Department of Planning and Development | Homepage | City of Philadelphia
Source: https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-planning-and-development
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:32
Department of Planning and Development | Homepage | City of Philadelphia
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Department of Planning and Development
What we do
The Department of Planning and Development works in collaboration with communities to promote, plan, preserve, and develop successful neighborhoods for all.
Reaching these goals requires city agencies to work together with residents, businesses, developers, advocates, funders, and each other. Planning and Development has a team of agencies that do just that. Our agencies include:
Philadelphia Art Commission
Philadelphia City Planning Commission
Division of Development Services
Division of Housing and Community Development
Philadelphia Historical Commission
Zoning Board of Adjustment
We also partner with the
PHDC
.
Together we are charting a vibrant future for our city.
Connect
Address
1515 Arch St.
13th Floor
Philadelphia
,
PA
19102
Email
planning
@phila.gov
Phone
Phone:
(215) 683-4601
TTY:
(215) 683-0286
Social
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Announcements
Announcement
April 9, 2026
Announcement
NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
Date of Notice: April 9, 2026
City of Philadelphia, Division of Housing and Community Development
1234 Market Street, 17
th
Floor’ Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-686-9760
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Philadelphia’s Division of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about Apri 29, 2026, the City of Philadelphia will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended; and the City of Philadelphia will authorize the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) to submit to HUD a request for release of funds under Section 9 funds under the United States Housing Act of 1937, as amended, to undertake the following project: New Africa Center.
Project Title:
ER-25-024; New Africa Center
Purpose:
The applicant requests funding to construct a 5-story building, with a cultural center on the ground floor, and 33 affordable units above. Two of the four lots are currently vacant, while the other two have 3-story mixed use attached buildings that are vacant and will be demolished
Location
: 4237, 4239, 4241, 4243 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Estimated Cost
: The total development cost is $10,643,383
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The City of Philadelphia has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. The full legal notice can be accessed
POSTING INFORMATION
This Notice will be posted at the Haverford Library Branch located at 5543 Haverford Avenue; Philadelphia, PA 19139 and on this website.
Download or view the full FONSI and ERR
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to DHCD.
All comments received by April 28, 2026, will be considered by the DHCD prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The City of Philadelphia certifies to HUD that Jessie Lawrence, in his capacity as Director of the Department of Planning and Development/Division of Housing and Community Development consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City’s certification for a period of 15 days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later). Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58) and shall be addressed to the Philadelphia Office of Community Planning and Development at
CPDRROFPHI@hud.gov
. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Announced on:
April 9, 2026
Department of Planning and Development
Posts
Post
March 20, 2026
Post
March 19, 2026
Post
February 12, 2026
See all posts
Events
Apr
29
Event
Sign and Streetery Committee meeting
9:30 am
to
12:00 pm
Online via Zoom
Event
Sign and Streetery Committee meeting
April 29, 2026
9:30 am
to
12:00 pm
,
3 hours
Online via Zoom
map
Agenda, meeting materials, and instructions for participation are posted to the Art Commission website ahead of each meeting:
https://www.phila.gov/departments/philadelphia-art-commission/public-meetings/
May
5
Event
Civic Design Review Committee
1:00 pm
to
5:00 pm
Event
Civic Design Review Committee
May 5, 2026
1:00 pm
to
5:00 pm
,
4 hours
Agenda, meeting materials and access information available at
https://www.phila.gov/departments/philadelphia-city-planning-commission/public-meetings/
Participate in-person:
You can attend the CDR meeting in person. Meetings are held at:
One Parkway Building
1515 Arch Street, 18th Floor, Room 18-029
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Participate virtually (Zoom):
If you have a computer, tablet, or smartphone, please join us online: You will be able to view the meeting and submit questions.
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_X4z48ofCSkeVKdZP1G_WHQ
• The meeting will begin at 1:00 PM
• Zoom may ask you to add an extension to your browser before you log in.
•
Webinar ID:
848 2820 6308
•
Passcode:
001767
If you do not have a computer, tablet, or smartphone, please join us on your landline telephone. You will be able to listen, but not see the presentation.
•
Dial: +1 (267) 831-0333
•
Webinar ID: 848 2820 6308
•
Passcode: 001767
Members of the public have multiple ways to comment on agenda items. When the agenda item that you are interested in is being discussed, members in person will first have a chance to state their comment. If you attend virtually, you can use the “raise hand” feature in Zoom. If you are joining by phone, you may also use the “raise hand” feature by dialing “*9” during the public comment period.
Participate with written comment:
We will also field questions and comments by email. Questions and comments must be received
before noon the day before
the Civic Design Review meeting in order to be considered. Please send emails to:
cdr@phila.gov
May
8
Event
Historical Commission monthly meeting
9:00 am
to
2:00 pm
1515 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
Event
Historical Commission monthly meeting
May 8, 2026
9:00 am
to
2:00 pm
,
5 hours
1515 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
map
See all events
Our programs
Citizens Planning Institute
Citizens Planning Institute (CPI) is the education and outreach arm of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission (PCPC).
Basic Systems Repair Program
Providing free emergency home repairs on eligible owner-occupied single-family homes in Philadelphia.
Market East Revival
Leading a bold vision for the Market East corridor, positioning it as the city's Main Street and a world-class civic and entertainment hub.
Top
Birth, marriage & life events
Business & self-employment
Cars, parking & transportation
Crime, law & justice
Culture & recreation
Diversity, inclusion, accessibility & immigration
Education & learning
Ethics & transparency
Mental & physical health
Payments, assistance & taxes
Permits, violations & licenses
Property, lots & housing
Safety & emergency preparedness
Streets, sidewalks & alleys
Trash, recycling & city upkeep
Trees, parks & the environment
Water, gas & utilities
Working & jobs
Zoning, planning & development
Service directory
Skip to main content
Translate
It looks like your device language is set to
. Would you like to translate this page?
Home
Department of Planning and Development
What we do
The Department of Planning and Development works in collaboration with communities to promote, plan, preserve, and develop successful neighborhoods for all.
Reaching these goals requires city agencies to work together with residents, businesses, developers, advocates, funders, and each other. Planning and Development has a team of agencies that do just that. Our agencies include:
Philadelphia Art Commission
Philadelphia City Planning Commission
Division of Development Services
Division of Housing and Community Development
Philadelphia Historical Commission
Zoning Board of Adjustment
We also partner with the
PHDC
.
Together we are charting a vibrant future for our city.
Connect
Address
1515 Arch St.
13th Floor
Philadelphia
,
PA
19102
planning
@phila.gov
Phone
Phone:
(215) 683-4601
TTY:
(215) 683-0286
Social
Announcements
Announcement
April 9, 2026
Announcement
NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
Date of Notice: April 9, 2026
City of Philadelphia, Division of Housing and Community Development
1234 Market Street, 17
th
Floor’ Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-686-9760
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Philadelphia’s Division of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about Apri 29, 2026, the City of Philadelphia will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended; and the City of Philadelphia will authorize the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) to submit to HUD a request for release of funds under Section 9 funds under the United States Housing Act of 1937, as amended, to undertake the following project: New Africa Center.
Project Title:
ER-25-024; New Africa Center
Purpose:
The applicant requests funding to construct a 5-story building, with a cultural center on the ground floor, and 33 affordable units above. Two of the four lots are currently vacant, while the other two have 3-story mixed use attached buildings that are vacant and will be demolished
Location
: 4237, 4239, 4241, 4243 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Estimated Cost
: The total development cost is $10,643,383
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The City of Philadelphia has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. The full legal notice can be accessed
POSTING INFORMATION
This Notice will be posted at the Haverford Library Branch located at 5543 Haverford Avenue; Philadelphia, PA 19139 and on this website.
Download or view the full FONSI and ERR
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to DHCD.
All comments received by April 28, 2026, will be considered by the DHCD prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The City of Philadelphia certifies to HUD that Jessie Lawrence, in his capacity as Director of the Department of Planning and Development/Division of Housing and Community Development consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City’s certification for a period of 15 days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later). Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58) and shall be addressed to the Philadelphia Office of Community Planning and Development at
CPDRROFPHI@hud.gov
. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Announced on:
April 9, 2026
Department of Planning and Development
Posts
Post
March 20, 2026
Post
March 19, 2026
Post
February 12, 2026
See all posts
Events
Apr
29
Event
Sign and Streetery Committee meeting
9:30 am
to
12:00 pm
Online via Zoom
Event
Sign and Streetery Committee meeting
April 29, 2026
9:30 am
to
12:00 pm
,
3 hours
Online via Zoom
map
Agenda, meeting materials, and instructions for participation are posted to the Art Commission website ahead of each meeting:
https://www.phila.gov/departments/philadelphia-art-commission/public-meetings/
May
5
Event
Civic Design Review Committee
1:00 pm
to
5:00 pm
Event
Civic Design Review Committee
May 5, 2026
1:00 pm
to
5:00 pm
,
4 hours
Agenda, meeting materials and access information available at
https://www.phila.gov/departments/philadelphia-city-planning-commission/public-meetings/
Participate in-person:
You can attend the CDR meeting in person. Meetings are held at:
One Parkway Building
1515 Arch Street, 18th Floor, Room 18-029
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Participate virtually (Zoom):
If you have a computer, tablet, or smartphone, please join us online: You will be able to view the meeting and submit questions.
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_X4z48ofCSkeVKdZP1G_WHQ
• The meeting will begin at 1:00 PM
• Zoom may ask you to add an extension to your browser before you log in.
•
Webinar ID:
848 2820 6308
•
Passcode:
001767
If you do not have a computer, tablet, or smartphone, please join us on your landline telephone. You will be able to listen, but not see the presentation.
•
Dial: +1 (267) 831-0333
•
Webinar ID: 848 2820 6308
•
Passcode: 001767
Members of the public have multiple ways to comment on agenda items. When the agenda item that you are interested in is being discussed, members in person will first have a chance to state their comment. If you attend virtually, you can use the “raise hand” feature in Zoom. If you are joining by phone, you may also use the “raise hand” feature by dialing “*9” during the public comment period.
Participate with written comment:
We will also field questions and comments by email. Questions and comments must be received
before noon the day before
the Civic Design Review meeting in order to be considered. Please send emails to:
cdr@phila.gov
May
8
Event
Historical Commission monthly meeting
9:00 am
to
2:00 pm
1515 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
Event
Historical Commission monthly meeting
May 8, 2026
9:00 am
to
2:00 pm
,
5 hours
1515 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
map
See all events
Our programs
Citizens Planning Institute
Citizens Planning Institute (CPI) is the education and outreach arm of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission (PCPC).
Basic Systems Repair Program
Providing free emergency home repairs on eligible owner-occupied single-family homes in Philadelphia.
Market East Revival
Leading a bold vision for the Market East corridor, positioning it as the city's Main Street and a world-class civic and entertainment hub.
Top
Birth, marriage & life events
Business & self-employment
Cars, parking & transportation
Crime, law & justice
Culture & recreation
Diversity, inclusion, accessibility & immigration
Education & learning
Ethics & transparency
Mental & physical health
Payments, assistance & taxes
Permits, violations & licenses
Property, lots & housing
Safety & emergency preparedness
Streets, sidewalks & alleys
Trash, recycling & city upkeep
Trees, parks & the environment
Water, gas & utilities
Working & jobs
Zoning, planning & development
Service directory