Public Meeting on Future of Germantown YWCA Building

Germantown residents and friends are invited to a Public Meeting to discuss the future of the historic YWCA Building which has sat empty and neglected at 5820 Germantown Ave. for 15 years.

MEETING LOCATION: Auditorium of First Presbyterian Church of Germantown, 35 W. Chelten Ave.

MEETING TIME: 7:00 – 8:30 PM (Doors open at 6:30) MASKS REQUIRED.

COMMUNITY SPEAKER:
Germantown resident Garlen Capita on the history of the YWCA Building, the long struggle to save and restore it, and a vision for its future.

GUEST SPEAKERS:
Deputy Mayor/Phila.Redevelopment Authority (PRA) Board Chair Anne Fadullon

Phila. Housing Development Corporation (PHDC) Director of Real Estate Jessie Lawrence.

Other elected officials have been invited.

AUDIENCE QUESTIONS & COMMENTS:
Attendees at the meeting will be able to ask questions and express their ideas for the future of the YWCA Building.

BACKGROUND:
The YWCA Building under the auspices of the Phila. Redevelopment Authority (PRA) has been empty for 15 years! In that time:
1. It was seriously damaged by fire
2. Proposals for senior housing were rejected
3. Six years ago Council Rep Cindy Bass chose out-of-town KBK Enterprises to develop “market rate” apartments by 2019. NOTHING has happened!
The Friends for the Restoration of the G’Town YWCA Building are asking for:
1. A new developer
2. A transparent and quick selection process with community involvement
3. A plan for the Building which honors the YWCA’s history of inclusion, women’s empowerment, anti-ageism, and anti-racism.
3. A plan in keeping with the present-day and future needs of Germantown’s current and longtime residents