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Affordable Housing in Germantown Westside: A Decades-Long Commitment
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Germantown Westside, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has a significant presence of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing. The neighborhood has 97 total units in LIHTC funded projects, all designated as low-income units. This affordable housing inventory plays a crucial role in addressing the community's housing needs.
Based on the 2022 population of 4,567 and using the national average household size of 2.61, there are approximately 1,750 housing units in the neighborhood. The 97 LIHTC funded affordable units represent about 5.5% of the estimated housing inventory, indicating that LIHTC projects contribute significantly to the neighborhood's affordable housing stock.
The LIHTC program has invested $995,517 in tax credits for affordable housing projects in Germantown Westside. This translates to an average of $10,263 in federal funding per unit, demonstrating a substantial commitment to affordable housing in the area.
Affordable housing has been a long-standing feature of Germantown Westside, with the earliest LIHTC project, Heights Housing, completed in 1988. The most recent addition, Queen Lane Apts, was completed in 2016, spanning nearly three decades of affordable housing development in the neighborhood.
The 1990s saw the most activity in affordable housing development, with two projects (5225 Pulaski Ave and Queens Row) completed in 1991. This decade laid a strong foundation for affordable housing in the neighborhood.
The LIHTC funded projects in Germantown Westside offer a variety of unit types to accommodate different household sizes. The inventory includes 13 one-bedroom units, 39 two-bedroom units, and 9 three-bedroom units, catering to diverse family compositions.
Over the past decade, Germantown Westside has experienced demographic shifts. The population has remained relatively stable, with a slight increase from 4,254 in 2020 to 4,567 in 2022. Median income has shown a positive trend, rising from $27,831 in 2015 to $47,799 in 2022, indicating improving economic conditions for residents.
Racial demographics have also evolved. The Black population, while still the majority, has decreased from 73% in 2013 to 60% in 2022. Conversely, the White population has increased from 21% to 24% during the same period. The Hispanic population has grown from 3% to 7%, suggesting increasing diversity in the neighborhood.
The completion of Queen Lane Apts in 2016 aligns with these demographic changes, potentially responding to evolving housing needs in the community.
Germantown Westside's LIHTC funded affordable housing inventory plays a vital role in the neighborhood's housing landscape. With 97 low-income units, representing about 5.5% of the estimated housing stock, these projects contribute significantly to addressing affordable housing needs. The long-term presence of LIHTC projects, spanning from 1988 to 2016, demonstrates a sustained commitment to affordable housing in the area. The diverse unit types offered cater to various household sizes, while the substantial federal investment underscores the importance of these projects. As the neighborhood continues to experience demographic shifts, including rising median incomes and increasing diversity, the role of affordable housing remains crucial in maintaining a balanced and inclusive community.
