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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Amy Giancoli Hartman |
State Rep. Frank Oliver |
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Oliver asks committee to consider bill that would
transfer land to Berean Institute
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 27 -- State Rep. Frank Oliver, D-Phila., introduced a bill that would convey a piece of land in the city to the Berean Manual Training and Industrial School and has requested the State Government Committee bring up the bill for consideration.
In a letter to Rep. Babette Josephs, chairwoman of the committee, Oliver asked that the committee review his bill (H.B. 577) and learn more about the land transfer and the work the school is doing from Berean President Andrew Carn.
"Berean is a venerable private non-profit educational institution that has served a myriad number of citizens, some down on their luck, and by doing so, has enabled them to prosper, to have a vocation, much more than a mere job," Oliver wrote.
The bill would authorize the Department of General Services to convey the land adjacent to the school in North Philadelphia, from 20th Street and West Girard Avenue to South College Avenue and 19th Street, to Berean Institute for $1. The property is 66,560 square feet. Oliver said his bill also would restrict the land's use, through a deed restriction, to educational purposes.
"Berean Institute is a landmark in the city of Philadelphia," Oliver said. "It is an essential part of the social fabric of the community. With this addition of property, Berean can continue its outreach and educate the community, which will provide a sound investment in North Philadelphia and its citizens."
Berean Institute was established in the late 1800s as an educational institution, originally for African-Americans, to help people secure meaningful employment. Over the years, it has introduced a number of citizens to secure employment by teaching them special skills, including cosmetology, electrical work and business offerings.
Oliver introduced the bill in March.
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