SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
Proposed Mixed-Use Development ( inset ) Map courtesy of Harrell Architectural Partnership
In its recently published “ State of Black America ” report , the National Urban League ’ s 2022 Black-White Equality Index put Black Americans at 73.9 percent attainment relative to White Americans across five categories : economic status , health , education , social justice and civic engagement . For instance , the equality index noted a median household income for Black people of $ 44,000 , which was 37 percent less than that of White people . The data indicates Black people are also less likely to benefit from home ownership , which has fueled generational wealth among Americans .
“ We ’ re all in on closing the generational wealth gap and boosting economic prosperity among the people and families we serve ,” says Paul Kaiser , GSUL housing manager . “ Financial empowerment leads to greater food and housing security , lower incidences of crime and violence , improved education outcomes , less stress and an overall happier home life . In financially capable communities , everyone benefits , and so does the whole region .”
Looking ahead , GSUL has tremendous opportunities arising from its planned mixed-use development . Commencement of the project will serve as a catalyst for a comprehensive community economic development revitalization initiative along the entire Marysville Boulevard corridor . As presently designed , the development will have 63,569 square feet of total building space in five stories . This will include a mixture of ground-floor commercial retail and three stories of 32 affordable housing units consisting of studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments .
“ GSUL is ready to heavily lean into this opportunity by doubling down on our five-pillared empowerment agenda in Del Paso Heights ,” Crenshaw says . “ We envision an evolution of our existing presence and impact through organizing and leading a community-centric , public-private partnership deeply invested in and committed to significant improvement of the quality of life across sectors for youth and families in ‘ The Heights .’”
May 2022 | comstocksmag . com 71