Over a year after being re-awarded the project, Columbus, Ohio-based developer KBK Enterprises has yet to present a plan for the Germantown YWCA property.

Following local developer Ken Weinstein’s attempt to take control of the 5820 Germantown Ave. site, which was rejected by a court in November 2024, Councilmember Cindy Bass affirmed that KBK was still her top choice.

In an April 17, 2025, Inquirer article, Bass said, “I am going to ask KBK to give a community update so they can frame this as they see fit sometime between now and the end of June.”

June 2025 came and went, and Bass said KBK, owned by developer Keith B. Key, would have an update on the project very soon, potentially by the end of August. Then in October, Bass told the Local, “Yes, there is a plan for the YWCA, and we hope to have an announcement by the end of 2025.”

There still has been no announcement and this week, Bass’ office declined to comment when asked for an update.

The developer for the project is essentially chosen by Bass due to councilmanic prerogative, which gives district council members effective veto power over land use decisions in their districts.

The Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority awarded development rights to KBK in 2016, but the project has stalled repeatedly as the company struggled to secure financing.

In July 2024, KBK lost its bid for state low-income housing tax credits on the project. In December 2024, KBK’s commitment letter expired after once again failing to secure enough financing.

In April 2025, Bass told 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.”

Financial troubles

Philadelphia is not the only city in which KBK has encountered financial difficulties. In June 2023, the Pittsburgh Union Progress, a publication run by striking workers at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reported that Key owed a total of “$43,861.12 in taxes and interest to the city of Pittsburgh on 34 of their 35 properties,” along with $32,384.69 owed to Allegheny County.

The Local examined Pittsburgh’s tax delinquency report from June 16, which showed properties under Keith B. Key Enterprises currently owe over $37,000 in city, school, and library taxes.

Jennifer Gula, director of finance for the Department of Finance for the City of Pittsburgh, told the Local, “KBK does not have an active payment agreement with the City of Pittsburgh for delinquent tax, but has made random payments in an effort to remediate their delinquency. The city does reserve the right at any time to file a lien against any delinquent property, or expose any delinquent parcel to a treasurer’s sale at the discretion of the treasurer.”

The Local also asked Bass’ office for comment about Key’s history of tax delinquency in Pittsburgh and whether she thought KBK had the financial ability to take on the YWCA project.

As of Tuesday morning, Bass’ office had not responded to that or the Local’s remaining questions.