Pennsylvania Stories | Community Development Digest

Center to Provide Technical Assistance in Four States

The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (DOT) is offering a $190,000 grant for a Small Business Transportation Resource Center (SBTRC) in the Mid-Atlantic Region (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware).

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Group Uses Urban Development to End Economic Segregation

The Philadelphia-based Fairmont Park Conservatory, a collaborative organization that partners with other entities to lead and support efforts aimed at preserving and improving the Fairmount Park System, receives an $11 million grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the William Penn Foundation. The funds will be used to enhance the quality of life and stimulate economic development of the Greater Philadelphia Region.

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Philly-Based Developer Honored for Multifamily Housing

Pennrose Properties LLC, a Philadelphia-based multifamily and mixed-use developer, has received two separate awards in one of the nation’s most prestigious competitions.

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New Center to Focus on Energy Improvements

The University of Pennsylvania receives a $10 million gift to establish a center for energy policy at PennDesign, the university's school of design.

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$120 Million Awarded in ‘Choice Neighborhoods’ Funding

The Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) is awarding four communities a combined $119.7 million to redevelop severely distressed public or HUD-assisted housing and bring comprehensive neighborhood revitalization to blighted areas.

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Council Nixes Land Buy for Affordable Housing

The Clinton Township (PA) Council refuses to allow city officials to borrow $1.5 million to purchase 28 acres of farmland to meet its affordable housing requirement. If the township eventually acquires the Highlands property, the township's affordable housing obligation would be cut to 195 homes. ...

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LGBT-Friendly Senior Apartment Community Among Nation’s First

Located in the heart of Center City Philadelphia’s arts and entertainment area, this is one of the first LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender)-friendly senior affordable apartment buildings in the country.

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Pittsburgh Becomes Latest HUD Bias Target

HUD’s new housing desegregation campaign settles on Pittsburgh, PA as its latest “aggressively furthering fair housing (AFFH)” campaign target, using four local activist groups to coordinate the day-to-day negotiations with the city.

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Obama Names First Communities in ‘Promise Zone’ Initiative

In an initiative aimed at helping distressed communities and regions, President Barack Obama on Thursday announced his administration's first five "Promise Zone" designees: San Antonio, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Southeastern Kentucky, and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

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Tax Credits For Public Housing Enhancements

Low-income housing tax credits are awarded to three Pennsylvania communities to enhance their public housing stock.

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