The Towns at Kimball (development on Kimball St. between 19th & 20th) - Page 6 - PhillyBlog

Dolemite · #51 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lolly

It is amazing what some people think looks good.

I guess it's kinda like when you see someone dressed in a certain way, and while you think you wouldn't step foot out of your house looking like that, you also kinda know they must be checking themselves in their mirror saying "Damn, I look good!"

I wouldn't go that far. I think there a lot of people that let other factors decide their purchase other than how it looks from the outside. My house is pretty ugly but location, space, and cost all trumped that. I don't really look at it that much walking around on the inside

It has some pretty crappy finishes too, but we are slowly making them better though I don't think there's much to be done about the outside.

Lolly · #52 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dolemite

I wouldn't go that far. I think there a lot of people that let other factors decide their purchase other than how it looks from the outside. My house is pretty ugly but location, space, and cost all trumped that. I don't really look at it that much walking around on the inside

It has some pretty crappy finishes too, but we are slowly making them better though I don't think there's much to be done about the outside.

Sorry I didn't mean a buyer necessarily. I was thinking more about whoever made that house look that way & then seriously thought asking $700K for it was reasonable. (I sure hope you didn't over-pay for your ugly house!

)

ahbinpa · #53 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbphilly

We need a Wegmans.

Ya know, I heard a rumor today that......

ahbinpa · #54 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lolly

However I do think there are some larger developments in the neighborhood that have been required to include some "affordable" options, for lower-income buyers.

Not that I've heard... and I think I would have.

Perhaps you are thinking of 1) the supposedly going forward Universal development on 17th Street that was supposed to be all affordable homes and (last I heard) includes a handful or 2) the Greater St. Matthew's / Webster's Mills development in the pocket that was supposed to generate income to offset the cost of developing a handful of affordable houses on Carpenter Street?

Philadelphia does not have any requirement that would either encourage or "require" developers to include affordable units (ie: Inclusionary zoning)

A.

Coco · #55 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahbinpa

Ya know, I heard a rumor today that......

As I mentioned before, we can put a Wegman's at 18th & Christian - then everybody will be happy!

Lolly · #56 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahbinpa

Not that I've heard... and I think I would have.

Perhaps you are thinking of 1) the supposedly going forward Universal development on 17th Street that was supposed to be all affordable homes and (last I heard) includes a handful or 2) the Greater St. Matthew's / Webster's Mills development in the pocket that was supposed to generate income to offset the cost of developing a handful of affordable houses on Carpenter Street?

Philadelphia does not have any requirement that would either encourage or "require" developers to include affordable units (ie: Inclusionary zoning)

Yup, those 17th Street ones were what I was thinking. So if the City didn't require it, what incentive does this (or any) developer have? Surely it's not just altruistic reasons. And why'd you say "supposedly?" What else do you know?

dr_gingivitis · #57 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lolly

Yup, those 17th Street ones were what I was thinking. So if the City didn't require it, what incentive does this (or any) developer have? Surely it's not just altruistic reasons. And why'd you say "supposedly?" What else do you know?

That developer can get some funding for projects that include low/mod income stuff, and, the developer in question is a nonprofit with the goal of keeping affordable houses in the neighborhood, so it is mostly altruistic. However, I believe the project in question had a very small low income component, and I believe they were one bedroom units for $185,000, which actually sounds above market rate to me.

I think the supposedly comment was in response to the fact that this development has been kicking around for a few years and hasn't gotten built. I'll try to check into the status of it next week if I get a chance.

ahbinpa · #58 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dr_gingivitis

That developer can get some funding for projects that include low/mod income stuff, and, the developer in question is a nonprofit with the goal of keeping affordable houses in the neighborhood, so it is mostly altruistic. However, I believe the project in question had a very small low income component, and I believe they were one bedroom units for $185,000, which actually sounds above market rate to me.

I think the supposedly comment was in response to the fact that this development has been kicking around for a few years and hasn't gotten built.

I would guess that your "few years" is well over 5 and maybe event pushing 10 years. Back when it was conceived, it was to be entirely low/mod income. As prices in the area started to increase, market rate houses were added to the project to help offset the low/mod costs. Here's a link to a plot plan from 2002. http://www.southofsouth.org/news/200...loorplans.html

A.

Coco · #59 (**permalink**) 10-13-2007, 01:59 AM

I hope it happens soon. It's probably the last project that will permit folks of limited income to buy and/or remain in this neighborhood - the kind of diversity we need and deserve to have in this neighborhood.

Lolly · #60 (**permalink**) 10-13-2007, 02:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coco

I hope it happens soon. It's probably the last project that will permit folks of limited income to buy and/or remain in this neighborhood - the kind of diversity we need and deserve to have in this neighborhood.

I agree, and I hope it happens soon too. But just to clarify (for MissNina & any others who might wonder) that what Coco meant was "will permit folks of limited income to buy [a NEW house]." Anyone who currently owns & can maintain their existing home will also be able to stay as long as they want.