REP BOYLE COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING SUBMISSIONS FOR FY24
Applicant name: Gay Community Center of Philadelphia (d/b/a William Way LGBT Community Center)
Project Name: William Way Renovation and Expansion Project
Address: 1315 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Amount Requested: $1,800,000
Project description and explanation:
The William Way Community Center is embarking on a major project to renovate and expand their existing community center into an expansive, fully accessible and community service-oriented space for residents in need across the City of Philadelphia.
William Way meets the health, human service, social and community needs of some of the most vulnerable populations in the City of Philadelphia, with over 25% of the surrounding area’s residents in a low-mod income census tract. With several nearby low-income senior housing locations, the Center partners provides urgently needed social services and other opportunities to older Philadelphians. The Center is also an integral part of the Washington West neighborhood and an asset to the continuing efforts to revitalize South Broad Street and the Avenue of the Arts, providing community space, food and other basic needs during challenging times, economic opportunities and other vital community services.
The Center has been in operation since 1974 and in its current home since 1997, and over the last 49 years, has evolved to a prominent four-story building in the heart of the city. Originally providing just a few basic services, the Center is now open 365 days a year and offers an array of over seventy programs and events serving over 15,000 visitors annually from the City of Philadelphia and beyond. Since the Center purchased the pre-Civil War building, originally two rowhomes only partially consolidated by the Engineers Club a century ago, the building’s wear and tear have significantly increased and the makeshift repairs and incremental changes have proved insufficient.
The Center plans to preserve and renovate the historic front third of the building, keeping the existing brick facade on Spruce Street intact, and fully demolish and rebuild the back two-thirds of the building, transforming two disconnected, drafty, and dilapidated rowhomes into a modern complex for the Center’s programs and the public. This project will increase the building’s usable space by 78% and make the entire building accessible. For this specific Community Project Funding request, the Center will look to transition from demolition of the building into laying foundations for construction, and beginning construction of the core and shell of the office tower in order to move to the next phase of construction.
Signed Federal Nexus and Disclosure letter: HERE
Applicant name: Historic Philadelphia, Inc.
Project Name: Franklin Square Lighting Project
Address: 601 Walnut Street, Ste 130E, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Amount Requested: $250,986
Project description and explanation:
This project would encompass the reconstruction of Franklin Square’s public lighting infrastructure. Franklin Square is the largest and the only public green space serving Philadelphia's underrepresented Chinatown neighborhood, and surrounding neighborhoods. It is one of the only outdoor public spaces in this community, providing activities during evening hours throughout the year.
Lighting in Franklin Square has not been updated since Historic Philadelphia, Inc. took over management of the Square 17 years ago. The lighting project at Franklin Square will entail a conversion to energy efficient LED lighting providing brighter lighting in Franklin Square during evening and overnight hours. This lighting will also enhance an area of the neighborhood that is not well lit. Upgraded lighting will help with public safety in this four-block area.
Improved, updated and brighter lighting in Franklin Square will add a layer of security to the overall safety in the Square, as well as the surrounding area. Protective lighting will provide increased visibility for visitors to the Square, as well as optimal visibility for security functions in Franklin Square during evening hours when the Square is open and during overnight hours.
Signed Federal Nexus and Disclosure letter: HERE
Applicant name: City of Philadelphia Department of Commerce
Project Name: Honor Square at Five Points Streetscape & Traffic Improvements
Address: 1515 Arch Street, 12th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Amount Requested: $2,000,000
Project description and explanation:
The purpose of this project is to develop and construct a new design for the “Five Points” intersection of Rising Sun, Oxford, and Cottman Avenues that will create safer conditions for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles and enhance the public area around the intersection.
Five Points is the busy and complicated intersection of three major roads in the Burholme neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia, all of which are two-way and serve SEPTA bus routes. Due to this unconventional convergence, certain turns require drivers to stop at a second traffic light or yield very shortly after a first light turns green. This can make navigating especially dangerous for distracted drivers or drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
Signed Federal Nexus and Disclosure letter: HERE
Applicant name: North 10 Philadelphia (d/b/a North10)
Project Name: Historic Carman Gardens Center
Address: 3890 N. 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140
Amount Requested: $2,000,000
Project description and explanation:
This project will convert a culturally historic former roller skating rink into a full service community and wellness center in the Hunting Park-East Tioga neighborhood of North Philadelphia. Together with the other funds that have been raised, the project will bring 20,000 square feet of urgently needed services to meet community needs.
The first phase of the project is under construction and will create 41 units of new affordable housing and 2,100 square feet of commercial space. This second phase (for which federal funding is being sought) will complete the block's transformation and redevelop the former Carmen Gardens roller skating rink into a modern facility that will include resources to provide educational programming, food services through a shared pantry, nutritional counseling, as well as other locally led services and programs held in a shared community hub space.
The project will mitigate socioeconomic inequality by bringing critical community and wellness services to this low income community, in which 44% of families live in poverty (nearly twice Philadelphia’s average of 25%) and in which the median household income is just $20,611 (less than half of the city-wide average of $45,927). With its location across the street from Bethune Elementary School, this project will also enhance safety and security for the area's children.
Signed Federal Nexus and Disclosure letter: HERE
Applicant name: Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia, Inc.
Project Name: Northeast Frankford Boys & Girls Club Addition and Expansion
Address: 1518 Walnut St. Ste 712, Philadelphia, PA 19124
Amount Requested: $500,000
Project description and explanation:
Funding would be used for the reconstruction and expansion of the Boys and Girls Club’s facility in Philadelphia’s Frankford neighborhood.
Currently because of the design and layout of the facility, it is difficult to keep the Club open in the evenings and on the weekends. As a 3-story facility with multiple stairwells, keeping the Club open requires a full-slate of staff. The creation of a new entryway, fitness center, and ground level bathrooms will enable the organization to open the gym, bathrooms, fitness center, and lobby, while securing the remainder of the building.
This reconstruction and expansion will enable the organization to significantly expand heavily utilized no-cost community services to in-need youth through expanded service hours in some of the lowest income zip codes in the City of Philadelphia. These services include a variety of programmatic offerings of a recreational and fitness based nature, in addition to the offering of community space that is utilized by various other local nonprofits, usage which would be enhanced through completion of this project and will allow the organization to meet a compelling local need.
Physical recreation programs serve as key components of the organization’s youth development model by providing an outlet for emotions and energy, while establishing healthy exercise habits and preventing diseases associated with obesity. Through these programs, youth participants are set on the path to success, while helping them develop a sense of adventure, improved self-image, healthy relationships, a sense of community, leadership and teamwork and a healthy lifestyle.
Signed Federal Nexus and Disclosure letter: HERE
Applicant name: Independence Historical Trust
Project Name: Vision for Historic Philadelphia
Address: 143 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Amount Requested: $2,000,000
Project description and explanation:
The funding would be used to invest in streetscape improvements in the areas near 6th Street and Race Street near Philadelphia’s Old City and Chinatown neighborhoods.
The area spanning from the City of Philadelphia’s Franklin Square on Race Street, around the corner South on 6th Street leading to Independence National Historical Park is a heavily trafficked pedestrian route, both for local residents and for tourists. Both Race Street and 6th Street are wide, heavily trafficked roads that are hazardous for pedestrians, and lack any continual visual connection to Philadelphia’s nearby historic areas. This funding would introduce a number of streetscape improvements, such as expanded sidewalks, a protected bike lane, improved stormwater management, among others. These investments would make this area of Race and 6th Streets more pedestrian friendly, and would also introduce new public space for use by residents, improved lighting and benches, among other investments, enhancing both the appearance of this area as well as visibility, safety and security.
It's also notable that, given this area’s importance to high profile tourist attractions nearby, such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the Betsy Ross House, this investment has significant implications for promoting tourism in the City of Philadelphia, which is a major component of the city’s local economy. This project would also be completed before our nation’s semiquincentennial in 2026, ensuring that this area would be ready to handle a projected significant increase in foot traffic.
Signed Federal Nexus and Disclosure letter: HERE
Applicant name: Temple University – Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
Project Name: Temple University Police Infrastructure Project
Address: 1801 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Amount Requested: $250,000
Project description and explanation:
The funding would be used for the procurement and installation of a software-based gun detection system on and around Temple’s campus.
Over the past several years, Temple University and the neighborhoods adjacent to the University’s campus have seen an increase in crime, including violent crime and crime involving firearms. Through new technology implemented as a result of this funding, Temple’s on campus police department would be able to leverage artificial intelligence through roughly 1,500 already installed cameras to detect weapons within a camera’s frame. This technology will enable Temple’s police department and other first responders to more effectively and efficiently respond to potential threats to public safety earlier, enhancing overall security for both the campus, as well as nearby neighborhoods.
Signed Federal Nexus and Disclosure letter: HERE
Applicant name: Aid for Friends (d/b/a Caring for Friends)
Project Name: Construction of Cold Storage Facility Project
Address: 12271 Townsend Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154
Amount Requested: $1,000,000
Project description and explanation:
The funding would be used for the construction of a new cold storage building at the Caring for Friends property in Northeast Philadelphia. Caring for Friends brings together the efforts of 10,000 volunteers serving more than 10,000 clients annually. The organization serves a current network of more than 200 meal centers and nonprofit organizations. In addition to the home visits and meal deliveries, the organization provides aid and advocacy, including caregiver support, safety assessments, and other assistance, to help out those in need to remain in their own homes and maintain their independence. The organization’s senior meals program serves over 9,000 clients, the majority of whom are homebound seniors and veterans.
The proposed cold storage building will consist of 90% freezer area and 10% cooler area. The expansion of the warehouse will greatly benefit the entire Philadelphia community, increasing the organization’s ability to dramatically increase the amount of food it rescues on a daily basis (100,000-200,000 pounds of food a week, or more than 10 million pounds annually). With the additional cold storage, the organization will be able to rescue, package, store, and distribute urgently needed food to the most vulnerable populations across the Philadelphia region.
Signed Federal Nexus and Disclosure letter: HERE
Applicant name: Holy Family University
Project Name: Holy Family University Renovation of First-Generation Success and Innovation Hub
Address: 9801 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19114
Amount Requested: $1,204,400
Project description and explanation:
The funding would be used for the renovation of a portion of Holy Family University’s existing campus to house the newly created First-Generation Success and Innovation Hub (“First Gen Hub”). The First Gen Hub will promote and improve the academic success, retention, and degree completion of first-gen students at HFU who will live and work in PA after graduation. Funding will enable the repurposing and refurbishing of a current space on Holy Family’s campus to house the First Gen Hub. To this end, the project will include the following component:
Hire a design team for layout redesign, product recommendations, budget materials, space mobility, and flexibility and adaptability.
Purchase state-of-the art technology tools, hardware, and software to be included in the First Gen Hub for enhanced teaching, learning, and research, including AI, computers, iPads, a charging station, a printer, smart TVs, and ring lights.
Purchase AI systems that create immersive learning experiences and provide real-time feedback and guidance, as well as adaptive learning paths tailored to students’ individual needs.
Purchase lockers, shelving, cabinets, an electric worktable, mini-kitchen equipment, and furniture.
Over 95% of Holy Family students come from the Philadelphia region, and over 90% of graduates remain in the area. This facility, once built, would directly create new jobs within the First Gen Hub program, and would provide important support to Holy Family graduates as they enter the job market, stimulating the local economy.
Signed Federal Nexus and Disclosure letter: HERE
Applicant name: City of Philadelphia
Project Name: North Broad Bus-Subway Transfer Improvement Project
Address: 1401 JFK Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19102
Amount Requested: $500,000
Project description and explanation:
The funding would be used for designing and constructing improvements to several bus stops at the intersection of Allegheny Avenue and North Broad Street in North Philadelphia. Elements will include:
Expanded passenger areas through curb extensions or bus boarding islands
Upgraded lighting (e.g., integrated lighting or pedestrian scale lighting)
Additional trash receptacles
Repaired sidewalks
Installation of landscaping, planters, and trees
Installing a bus shelter at the NE corner of Allegheny Ave. And N. Broad St.
At present, the transfers between nearby bus lines and SEPTA’s Broad Street Subway lack adequate bus shelters, and the lack of curb extensions and bus boarding islands mean that passengers transferring from subway to bus or vice versa are unnecessarily exposed to nearby traffic, as well as the elements. Improvements made possible via this funding will increase not only passenger safety and comfort, but will include additional infrastructure improvements to the surrounding area, including the installation of trash cans, sidewalk repair, among other features.
Signed Federal Nexus and Disclosure letter: HERE
Applicant name: City of Philadelphia, Department of Aviation
Project Name: PNE Security Perimeter Enhancements
Address: 8000 Essington Ave. Terminal D/E , Philadelphia, PA 19153
Amount Requested: $400,000
Project description and explanation:
This funding would be used for the reconstruction of perimeter fencing around Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE), and associated site improvements.
Specific improvements include: replacing perimeter fencing, and installing additional security infrastructure aimed at preventing wildlife and human access to the airfield.
Over the last several years, PNE has seen a rise in operations. With continued land development and population growth in the residential and light industrial areas adjacent to the airport, investing in robust security measures for PNE has never been more important. The perimeter fencing and associated investments that would be constructed via this funding would help to continue the growth of PNE’s nearly $1 billion economic impact on the Philadelphia region.
Signed Federal Nexus and Disclosure letter: HERE
Applicant name: Frankford Community Development Corporation
Project Name: Frankford Transportation Center Transit Oriented Development Project
Address: The Daral Building, 4667-69 Paul Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124
Amount Requested: $2,000,000
Project description and explanation:
This project entails the construction of a Frankford CDC owned and leased community building that is intended to ultimately serve as a grocery store servicing the surrounding neighborhood.
For many years, the Frankford neighborhood of Philadelphia where this project will be anchored has suffered from various forms of divestment, resulting in limited economic opportunity and high rates of poverty and crime. Additionally, due to these and other factors, Frankford has lacked any large-scale grocery store since 2016, resulting in a large food desert for local residents and limiting access to fresh food. This project would ensure that residents are once again able to obtain groceries locally and without the burden of traveling long distances, all while creating new jobs and stimulating local economic activity.
This construction is one component of a larger series of projects that constitute the full FTC Transit Oriented Development Plan. Other separate elements of the larger development include the construction of affordable units, as well as a community health center.
Signed Federal Nexus and Disclosure letter: HERE
Applicant name: City of Philadelphia – Rebuilding Community Infrastructure (“Rebuild”)
Project Name: McPherson Square Library Renovation
Address: 1515 Arch Street, Mezzanine, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Amount Requested: $2,000,000
Project description and explanation:
The funding would be used for critical repairs to portions of McPherson Library, located in the Kensington neighborhood of the City of Philadelphia. Repairs will include repair of the building envelope and a replacement of the roofing system.
McPherson Library serves as a central public space used by local residents in the Kensington neighborhood of my congressional district. The library hosts a myriad of educational and community-oriented programming that is invaluable to local residents, particularly children. The programs and services provided by the library are particularly important to the surrounding neighborhood because Kensington has been acutely affected by the ongoing opioid crisis, in addition to being impacted by high poverty rates and some of the lowest median household incomes in the City of Philadelphia. With McPherson Library being over 100 years old, these urgently needed repairs will ensure this public space is available to local residents for many years to come.
Signed Federal Nexus and Disclosure letter: HERE
Applicant name: Lutheran Social Mission Society (d/b/a Lutheran Settlement House)
Project Name: Support For Domestic Violence Survivors Project
Address: 1340 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Amount Requested: $332,750
Project description and explanation:
This project would support the hiring of additional staff to provide expanded counseling and related services to survivors of domestic violence.
Since 2020 and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of domestic violence have risen in and around the City of Philadelphia. As a result, organizations such as Lutheran Settlement House have seen demand for their services grow significantly, resulting in waiting lists and limiting their ability to meet the needs of clients. This funding would allow for an expansion of the organization’s capacity to offer potentially life changing or even lifesaving services to domestic violence survivors.
Signed Federal Nexus and Disclosure letter: HERE
Applicant name: Temple University – Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
Project Name: Philadelphia Healthy and Safe Schools (PHASeS) Program Project
Address: 1801 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Amount Requested: $1,000,000
Project description and explanation:
This project would expand Temple University’s Philadelphia Healthy and Safe Schools (PHASeS) program.
PHASeS is a program which places trained trauma-informed specialists in K-8 public schools across North Philadelphia to coach teachers and staff in utilizing evidence-based tools to work with children impacted by generational trauma. This funding will help sustain a nurturing and safe school environment through healthy interventions that improve student performance and attendance, teacher retention, and reduce school and community violence.
Signed Federal Nexus and Disclosure letter: HERE