Philly Council president worries about affordable housing under Trump admnistration

Philadelphia City Council’s leader is hoping for the best with a new administration coming into Washington — and worrying about the future of the city’s affordable housing.

On Wednesday, the Sharswood public housing development opened the first phase of a 10-part, $500 million remake of the neighborhood.

Council President Darrell Clarke said it’s a good example of restoring affordable housing to the city.

“There’s a significant concern about gentrification in that community given that in proximity to that there are literally houses selling for $500,000, $600,000,” he said.

But the Philadelphia Housing Authority said it has only 70 percent of the funding for the project secure. With the incoming Trump administration, Clarke said he is worried where the rest of the money will come from.

“There’s been some discussion about eliminating HUD, eliminating the housing authority, possibly voucherizing residential subsidy,” he said, referring to possible changes after Jan. 20. 

Critics have pressed the housing authority to provide more details of the funding for the Sharswood project.