PHA President & CEO Kelvin
Jeremiah presents a homecoming gift to Norris resident Barbara
Harris who is moving into one of the new units at Norris Phase
II.
PHA
formally opened the Norris Apartments Phase II in the city's North
Central neighborhood. The 89-unit development represents the second
of five phases to be developed under a $30 million Choice
Neighborhoods Implementation grant.
An overview of the living room at
one of the 89 new rental units at Norris Phase II. The new
development has high sustainability goals and will seek
certification from LEED, Energy Star Homes, and Enterprise Green
Communities.
(Philadelphia, PA - October 12, 2018)-
The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) and the City of
Philadelphia celebrated the completion of the Norris Apartments
Phase II at a ceremony today in the city's North Central
neighborhood. The development represents the third of five phases
developed following the award of a $30 million Choice Neighborhoods
Implementation grant to the City of Philadelphia and PHA by the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in June
2014.
Norris Phase II consists of 89 newly constructed rental units.
It partially replaces an existing 147-unit low-rise development
that dates back to late 1959 and early 1960 which has become
obsolete. The development area is next to the Temple University
regional rail station and bounded by 9th Street on the West,
Diamond Street to the North, Marshall Street to the East, and Berks
Street to the South.
"We're thrilled to see the renewal of this neighborhood as we
work toward building a stronger, safer, more vibrant and
sustainable community," said PHA President and CEO Kelvin A.
Jeremiah. "The Choice Neighborhoods Implementation grant that makes
this and other redevelopment activities possible is one of the most
significant investments in affordable housing by the federal
government in recent years."
PHA and the City of Philadelphia were awarded a $30 million
Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant by HUD in June 2014 to
revitalize the North Central neighborhood. A series of community
meetings identified a number of resident priorities: more job
training and opportunities; reduced crime and increased
neighborhood safety; elimination of trash-strewn vacant land; and
high-quality educational resources. The North Central Philadelphia
transformation plan will address all of these areas of concern.
"Norris Phase II - and the Norris Development overall - is a
great example of the kind of great outcome the City and PHA can
accomplish together, especially when we listen to the community for
what they think a choice neighborhood should include," said Mayor
Jim Kenney. "The wait has been long, but North Philadelphia
residents can finally benefit from energy-efficient housing, near
great transportation options and other amenities, in an attractive
neighborhood teeming with potential. I thank all of the partners
involved who put so much effort into this
venture."
"I'm pleased to see the City and our state and federal partners
follow through on key commitments to affordability in one of the
fastest-growing parts of Philadelphia," Council President Darrell
L. Clarke said. "We have demonstrative proof that earlier
investments in this community are paying off, and that equitable,
inclusive growth is possible. I want to thank PHA and all of our
partners for continuing to leverage resources effectively in
service to our residents."
"One of the main reasons we are able to celebrate the grand
opening of Norris Phase II is the $30 million grant awarded through
HUD's Choice Neighborhoods Program," said Joe DeFelice, Regional
Administrator of HUD's Mid-Atlantic region. "Although the grant was
awarded more than four years ago, its impact continues to be felt
every day in the community. The ongoing development in North
Central Philadelphia is creating a sense of renewed hope and
opportunity while leveraging even more dollars through
public-private partnerships. I'm proud we were able to make all of
this possible."
"Today's grand opening shows that the Department of Planning and
Development's coordinated approach is working," said Anne Fadullon,
Director of Planning and Development for the City. "Project
partners included not only PHA, DHCD and PRA, but also our Division
of Development Services, which helped with the permitting process.
Providing that kind of support for affordable housing is one of our
goals, and we're pleased we could play an important role here."
To obtain the grant, the City worked with more than forty
partners, including the School District of Philadelphia, Temple
University, the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA), the
Philadelphia Police Department, local leaders and community
stakeholders through the Office of Community Housing and
Development to create the resident-driven North Central
Philadelphia transformation plan.
Norris Phase II complements ongoing private housing and
commercial development in the neighborhood. The housing authority
has invested $36 million to make the new homes a reality.
The new development has high sustainability goals and will seek
certification from LEED, Energy Star Homes and Enterprise Green
Communities. Ultimately, five phases of construction will take
place in the North Central neighborhood over five years with the
creation of 267 rental units and 30 homeownership units.