Byberry, which once housed as many as 7,000 patients, opened in 1907. The state took over the facility in 1938 after inspectors revealed fire and health violations. In 1990 it was ordered closed by then-Gov. Robert Casey, following revelations of mismanagement and patient abuse.
Since the close, the facility has become a favorite haunt of trespassers, especially teens on Halloween, and it is currently featured on numerous haunted house websites. "No Trespassing" signs and police patrols around the perimeter have failed to discourage people attracted by its ghoulish notoriety.
The cost of cleaning up the site and demolishing the more than 20 buildings there is estimated at $15 million. PIDC is currently soliciting development plans. The site is a designated Keystone Opportunity Zone, which provides tax waivers for commercial, but not residential development, even though this site is zoned for residential.
Among the plans being submitted are ones that call for some affordable senior housing along with low-rise offices, an option for which community members have expressed support. Such plans would require rezoning. Two parcels of about 25 acres each are expected to be set aside for parks and recreational use.
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