Phoenixville council OKs affordable housing.
48-unit low-income apartments opposed by neighbors
PHOENIXVILLE >> A controversial housing project aimed at helping those less fortunate is moving forward after officials gave it the rubber stamp.
In a 4-2-1 decision Wednesday, Phoenixville Borough Council approved the subdivision and land development plan for the construction of the $12.6 million Steel Town Village, a 48-unit housing project at 730 Wheatland St. for individuals and veterans with disabilities, elderly and workforce families. Councilmen Jon Ichter II and Michael Kuznar dissented. Council President James Kovaleski abstained, while council Vice President Dana Dugan was absent.
Neighbors living around the area of the proposed site objected to the potential impact on traffic, property values and the loss of de Sanno field, among other things.
“This build is being shoved down the throats on the people of Elm Ave,” said one commenter.
Supporters though said the community is a good for the borough.
“We need to stop being so selfish,” said resident Donald Coppedge. “If you pull together, it makes a better community.”
The one, two and three bedroom units at Steel Town Village will be constructed as three story walk ups over flats. Twelve housing units will be set aside for individuals and veterans with disabilities. All the accessible units will be on the ground level and all units will have private entrances. Additionally, the development will have a community room and a fenced outdoor play area. Full details are available at SteelTownVillage.com
Ground-breaking is expected to occur this spring after the remaining governmental approvals are received. This project will be affordable thanks to project based rental assistance by the Housing Authority of Chester County. Additionally, last summer Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf announced $10 million in tax credits were being awarded to the project.
Petra Community Housing, the nonprofit property developer/property manager in charge of the project, and its partners “are striving to be a solution to the declining amount of affordable housing for disabled people and workforce families,” said Steve Kambic, executive director of Petra Community Housing.
During Wednesday night’s meeting, Kambic addressed several criticisms and rumors about the project including its potential impact on traffic. He said 27 morning and 44 afternoon vehicle trips will be generated from Steel Town Village. Given the 21 planned or proposed projects in the borough, the community will represent 1 percent of all proposed traffic.
Environmental remediation of the vacant Brownfields site will be done by the developer, not taxpayers, he said. The complex will not have free day care and it is widening Elm Avenue, not narrowing it as some have suggested. The project will create 40 on street parking spaces where none exist today, in addition to 83 spaces on site.
Council heard 12 public comments on the topic including from neighbors in the area opposed the project, and supporters who said the borough needed more housing projects like this.
Elm Avenue resident Deborah Ballard stood opposed to the project saying the complex will increase traffic onto an already congested Route 23. It will also remove de Sanno Field.
“You’re taking my sunset away,” she said.
Sister Marie Rose Gibson, a Petra Community Housing Board member, said there is a need for affordable housing. This project will enhance the quality and value of the com- munity. She challenged a comment made at last month’s council meeting that said housing is a privilege not a right.
“Each of us is our brothers keeper,” she said. “Please approve Steel Town.”
One resident opposed to the project said the complex has already impacted his property value making it nearly impossible to sell his home, which has been on the market for eight months. His realtor told him it will take six to 10 years before the property will regain its value.
“What am I going to do?” he said. “I’m working class. I have rights too.”