HomeNewsHousing for low-income seniors could be headed to Liddonfield site

Housing for low-income seniors could be headed to Liddonfield site

The Upper Holmesburg Civic Association is getting a better sense of what the Philadelphia Housing Authority wants to do with the former Liddonfield housing project property, but the neighborhood group isn’t too happy with what it’s seeing.

On May 20, the Northeast Times reported that PHA is accepting proposals for the redevelopment of the 32.1-acre tract at Torresdale Avenue and Megargee Street. Among other requirements, the housing agency has instructed bidders to submit plans for the construction of 300 housing units for low-income seniors on a 12-acre portion of the property.

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The community isn’t sold on that level of density.

“That’s a lot on 12 acres,” said Stan Cywinski, president of the civic group, during its monthly meeting on May 21.

Another concern for neighbors is whether PHA plans to grant local folks access to the new senior housing on the site. The civic association thinks that local seniors should get first shot at the new units.

“We’re for senior housing, but we don’t want this community shut out,” the civic leader said. “We have need in this community (for senior housing).”

The UHCA is also worried that PHA will diminish the role of the community in the decision-making process. During a previous (and failed) development effort, community standing was written into the official “request for proposals.” This time, the community has no such official standing. The language of the current “request for quotes” is available on PHA’s website.

“We believe that PHA wants to maintain control of the property, and that’s a problem,” Cywinski said, explaining that neighbors fear that PHA is eyeing a new large-scale public housing project on the site. “We want a little more control.”

Earlier this month, a PHA spokeswoman told the Times via email that the agency “will consider a plan that will include the desires of the neighborhood,” and that it considers low-income senior housing a community-sought component.

Cywinski said during the meeting that UHCA leaders would like to meet further with NewCourtland Senior Services and Holy Family University, both of which have previously expressed interest in the Liddonfield site.

Further, the civic group continues to prepare for potential legal action regarding the site. Zoning and City Council approvals may be required for the implementation of a development plan, Cywinski said. The community needs representation in those processes.

The UHCA has started a Go Fund Me page to raise money. Visit www.gofundme.com/qs2vyg to donate or click the link on the “Upper Holmesburg Civic Association” Facebook page.

In unrelated business:

• Jim Harvey, the operating owner of the Ashburner Inn, informed neighbors of two improvement projects at the bar/restaurant. The business has acquired three adjacent lots on the 4600 block of Ashburner St. to use as off-street parking. The owners intend to seek a zoning variance for the new use. Harvey said that the lots will help keep patrons from parking in front of nearby homes.

Further, the Ashburner Inn opened its new patio bar and dining area last weekend. The facility is enclosed by a railing and features a full-service bar underneath a peaked roof. Table seats have umbrellas.

• Paul DeFinis, the civic group’s zoning chairman, reported that the zoning hearing for the proposed Philadelphia Federal Credit Union at Frankford Avenue and Academy Road has been rescheduled for June 10 at noon at 1515 Arch St. The UHCA and East Torresdale Civic Association have both voted to oppose the granting of a variance for the proposed credit union branch.

• Capt. Adam Friedman, commander of the 8th Police District, invited residents to attend Inspector Ben Naish’s Town Hall meeting on May 27 at 7 p.m. at Friends Hospital, as well as the captain’s own Town Hall on May 28 at 6 p.m. at the 8th district, Academy and Red Lion roads. Residents may report chronic neighborhood problems during these sessions. ••

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