Morning Headlines: Kensington Blight To Be Rehabbed Into Mixed-Use Civic House

Less than a block from the El’s Somerset Station in Kensington is a former textile building that’s been falling apart for ages. It’s not the only property with a similar history in the area, but unlike most of those dilapidated structures, this one will cease to be an eyesore very soon.

PlanPhilly’s Jared Brey reports the zoning board has voted to approve the proposed Orinoka Mills Civic House redevelopment project at East Somerset and Ruth Streets. This project, which is being developed by the New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCD), involves rehabbing the site into a mixed-use property with 51 apartment units, 26 car spaces, “community space for NKDC” and a coffee shop.

Brey writes that Orinoka Mills will have units “reserved for residents earning between 20 percent and 60 percent of Area Median Income, or roughly $14,000 to $33,000 per year for an individual” and will also include a sign visible from Somerset Station to serve as ” “a visual reminder of the revitalization of the neighborhood.” You can see an early rendering of the project here.

• Zoning board approves redevelopment of Orinoka Mills in Kensington [PlanPhilly]

Meanwhile, in news elsewhere…

• Moshulu owner plans major renovation next year [Business Journal]

• The Power of Pedestrian Plazas: Economic & Social Impacts of the Grays Ferry Triangles [This Old City]

• Center City To Get New Small Room Music Venue [Philebrity]

• Walgreens withdrawals zoning relief request in Haverford [Daily Times]

• Decision on Steeple View redevelopment project rests in the hands of Newtown Borough Council [Bucks Local]