Recovery Act Funds Fuel Energy Savings and Green Development in Philadelphia

Secretary Donovan participates in a press conference for the grand opening of the Warnock Village Development in Philadelphia.

HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan, Pennsylvania Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey, and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter joined Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) Director Carl Greene in cutting the ribbon on PHA's newest development, Warnock Village.

Warnock Village includes 50 rental homes for low-income families. Some are accessible for those with disabilities and each unit features central air, carpeting, modern kitchens and Energy Star appliances. A three story 45 unit apartment building for seniors is also under construction.

During the November 24, 2009 grand opening event, Greene highlighted the energy savings features and green building techniques that PHA used in the North Philadelphia development. HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan gave high marks to Greene for effectively using more than $125 million in Recovery Act stimulus funds to rebuild neighborhoods and create jobs for city workers.

The Philadelphia Housing Authority has awarded more than $100 million in stimulus funds to local contracts. These funds have has a strong impact on the local economy and employment. For example, two local workers, Romeo Carsello and Matt Cerelli, went back to work after six months of unemployment when PHA received its Recovery Act monies. They are now working with 500 or so carpenters, plumbers, electricians and tradesmen currently rehabbing 340 scattered site PHA properties. Josh Salter and Jimmy Jones are two more contractors that were also unemployed before PHA received its Recovery Act funds. Now they too are back at work, excavating PHA's Mantua site for redevelopment.

HUD's vision of the Recovery Act dollars is being realized across the country. "The Recovery Act funding will not only reduce energy costs for public housing authorities and mitigate negative environmental impacts, but it will also create much-needed 'green' jobs across the country," said Secretary Donovan.

Content Archived: May 5, 2011