WYNNEFIELD HEIGHTS, September 5, 2024 − Amidst the joyful tears and applause from remaining residents, Sen. Hughes joined Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and other officials yesterday to announce that the Philadelphia Housing Authority has reached an agreement with a negligent landlord to purchase the dilapidated Brith Sholom apartment building in Wynnefield Heights.
Facing the potential loss of their homes as the building decayed and unpaid utility bills threatened service, the residents –many of them disabled — appealed to the city in May for a solution. The housing authority negotiated with the owner as lawyers from the Public Interest Law Center vowed to protect residents.
“This announcement lets our neighbors know that we are working hard to improve and expand the stock of affordable housing in our neighborhoods,” said Hughes. “It also lets those in our community who face special challenges know that we are listening to them. The residents of Brith Sholom who remained and stood up for their neighbors deserve credit for this success.”
PHA has already put in place a 24-hour guard and a two-month rent abatement while promising improvements in the 350 unit building where only about 100 residents remain.
“I want to thank PHA for its strong leadership, and for its steadfast commitment to identify ways to preserve and grow its affordable housing portfolio,” Mayor Parker said. “To reach our goal of making Philadelphia the safest, cleanest, and greenest city, public and private partners must invoke the ‘power of we’ and preserve and protect the City’s rapidly aging housing stock. We can’t afford to wait.”
PHA’s focus over the coming months will be to perform a detailed physical needs assessment, then bring the dilapidated 360-unit apartment building up to code and embark on renovations. PHA’s goal will be to minimize any disruptions to current residents. A timeline for the work will not be known until the assessment is complete, officials said.