Relief for Sinking Home Residents in Overbrook

PHILADELPHIA --- In a bi-partisan effort, Congressman Robert Brady (D., Pa.), Sen. Arlen Specter, and Congressman Chaka Fattah announced that a $1 million federal appropriation will provide housing and mortgage assistance for sinking home residents in the 400 block of North Daggett St, in the Overbrook section of the city.

Earlier this year, Congressman Brady asked Senator Specter for his help to secure funding for a buyout of Daggett St. residents whose homes were found to be sinking.

“I thank the Senator for securing the $1 million earmark to provide housing and mortgage assistance, as part of an initiative to stabilize this neighborhood,” Congressman Brady said.

In April 2001, Philadelphia city officials evacuated 18 houses on Daggett Street because the properties were sinking. Approximately 7 other homes are also at risk because they are on the edge of the sinking area.

Calling the assistance effort a collective one, Congressman Brady noted, “When Congressman Fattah represented this area we talked about what could be done to help the Daggett St. residents. As a result, Rep. Fattah secured a $250,000 earmark in the FY2002 VA/HUD Appropriations bill and that funding was released in July of this year.”

The Daggett St. problem dates back to the early 1900’s when houses were constructed on the site of an abandoned stone quarry that was filled with ash and debris fill. In the 1980’s the City of Philadelphia struggled with the problems of blocks and blocks of sinking homes in Logan. Those properties were also built on ash and fill over stream beds in the 1900’s.

Congressman Brady said he is appreciative of the support. “This is how elected officials should cooperate, even though we know it does not always work out this way. While more funding is needed for this project, we have made good progress because key political players came together.”

Congressman Brady stressed that the issue of sinking homes is not confined to one section of the city. However, the Congressman said, “With this kind of cooperation I am confident we will be able to continue to respond to the sinking home problem as it presents itself.

Homes in the 400 block of Daggett St. in the Overbrook section of Philadelphia declared "imminently dangerous." The properties remain standing, but the residents have been displaced since April 2001.

Homes in the 400 block of Daggett St. in the Overbrook section of Philadelphia declared "imminently dangerous." The properties remain standing, but the residents have been displaced since April 2001. Homes in the 400 block of Daggett St. in the Overbrook section of Philadelphia declared "imminently dangerous." The properties remain standing, but the residents have been displaced since April 2001. vHomes in the 400 block of Daggett St. in the Overbrook section of Philadelphia declared "imminently dangerous." The properties remain standing, but the residents have been displaced since April 2001.

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