Frequently Asked Questions
+ What is the Kensington Corridor Trust (KCT)?
The Kensington Corridor Trust (KCT) is a community-driven initiative that seeks to acquire and steward land and properties along Kensington Avenue to ensure that they remain affordable and accessible to the neighborhood's current residents and businesses. We focus on preventing displacement, fostering local entrepreneurship, and preserving the cultural fabric of the Kensington community.
+ How does KCT acquire properties?
KCT acquires properties through various means, but primarily through direct sales with individual and LLC owners. We work closely with community members to identify properties that are important to the neighborhood and strategize how to preserve or redevelop them in ways that benefit the community.
+ How does KCT ensure that properties remain affordable?
KCT uses a community ownership model, where properties are held in trust for the benefit of the community. This model allows us to control rents, keeping them affordable for local residents and businesses. Additionally, we focus on mixed-use development that provides both affordable housing and commercial space.
+ What types of projects does KCT support?
KCT supports a wide range of projects, including affordable housing developments, community gardens, public art installations, and commercial spaces for local businesses. We prioritize projects that align with our mission of preventing displacement, supporting local entrepreneurs, and enhancing the neighborhood's cultural and social fabric.
+ Is the KCT a for-profit or a non-profit organization?
The KCT is a hybrid model that includes a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and a perpetual purpose trust. The KCT is not a for-profit organization.
+ Where are the KCT headquarters located?
The KCT sub-leases from IF Lab at 3400 J Street, Unit G12, Philadelphia, PA 19134. This is also our mailing address. Our staff are working a hybrid schedule.
+ What are the boundaries of the KCT?
The KCT has defined its working boundaries as Kensington Avenue between Lehigh Avenue and Glenwood Avenue. The KCT only acquires properties that are within those boundaries.
+ How does the KCT define the area they call the Kensington neighborhood?
The KCT defines the Kensington neighborhood as these five census tracts in Philadelphia:
- 177.0
- 177.02
- 178
- 188.01
- 188.02
- 192
While the KCT only looks to acquire properties within a smaller boundary inside the neighborhood of Kensington, the definition of neighborhood plays a role in who may be elected to the KCT’s governing bodies.
+ How do I contact KCT?
You can email us at info@kctphilly.org or you can send us a message through our Contact Us page on this site.
+ Is the KCT a land trust?
No, a community land trust typically owns the land and sells the buildings/structures to members of the community. Our model holds the land and any improvements on the land in the trust. Also, all profits gained by the KCT are reinvested back into the neighborhood.
+ Who governs the Kensington Corridor Trust?
KCT is governed by two governing bodies (one for the nonpropfit and the other for the perpetual purpose trust) comprosied of Kensington residents and small business owners. This governance structure ensures that the community has a direct say in the decisions made by the Trust.
+ What does "neighborhood controlled" mean?
It means that our governance infrastructure puts the power in the hands of the neighborhood. Our board is composed of people passionate about our work, all of which are residents of and small business owners in Kensington.
+ Does the KCT purchase land and buildings off of Kensington Avenue?
While the KCT is actively involved in the purchase of land and buildings on Kensington Avenue, we are not off of Kensington Avenue.
+ How does KCT decide which properties to acquire or develop?
Our property acquisition and development decisions are guided by community input and our mission. We conduct extensive community outreach to understand the needs and priorities of residents and businesses, and we evaluate properties based on their potential to contribute to these goals. All acquisitions are on Kensington Avenue between Lehigh and Glenwood Avenues.
+ How is KCT funded?
KCT is funded through a mix of grants, donations, program related investments, loans, and revenue generated from our properties. Our funders and supporters are both local and national.
+ What does it mean to “decommodify” real estate on Kensington Avenue?
Real estate is a commodity because it can be bought and sold. To decommodify real estate means that assets, like commercial and mixed-use buildings, are removed from the capitalistic market so the asset can no longer be sold. It brings the asset into the commons to be preserved and in the case of the KCT to be governed and controlled by the neighborhood.
+ How will this impact me as a resident of the community?
The commercial corridor should be a positive hub for the neighborhood and our goal is to reactivate the corridor for neighborhood use with affordable goods and services that the neighborhood wants and needs.
+ How will this impact me as a business owner/operator in the community?
The KCT will make available for lease new and rehabbed spaces for business owners to operate from on Kensington Avenue. The KCT acknowledges the costs associated with running a business in bricks and mortar spaces and we aim to keep a low point of entry for businesses to reduce barriers to access.
+ Will I and the broader community be able to make suggestions on what is developed and what businesses/organizations are attracted?
Yes, we want to hear from you directly. If you have ideas, please get in touch with us. Currently all proposed businesses are shared with the RCOs and civic associations in the neighborhood, prior to signing a lease. We also post on our social media and canvas on Kensington Avenue to speak with existing business owners to gain their feedback on the proposed commercial tenants.
+ Will there be any public spaces delivered as a part of this project?
At the KCT we believe in activating vacant lots until we are prepared to begin construction. So, we are looking for partners to activate that space with and some temporary use ideas so far are pollinator gardens and pop-up art installations. If you have others, please get in touch with us.
The KCT is currently stewarding a pollinator garden on the 3200 block of Kensington Ave, near the K&A intersection. This garden is available for use by partners and neighbors at no cost with a key holder agreement. Please reach out for more information.
+ When will this project end? What is the long-term plan of this project? What will happen over time?
The KCT is built upon a model of intergenerational stewardship. This means that we believe the neighborhood should govern and control the real estate held by the KCT to protect the use and value of the real estate. Over time, the KCT will amass a significant number of assets on the commercial corridor which should allow the neighborhood to control affordability and actively work against displacement.
+ How does the KCT benefit the neighborhood?
The KCT will be reducing the vacancies in commercial spaces on Kensington Avenue by developing quality, affordable business spaces. A reduction in vacancy and an investment into the physical built environment should benefit everyone trying to do business on the Avenue, both consumers and business owners.
+ What impact has KCT had on the Kensington community so far?
KCT has successfully acquired and redeveloped several properties along Kensington Avenue, creating affordable housing, commercial spaces for local businesses, and one community garden. Our work has helped to stabilize the blocks we work on, prevent displacement, and support local entrepreneurs.
+ What are the long-term goals of KCT?
The long-term goals of KCT are to create a sustainable model of community ownership that can be replicated in other neighborhoods, to reduce displacement in Kensington, and to support the growth of a vibrant, inclusive local economy. We aim to ensure that the neighborhood remains a place where residents and businesses can afford to live, do business, and thrive for generations to come.
+ How can I get involved with KCT?
There are several ways to get involved with KCT. You can volunteer your time, attend community meetings, or participate in our events and workshops. We also welcome donations and partnerships with individuals, businesses, and organizations that share our vision for Kensington.
+ How can I partner with the KCT?
We love building new mission-aligned partnerships! Contact us to spark a conversation.