New green-housing development signals new era for PHA

Besides being used to obliterate the Norris Apartments high-rise in North Philadelphia yesterday, a wrecking ball painted with the purple and yellow Philadelphia Housing Authority logo also symbolized destruction of the organization's tarnished image and a fresh start.

The demolition is paving the way for PHA to build 51 high-efficiency green units that feature solar panels on the roof to heat water, Energy Star windows, low-flow plumbing fixtures, compact fluorescent-light fixtures and native landscaping.

The $19.3 million development, at 11th and Diamond streets, will include a pocket park and is expected to be finished in a year.

"The new Norris Apartments signify PHA's progressive approach as it develops modern, sustainable, quality affordable housing," said PHA's interim executive director, Michael Kelly, whose liveliness energized the crowd.

The ceremony signified a number of firsts for the PHA, including using a wrecking ball to demolish a high-rise and building energy-efficient housing, and signaled a new era for the organization.

The new - and lone - PHA board member, Estelle Richman, who is also the chief operating officer of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, acknowledged the unease of the recent shift of power from the PHA board to HUD.

"Change is never easy," Richman said, "but it will allow us to obtain good results and grow in the future."

Former PHA board members Jannie Blackwell and Nellie Reynolds also spoke.

"I will always be connected with the PHA," said Blackwell, who referred to Kelly's embattled predecessor, Carl Greene, as a visionary.

Reynolds, a special liaison to the board, will also continue to fight for funds for PHA. "I will take the fight to Congress, the White House, the greenhouse and the Senate because we will not be defeated," Reynolds said.

And although many problems are behind PHA, Kelly said, he still feels that the public has some reservations.

"We need to have accountability and show transparency to earn back public trust," Kelly said.

As with any first, though, things weren't as smooth as planned.

When the wrecking ball hit the building, chunks of brick hit the ground, broke into pieces and flew toward the spectators.

"Luckily, I had a reporter in front of me," U.S. Rep. Bob Brady joked.

No one was injured but the demolition was stopped after a few thrusts of the ball.