Pennsylvania helped to expand the availability of affordable housing here today with its $1 million investment in the Wellington Heights Homeownership Project.
“Quality, affordable housing is an essential component for any municipality that wants to attract new residents and develop new businesses,” said Department of Community and Economic Development Deputy Secretary Kenneth Klothen, who announced the investment. “As one of the most flexible funding streams available from the state, the money that will come from the Housing and Redevelopment Assistance program will be used by Chester and other communities that are focused on long-term revitalization.
“A house represents more than just a residence. It is something a family can take pride in, and be the catalyst that leads to even greater success,” Klothen said. “Through this cooperative effort, dozens of families will soon have this life-changing opportunity.”
The Chester City Redevelopment Authority will use the $1 million grant to support Phase II construction in the Highland Gardens neighborhood, which will include 20 semi-detached, single-family homes. The new units will be targeted to qualified, low-income residents throughout Delaware County.
The Wellington Heights Homeownership Project is part of the city’s Upper West End Initiative, which has focused on the redevelopment of Highland Gardens, as well as McCaffrey Village and Buckman Village. To date, the commonwealth has allocated more than $4 million to this initiative.
“Governor Rendell is committed to using the state’s resources to help communities like Chester grow and thrive so they can attract new business investment and provide a quality of life that our citizens demand and deserve,” Klothen said. “The Housing and Redevelopment Assistance program has had a tremendous impact in communities across the state. And for this reason, Governor Rendell worked hard to increase funding for the program in the latest budget from $30 million to $34 million.”
Since January 2003 there have been 318 community revitalization projects approved throughout the state.
For more information, visit www.newpa.com
