Philadelphia Housing Authority and Frankel Enterprises  cut the ribbon on Bucknell Square and Girard Commons, two workforce housing communities totaling 73 affordable homes. (L to R Aren Platt , City of Philadelphia Chief Deputy Mayor of Planning and Strategic Initiatives, PHA Board Member Darrell Clarke, City Council President Kenyatta Johnson,  Zach and Max Frankel, Councilman Jeffery Young, Jr., 5^th District, HUD Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Richard J. Monoccohio, Lynette Brown-Sow, PHA Board Chair,  Kelvin A. Jeremiah, PHA President and CEO¸ Christopher Johnson Regional Representative, U.S. Senator Bob Casey)

Contacts: PHA Nichole Tillman, [email protected], (215) 888-2869

Frankel Enterprises and PHA Host a Ribbon Cutting for Bucknell Square and Girard Commons

73 Affordable Homes Are Revitalizing the Site of the Former Norman Blumberg Apartments

Philadelphia, PA (Sept. 27, 2024) – Philadelphia Housing Authority and Frankel Enterprises today cut the ribbon on Bucknell Square and Girard Commons, two workforce housing communities totaling 73 affordable homes located in the Sharswood neighborhood.

The new homes at Bucknell Square are on the site of the former Norman Blumberg Apartments, a half-century-old public housing complex demolished in 2016 that for years was the epicenter of crime and poverty in the area. The new workforce housing helps revitalize the neighborhood and represents part of a $30 million Sharswood Blumberg Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grant (CNI) that was awarded to the City of Philadelphia and the PHA in 2020.

“Sharswood has become a neighborhood of choice due to the high-quality homes and amenities that PHA and likeminded partners like Frankel Enterprises have brought to this community,” said Kelvin A. Jeremiah, President and CEO of PHA. “This mixed-income community currently has the building blocks to foster a vibrant community – an expanding commercial corridor, sustainable, award-winning housing developments, community venues where people can connect and grow, and now these workforce homes that offer lifestyle options. This type of neighborhood revitalization is only possible with alignment of resources. I would like to thank HUD, Mayor Parker and the Frankels for investing with PHA into Sharswood. ”

“HUD is committed to empowering residents, investing in communities, and increasing the supply of affordable housing for hard-working Americans,” said Richard J. Monocchio, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public and Indian Housing at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. “With the support of Sharswood neighborhood stakeholders and our trusted partners at the Philadelphia Housing Authority and Frankel Enterprises, we are proud to celebrate the addition of new affordable workforce housing made possible in part through HUD’s Choice Neighborhoods program.”

“It is tremendous to see Sharswood continue to improve and blossom in front of our eyes,” said Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “This latest addition of 73 affordable and beautiful homes at Bucknell Square and Girard Commons will not only make homeownership a possibility for so many families, but it will enhance what is steadily becoming an attractive area to live and work. I applaud Kelvin Jeremiah, PHA and Frankel Enterprises, along with HUD and other city agencies, for working together to bring this unique project to fruition for Philadelphians. There is a great deal of work that goes into a transformation like this, and the power of partnership is a big part of its success.”

“When families have safe, affordable housing, communities are stronger and neighborhoods thrive,” said Senator Casey. “Investing in our housing and our neighborhoods helps improve safety and well-being for residents while also supporting the growth of local businesses. I am grateful to HUD and the Philadelphia Housing Authority team for their commitment to providing quality housing in Sharswood, revitalizing the neighborhood, and uplifting the community.”

“Far too many Philadelphians struggle to find and maintain housing, resulting in a housing famine caused by lack of affordable housing and an increasing number of unhoused in the city,” said State Senator Sharif Street. “This project will help Philadelphians secure housing, build stronger communities, and increase community safety. Homeownership not only builds wealth, it helps families create equity to establish businesses, provide opportunities for higher education, and improves health and wellness. A home is where the heart is but is also where the heart lives longer. Benefits of homeownership include building savings, financial stability, lowering stress, and increasing wellbeing in children. I applaud Frankel Enterprises and the Philadelphia Housing Authority for bringing affordable homeownership to Sharswood.”

“Today’s celebration speaks to the power of innovative and collaborative real estate development,” said Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson (Second District). He continued, “The Bucknell Square and Girard Commons represent what is possible when public and private entities work together with a shared vision to ensure long-term stability and affordably priced housing in Philadelphia.”

“The transformation of the Blumberg Apartments into high-quality, affordable housing at Bucknell Square and Girard Commons reflects our commitment to making sought-after communities like Sharswood more accessible by expanding opportunities for homeownership,” said Councilman Jeffery Young, Jr., 5^th District.

“We’re thrilled to do another transformative development in partnership with the Philadelphia Housing Authority,” said Max Frankel, Principal of Frankel Enterprises. “Homeownership is a key factor in stabilizing neighborhoods and creating intergenerational wealth for residents. We look forward to supporting continued community revitalization through high-quality housing for families in Sharswood.”

“This project is a great example of interagency cooperation and partnership,” said Angel Rodriguez, Senior Vice President of Land Services, PHDC and Executive Director, Philadelphia Land Bank. “We have all heard about Mayor Parker’s strategy for creating more units of #affordableluxury for Philadelphia residents, and this project definitely meets those criteria. The units are beautiful, and a direct outcome of when the city, strategic partners and developers work together to create the best possible housing options for potential homebuyers.”

Bucknell Square and Girard Commons workforce housing developments are a collection of new construction of single-family houses and condominium units, each consisting of 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom floorplans. Bucknell Square has 36 single family homes with private backyards, assigned private parking, a roof deck, and a rear patio. Girard Commons features a collection of 37 single-family homes and condominium-type units with private outdoor space. Prices start at $250,000 and go up to $300,000.

The city offers several homeowner assistance grants for homebuyers.

Interested parties can learn more about the projects and virtually tour a home at PhillyWorkforceHomes.com. Individuals and families who meet qualifications can apply online at PhillyWorkForceHomes.com/apply or call directly at (267) 571-8519. Philadelphia Housing Authority residents can reach out to the homeownership department at (215) 684-8926.

As part of the transformation, PHA invested $45 million and brought its headquarters to the commercial corridor in 2019. A $51 million shopping center called Sharswood Ridge is directly across from the PHA headquarters that houses the Grocery Outlet, Everest Urgent Care, Santander Bank, a parking garage and 98 mixed-income housing units.

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About Philadelphia Housing Authority

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. To learn more visit www.pha.phila.gov.

About Frankel Enterprises

Founded in 1936 by E.J. Frankel, Frankel Enterprises is a fourth-generation, family-owned real estate development company incorporating planning, financing and construction into an efficient development process. The company’s portfolio includes affordable, market rate and luxury housing communities in Philadelphia, Delaware, New Jersey, Ohio and South Florida. In Philadelphia, Frankel Enterprises commitment to affordable housing includes transformative projects such as West Poplar Homes, The Residences at Diamond Villages, Bucknell Square and Girard Commons. For more information visit www.frankelre.com.

Helping Philly’s Elders Age With Dignity and Grace: Kelvin A. Jeremiah, President and CEO of PHA, and a host of dignitaries worked together to finalize PHA’s $24 million deal to buy Brith Sholom House. Once a cherished landmark, the apartment building had fallen into disrepair and was facing a sheriff’s sale. At a celebration on September 4, 2024,  members of the Brith Sholom Tenant Council joined elected officials in celebrating a ground-breaking victory which brought federal, state, local officials together in an effort  to preserve the building as affordable housing. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said the city will put $8 million into building improvements.

Media Contact:

Media Contact: Mike Dunn, 215-570-3432, [email protected]

PHA CLOSES ON THE PURCHASE OF A MID-RISE FOR SENIORS

Acquisition is part of PHA’s pledge to preserve and save Philadelphia’s aging, affordable housing stock.

“I’ve got you, homie,” PHA president Kelvin A. Jeremiah told a Brith Sholom tenant who pleaded for PHA’s help last May.

PHA CEO Kelvin A. Jeremiah

(Philadelphia, PA – September 4, 2024) – The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) announced today that it has completed its deal to buy Brith Sholom House, a 12-story dilapidated senior housing complex in Wynnefield Heights community.

“We are excited to officially inform the building’s remaining tenants that PHA is the new owner of the Brith Sholom House, and soon the nightmare they have faced for years will be over,” PHA CEO Kelvin A. Jeremiah said. “This purchase is part of PHA’s ongoing commitment to preserve, protect, and save aging affordable housing sites across our city.”

As a result, approximately 100 tenants will now have a more secure future as PHA has pledged to improve and maintain the 356 affordable housing units at the site. The deal between PHA and the mortgage holder, New World Commercial Credit, concludes years of neglect and dysfunction at the property.

Brith Sholom tenants approached PHA at a Board meeting last May asking that the housing authority step in by buying Brith Sholom House. In August, the PHA Board of Commissioners authorized the purchase of the building for an amount not to exceed $24 million.

Jeremiah continued, “The sale price breaks down to approximately $67,000 a unit, for a building that’s in a prime location. We rescued a neighborhood landmark and acquired new units in a high-opportunity neighborhood. Research clearly shows that individuals living in neighborhoods with higher levels of social capital are happier and healthier, find better jobs, and live longer.”

Jeremiah thanked Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, whose administration committed to providing $8 million toward the renovations. “Mayor Parker’s commitment to this effort demonstrates that safe and affordable housing is a major priority for her administration,” said Jeremiah.

Mayor Parker said Philadelphia managed to rescue this historically significant building, and offer tenants the promise of a better life, because PHA and other public and private partners – including the city, state and federal governments – worked to resolve each obstacle as it arose.

“I want to thank PHA for its strong leadership, and for its steadfast commitment to identify ways to preserve and grow its affordable housing portfolio,” she said. “To reach our goal of making Philadelphia the safest, cleanest, and greenest city, public and private partners must invoke the ‘power of we’ and preserve and protect the City’s rapidly aging housing stock. We can’t afford to wait.”

In May, a group of tenants attended PHA’s Board of Commissioners meeting to plea for help, as code violations, unsafe living conditions, and building system challenges were forcing the seniors to move out of Brith Sholom and find other housing.

“I could be homeless and survive, but a lot of my neighbors are not going to survive in the shelter,” one resident, Steve Kohalmi, said at the meeting. “So, I don’t know what you folks can do. They tell me you might be able to buy the property?”

Jeremiah explained that PHA already had begun working with the City to identify ways to help residents, and it already had put out feelers regarding the purchase of the building. “I’ve got you homie,” Jeremiah assured him.

“It fills me with joy to see resident advocates working hand-in-hand with local leaders to seize the opportunity to preserve affordable housing and the legacy of charity embodied by Brith Sholom House,” said Richard J. Monocchio, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public and Indian Housing at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. “We are grateful to the Philadelphia Housing Authority for stepping up to purchase and maintain this historic 12-story senior residential building and we applaud the City of Philadelphia for contributing to the necessary rehabilitation work.”

“This announcement lets our neighbors know that we are working hard to improve and expand the stock of affordable housing in our neighborhoods,” said State Sen. Vincent Hughes. “It also lets those in our community who face special challenges know that we are listening to them. The residents of Brith Sholom who remained and stood up for their neighbors deserve credit for this success.”

PHA’s focus over the coming months will be to perform a detailed physical needs assessment, then bring the dilapidated 360-unit apartment building up to code and embark on renovations. PHA’s goal will be to minimize any disruptions to current residents. A timeline for the work will not be known until the assessment is complete.

“Government works best when we work together,” said Councilman Curtis Jones (4^th District).  “The Parker Administration, PHA and Philadelphia City Council stood ten toes down on behalf of the residents of the Brith Sholom House. This effort started in 2010, as a result of power failures, numerous License & Inspection violations and ended with PHA coming to the rescue.”

“This acquisition is the result of the tireless advocacy of Brith Sholom House residents and the responsiveness of a government that did what government should do: listen and take action to protect its citizens,” said Madison Gray, attorney and Independence Fellow at the Public Interest Law Center. “With this acquisition, our public officials have set forth a bold, forward-thinking model for how we can preserve affordable housing for the people who live in it today, and for the people who will live in it in the future.”

PHA will immediately work to ensure the safety of residents at Brith Sholom. A guard will be on duty 24/7, and a property manager will be on site during business hours, Monday to Friday. Brith Sholom residents facing maintenance issues should call 215-684-8920 during business hours. Brith Sholom residents facing safety and emergency maintenance issues should call 215-684-1911 outside of normal business hours.

Added Jeremiah, “PHA is going to transform a public eyesore into a place where seniors can age in place. Additionally, it will deliver meaningful supportive services to ensure these residents can lead full and satisfying lives. Our mission is simple: We strengthen people who then strengthen Philly’s neighborhoods.”

Brith Sholom House in West Philadelphia dates to 1905, when the Independent Order Brith Sholom, a Jewish fraternal organization, was founded. The organization’s charitable efforts included the construction of Brith Sholom House at 3939 Conshohocken Ave. in 1955.

The proceeds from the sale will be used to cover settlement agreements with lienholders.

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About the Philadelphia Housing Authority: 

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. To learn more visit www.pha.phila.gov.

Event Date: September 4, 2024

Media Contact: Mike Dunn, 215-570-3432, [email protected]

MEDIA ADVISORY

PHA Completes Deal to Save Brith Sholom House,

Keeping a Pledge to Anxious Tenants

WHAT: The Philadelphia Housing Authority will hold a press conference to announce the completion of its deal to acquire the Brith Sholom House, a senior housing complex in Wynnefield Heights.

WHEN: Wednesday, September 4 at 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Brith Sholom House, 3939 Conshohocken Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131

WHO:

• Kelvin Jeremiah, President and CEO of PHA
• Cherelle Parker, Mayor of Philadelphia
• Lynette Brown-Sow, Chair of the Board of Commissioners, Philadelphia Housing Authority
• S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Richard Monocchio
• City Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr., District 4
• State Senator Vincent Hughes, District 7
• Madison Gray, Public Interest Law Center
• Marguerite Byrd, resident of Brith Sholom House

DETAILS: PHA’s $24 million deal to purchase Brith Sholom House is the result of a collaboration among the city, state, and federal governments. Brith Sholom House is a 360-unit senior housing complex that currently serves approximately 100 seniors. It fell into despair under previous ownership leading to code violations and difficult living conditions for residents. On Aug. 26th, the court conducted a hearing enabling the deal to be finalized. PHA’s next step is to assess the building condition to determine the scope of renovations that will be required and to restore the facility. PHA officials are also meeting with Brith Sholom House tenants for the first time since they approached PHA in May, asking for help.

MEDIA ADVISORY
EVENT DATE: AUGUST 15, 2024

Contacts:    For PHA: Nichole Tillman, [email protected]; 215-888-2869

READY, SET, LEARN

PHA and Sharswood Grocery Outlet Host a Backpack Giveaway and Resource Fair to Get Students Ready for Classes

WHAT: A DJ will spin the tunes as Sharswood Grocery Outlet, owned by celebrated youth entrepreneur Donta Rose, partners with the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) to sponsor a backpack giveaway and resource fair. PHA and Grocery Outlet will provide up to 1,000 free book bags – filled with notebooks, pencils, and other essential school supplies – for elementary, middle school, and high school students on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s a back-to-school celebration as PHA’s public safety officers serve up water ice to children, a jump rope competition gets underway, dancers kick up their heels, and 500 campers from PHA’s summer camp program gather to celebrate a rite of passage:  PHA’s Dare to Prepare Celebration. PHA’s CEO and President, Kelvin A. Jeremiah, will attend and speak.

WHEN: 11:30 to 3 PM Thursday, August 15, 2024

WHERE: The corner of Jefferson Street and Ridge Avenue, near PHA’s headquarters, and the Grocery Outlet parking lot at 2077 Ridge Avenue. Come check out the new Sharswood Ridge, which has an urgent care center, bank, gym, and grocery serving the thriving and newly renovated neighborhood.

VISUALS: Ed Snider Youth Hockey and Education and the Eagles Eye Mobile Lab Van join the PHA lineup of partners this year. Tasty treats will be available from the Ugly Plate Food Truck, with a menu of hotdogs, hamburgers, and sausages for guests and grab-and-go boxes for children participating in one of PHA’s summer camps.  More than 40 partner organizations will offer services and resources to the youth, including Right 2 Read Philly, the Black Brain Campaign, Boys and Girls Club of Philadelphia, Everest Urgent Care, U.S Navy, Philadelphia Job Corp. Youth Build, Educators 4 Education, Temple University WELL Program, and more.