Comprehensive plan advances amid debate over survey findings and 'banned words' concerns

The council committee advanced the city’s comprehensive plan to the May 5 legislative agenda after a debate about language, inclusion and the plan’s public-survey findings.

Councilwoman Genesco framed the history of the plan’s development—including COVID delays and administration changes—and raised concerns that federal guidance and a list of “banned words” had pressured edits to language that reflects community diversity and needs. She said the plan is intended to be broad, to support grants and to avoid immediate zoning changes until specific ordinance updates are proposed.

Tammy Fieldhouse (director) said the intent was to have the plan on the May 5 agenda and that staff were available to answer questions. During public comment, Manuel Gomez, who identified himself as a York City resident, criticized how the plan published survey results. Gomez cited figures from the plan (as he read them) that he said show only 26% of respondents agreed that city leaders give equal help to people of all races and ethnicities who want to open a business, which he interpreted as 74% not agreeing; he raised a second question in which he said only 14% agreed city leaders give equal help across neighborhoods. Gomez urged staff and council to treat those findings as instructive and questioned the plan’s current utility.

Council members thanked the public commenter and discussed next steps; one member moved the resolution for placement on May 5 and it was seconded and advanced by voice vote. Staff said the comprehensive plan is broad and that future zoning ordinance updates would be the vehicle for regulatory change.

The committee’s discussion and the public comment highlight civic debate over how the plan presents public feedback and whether its conclusions reflect current community conditions. Councilors indicated they would pursue additional follow-up and inquiries with administration staff and consultants about fund allocations and potential reallocation of ARPA funds for specific projects referenced in the discussion.