UPDATE: A Philadelphia nonprofit has just been named the conservator of the notorious abortion clinic once operated by Dr. Kermit Gosnell, marking a significant step toward revitalizing a site long plagued by its grim past. On October 13, 2023, the Court of Common Pleas ruled that reBuilding Blocks will take control of the vacant property located at 3801-05 Lancaster Ave in West Philadelphia.
This ruling comes after a lengthy legal battle, allowing the nonprofit to address the numerous code violations that have left the clinic in a state of disrepair for over a decade. The site has been a haunting reminder of Gosnell’s horrific crimes, where he was convicted of murdering infants during illegal abortions and is currently serving a life sentence in prison.
Beth Grossman, managing director of reBuilding Blocks, expressed the community’s urgent need for change: “This building creates a psychic blight to those who remember what happened, and it’s time for something positive to come out of it.” The decision enables the organization to begin immediate renovations, with costs expected to exceed $100,000 for repairs including new roofing, windows, and cleaning.
The property’s future use remains uncertain, but Grossman has indicated plans to clear out a longstanding squatter before moving forward. If necessary, the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office may be involved to ensure compliance. Once cleared, reBuilding Blocks can petition the court to sell the property, potentially transforming it into a mixed-use development that could benefit the local community.
The ruling is part of a Pennsylvania law known as Act 135, which provides a framework for revitalizing abandoned properties. Neighbors and community advocates are keenly interested in the outcome, hoping to see the site turned into a productive space rather than a lingering reminder of its dark history.
In a virtual appearance from prison, Gosnell acknowledged the court’s decision but expressed disappointment over his son’s exclusion from the remediation process. His son, David Evans, did not oppose the ruling and chose not to make further comments.
Local community members are already voicing their hopes for the site. Debra McCarty of the Mantua Powelton Alliance stated, “It’s been a long time coming for something hopefully positive to happen with this property. It’s been a blight on the community for quite some time.”
As reBuilding Blocks prepares to take action, the plan aims not just for renovations but also for the possibility of selling the property to recover municipal debts exceeding $100,000. The organization will also be entitled to a portion of the sale proceeds as stipulated by Act 135.
The community’s eagerness for positive transformation at this site underscores a collective desire to overcome the shadows of its past. As developments unfold, all eyes will be on reBuilding Blocks and their efforts to bring new life to this long-abandoned property.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as we monitor the future of the former Gosnell clinic and its potential impact on the West Philadelphia community.
