PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia sheriff’s deputies followed through on a judge’s order to clear out the encampment in front of University City Townhomes Monday morning. Protesters have been trying to stop the owners of the property from selling the affordable housing community.
Protesters and residents were prepared at the corner of 40th and Market streets. They linked arms, chanted and screamed, but sheriff’s deputies made their way through in the blistering heat.
One by one, they hauled away the dozen or so tents that protesters set up on the lawn, where they have been for about a month.
“This is a perfect example of what the city does,” Darlene Formen, a longtime resident and lead organizer, said as tents were torn down. “They come in and they tear the communities down, and it’s not right.”
Resident Maria Lyles, who has lived in University City Townhomes for 25 years, watched from a distance in her wheelchair.
“We have a right to have a home that is supposed to be for our families, so our kids can go to schools without having to worry about being displaced — because it’s gonna be a lot on them,” Lyles said.
“I understand you gotta do what you gotta do, but we are not done,” she pledged. “We’re going to stand up [and] continue to fight.”
While they try to buy more time, property owner IBID Associates is working to end its affordable housing contract to sell the homes. Dozens of families would have to find a new place to live. The protesters say housing vouchers aren’t enough.
Monday’s protest was mostly peaceful. However, at one point a few protesters got into an altercation with officers who were trying to break down a fence made of wooden pallets. One man was taken to the ground and arrested.
Protesters vowed to continue their effort.
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