City officials downplay tension over delay in housing plan, blaming legislative process.
A $2 billion housing initiative aimed at addressing Philadelphia's severe housing crisis will be delayed until 2026. The delay is a result of amendments to the budget legislation for the Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) initiative, which was introduced by City Council this week.
Council President Kenyatta Johnson downplayed the tension between his office and Mayor Cherelle Parker's administration, stating that "this is just part of the legislative process." He emphasized that all parties involved support the H.O.M.E. plan, but are working to ensure its implementation is fair and equitable.
The delay means no new homes will be constructed or repairs made under the Basic Systems Repair program until March at the earliest, according to Parker. However, Johnson disputes claims that funding for the program will be insufficient, citing the city's $7 billion budget, a $1.2 billion surplus, and federal funding as evidence of sufficient support.
The new bond ordinance authorizes $800 million in bonds to finance H.O.M.E., with approximately $277 million earmarked for spending in the first year. Most of this funding will go towards building new houses on public lots for low-income homebuyers through the Turn the Key program, and investing in affordable housing initiatives.
The disagreement between City Council and Parker's administration has been a rare instance during her first term, with contentious moments during previous hearings on the H.O.M.E. plan. However, Johnson says that despite these disagreements, his working relationship with Parker remains strong.
The delay will not disrupt the implementation of the H.O.M.E. plan, as all parties involved continue to support its goals. Council President Johnson reassures that the amended legislation strengthens the initiative rather than sabotages it, and that he is committed to ensuring that Philadelphia's most vulnerable residents receive priority under the plan.
A $2 billion housing initiative aimed at addressing Philadelphia's severe housing crisis will be delayed until 2026. The delay is a result of amendments to the budget legislation for the Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) initiative, which was introduced by City Council this week.
Council President Kenyatta Johnson downplayed the tension between his office and Mayor Cherelle Parker's administration, stating that "this is just part of the legislative process." He emphasized that all parties involved support the H.O.M.E. plan, but are working to ensure its implementation is fair and equitable.
The delay means no new homes will be constructed or repairs made under the Basic Systems Repair program until March at the earliest, according to Parker. However, Johnson disputes claims that funding for the program will be insufficient, citing the city's $7 billion budget, a $1.2 billion surplus, and federal funding as evidence of sufficient support.
The new bond ordinance authorizes $800 million in bonds to finance H.O.M.E., with approximately $277 million earmarked for spending in the first year. Most of this funding will go towards building new houses on public lots for low-income homebuyers through the Turn the Key program, and investing in affordable housing initiatives.
The disagreement between City Council and Parker's administration has been a rare instance during her first term, with contentious moments during previous hearings on the H.O.M.E. plan. However, Johnson says that despite these disagreements, his working relationship with Parker remains strong.
The delay will not disrupt the implementation of the H.O.M.E. plan, as all parties involved continue to support its goals. Council President Johnson reassures that the amended legislation strengthens the initiative rather than sabotages it, and that he is committed to ensuring that Philadelphia's most vulnerable residents receive priority under the plan.
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." 
- Nelson Mandela. This delay might seem like a setback, but it shows how even the best-laid plans need some tweaking to make them perfect. And hey, at least everyone's on the same page about helping out those who need it most. That's what matters, right? 
I get that the legislative process is slow, but can't they just make some adjustments to get this done sooner? I'm all for fair and equitable implementation, but not at the expense of people who really need a place to call home 
. And honestly, $2 billion is a pretty big chunk of change... what's gonna happen to that money while we wait? 
... but I'm not buying it 
. They're trying to downplay the tension between his office and the mayor's admin 
. According to Council Johnson, funding for H.O.M.E. is a dime a dozen with Philly's $7 billion budget and all 
... but what about the actual implementation costs? 
And why did it take so long to pass amendments in the first place? 
... I'm not convinced this delay is actually going to make things better for low-income homebuyers 
.
! I'm literally stressing out about this delay in the housing plan for Philly 
. Like, $2 billion is a lot of money, but it's not like they're just throwing it at anything. They need to make sure the funding goes towards the right people 
.
. I guess only time will tell if this whole thing works out 
.
. The fact that they're having to do an amendment in the first place should be raising some red flags, don't you think? And with the Basic Systems Repair program being delayed till March, that's a whole lotta people who are gonna have to wait for their homes to get fixed or built...it's just not ideal 
. Like, can't they just get stuff done already? I mean, we've been hearing about Philly's housing crisis for ages and still no homes are being built 
. It's not like the city is short on cash - they've got a $7 billion budget and a $1.2 billion surplus, so where's all that money going to go? 
... just part of the process, right? 
I get that City Council and the mayor's office are working together on this, but it's still frustrating for low-income homebuyers who are counting on these homes being built ASAP 
Still, I trust Council President Johnson to make sure the H.O.M.E. plan is still gonna benefit those in need 
. And hey, if we're talking about fairness and equity, maybe this delay gives them time to iron out some kinks 
... fingers crossed! 
So I'm reading this news about the delay in Philly's housing plan 
. But you know what? I still got hope 
. The fact that all parties involved support the H.O.M.E. plan and are just working through some kinks shows me that they care 
. Council President Johnson is right, this delay might be a detour, but it doesn't mean we can't get there 
which is already kinda late if you ask me.
. kenyatta johnson, the council president, is saying all parties support the plan but are working to make sure it's implemented fairly and equitably... yeah right