BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Bethlehem’s oldest public housing community, Pembroke Village, could be getting significant updates.
For the past two years, the city has worked with residents to develop a plan that reflects their vision for the future.
“We have spent the last two years going through a planning process with the community and tried to create a plan that was truly reflective of the future residents want to see here,” said Sara Satullo, deputy director of community development for the City of Bethlehem.
In September 2023, the city and its housing authority received $500,000 through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Choice Neighborhoods grant program.
Since then, officials have developed the Pembroke Choice Neighborhood Transformation Plan, incorporating feedback from residents.
“A lot of people are saying the apartments need work, they have to be updated,” said Henry Quinones, ambassador for the Pembroke Choice Neighborhood.
The plan will be used to apply for $30 million to $50 million in additional grants from the Choice Neighborhoods program. If awarded, the funding would be used to:
Create safer streets for familiesBuild new playgroundsReconstruct homes to better meet residents’ needs
“It includes two buildings with elevators for seniors, where they would have their own balconies overlooking green space,” Satullo said.
Even without the grant funding, city officials say the work will still be completed, though it may take longer.
Residents are hopeful their vision will come to life.
“The plans are great – they look good. I think it will be a positive change for the community,” said resident Gail.