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Nonprofit BEST pitches 52‑unit workforce housing plan on Sixth & Parade; rezoning and LIHTC financing flagged as early hurdles
Summary
BEST presented conceptual plans for roughly 52 workforce housing units on BEST‑owned parcels at Sixth & Parade, proposing mixed one‑ and two‑bedroom buildings with some commercial space, rear parking and neighborhood outreach; presenters said rezoning and Low‑Income Housing Tax Credit financing are likely next steps.
BEST, a neighborhood‑based nonprofit, presented conceptual designs July 1 for workforce housing on parcels it owns near Sixth & Parade, telling Erie City Council the project would combine larger and smaller multi‑unit buildings to return residents and activity to a historically residential block.
Dr. Marcia Frell (BEST) described an L‑shaped corner building with roughly 42 one‑ and two‑bedroom units at Sixth & Parade and a smaller 10–12‑unit building at Sixth & Wallace, "so we're looking at like about a total of roughly 52 units of space," she said. Plans include limited commercial space on ground floors, rear parking accessed from the alley, and pocket‑park activation of some existing green space.
BEST said it has done early neighbor outreach and that immediate responses were positive; the group is seeking a co‑developer to pursue Low‑Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) because BEST said it lacks the capacity to apply alone. Architects from Union Architecture prepared the conceptual imagery; lead architect Ben Willis (a native of Erie) was credited.
Council members generally backed the concept but cautioned that zoning work is needed. Matthew Falconee, the city’s Cultural Resource Manager, later reminded council that nearby zoning classifications vary and "we need some zoning work ... to make high density zoning and to have some limited business there." Father Steven Simon, BEST’s board chair, said BEST historically focuses on acquisition and rehabilitation and estimated the project timeline as about 18 months for early phases.
Why it matters: The proposal targets workforce households—people employed locally, including hospitality and health‑care workers—seeking walkable units near transit. Councilmembers and presenters emphasized preserving neighborhood character, avoiding displacement and pursuing financing that supports long‑term affordability.
What’s next: BEST issued an RFQ for a co‑developer and will proceed with neighborhood engagement and zoning discussions with city planning staff. Council asked BEST to share presentation materials with members.
Representative quotes: Dr. Marcia Frell: "we're looking at like about a total of roughly 52 units of space." Father Steven Simon: "BEST over the years has been very dedicated primarily to acquiring properties and rehabilitating them."
