PHA Residents Get In the Driver’s Seat: PHA and Zipcar are partnering to provide residents at four housing sites with convenient access to Zipcars, the world’s leading shared ride service. PHA Board Commissioner Ethel Wise (green coat) and Council Member Katherine Gilmore Richardson (blue suit) hold the scissors as Council member Kenyatta Johnson (far left); PHA President and CEO Kelvin Jeremiah; PHA Board Chair Lynette Brown-Sow, and Zipcar President Angelo Adams look on.

Media Contacts:

• Philadelphia Housing Authority: Nichole Tillman| [email protected] | 215-888-2869
• Zipcar: Ashley Leduc | [email protected] | 413-374-8513

 

Philadelphia Housing Authority and Zipcar Partner to Bring Car-Sharing Vehicles to Residents as Economic Mobility Tool

Access to vehicles will drive new opportunities for 80,000 residents

PHILADELPHIA, November 18, 2023 – The Philadelphia Housing Authority, the nation’s fourth largest and leading housing authority, and Zipcar, the world’s leading car-sharing network, today celebrated the launch of a new partnership that will provide shared vehicles to residents of the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA). Zipcar estimates that members of the communities, who may not be able to access an affordable, convenient vehicle when they need one, will now take thousands of trips for errands, medical and professional appointments, leisure trips, out-of-town travel and small business needs.

“Our mission is to open doors to affordable housing, economic opportunity and safe, sustainable communities to benefit Philadelphia residents with low incomes,” said Kelvin A. Jeremiah, PHA President & CEO. “We provide tools to residents to assist with economic mobility. Zipcar is one of those tools. Now residents will have access to transportation in real time to get job interviews or other amenities throughout the community.”

“Zipcar is thrilled to partner with the Philadelphia Housing Authority to bring affordable, convenient access to vehicles, and better yet, professional job and personal opportunity to its residents,” said Angelo Adams, Head of Zipcar and Philadelphia native. “Public partners are tackling a growing trifecta – climate, equity and mobility issues – and because of this, Zipcar is seeing increased demand for car sharing in cities, especially underserved communities. Growing up in the Logan neighborhood of North Philadelphia, I’m eager to see Zipcar help drive this community forward.”

Eight Zipcars will be available 24/7 on-demand by the hour, day or week in two dedicated, on-street parking spots located at John F. Street Community Center, the Lucien Blackwell Community Center, the Vaux Community Building and the Wilson Park Apartments. Recently, the PHA received a grant for a Jobs Plus Initiative Program designed to help Wilson Park residents between the ages of 18 to 64 increase their incomes, achieve self-sufficiency and find better-paying job opportunities. Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the program launched in January 2022 and will end in December 2025. The Zipcars will help residents drive to job interviews, healthcare appointments and run important errands.

Discounted membership will be available exclusively to Philadelphia Housing Authority residents in addition to the costs of gas, insurance options, parking, maintenance, roadside service and 180 miles, all of which are included in a Zipcar membership. With the cost of car ownership on the rise, Zipcar estimates it saves its average member $1,000 monthly on costs associated with transportation. To join, book and drive, Philadelphia Housing Authority residents simply visit https://www.zipcar.com/partners/pha

Car Sharing’s Impact on Philadelphia

Since 2007, Zipcar has been providing Philadelphians with access to a vehicle without the cost or hassles of car ownership. Today, more than 300 Zipcar vehicles can be easily found at 140 locations a

cross several neighborhoods including South Philly, Spring Garden, West Philly, University City, Fishtown, Old City, Washington Square and Rittenhouse.

Studies show that Zipcar reduces personal vehicle ownership in cities nationwide, including Philadelphia. The round-trip car-sharing model reduces congestion and carbon emissions while also fueling the use of sustainable transportation modes like public transit, bike sharing, walking and car sharing, for destinations that require driving. According to Zipcar’s annual North American Transportation Survey¹, more than 70% of Philadelphia members state that Zipcar plays an important role in their lives by:

• Cutting Costs of Car Ownership: Nearly 60% of members in Philadelphia joined Zipcar to avoid the costs of car ownership (car payments, gas, insurance, parking, etc.); Nearly 90% of members do not own a car and about half postponed buying or leasing because of Zipcar
• Saving Money: 50% put money saved from Zipcar towards savings, and one third put towards groceries and/or housing
• Accessing Opportunity: 80% of Zipcar members in Philadelphia are within convenient walking distance of a Zipcar and primarily drive for work, appointments, out of town trips, to visit family or friends, to grocery shop and run errands.
• Serving All Philadelphians: In Philadelphia, Zipcar helps provide transportation to a diverse member base who may not otherwise have access to a vehicle: 50% of members have less than Pennsylvania’s median household income, 55% live in multi-family housing, 46% identify as BIPOC.

The launch at the Philadelphia Housing Authority builds on Zipcar’s partnerships with underserved communities including The New York City Housing Authority, where Zipcar was the first to provide car-sharing to the nation’s largest housing authority, and The City of Sacramento’s “OurCommunityCarShare” program, an innovative zero emissions mobility program powered by Zipcar electric vehicles.

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About PHA

The Philadelphia Housing Authority’s mission is to open doors to affordable housing, economic opportunity and safe, sustainable communities to benefit Philadelphia residents with low incomes. Learn more at www.pha.phila.gov.

 

About Zipcar
Zipcar is the world’s leading car-sharing network, driven by a mission to enable simple and responsible urban living. With its wide variety of self-service vehicles available by the hour, day or week, Zipcar operates in urban areas and university campuses in hundreds of cities, towns, and universities. Zipcar is a subsidiary of Avis Budget Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: CAR), a leading global provider of transportation solutions. More information is available at www.zipcar.com

 

We’re sorry for any inconvenience.

 

A public hearing will be held virtually on

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2023 – 2:00pm

https://pha.webex.com/pha/j.php?MTID=mce431d37bf96639f982ceb4f2b30dd4f

or WebEx.com Meeting Number: 2343 608 6822; Password: MTW25

Or Join By Phone: 1-844-621-3956; Password: MTW25 (68925)

 

A public hearing will be held virtually on

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2023 – 2:00pm

https://pha.webex.com/pha/j.php?MTID=mce431d37bf96639f982ceb4f2b30dd4f

or WebEx.com Meeting Number: 2343 608 6822; Password: MTW25

Or Join By Phone: 1-844-621-3956; Password: MTW25 (68925)

A New Gateway to Sharswood: The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) achieved a new milestone today as it broke ground on Sharswood Phase III, a 224-unit housing development featuring retail, modern apartments, and substantial community amenities. From left are:  Chris Johnson, representing  Sen. Bob Casey’s office; Robin Wiessmann of PHFA; HUD Regional Director Robert J. Ford; State Sen. Sharif Street; Council President Darrell L. Clarke; State. Rep. Donna Bullock; PHA President and CEO Kelvin A. Jeremiah; PHA Commissioner Bonnie Camarda; PHA Commissioner Asia Coney; former City Council person Jannie Blackwell, and Lindsey Samsi, Senior Developer for Pennrose.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 11, 2023

Contact: Emily White, Maven Communications
[email protected]

Nichole Tillman, PHA, 215-888- 2869
[email protected]

 

Philadelphia Housing Authority, Pennrose and Hunt Bring More Homes to Sharswood as part as the Neighborhood Transformation

 Sharswood Phase III will add 224 brand new, mixed-income homes, retail space, and on-site supportive services as it creates a vibrant gateway to Sharswood

 (Philadelphia) – Pennrose, the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA), Hunt Companies Inc. (Hunt), and project partners celebrated the groundbreaking of Sharswood Crossing III, the third phase in the Sharswood Transformation Plan. Phase III will transform the formerly desolate blocks situated in the northwest corner of PHA’s Sharswood Blumberg Choice Neighborhood Initiative (CNI) grant into 224, brand new, mixed-income homes with ground floor retail, community amenities, and robust on-site supportive services for families.

“Sharswood III opens a gateway to the Ridge Avenue commercial corridor as it jumpstarts more equitable development and creates new employment opportunities,” said Kelvin A. Jeremiah, President and CEO of PHA. “Pennrose and Hunt Companies have developed strong reputations for building quality, affordable housing and offering the amenities, contemporary life styles, and supportive services that residents need to flourish. With this ground breaking, we attain another significant milestone in Sharswood.”

“We are thrilled to join PHA and the project’s many stakeholders and advocates to mark the exciting next step in the comprehensive, full-scale Sharswood revitalization,” said Jacob Fisher, regional vice president at Pennrose. “This initiative is a significant – and impactful – undertaking, and we are honored to help achieve PHA’s vision of bringing quality affordable housing and meaningful supportive services to an area facing rapid gentrification, while also spurring continued private investment in the neighborhood.”

“With each development of more, new affordable housing in Sharswood, we are transforming this section of North Philadelphia – one development at a time,” said Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District). “There’s an urgent need for affordable housing for families as they grow and their needs change. Another big step forward today for North Philadelphia — we’re grateful to PHA and all of our partners.”

Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-3) said, “I’m pleased to see Phase III of the Sharswood Transformation Plan moving forward! I helped PHA to secure $30 million in federal funding, leveraging over $225 million in investment, to revitalize the Sharswood-Blumberg neighborhood, and I believe this is an important way that we can rebuild Philadelphia, block by block!”

“Today’s groundbreaking is another milestone- for the Sharswood Blumberg Transformation Plan,” said State Rep. Donna Bullock. “PHA, its development partners, and the local residents have planned and worked together to reimagine this neighborhood as an affordable, choice neighborhood. It is so exciting to support and see another project underway toward that goal.”

Sharswood Crossing III is comprised of three components to deliver a mix of multi-family buildings, townhomes, and flats, with 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom options available to families at a range of affordability levels.

Part 1                                                                                                                           

Located at Ridge Avenue and Master Street, the first component of Phase III is one four-story and one five-story building. The ground floor of both buildings will include retail space, a management suite, and community room. The residential floors above will include a total of 42 affordable units and 15 market rate units. Of the 42 affordable units, six will be affordable to households at 20% AMI or less, 14 at 50% of AMI or less, and 22 at 60% AMI or less. There will be 38 one-bedroom and 19 two-bedroom apartments.

Part 2

The second component will offer a mix of townhomes and flats with Oxford Street to the north, Nassau Street to the south, 24th Street to the east, and 25th Street to the west. There will be 84 affordable units and 20 market rate units. Of the 84 affordable units, 11 will be affordable to households at 20% AMI or less, 27 at 50% of AMI or less, and 46 at 60% AMI or less. There will be 33 two-bedroom, 61 three-bedroom, and 10 four-bedroom apartments.

Part 3

The third and final section of phase III will be a 63-unit scattered site development with a mix of townhomes and flats on 25th Street, the 2400 block of Nassau and Jefferson Street, the 2200 block of Master and Ingersoll Streets, the 2000 block of Ridge Avenue, and one four-story multifamily building at the corner of Master Street and 21st Street. All 63 units will be affordable, with nine units available for households at 20% AMI or less, 25 at 50% of AMI or less, and 29 at 60% AMI or less. There will be 9 one-bedroom, 42 two-bedroom, 6 three-bedroom, and 6 four-bedroom apartments.

In April 2020, PHA received a $30 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in support of the entire Sharswood initiative. Since work began on the Sharswood Transformation Plan in 2016, In Sharswood, 526 affordable and mixed-income units are complete and 498 are under construction. Once completed, the Sharswood revitalization will create more than 1,200 new units.

 

About Pennrose
With more than 50 years of experience, Pennrose combines quality development and proven management to deliver exceptional lifestyle-centered communities for its residents. With the superior knowledge and unparalleled dedication to get the job done right, Pennrose develops and operates conventional, affordable, mixed-income, and mixed-use communities throughout the United States. For more information visit www.pennrose.com.

 

About PHA

The Philadelphia Housing Authority’s mission is to open doors to affordable housing, economic opportunity and safe, sustainable communities to benefit Philadelphia residents with low incomes. Learn more at www.pha.phila.gov.

 

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