City Councilmember Cindy Bass told the Local this week that Ohio-based developer KBK Enterprises and her office will have an update on the Germantown YWCA project very soon, potentially by the end of August.

“We’re very excited about it and it’s definitely a big step forward,” Bass said.

Located at 5820 Germantown Ave., the property was formerly the Germantown Young Women’s Christian Association and is controlled by the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority (PRA), which first accepted a bid from KBK in 2016. While the PRA holds the property, due to councilmanic prerogative, district City Council members hold veto power over land use decisions in their districts.

Prior to KBK’s 2016 bid, Ken Weinstein’s company Philly Office Retail, joined by Mission First Housing Development Corporation, and nonprofit senior community space Center in the Park, submitted a bid in late 2014, proposing senior housing on the property. This bid was opposed by Bass, who did not shepherd the proposal through City Council.

With Bass’ support, KBK planned to turn the YWCA into a mixed-use apartment building.

By 2021, there was still little to no progress on the project, and the PRA revoked KBK’s rights to the property. Later, KBK regained the development rights.

In October 2023, KBK presented an updated plan to the community, which included 45 affordable residential units. For the proposal, KBK sought city and state funding for affordable housing, along with tax credits.

In the interim, Weinstein filed a petition under Pennsylvania’s Act 135 to take control of the YWCA as a conservator, but a Common Pleas Court judge rejected the proposal in October 2024.

Two months later, the PRA’s commitment letter to KBK expired after the developer failed to secure necessary financing for the project.

Blight was a driving factor behind Weinstein’s efforts and the formation of Friends for the Restoration of the Germantown YWCA, a local group advocating for preservation. improved maintenance of the historic building, and affordable housing on the site.

In April, Bass confirmed that KBK was still her top choice, telling the Local, “I understand the frustration that many feel regarding the pace of progress in Germantown. I continue to support the KBK proposal because I believe we are closer than ever to executing a transformative plan for this historic community. KBK needs to be treated fairly and have the same options as all developers who decide to redevelop our city.”

However, Bass noted, “If progress is not made, then we will have to re-evaluate — and that includes considering alternative proposals.”

Weinstein, who has been at odds with Bass on this issue, told the Local this week, “I am looking forward to hearing an update on the development of the Germantown YWCA. The silence has been deafening.”

He added, “I want to see a realistic plan to develop the Y into affordable housing that will not make us wait another 10 years. Our Germantown community should not have to live with the blight.”

Community Demands

In the near decade since KBK’s first bid, the community demand is the same: affordable housing for seniors.

Attending several public meetings and forums over the years, Friends of the YWCA members emphasized the dual demands to preserve the property and create affordable housing in the area, particularly for seniors.

In April, Bass said, “I’ve heard the calls from residents who want to see senior affordable housing at the historic YWCA site, and I share the community’s commitment to ensuring that whatever happens there reflects the needs of Germantown.”

Suzanne Ponsen, board president of West Central Germantown Neighbors, no longer sees a way forward with KBK, telling the Local, “We continue to hope that Councilwoman Bass moves on from KBK, which has demonstrated a total lack of ability to put any kind of development together at all.”

She added, “We hope that (Bass) works with the Redevelopment Authority and opens up the bidding process to well-established local developers who have shown success in completing affordable housing projects for seniors and others in the community.”

Weinstein echoed that statement, saying, “KBK has the ability to get this project done, but after nearly 10 years of inaction, it is clear they don’t have the desire or drive to complete a project of this size or complexity. We need a local developer who is immersed in our community to remove the blight and provide our neighbors with affordable housing.”

Tommy Tucker can be reached at Tommy@chestnuthilllocal.com.