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 |
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planning |
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| Phone |
Phone:
(215) 683-4601
TTY: (215) 683-0286
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| Social |
Announcements
FONSI and ERR for New Africa Center
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, 17th 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.
