UPDATE: A Philadelphia judge has just announced a groundbreaking decision, naming the nonprofit organization reBuilding Blocks as the conservator of the notorious former abortion clinic at 3801-05 Lancaster Ave. This ruling follows a lengthy legal battle and promises a new chapter for the property that has long been a source of community trauma.
The ruling, delivered on October 20, 2023, gives reBuilding Blocks control over the abandoned site, formerly operated by convicted abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell, who is currently serving a life sentence for heinous crimes against women and infants. The clinic, which has been described as a “House of Horrors,” will now be subject to significant renovations that could exceed $100,000.
“[The building] creates a psychic blight for those who remember what happened, and it’s time for something positive to emerge from it,” stated Beth Grossman, managing director of reBuilding Blocks, after the court’s ruling. The decision comes under Act 135, a Pennsylvania law allowing nonprofits and communities to revitalize blighted properties.
The property has languished in disrepair for over a decade and is riddled with code violations. Grossman’s organization now has the authority to initiate repairs, including essential updates to roofing, windows, and doors. However, before any renovations can begin, a long-standing squatter must be removed, a process that may require assistance from the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office.
The history of this site is grim. Kermit Gosnell was convicted in 2013 of first-degree murder for killing infants born alive during botched procedures. The appalling conditions of the clinic were revealed during investigations, describing unsanitary practices that included blood-stained recliners and fetal remains found throughout the premises.
As the community grapples with the legacy of this dark past, residents are hopeful for a positive transformation. There have been calls for the clinic to be converted into a crisis pregnancy center or affordable housing, with supporters advocating for a mixed-use development that could benefit the local community.
“It’s been a long time coming for something hopefully positive to happen with this property,” commented Debra McCarty, a board member of the Mantua Powelton Alliance. The organization is working to establish legal status to play a role in determining the future of the site.
Any proceeds from the eventual sale of the property will primarily go towards repaying the city, which is owed more than $100,000 in municipal debts. Under Act 135, reBuilding Blocks is also entitled to recover up to 20% of the sale price to cover legal fees and repair costs.
The road ahead is still uncertain, but the community eagerly anticipates seeing this property transformed from a symbol of horror into a beacon of hope and renewal. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on reBuilding Blocks and the future plans for this infamous site.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
