HUD Approves PHA Annual MTW Plan for FY2020
PHA Holds Open House for Senior Apts. At Norris Phase II
(Philadelphia, PA – May 7, 2019) -The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) today welcomed seniors to an open house featuring apartments designed especially for them at Norris Apartments Phase II in the city’s North Central neighborhood.
Former residents of the old Norris Apartments site, including seniors, have the right of return to the redeveloped apartment complex which now sits on both sides of the regional rail station that serves Temple University. Twenty-six of the 89 units at the complex are senior preference units, located in two small apartment buildings. The development complements ongoing private housing and commercial development in the neighborhood.
“We want residents to make an informed decision about returning to this neighborhood,” said PHA President and CEO Kelvin A. Jeremiah. “They need to see the opportunities that now exist in this community as it becomes more fashionable than it was before.”
Jeremiah acknowledged that moving is never easy, but the benefits in this instance are great and noted that PHA covers the cost of their move back into the neighborhood as required by federal law. The location has a spacious community room, the housing authority will handle the residents’ cable connection, and the neighborhood is very walkable with great transit options.
“The new Norris Apartments represent our ongoing commitment toward making sure every neighborhood in the City of Philadelphia is welcoming and inclusive to people of all incomes and ages,” Council President Darrell L. Clarke said. “We are fulfilling a promise made to this particular community: As Philly grows and evolves, we will continue to put longtime residents like you first. Welcome home!”
Norris Apartments Phase II represents the third of five phases of development 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. Infilling the “missing teeth” of the once continuous street façades of the early 20th century, these new homes put vacant land to productive use once again while repopulating this once thriving working class community.
“Senior citizens help to stabilize the neighborhood because they have long term knowledge about it,” said Norris Apartments Resident Council President Donna Richardson.
Richardson, who pushed for specially designed senior units at the development, feels that they contribute to the quality of life in a community because they are active in churches or social organizations and may have family members in the immediate area.
Norris Apartments Phase II is diverse in its demographic composition as it considers multigenerational, visitablity/accessibility, as well as families, and integrates all of these populations within the broader neighborhood. This strategy allows close proximity to promote shared experiences between neighbors, independent of their differences. Residents played an integral role in the vision for the redesign of the neighborhood.
PHA Completes Major Rehab of Senior High Rise in Sharswood
Former Blumberg Tower has a new name and look
(Philadelphia, PA – March 20, 2019) – The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) today celebrated the redevelopment of a 13-story high rise senior building-the only building left standing after the demolition of the rest of the Blumberg Apartments. The redevelopment of the building, now known as Sharswood Tower, marks the latest stage of the Choice Neighborhood Transformation Plan for the Sharswood/Blumberg neighborhood.
“The modernization of these apartments is a key part of the Choice Neighborhood Initiative transformation plan,” said PHA President and CEO Kelvin A. Jeremiah. “All former residents have the right to return now that the work is completed. I want to thank them for their patience throughout this process. I extend my deep appreciation to Mayor Kenney, Council President Clarke and their staffs for their ongoing support and assistance on this phase of our overall revitalization effort in this neighborhood.”
“PHA continues to make great progress in transforming the Sharswood community,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “I’m sure the seniors who lived here when living conditions were less than ideal are very happy to be moving back to this beautifully renovated building in this rapidly improving neighborhood. Congratulations to everyone involved on the PHA team and I wish the residents the best in their new apartments.”
“Thanks to the Choice Neighborhood Initiative transformation plan, Philadelphians from all walks of life have the security and stability that comes with quality, affordable housing,” Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District) said. “Everyone deserves to be housed, and everyone deserves to retire with dignity. I’m grateful to our partners including PHA who are working to ensure truly golden years for our seniors.”
The renovations include: a new community room, offices, elevators, kitchens, bathrooms, mechanical systems, heating, hot water, central air conditioning, entrance and lobby, parking lot and driveway. The total redevelopment cost is approximately $28,000,000, which was funded by tax-exempt bonds, PHA funds, and limited partner equity.
“HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration program is giving families a better place to call home,” said Joe DeFelice, regional administrator of HUD’s Mid-Atlantic region. “The program has made the transformation and complete rehabilitation of the former Blumberg Senior Tower possible, securing nearly $28 million in public-private construction investment. The major redevelopment even provided employment opportunities for PHA residents through HUD’s Section 3 program. All great reasons to celebrate”
All 94 of the senior units have been converted from public housing to Project Based Vouchers under HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration Program (RAD). As part of RAD, the Development will include a 20-year Project Based Voucher Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract. At least 10 percent of the units will be reserved for seniors earning 20% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or less. Under the HAP contract, tenants will not be responsible for utilities supplied to their unit.
