
The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA)
celebrated the opening of the latest phase of the Sharswood
Transformation Plan known as the Blumberg 83, reflecting the number
of factory-built homes on the site near 23rd & Jefferson
Streets. The modular manufacturing process significantly reduces
the amount of construction waste and energy use. The new rental
units consist of a mix of townhomes and multi-unit walk-up
buildings.

PHA held the grand opening for the Blumberg 83 at 23rd and
Jefferson Streets, the latest phase of the Sharswood Transformation
Plan. Shown here is the spacious kitchen area in one of the units.
The units range in size from 616 square feet to 1,641 square feet,
with the average unit size 1,167 square feet. Modular manufacturing
significantly reduces the amount of construction waste and energy
use.
(Philadelphia, PA - December 18, 2019) - The
Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) today celebrated the opening
of the latest phase of the Sharswood Transformation Plan known as
the Blumberg 83, reflecting the number of factory-built homes on
the site near 23rd & Jefferson Streets.
"These new homes are attractive, energy efficient, and cost
effective. They were built in a quality controlled environment
before shipment here, ensuring that precise specifications were
met," said PHA President and CEO Kelvin Jeremiah. "PHA wants the
very finest product possible as we continue to work to transform
Sharswood into a neighborhood of choice."
Blumberg 83 features sustainable design elements guided by two
green rating programs; Enterprise Green Communities and Energy Star
Certified Homes. The modular manufacturing process significantly
reduces the amount of construction waste and energy use.
"It is heartening to see PHA continuing to progress in
rebuilding the Sharswood community," said Mayor Jim Kenney. "I am
thrilled to see the opening of this latest phase of the Sharswood
Blumberg transformation plan, and right on schedule.
Congratulations to everyone on the PHA team and to the residents
who will be living in these beautiful homes. I look forward to
returning to celebrate the opening of still more affordable housing
developments in this community."
"Philadelphia, like many American communities, needs more
efficient, affordable housing and I am glad to see that these units
are beginning to open up," said City Council President Darrell
Clarke. "I am firmly committed to working with PHA to see that our
neediest residents have housing in a safe, clean place to live in
walkable neighborhoods."
The Blumberg 83 Apartments consist of 83 new rental units spread
across a mix of townhomes and multi-unit walk-up buildings. They
are part of PHA's Blumberg/Sharswood Transformation Plan and a key
component of the Choice Neighborhood Initiative planning grant
awarded by HUD in 2013.
"We've come a long way since the $500,000 Choice Neighborhood
Planning Grant was awarded in 2013," said Joe DeFelice, Regional
Administrator of HUD's Mid-Atlantic region. "With each grand
opening, we are getting closer to seeing the Sharswood/Blumberg
neighborhood reach its full potential. I'm proud HUD continues to
be a strong, federal partner in the ongoing efforts to make that
happen."
The units will range in size from 616 square feet to 1,641
square feet, with the average unit size 1,167 square feet.
Residents of the development will have access to a community
center, landscaped green space, and PHA management office.
All units will receive subsidy under the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Rental Assistance
Demonstration Program (RAD). As part of RAD, each unit in the
development will have a secure 20-year Project Based Voucher (PBV)
Housing Assistance Payment contract.
Blumberg 83 will exceed federal, state, and local accessibility
requirements. There will be 10 accessible units and three units for
the hearing/visually impaired. All townhomes and ground floor units
in the walkup buildings will meet 'VisitAbility'
requirements.