PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Dozens of new affordable housing units are opening in Sharswood, representing another step forward in the transformation of the North Philadelphia neighborhood.
The Sharswood of the 20th century was considered a public policy failure. The community was devastated by riots in the 1960s and the crack epidemic of the ’80s and ’90s. High rises fell into disrepair.
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Over the past decade, the transformation of the area has been evident with new units rising in the midst of a neighborhood that has been riddled with vacant lots, abandoned homes and criminal activity.
Sylvia says she put in her application, and she’s keeping her fingers crossed.
“They say that they will start calling people in a month or so … so, hopefully, I'll be one of the first ones that they contact. With these I've looked at, thus far, are lovely,” she said.
The Philadelphia Housing Authority has invested over $7 million into Sharswood Crossing, part of the more than $500 million being invested in the community.
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PHA President Kelvin Jeremiah led the ribbon-cutting of the second phase of Sharswood. The latest 59-unit development consists of one-, two- and three-bedroom townhomes. Jeremiah counts it as a win toward the overall goal.
“We’re well on our way of having completed now over 600 units, so we're excited. And you can see the transformation in real time happening,” Jeremiah said.
“This is not your grandmother's public housing. These are homes where anyone, regardless of their income, would choose to live.”
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City Council President Darrell Clarke said Sharswood is now a neighborhood of choice. “As I've seen, people call me from all over wanting to know their ‘How can I get a unit in this particular community,’” he said.
Darnetta Arce, executive director of Brewerytown Sharswood Community Civic Association, says she hopes that the units will be well kept.
“The properties have to be managed. There has to be follow-up,” Arce said. “Tenants and residents have to manage the places that they live.”
In all, 1,200 affordable units are expected to be completed in Sharswood by March 2024.
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