Transform the Existing Blumberg Public Housing Site Through Demolition of Family Housing Units, Rehabilitation of the Senior Tower, Reconfiguration of Street Layouts and Redevelopment of New Lower-Density, Energy Efficient Units

As currently configured, the Blumberg Apartments present the single most significant obstacle to revitalization of the broader Sharswood neighborhood. The Housing Plan envisions a complete transformation of the site to create a lower density, higher quality mix of rental and homeownership units occupying a site that has been reconfigured to promote walkability and enhance transportation access.

Strategy 1: Demolish Blumberg Apartments Low Rise and Family High Rise Structures

• 1.1 Two family high-rise towers and all low-rise towers will be demolished to make way for redevelopment.
• 1.2 Families occupying any units slated for demolition will be relocated in advance, and will receive case management assistance and relocation support pursuant to PHA’s Relocation Plan.

Performance Indicators and Metrics

• Total distressed units demolished
• Total households successfully relocated and provided with ongoing relocation support services

Strategy 2: Reconfigure Street Grid to Support Neighborhood Connections and Defensible Site Design

• 2.1 Following demolition, the development of new on-site housing has been designed to provide the necessary right-of-way through the center of the site to allow North 23rd Street to continue and connect Oxford Street with Jefferson Street.
• 2.2 The design also provides additional housing frontage along Bucknell Way, adding another north-south through connection. A new East West connection has been designed with housing fronting along an extended Bolton Street, with access between 22nd and 23rd Streets.
• 2.3 As part of the re-introduction of streets into the network, PHA has coordinated with the Philadelphia Streets Department and SEPTA to incorporate the right-of-way, and identify opportunities for enhancing transit access through the neighborhood.

Performance Indicators and Metrics

• Reconfiguration of street network completed

Strategy 3: Develop 140 Replacement Rental Housing Units On-Site

• 3.1 The initial phase shown on Figure 39 will consist of 57 rental units financed with 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) awarded in 2014, PHA funding and a first mortgage from Wells Fargo. The development will be PHA’s first Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) site, resulting from the conversion of demolished public housing unit Annual Contributions Contract authority to project-based assistance. Construction is projected to begin in the summer of 2015.
• 3.2 A planned second phase will consist of 83 replacement rental units projected to begin construction in 2017. This phase will also involve project-based assistance with financing from LIHTC, PHA MTW funds and a first mortgage.
• 3.3 Units will be designed according to the energy efficiency, sustainability and accessibility standards detailed below.
• 3.4 All RAD regulations pertinent to resident rights, responsibilities and protections will apply.
• 3.5 PHA plans to utilize a master developer approach in order to provide expanded opportunities for involvement by minority-owned businesses and other small, locally owned entities.

Performance Indicators and Metrics

• 140 units of energy efficient, sustainable and accessible replacement housing developed

Strategy 4: Preserve 96 Units Through Rehabilitation of Existing Blumberg Senior Tower

• 4.1 In the spring of 2016, rehabilitation of the existing 96 unit senior building is slated to commence. The planned construction includes installation of air conditioning, roof replacement, system upgrades, new entry and minor upgrades to dwelling units. See Figure on the next page.
• 4.2 This phase will also involve conversion to project-based assistance under the RAD program with financing from LIHTC, PHA MTW funds and
• a first mortgage.
• 4.3 Seniors will be relocated in advance of the construction activity, and will receive case management assistance and relocation support pursuant to PHA’s Relocation Plan.
• 4.4 All RAD regulations pertinent to resident rights, responsibilities and protections will apply. 

Performance Indicators and Metrics

• 96 rental units preserved through rehabilitation