Philadelphia Housing Authority Opens New Complex In Strawberry Mansion
By Justin Udo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Philadelphia Housing Authority opened a new affordable housing complex in the Strawberry Mansion section of the city.
It's the first housing construction project the agency has done in more than three years.
The Oakdale apartments are comprised of 12 duplex units and they range from 700 to 1,200 square feet in size.
PHA president Kelvin Jeremiah said they received more than 400 applications for these 12 duplex units.
"This is a sustainable development."said Jeremiah. "It includes tank-less water heaters, central air, wood grain tile floor."
Jane Vincent with HUD said quality affordable housing is just what this community needs.
"We know, that when folks get into their properties and have a place to call home it is the springboard for bigger and better things." said Vincent.
Jeremiah said the 4.6 million dollar project took a little under one year to complete.
"My hope is that others will see this as an opportunity as what can be accomplished in Strawberry Mansion and they too would want to reinvest in this historic community" said Jeremiah.
City Council President Darrell Clark said there are a lot of social and economic problems they are working to fix, but developing quality affordable housing is a step in the right direction.
"The simple reality is we are not a city that is on the move," said Clarke, "A city that is a first class city until everybody benefits from the opportunities that are presented.
PHA plans on opening 2 more housing projects in Strawberry Mansion in the next few years.