The Liberty Motel in North Philadelphia has long been known throughout the community as a hub for drug use and commercial sex. In response, residents have continuously called for the permanent closure of the business. At the end of February 2018, local residents had their voices heard and the Liberty Motel was officially shut down after the Lenfest Center purchased the property and its surrounding parcels. The Lenfest Center serves the Hunting Park neighborhood with opportunities to explore STEM, arts, youth leadership and mentorship, college and career readiness, and wellness. The nonprofit hopes to expand by purchasing other parcels nearby and ultimately revitalize the community.
According to The Inquirer, the Lenfest Center paid approximately $1.5 million in February for the motel and three of its surrounding properties. Nonprofits usually do not have the financial resources to purchase nuisance properties, such as this one. However, according to Andy Frishkoff, Director of Local Initiatives Support Corporation’s Philadelphia Office, this approach has proven to be more effective at reducing crime than relying solely on law enforcement or city agencies to address issues occurring on certain problem properties.
The Liberty Motel has been owned by Germantown Liberty, LLC. Since 2012. North10 Philadelphia reported that Governor Tom Wolf, State Senator Sharif Street, City Council President Darrell Clarke, and members of the Hunting Park community are immensely pleased that the Liberty Motel will no longer serve as a dangerous blight on the community.
The CSE Institute is delighted to see The Lenfest Center taking steps to eradicate commercial sexual exploitation in this Philadelphia neighborhood. This creative approach sends a message to the surrounding area that this community is making the safety of its residents a priority. The Lenfest Center’s bold purchase sets the tone for others to take charge in their communities and work towards facilitating the positive changes residents wish to see.
All views expressed herein are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Villanova University Charles Widger School of law or of Villanova University.