On July 7th, residents, neighbors, and city officials gathered to celebrate the grand re-opening of Skyview Park Apartments in Scranton, P.A. Skyview Park underwent more than $8 million in renovations to preserve 188 affordable apartments.

"The rehabilitation of Skyview Park will assist in stabilizing the neighborhood by providing long term affordable housing in a clean and safe environment," Scranton Office of Economic and Community Development director Linda Aebli observed.

In 2006, Skyview Park's Section 8 contract was about to expire. The apartments were in dire need of renovation. National Housing Trust-Enterprise Preservation Corporation (NHT/Enterprise), in partnership with Evergreen Partners, acquired the property.

The support of many partners made this renovation possible. HUD approved a 20-year Section 8 contract. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency provided scarce low income housing tax credits and a soft loan through its PennHOMES program. Construction of a community center was supported by a grant from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. Much needed capital was also provided by city, county, and state housing and economic development agencies.

The renovation plan included the construction of the 6,000 square foot Weinberg Community Center that will serve both residents and the surrounding community. The goal of the community center is to increase the self-sufficiency of the low-income residents by adding much needed facilities and programming, such as a computer learning center and adult education courses.