Holy Family Has Plan For Liddonfield

BY RORY McGLASSON/ A plan to bring a new state-of-the art sports facility to Holy Family University has moved a step closer. A bevy of local politicians and civic leaders joined University officials to announce details of a proposed mixed-use facility at the Liddonfield Homes public-housing site in Northeast Philadelphia.

Holy Family is backing a proposal from Philadelphia-based BSI Construction LLC to redevelop LiddonfieldHomes – a Philadelphia Housing Authority site.“It’s a home-run of a proposal,” said City Councilman Robert Henon. “The proposal benefits the University at large, but it benefits every single community in Northeast Philadelphia.”

Councilman Henon was joined by Congressman Bob Brady (D-Phila.), State Sen. Mike Stack (D-Northeast) and State Rep. Michael McGeehan (D-Northeast) at a news conference at the University campus last week. Holy Family University President Sister Francesca Onley backs the project, which is developed by Frankford native John Parsons, president of BSI Construction LLC.

Parsons proposes a 20-acre site that features recreation facilities with public access, including four new baseball fields, illuminated walkways and outdoor seating areas. The plan also includes shops and dining spots. In addition, the plan includes an assisted-living facility with approximately 300 beds to provide care for the growing elderly population of this venerable Philadelphia community.

The proposal has widespread support among area residents and civic associations. Members of the Liddonfield Civic Association describe Liddonfield, which opened in 1955, as a “blight on the community.”The proposal is currently before the PHA Board

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