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Affordable Housing in Robesonia: LIHTC's Long-Standing Impact on a Small Pennsylvania Borough
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Robesonia, a small community in Pennsylvania, has a specific affordable housing landscape influenced by the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. With a population of 2,149 in 2022, this borough has one LIHTC-funded project contributing to its affordable housing inventory.
The LIHTC program has funded a total of 24 affordable units in Robesonia, all of which are designated as low-income units. Based on the estimated housing inventory of approximately 823 units, the LIHTC-funded affordable housing comprises about 2.9% of the city's housing stock.
Robesonia received $59,892 in project tax credits for its LIHTC-funded affordable housing. This equates to an average federal funding of $59,892 per project and $2,495.50 per unit. The borough accounts for 0.01% of Pennsylvania's total LIHTC funding, indicating a relatively small but notable contribution to the state's affordable housing efforts.
The single LIHTC project in Robesonia, Furnace Creek Manor, was completed in 1995. This project has been providing affordable housing options for nearly three decades, demonstrating a sustained commitment to addressing housing needs in the community.
Furnace Creek Manor consists of 24 one-bedroom units, primarily serving individuals or small households. This configuration indicates a focus on meeting the needs of single residents, seniors, or small families within the borough.
An analysis of demographic trends over the past decade reveals distinct patterns in Robesonia. The population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 1,900 and 2,150 residents. Median income has shown a general upward trend, increasing from $54,376 in 2013 to $63,255 in 2022, suggesting a gradual improvement in economic conditions for residents.
Racial demographics in Robesonia have remained predominantly white, with the white population consistently comprising around 90-93% of the total. There has been a slight decrease in the Hispanic population, from 9% in 2013 to 5% in 2022, while the Black population has remained steady at around 1-2%.
Despite the absence of new LIHTC projects in the last decade, the existing affordable housing continues to play a significant role in the community. The stable population and increasing median income suggest that the current affordable housing stock may be adequately meeting the needs of low-income residents to some extent. However, it is important to note that other housing assistance programs not captured in this data may also be contributing to addressing affordable housing needs in Robesonia.
In conclusion, Robesonia's LIHTC-funded affordable housing, although limited to one project, has been a consistent presence in the community for nearly 30 years. The 24 low-income units provided by Furnace Creek Manor contribute to the diversity of housing options in this small Pennsylvania borough. As the community continues to evolve, ongoing assessment of affordable housing needs will be essential to ensure that all residents have access to suitable and affordable housing options.
