Though St. John Neumann High School for Boys soon will be history, the doors of the building at 26th and Moore streets will not be closed for good.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia plans to convert the school into affordable housing for the elderly — a proposal that Stella Maris parishioners shot down when it was introduced a couple years ago.
A decree of the Tenth Synod of Philadelphia calls for the archdiocese to explore the conversion of its facilities into affordable housing for older adults and those requiring special assistance to meet daily needs, said archdiocesan spokesperson Catherine Rossi.
The Neumann plan would see the facilities converted to meet the housing needs of individuals age 62 and older. It would include supportive independent living and assisted-living facilities.
The conversion would be in keeping with the archdiocese’s desire to maintain a presence in the neighborhood, according to Rossi. The plan also would allow the newly consolidated Ss. John Neumann and Maria Goretti High School, to be housed in Goretti’s building at 10th and Moore streets, to use the grounds for athletics.
First, the archdiocese is conducting a survey of local residents regarding the potential reuse of the Neumann site. The survey will be distributed at Masses in parish churches this weekend.
"The use of the St. John Neumann High School site as affordable senior housing is the first option being explored," Rossi said. "We would like to know what the greater South Philadelphia community thinks of this possibility. Provided we receive community support for senior housing, we will pursue a cost analysis."
Once the survey is completed and the pertinent studies performed, the Secretary for Catholic Human Services will offer a recommendation for the reuse to the Archdiocesan Office of the Vicar for Administration. Ultimately, the archbishop must approve any recommendation.
