The new Queen Lane Apartments are comprised of townhouses
and stacked flats. Most units have private, covered entry porches
and access to a rear yard patio or deck
space.
Overview
PHA demolished the Queen Lane high-rise at 301 W. Queen Lane in
Germantown and plans to construct 55 new, affordable rental units
for individuals and families.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is PHA not building homeownership units at the new Queen
Lane?
- There is a critical need for affordable rental housing in the
City and in the Germantown neighborhood.
PHA has built homeownership units at some of its new, mixed income
developments in the recent past. Unfortunately, the HOPE VI funding
used to build these rental and homeownership developments is no
longer available. In addition, it's very important to note that the
current housing market is discouraging for new home sales.
Please be advised that PHA's Homeownership Department does offer
opportunities through its homeownership counseling program; its
Housing Choice Voucher (HCV - formerly Section 8) Homeownership
Program, and its 5H Homeownership Program for scattered sites
residents wanting to buy the house they currently occupy. You can learn more about PHA's
Homeownership Programs here.
- What will happen to Kelly Playground?
- Housing was built along the periphery of the site, including a
portion of what was the playground. PHA successfully worked with
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on the
Section 106 historical preservation process in the area that once
contained a potter's field. Learn more about the 106 process at
HUD's website. PHA has committed $500,000 toward the purchase of
two lots to replace a playground that formerly occupied part of the
current site; one lot would be a "tot lot" while the other would
contain a
basketball court.
- Will construction disturb the burial grounds?
-
No. Also, after demolition, in accordance with a Programmatic
Agreement, archaeological monitors were required to be on site each
day during the removal of the building debris. The total number of
artifacts recovered is approximately 6,000. They were mostly
domestic in nature, and included ceramics (plates, toys, teapots),
glass (bottles, architectural), animal (food) bones, architectural
items (things like nails), and personal items such as smoking pipes
and fragments of musical instruments.
The old Queen Lane high rise that was constructed on a portion of
the potter's field was "a burial place for all Strangers, Negroes
and Mulattos as Die in any part of Germantown, forever." The field
dates back to 1755 and PHA is sensitive to the historic nature of
the site. The green space that the new housing surrounds is
believed to be the area of the former burial site. Nothing will
ever be built on it in the future. A historic marker sits at the
front of the development in remembrance of people formerly buried
there.
- How will the community benefit?
- PHA's redevelopment efforts positively impact the communities
we serve. Crime rates have dropped dramatically while property
values have risen in neighborhoods where PHA demolished high-rises
and rebuilt modern developments. In addition, the demolition of the
high-rise, the development of 55 new units, and the treatment of
the potter's field has improved the aesthetics of the neighborhood.
Community members will also have access to the new community space
at Queen Lane.
- What services does PHA offer to residents?
- PHA offers a wide variety of services to residents including
education, job skills training, job placement, healthy lifestyle,
nutrition, recreation and independent living programs for youth,
adults and elderly residents. A service coordinator will be
available on site part-time at the new Queen Lane development as
well.
Documents
Phase I Archaeological Survey
Maps and Renderings
Implosion Documents
The implosion was held on Saturday, September 13, 2014 at 7:15
a.m. PHA outreach workers conducted surveys and provided the
following information about the implosion.
Community Meeting Minutes
- December
15, 2011
- January 5,
2012
- January 19,
2012
- March 29,
2012
- May
10, 2012
- June
14, 2012
- July
12, 2012
- March 13,
2014 (Presentation)
- August 7,
2014
- August 14,
2014
- December 4,
2014 (Agenda)
- March 12,
2015
- July
30, 2015 (Presentation)
Contact Us
If you have additional questions about the new Queen Lane
redevelopment, please email us
at info@pha.phila.gov .
