Groundbreaking Ceremony Held For $16 Million Retail Development Project In Fairhill
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- City officials joined community members Tuesday to break ground on a new $16 million investment project in the Fairhill section of North Philadelphia.
"This community has great bones, it has a lot of possibilities," said developer David Groverman.
Groverman stood alongside city officials to break ground on Plaza Allegheny, an 85,000 square foot shopping center in the 400 block of West Allegheny Avenue. Once a salvage yard, the site will include a grocery store, health club and more, transforming a low income, Latino section of North Philadelphia once deemed one of the riskiest areas to live.
"Into a place of choice that is clean and safe," says Maria Gonzalez who works for HACE, a community development corporation. She says the project brings 140 permanent jobs. Mayor Jim Kenney says the city's goal is to develop to once forgotten communities.
"It's about equity, it's about treating people fairly in every neighborhood in this city," said Kenney.
Plaza Allegheny is expected to open in the fall.