To: The City of Philadelphia, Zoning Board, City Council Representatives, and All Relevant Decision-Makers
We, the undersigned residents, neighbors, and supporters of the Point Breeze community, respectfully oppose the proposed development project for a 23-unit apartment complex near 24th Street and Point Breeze Avenue in Philadelphia.
This proposed development threatens the health, safety, environmental wellness, financial stability, and long-standing community connections that residents have worked hard to build and preserve over generations. The project will negatively affect the surrounding neighborhood and place significant strain on the quality of life of residents, particularly seniors, children, and longtime families who have begun to revamp the area’s shared green space to preserve the peaceful residential environment of the community.
The community area located behind the homes of 1882R Point Breeze Avenue is currently in its development phase and is modeled after what once existed in the neighborhood decades ago during the 1940s as a shared green space. Neighbors and community members have invested their time, energy, and resources into rebuilding a meaningful communal area that reflects the neighborhood’s historic sense of unity, wellness, and community engagement. The continued development of this shared green space is intended to provide residents with the opportunity to grow flowers, fruits, and vegetables while supporting healthier lifestyles and nutritional access for seniors, children, and younger families. Beyond gardening, the space will serve as a positive social outlet where neighbors gather, children can safely engage outdoors, seniors can socialize. Unlike the proposed apartment complex, this effort promotes community connection, neighborhood pride, and positive social engagement among residents.
The impact of this proposed permanent apartment complex would directly affect residents throughout several surrounding blocks, including but not limited to:
- 1800 Block of Point Breeze Avenue
- 1900 Block of Point Breeze Avenue
- 2300 Block of McCullan Street
- 1800 Block of S. 24th Street
- 1900 Block of S. 24th Street
- 2300 Block of Mifflin Street
- 2400 Block of Mifflin Street
- 2300 Block of Moore Street
These surrounding blocks and neighboring areas would experience increased congestion, parking shortages, construction disruption, reduced sunlight exposure, and environmental strain caused by the proposed development.
Stopping the continued revitalization of this community shared green space would have devastating effects on the emotional, physical, environmental, and social well-being of the neighborhood.
The proposed apartment complex would:
- Reduce access to healthy foods, gardening oppurtunities, and shared communal space for local residents.
- Eliminate a positive soical outlet that supports community engagement, emotional wellness, and neigborhood unity.
- Block morning sunlight and significantly reduce afternoon sunlight to surrounding homes and green spaces, negatively impacting residents' health, comfort, and quality of life.
- Create financial and economic hardship for neighbors who have invested or are beginning to invest in solar panel systems on their homes. Reduced sunlight exposure caused by the proposed building could directly effect solar energy production and diminish the value and efficiency of those investments.
- Increase congestion, construction disruption, and noise pollution throughout the neighborhood.
- Create serious parking concerns for current residents and visitors.
- Contribute to worsening air quality and enviornmental stress within the community.
- Disrupt the peaceful character and culture of the Point Breeze neighborhood.
- Further burden seniors, children, and families already facing diverse social and cultural changes.
Instead of more overcrowded development, we believe this space could be transformed into something that truly benefits the people who already live here- a safe, welcoming community space for all ages.
Some ideas neighbors have suggested include:
• Benches and shaded seating areas for seniors
• A community garden with fruits, vegetables, and flowers
• A small enclosed dog park
• A playground for local children and nearby daycare families
• Trees, greenery, and walking paths to improve air quality and neighborhood beauty
• Open recreational space for families and community events
Our neighborhood deserves thoughtful development that respects existing residents, preserves community spaces, and prioritizes environmental wellness and neighborhood stability. The removal or impairment of our shared green space in replacement of the proposed apartment complex would not simply eliminate green space-it would dismantle a growing support system designed to unite neighbors, encourage healthier living, strengthen community relationships, and restore a historic neighborhood tradition.
We strongly urge city officials, developers, and all decision-makers to deny approval of this proposed 23-unit apartment complex and instead work collaboratively with community members to preserve the Point Breeze community developing green space and protect the integrity of our neighborhood.
We encourage neighbors to stay informed, share their voices, and contact local representatives, including City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, to express support for preserving this space for community use.
Kenyatta Johnson
Phone: 215-686-3412, 215-686-3413
Email: kenyatta.johnson@phila.gov
Together, we ask that our voices be heard and that our community be protected for future generations.
Submitted By:
Concerned Residents of Point Breeze Neighborhood
24th Street ; Point Breeze Avenue
Philadelphia