WGCDC Helps Break Ground for Affordable Housing in Abington

A groundbreaking ceremony took place in Abington Township earlier this morning, May 5, marking the soon-to-be constructed 58^th rental unit of the (WGCDC).

The WGCDC, a nonprofit organization based in Willow Grove, provides these rental units as , and also provides other free .

The rental unit will join over 33 WGCDC properties throughout the immediate surrounding area, including Horsham, Ambler, Upper Dublin, Upper Moreland and Abington.

According to Jack Tarman, executive director of the WGCDC, the nonprofit constructed its first rental units 20 years ago, just two blocks away from the groundbreaking ceremony.

He said that half of the rental units are located in Abington.

The 10 a.m. groundbreaking ceremony took place in the empty and overgrown lot of 1607 Prospect Ave. in Willow Grove, and it was witnessed by a small gathering of WGCDC representatives, Abington Township officials and residents.

“I can’t wait for it to be built,” Renee Gibbs said. “Who wants to look at an empty lot?”

Gibbs, who lives directly across the street from the site, added that she’s personally glad for the development.

“You want to see it grow, and have two more families with a home,” Gibbs said.

Stuart E. Price and Company, Inc. will conduct the construction. According to the company’s vice-president, Joseph Price, who attended the groundbreaking ceremony, a twin house should be built by August.

The construction will take place in Abington’s Ward 5, whose commissioner, Wayne Luker, was also present at the groundbreaking.

 “This will be a sorely needed improvement to an abandoned lot. And, most importantly, it will be for Abington famlies,” Luker said. “It’s a win-win situation.”

Luker said that there was a lot of community support for the WGCDC to develop the site, and he hopes that the nonprofit will continue its outreach into Abington communities.

Speaking during the dedication remarks, WGCDC President Henry Jacquelin further credited the many community partnerships that made the construction possible.

“We do nothing alone,” Jacquelin said of WGCDC initiatives. “This is a continuing effort ... and thanks to Abington Township for all they’ve done.”