Public officials, business leaders and community activists gathered at what was formerly the site of the Norman Blumberg Apartments to witness the groundbreaking of new affordable housing communities, Bucknell Square and Girard Commons. Kelvin A. Jeremiah, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA), said, “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.” The two new affordable housing communities comprising 73 affordable homes are being built with $17 million in funding as part of a partnership between the PHA, Frankel Enterprises, Mid Penn Bank and the City of Philadelphia. The projects represent part of a $30 million Sharswood Blumberg Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grant that was originally awarded to the City of Philadelphia and the PHA in 2020 as part of an ongoing effort to revitalize the Sharswood neighborhood that has been gaining steam in recent years. Bucknell Square is expected to consist of 36 single-family homes, while the Girard Commons will offer 37 single-family homes and condominium-type units.
Source: Philadelphia Tribune; 5/23/2023