A community with no plan gets planned for. That's the credo of Tyrone Williams, the community liaison for the Strawberry Mansion Neighborhood Action Committee (NAC). Williams works in partnership with Tonnetta Graham, the President of the Strawberry Mansion Community Development Committee (CDC).
The two organizations not only share an office building on Diamond St., they also share an optimistic view for Strawberry Mansion's future.
"We believe Strawberry Mansion is in transition right now," Williams said. The CDC and the NAC have been working in conjunction with the city and developers to rehab abandoned buildings and vacant lots into affordable housing for residents. In fact, Graham says Strawberry Mansion has the most vacant lots in the city, and the close proximity to Center City makes for prime real estate for potential developers.
Both Williams and Graham want to see the people of Strawberry Mansion revitalize their own community, starting by turning more residents into homeowners. It's been years since Strawberry Mansion was once home to a wealthy, industry-rich populace, but Williams believes those who have remained in the neighborhood will be rewarded.
"We want to make sure the residents who weathered the storm get a part of the new housing," Williams said.
To help potential homeowners the CDC has home counseling programs. These programs help to prepare residents to purchase and own a home.
Residents are able to lean on the CDC and the NAC for help with budget counseling, energy programs and job opportunities among other services.
By Phil Coles and Chris Banks Strawberry Mansion/Brewerytown Team 2
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