Philly looks to abandoned school properties to ease housing shortage

Philadelphia officials are considering a proposal to convert abandoned school properties to the city for conversion to housing.

The district pays carrying costs, including maintenance and security, for abandoned properties, some of which are dilapidated. Offloading the empty buildings could save the financially strapped school system money while freeing up unused properties for projects to create badly needed housing.

Some opponents urged the school board to wait until a full facilities-planning process is completed before deciding to turn over abandoned properties. The current portfolio of vacant school buildings is estimated to be worth $80 million.

Some opponents are concerned that the proposed property transfer could rid the district of one of its more valuable assets at below-market valuations.