The Cherry Street Commons has been a $4.7 Million project in the making for almost 8 years.
“This project will provide housing which is sorely needed in the area and will additionally assist in stimulating the local economy,” local business owner, Attorney Michael J. O’Connor said. “Cherry Street Commons will also be an environmentally responsible and resource-efficient development that will easily complement the established community.”
The housing consists of 17 units in four three-story town homes in the borough and is located on Frack Street and South Railroad Streets behind the American Legion Post. It also includes a Community Center, kitchen, office space, laundry room, as well as units that are wheelchair and hearing impaired accessible.
The project required the demolition of four blighted properties where the housing unit now sits.
The project was funded through private funds along with tax credits and a loan through the PennHOMES program administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Financing Agency (PHFA). The tax credit awarded through the highly competitive process totals $387,383 and a loan through PennHOMES of $921,308.
A ceremonial groundbreaking for the project was held in June of 2018.
The project wrapped up near the end of 2019 and tenants began moving in. By the end of 2019, all 17 units were filled.
On January 2nd, 2020, an official grand opening was held to recognize all those who made the project possible.
Patricia O'Connor, of Frackville, and the Chief Operating Officer of ParKing Inc., the developer of the project, opened the grand opening ceremony.
"Cherry Street Commons is a step in the right direction in Schuylkill County, especially in Frackville", said O'Connor.
O'Connor thanked those that helped make the project possible including Schuylkill County Administrator Gary Bender, Borough Council Ron Jordan and his wife Robin, Commissioners George Halcovage, Frank Staudenmeier, and Gary Hess, County Solicitor Glenn Roth, Tim Hale, Director of the Schuylkill County Housing Authority, and Karen Wells and John Schaefer, of UpStreet Architects.
Including those mentioned above, also attending the ceremony was Senator David Argall, Representative Neal Goodman, Representative Jerry Knowles, and Mayor Kim Phillips.
"From the groundbreaking to the ribbon cutting, we have 17 beautiful housing units. So many of my constituents as they are getting are looking for a place to live just like this." said Representative Goodman.
"The name O'Connor is synonymous with service to the community, service to their neighbors, service to Frackville. When you look at what they have accomplished here in the public/private partnership that has worked so well throughout the county, and crossing lines to Northumberland County. Why does this work? It's because we care about the people who reside in these buildings. These buildings provide a living example of what neighborhoods are about in Frackville and in Schuylkill County." said Commissioner Halcovage.
Story/Photos/Video by J. Reed/Skook News
Story/Photos/Video by J. Reed/Skook News
