Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Choice Neighborhoods initiative?
The HUD Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CN) takes a comprehensive approach to neighborhood transformation. The program supports the revitalization of distressed public housing while promoting and leveraging investments that improve the quality of life for neighborhood residents.
CN’s key goals include:
Housing: Transform distressed public and assisted housing into energy efficient, mixed-income housing that is physically and financially viable over the long term.
People: Support positive outcomes for families who live in the target developments and the surrounding neighborhood, particularly outcomes related to residents’ education, health and recreation, safety, employment, and mobility; and
Neighborhood: Transform distressed neighborhoods into viable, mixed-income neighborhoods with access to:
Well-functioning services & public assets
High-quality public schools and education programs
High-quality early learning programs and services
Public transportation & mobility
Improved access to jobs.
The Choice Neighborhoods planning process ensures current residents will benefit from these investments by planning to 1) replace all Pembroke Village affordable housing units and 2) provide additional mixed-income housing opportunities in the neighborhood.
What happens now?
The planning process will kick off in Fall 2023 and will be completed in late 2025.
Over the next two years, BHA and the City of Bethlehem will bring community members and planning partners together to create a viable and actionable vision for the Pembroke neighborhood. This vision, or Transformation Plan, will be tied to specific Housing, People, and Neighborhood strategies that will guide the revitalization of Pembroke Village and the positive transformation of the surrounding neighborhood.
How can this benefit the neighborhood in the short-term?
Approximately $150,000 will be used to identify and build an Early Action Project in Summer 2024 that will have an immediate positive benefit for the community. We need your involvement to help come up with a great idea for this project!
Who will be involved?
As the community envisions, designs, and seeks to implement neighborhood improvements, residents will be at the center of the planning process. BHA and the City will work with Pembroke Village residents, neighboring BHA residents, public and private agencies, community and philanthropic organizations, community members, and other stakeholders to develop - and secure resources to implement - the Plan.
Engagement opportunities will include:
Participating in facilitated sessions and workshops to shape the vision.
Joining working groups to develop People, Housing, and Neighborhood strategies.
Taking on part-time, paid Community Ambassadors roles to champion and assume a leadership role in the process.
Attending fun events where you can meet neighbors, share your aspirations and concerns, and celebrate the past, present, and future of your community!
What role will partners play in the process?
Building strong partnerships with local organizations will be critical to the success of this initiative. Partners will assist the Planning Team by:
Contributing relevant expertise, knowledge, and organizational resources to help create and guide a Plan that is viable and responsive to community needs and aspirations.
Promoting awareness, engagement, and support for the planning effort amongst your network and community connections.
Reviewing materials and providing feedback at key milestones of the Plan.
Sharing data and identifying resources or information regarding conditions within the neighborhood.
Assisting in promoting larger Community Meetings to a broad range of residents and stakeholders.
Reflecting concerns and issues from neighborhood and citywide residents, businesses, and stakeholders.
Taking the lead role in project strategies and helping to guide post-plan implementation.
Will there be resident hiring opportunities as part of this process?
Yes, we are recruiting three Community Ambassadors to assist with resident engagement, data gathering, and Plan feedback. Ambassadors will participate in leadership training and receive a stipend for their effort. You can find the job description and instructions on how to apply here.
Why was the Pembroke Community selected?
The Pembroke Neighborhood was selected for its tremendous opportunities and diverse and resilient communities. Though the neighborhood faces challenges, it holds many assets and opportunities that can be leveraged to improve the quality of life for its residents. These include the Just Born Quality Confections world headquarters, the D & L Trail, Marvine Elementary School, Stefko Shopping Center, Bayard and Nick Dutko Monument Parks, The Boys & Girls Club, Northeast Community Center, Lehigh Valley Barber School, and several preschools. Just Born is the tenth largest candy company in the country and employs more than 600 people. This and smaller manufacturing companies located south of Pembroke Village are strong potential anchors for economic opportunities in the neighborhood.
In addition to Pembroke Village, the Pembroke neighborhood is home to several large public and assisted low-income housing communities, including Marvine Homes, Fairmount Homes, Pfeifle Homes, and Bayard Homes. Residents of these BHA properties will also be engaged in and benefit from the planning process, specifically through the improvement of neighborhood programs and amenities.
What about neighboring BHA communities?
The Pembroke neighborhood is home to several large public and assisted low-income housing communities, including Marvine Homes, Fairmount Homes, Pfeifle Homes, and Bayard Homes. Residents of these BHA properties will also be engaged in and benefit from the planning process, through new education, training, and health projects, as well as physical neighborhood improvements.
When is new housing going to be constructed?
The current process only involves planning for the construction of new housing and neighborhood improvements, and the implementation of a smaller Early Action Project. After the planning process is completed in 2025, the next step is to pursue a variety of local, state, and national resources to implement the Plan. This will likely include applying for a Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant, which could provide approximately $30 and $50 million. With the time frame involved, construction work would not begin for at least five years.
Who should I contact with questions?
Sara Satullo
Bethlehem Department of Community & Economic Development
610.419.9003
ssatullo@bethlehem-pa.gov
