Aldermen approve Booker T. contract

Philadelphia aldermen accepted a $357,400 bid to install handicap-accessible restrooms at the Booker T. Washington gym.

This action was taken during last Tuesday’s regular board meeting.

Ward 4 Alderman Shaun Seales made the motion and it was seconded by Ward 1 Alderman Justin Clearman to accept the lowest bid by Perry Construction. The work will renovate the restrooms and make them ADA-compliant. The motion was approved unanimously.

Mayor James A. Young said the project has three funding sources. The city has received a $211,000 Community Development  Block Grant from the state. 

The remaining costs will be paid for through money left over from a bond issue and money the city received from the federal American Rescue Plan fund.

“This will finish up the handicap assessable bathroom project,” Young said. “We are thankful for our legislators who helped us with this funding. I expect work will start soon.”

In a related matter, aldermen agreed to supply a letter of support for the Booker T. Washington project donations fund organized by the Community in Action civic group.

Anyone interested in donating money for future renovations at the gym can go by City Hall and contribute. The motion was approved unanimously.

For more information about the Booker T fund, contact the Rev. Johnny Beckwith at (601) 416-4450.