PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said on Wednesday her HOME initiative is making progress, including the selection of 10 blocks for a new “Curbside Appeal” program.
According to a new data set just added to the Philly 360 web site, the HOME initiative has so far produced 4,800 new housing units and preserved 11,000. The program has accomplished this through a variety of programs, from Turn the Key, which is new construction for first-time home buyers, to Curbside Appeal, which provides upgrades to rundown blocks, allowing owners to stay in affordable homes.
The first 10 blocks are in the northeast and northwest parts of the city. Each will receive up to $100,000 dollars to make improvements, such as cosmetic repairs or trees and other plantings, that will enhance the value of every home on the block. Officials hope this will strengthen community pride and connection. New applications will open in the spring.
It’s the latest of a series of investments the city is making through the first of two $400 million bond issues to fund the HOME initiative, which seeks to build, restore or save 30,000 units of housing. The Parker administration has committed $800 million in bonds, $200 million in other funds and $1 billion of city-owned land to the program.
Parker said she was pleased with progress so far. “I’m right where I want to be … a balanced approach, a comprehensive approach,” she said.
The mayor urged residents to visit One Philly Front Door on the city website to see what HOME initiative programs might benefit them.
“These programs are readily available for all Philadelphians, no matter who you are, your zip code, your race, your socio-economic status,” she said. “There’s a menu of options available to you and nobody knows about them.”
