The Germantown YWCA's senior housing plan waits on tax credits, and then on Council
A 51-apartment plan for the city-owned building needs state tax credits first. Then Cindy Bass would have to introduce a Council resolution before the developer can take ownership.
The former Germantown YWCA, a city-owned building beside Vernon Park, has been empty and deteriorating for years. A plan to turn it into affordable apartments for older adults is still alive, but it depends on a state tax credit decision that may not come until December, WHYY's PlanPhilly reported on Oct. 29. After that, the project would need a City Council resolution.
The plan
According to WHYY:
- Developer: KBK Enterprises of Ohio, led by Keith Key. The Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority picked KBK in 2016, with an original completion deadline of 2019.
- Project: a four-story building with 51 apartments for older adults, from studios to two-bedrooms, plus ground-floor commercial space, a terrace and garden, and a redone parking lot.
- Rents: for households earning 60% of area median income or less, which is $51,540 a year for one person.
- Cost: about $20 million.
KBK did not win the competitive 9% low-income housing tax credits it sought in 2024. It is now seeking 4% credits, which are not competitive but need approval from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency's board, WHYY reported. Key told WHYY the subsidy is "going to allow the project to proceed forward." If approved, construction could start six to eight months later.
A long history
The Redevelopment Authority ended its relationship with KBK in 2021 after neighbors pushed back, but never issued a new request for proposals, WHYY reported. A different developer petitioned in 2023 under the state's Act 135 conservatorship law to take control of the building; a judge dismissed that petition in 2024. The Redevelopment Authority did not answer WHYY's questions about its current relationship with KBK.
Where Council comes in
Before KBK can take ownership of the building, City Council must pass a resolution, and the city must review the site plans, WHYY reported. WHYY reported that 8th District Councilmember Cindy Bass, whose district includes the site, would introduce it. "I think that going forward with this project right now is the right thing to do," Bass told WHYY.
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What our records show: we found no resolution on the former YWCA in our records as of Oct. 31. Bass's most recent land measure is Resolution 260942, introduced Oct. 29, which would let the Philadelphia Land Bank dispose of 15 properties on Belfield Avenue and on Bouvier, Rockland, Mentor and Courtland streets. It is on the final passage calendar for the Nov. 12 stated meeting.
Money, side by side: WHYY reported that KBK has contributed to Bass's campaign. We report that for context only; it doesn't show why any official has taken a position on the project.