OARC to officially announce Germantown housing project on June 26

The Ogontz Avenue Redevelopment Corp. will host a press conference on June 26 to announce a project in which the West Oak Lane non-profit will “extend [its] revitalization efforts to Germantown.”

OARC officials will be joined by City Council members, state representatives and Redevelopment Authority representatives to announce four modular houses, left vacant for more than eight years at Penn and Wakefield streets, will be rebuilt.

“OARC’s success in revitalizing West Oak Lane, and their commitment to assist Councilwoman Cindy Bass by extending their efforts into the Germantown area makes this announcement a major win for the blighted Germantown area,” the group’s press release stated. “The project will create jobs and provide affordable housing.”

Construction for the “urban renewal project,” which is bolstered by Housing Trust Fund dollars, is set to begin this month.

“The transformation of these homes from vacant to vibrant could attract new residents and encourage current residents to become more engaged and support good neighboring practices,” the release continued. “OARC is hopeful that these positive changes will help to strengthen the fabric of the community.”

NewsWorks will have a report from the press conference.

Expected to attend are Bass, Ninth District City Councilwoman Marian Tasco, state Reps. Dwight Evans and Cherelle Parker and OARC CEO Jack Kitchen.