December 3, 2013, Philadelphia, PA- Mayor Michael A. Nutter, Council President Darrell Clarke, and Joe Casey, General Manager of SEPTA joined Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM) and Jonathan Rose Companies to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of Paseo Verde, a mixed-use transit-oriented development at 9th and Berks Streets.
Paseo Verde is the first LEED-ND platinum development in the United States and only the second in the world. Environmentally sensitive features include green and blue roofs, permeable paving, water gardens to retain and manage water, solar panels, and the use of local, recyclable and renewable materials. The builders chose materials that reduce health conditions, such as asthma.
“The completion of Paseo Verde brings Philadelphia another step closer to being America’s greenest city,” said Mayor Michael Nutter. “Its location, design and materials have created a world-class and unique, sustainable development. The green design, proximity to transportation and the 550 construction jobs created by this project demonstrate that Paseo Verde is already having an impact on this neighborhood’s environment and its economy.”
“APM has been dedicated to the strengthening of this neighborhood,” said Nilda Ruiz, President/CEO, Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM). “Paseo Verde makes our community more vibrant and demonstrates that affordable housing and sustainable development can go hand-in-hand.”
What to expect from Paseo Verde
The mixed-use development offers 120 affordable and market-rate apartments and 30,000 square feet of commercial and community service space. In addition, the Temple University train station is the fourth busiest stop in the regional rail system, serving over 7,700 daily passengers on 12 regional rail lines. Fourteen percent of the units will be accessible to persons with disabilities, as is the Temple University train station.
“Paseo Verde links housing and transit,” said Joe Casey, General Manager, SEPTA. “Our regional rail system is one of the most comprehensive in the country, and provides residents of Paseo Verde and the entire neighborhood with access to employment, shopping, and family throughout the region.”
“Paseo Verde is a blueprint for developing communities of opportunity,” said Jonathan F.P. Rose, President, Jonathan Rose Companies. “Literally touching the North Philadelphia SEPTA station and adjacent to the educational and cultural resources of Temple University, the project provides green healthy, energy efficient housing for a range of family incomes. Together with on-site health and family services, Paseo Verde provides a complete community platform for its residents to thrive.”
Paseo Verde complements City investments in previous APM housing and commercial initiatives. The multi-phase Pradera development created new affordable housing that raised neighborhood property values. Moreover, the Borinquen Plaza (at Germantown and Berks) attracted a bank, a supermarket, and other retail options to the community. The Sheridan Street Green Affordable Housing Development added 13 environmentally friendly single-family homes to the neighborhood.
“This environmentally friendly initiative transformed an underutilized lot and added another piece to a walkable and sustainable community,” said Councilman Darrell Clarke, President, Philadelphia City Council. “Paseo Verde is a cutting- edge development, and it furthers the revitalization of this community.”
Sources: Jonathan Rose Companies celebrated the ribbon cutting of Paseo Verde, a mixed-use transit-oriented development at 9th and Berks Streets. Paseo Verde
