PHILADELPHIA, PA — Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger recently announced the approval of 17 new projects through the Local Share Account (LSA) – Philadelphia program. The projects, which have been granted a total of $5,692,247, will support community improvement, economic development, neighborhood revitalization, and public interest projects across the city of Philadelphia.
The LSA – Philadelphia program is funded by a portion of slot machine license operation fees from Category 1 or 2 facilities operating within the city. It is designed to spur economic development, revitalize neighborhoods, improve the community, and fund projects in the public interest within Philadelphia.
Among the projects receiving funding are several aimed at community involvement. These include building renovations at the former St. Thomas United Methodist Episcopal Church by the Northeast Baptist Church Community Development Corporation and the construction of two new mixed-use facilities on Lancaster Avenue by the Islamic Cultural Preservation & Information Council. Other recipients include Friends of the Wissahickon, Artist Bank Inc., Belmont Alliance Civic Association, and Fairmount Park Conservancy, who will use the funds for park improvements and cultural initiatives.
Economic development projects also received substantial funding, with Nueva Esperanza, Inc. and Gold Medal Karate Inc. each receiving $500,000 for property development initiatives.
Several neighborhood revitalization projects were also approved. These include surveillance camera installation by the East Passyunk Business Improvement District, renovation of a blighted site by the New Kensington Community Development Corporation, and various property redevelopment and renovation projects by Mount Vernon Manor, Inc., Norris Square Community Alliance, Hispanic Association of Contractors and Enterprises, Inc., and Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia.
Public interest projects were not left out either, with significant funding going to the Urban League of Philadelphia for rehabilitative housing and Resources for Human Development, which plans to repurpose its former headquarters into temporary housing for homeless pregnant women and their families.
The LSA – Philadelphia program is a key initiative of the DCED, aimed at distributing funds from the Gaming Act for projects that benefit the public within the City of Philadelphia.
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