1,500 Affordable Housing Units Proposed for Philadelphia

The “1,500 New Affordable Housing Units Initiative” would target gentrifying neighborhoods in the hopes of preserving a mix of incomes where housing costs are pricing-out long-term residents.

1 minute read

March 19, 2014, 1:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Philadelphia City Council President Darrell Clarke recently revealed plans to build 1,500 new affordable housing units in the city’s gentrifying areas, according to an article written by Jared Brey.

The so-called “1,500 New Affordable Housing Units Initiative” would create 1,000 new affordable rental units and 500 units available for ownership.

The plan is specifically targeted to assist population in gentrifying neighborhoods: “the city wants to preserve housing availability for residents of mixed incomes in areas where property values are rising, while providing new affordable housing for some of the many thousands who are on the Philadelphia Housing Authority waiting list.”

Brey also provides the details of how the city would generate the new units: “The city would transfer vacant properties that it already owns to private and nonprofit developers at very low fees. It would attach a ‘restrictive deed covenant’ to those properties, which would require that the developer sell them at a price that’s affordable to individuals and families earning between 80 percent and 120 percent of Area Median Income.”

Tuesday, March 18, 2014 in PlanPhilly

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

SunRail passenger train at platform in Poinciana, Florida.

Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion

The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.

November 24, 2024 - Hoodline

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

CLose-up on black and white 25 mph speed limit sign.

Santa Monica Lowers Speed Limits

Posted speed limits will be reduced by 5 miles per hour on dozens of the city’s streets.

3 hours ago - Streetsblog California

Adult man talking to young woman across wooden garden fence with young girl standing next to him.

For Some, Co-Housing Offers Social and Economic Benefits

Residents of co-living developments say the built-in community helps ease the growing isolation felt by many Americans.

4 hours ago - NPR

View down San Francisco street with colorful residential buildings and high-rise downtown buildings in distance.

New Map Puts Bay Area Traffic Data in One Place

The Traffic Monitoring site uses community-collected speed and volume data to reveal traffic patterns on local roads.

5 hours ago - Streetsblog San Francisco

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.