Bethlehem Launches Plan to Revitalize Pembroke Housing Community

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is set to transform the Pembroke public housing neighborhood, which has remained largely unchanged since its construction in the 1940s. The initiative aims to replace the existing structures with a vibrant, mixed-income community featuring modern amenities and increased connectivity. This ambitious project has been bolstered by a federal grant of $500,000 from the Choice Neighborhoods program, awarded in March 2023.

Located near the city’s border with Freemansburg, Pembroke currently consists of two-story, brick buildings that feel isolated due to surrounding busy roads like Stefko Boulevard and Pembroke Avenue. At the heart of the neighborhood lies the Northeast Community Center, which serves as a hub for local events and activities, including sports facilities. City officials are determined to not only revitalize the area but also to rectify past mistakes associated with public housing development.

“We are trying to fix the mistakes that were made in 20th-century America,” said Mayor J. William Reynolds. He emphasized the importance of involving Pembroke residents throughout the planning process. This initiative is designed to ensure that the voices of local residents are heard and incorporated into the final design.

Central to the transformation is the plan to demolish the existing 196 units of public housing and replace them with 456 units of diverse housing options. Residents will be temporarily relocated during construction but will have the opportunity to return to affordable housing once the project is completed. This approach aims to mitigate the displacement often associated with such developments.

In collaboration with the Bethlehem Housing Authority, which oversees the properties, the city intends to enhance the neighborhood’s sense of community. Plans include the addition of green spaces, outdoor pavilions, picnic tables, and safer pedestrian crossings. The initiative seeks to create a welcoming gateway that instills pride among residents.

Historical Context and Resident Engagement

The roots of public housing in the United States can be traced back to the Housing Act of 1937, which established local housing authorities to provide affordable living options for low-income individuals. However, these developments often faced issues of segregation, and after the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, federal support for public housing dwindled significantly. Many existing units were lost due to policies enacted in the 1970s and 1990s, leading to long-standing distrust among residents.

Sara Satullo, Bethlehem’s director of community development, noted that much of the public housing built historically was situated on less desirable land, often isolated from essential services and opportunities. The current initiative is designed to learn from these past mistakes and create a community that fosters connectivity and opportunity.

Recognizing the historical distrust, Reynolds acknowledged the need for transparency and resident involvement. Throughout the planning process, the city has actively sought feedback through in-person meetings, online surveys, and community forums. This engagement yielded insights from 96 Pembroke households, representing over half of the community.

Key findings from the surveys indicated that residents desire more communal spaces, such as picnic areas and fitness facilities, alongside a health clinic. City officials are committed to accommodating these wishes in the final redevelopment plan.

Ambassadors for Change

Local residents, such as Merali and Henry Quinones, have taken on ambassador roles to help facilitate community engagement. Both have lived in Pembroke for years and are excited about the upcoming changes, particularly the promise of refurbished units and improved amenities. However, they also recognize that some neighbors are apprehensive about the changes and the potential disruption to their lives.

“A lot of them don’t like changes since they’ve been here for so long,” Henry Quinones explained. “They worry about where they will go during construction.” To address these concerns, the city has assured residents that they will cover relocation costs and that the construction will occur in phases to minimize disruption.

Funding and Timeline

The city plans to apply for additional implementation funds in early 2024, which could secure between $30 million and $50 million for the project. If successful, the estimated timeline for completion, including demolition and construction, is five to seven years. Should the funding not be secured, the city still intends to proceed but anticipates a longer timeframe of 10 to 15 years using alternative funding sources.

Paula Johnson, executive director of the Northeast Community Center, expressed concerns that some residents still struggle to understand the project, whether due to a lack of trust, language barriers, or limited literacy. “It has been a painstaking two years,” she acknowledged. “People are scared of change.”

Despite these challenges, officials are optimistic that the long-term benefits will outweigh the temporary disruptions. The redevelopment will not only increase the housing stock significantly but also include various housing types, including market-rate rentals and homes for sale. This approach aims to support residents in achieving economic self-sufficiency.

Connecting Community Resources

As part of the redevelopment, the plan includes a new resource center that will replace the existing community center. This facility will serve as a hub for various nonprofits, enhancing the support available to residents. Goals for the project include enrolling residents in educational programs and workforce training, thus better connecting them with job opportunities and essential services.

As the project begins to take shape, an initial effort to redesign Demko Park is already underway. This small green space adjacent to Pembroke will receive improvements based on resident feedback, with the aim of demonstrating the project’s momentum.

“I’m excited for this project,” Merali Quinones stated. “I know it’s going to take long, and I’m like, ‘Oh, man. The impatience.’ But I’m excited. I love what’s going to go on.”

Bethlehem’s commitment to revitalizing the Pembroke neighborhood reflects a broader effort to create inclusive, thriving communities that serve the needs of all residents.