Members of the Norris Square Civic Association and Councilwoman Quinones Sanchez have resolved their differences regarding the St. Boniface Development, at least formally.

Construction ongoing

Instead of building 15 multi-family units on the site of the former church, located at Diamond and Hancock Streets, seven single-family homes will be constructed on the site of the demolished church, according to Sanchez. Renderings for the new homes can be seen here.

Renderings of the future homes

NSCA announced the news via a press release back in June. According to Sanchez, both parties communicate with one another often on matters ranging from this development to others to everyday life in the area. Sanchez said she is committed to working with NSCA to find another site to house the 15-unit multi-family affordable-housing project originally planned for the St. Boniface complex. Along with helping to identify alternative sites, she intends to provide some funding for the project as well.

Earlier this spring, we told you about the controversy developing between the two over the development. While the project has changed, it will still eventually total 30-units. According to information provided by NSCA’s Maria Camoratto this spring, it will include seven on the old St. Boniface site, 10 on W. Susquehanna (a project we already wrote about it, funded by NSP2), and 5 scattered throughout the Norris Square neighborhood. According to Sanchez, the funding secured by NSCA remains in place. The remainder of the project, which includes the development of a community center, will get built.

“This by no means means I will not continue to hold them [the NSCA] accountable,” said Sanchez. In the past, she and neighbors have voiced concerns about what they allege is the group’s lack of transparency and openness.

“I think this raised the bar for them,” said Sanchez.

NSCA executive director Patricia DeCarlo failed to return repeated calls seeking comment.

The progress so far at the site.

Workers have broken ground, and foundations appear to be in place. The homes will feature parking spots and brick fronts similar to other homes nearby, according to Sanchez. Available at 80 percent AMI, the homes were presented back in September at a meeting in the rectory next door to the future homes.

It’s good to see the two sides have reached a compromise and construction is underway here. But for what it’s worth, we’re still upset that the church was torn down in the first place.

An old photo of the demolished church. Image from brickcanyon.blogspot.com

–Lou Mancinelli