contribute to its prosperity,” says Nancy. While Chuck and Nancy certainly enjoy the affordability and accessibility of city life, ultimately their decision to put down roots in the city is all about equity.
“We could have bought a smaller house in the suburbs, for a much higher price, and paid less in taxes. Then the bank, rather than the city, would be getting our money. I’d rather invest in the city,” explains Nancy.
She goes on to share that by choosing to live and pay taxes in York City, “I’m going to help the 1,260 English language learners in the York City School District. My taxes will help more than 1,300 students with special needs. I’m making a difference, for decades to come.”
