Project Overview: Welby Court Community & Resilience Affordable Housing
Location: South Scranton, PA, bounded by Cedar and Slocum Avenues and Maple Street
Project Partners:
- Newave Enterprise (CEO: Rashida Lovely)
- Afree Foundation
- North East Pennsylvania Pan African Coalition
- Other local entities
Objective:
To provide “energy independent, affordable” apartments for a dozen families, where utility costs are included in the monthly rent of approximately $900.
Key Features:
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Number of Apartments: 12 (two three-story buildings)
- Upper floors: Two three-bedroom apartments and four two-bedroom apartments per building.
- Ground floor: Commercial space in one building and a community center in another.
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Sustainability Initiatives:
- On-site clean-energy microgrid using solar generation, battery storage, and intelligent energy management.
- Atmospheric water generation systems to convert moisture into filtered drinking water.
- These features aim to provide zero-markup utilities and community broadband access.
Funding: The project is budgeted at $6.2 million, financed through government grants and donations.
Historical Context:
- The site previously housed multiple homes and was purchased from the Lackawanna County Land Bank.
- Remnants of the old structures, such as stone foundations and walls, still exist on the property.
Community Impact:
The project is expected to rejuvenate the South Side neighborhood, which has been underutilized, and provide accessible housing amidst rising utility costs.
Timeline:
- Groundbreaking ceremony held recently with plans to start construction in spring 2027.
- Expected completion and move-in date for residents is February 2028.
Background of Partners:
- Newave Enterprise: Previously converted another property into a community center in West Scranton.
- Afree Foundation: Focuses on uplifting communities of African descent through various means, including technology and economic empowerment.
- NEPAPAC: Aims to empower the African community in Northeast Pennsylvania.
This project represents a significant investment in community development, sustainability, and affordable housing in the region.
