The city is abandoning a tiny-house project in Northeast Philadelphia proposed by former Mayor Jim Kenney’s administration to fight homelessness. Officials at Sanctuary Village, one of two sites chosen by the city for tiny homes, said they were told by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s administration that she wouldn’t support the development. The plan to create the enclaves was the result of a deal made in 2020 between the city and advocates. In exchange for agreeing to close the sprawling, controversial homeless encampment that had formed on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the city committed to establishing two tiny-house villages to accommodate unhoused Philadelphians: one at the Northeast property at 7979 State Road, which is owned by the city and sits on the campus of Riverview Personal Care Home; the other at 4917 Aspen St. The city’s decision to scrap the State Road development, which was meant to house women 55 and older, was met with shock and confusion by the nonprofits involved in the project. The State Road site, estimated to cost around $1 million, was expected to comprise 12 to 24 single-room units that are 120 square feet each. The houses would have heat and electricity, but no running water or bathrooms. The complex would have a central kitchen, as well as a building with bathrooms, showers and laundry. Read more here.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 3/11/2024