Most people enjoy it for the fun, exercise, and sense of freedom it provides, but for a new development in Lorain, it represents revitalization. Raise Up, formerly the Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority, is working to change perceptions and, as a result, create a better future.
“Housing is where jobs live, and we believe that,” said Judy Carlin, CEO of Raise Up. “Not only do we want to have more jobs living here in south Lorain, we want to see south Lorain grow.”
This public housing agency faces a formidable challenge. The Southside Gateway Community Plan was developed with resident and neighbor input. The first step is a park with amenities such as a stage, flex space, garden, and playground at Southside Gardens, located at the intersection of East 30th Street and Vine Avenue.
It’s a $1.3 million project that has encountered some difficulties.
“The original plan, we were going to use shipping containers, that become prohibitive,” Carlin told me.
During construction, workers discovered that the foundation of a previous building remained on the site, requiring some changes to the park’s layout.
“We have not had significant delays because of supply chain issues but there have been things that we’ve had to adapt to in the process,” she told me.
The ultimate goal is to build new mixed-income housing throughout South Lorain, which could encourage businesses and essential services to locate in the neighborhood, which leaders say has received insufficient investment.
For Raise Up, this park represents a beacon of hope.
“The people who live here now know we’re not playing around; we’re going to do what we say we’re going to do,” said Community Engagement Coordinator Josue Soto. “Hopefully, this is only the beginning of South Lorain’s revitalization. The park is scheduled to be completed by the end of August, and there will be a community celebration.
This phase of the project was funded using both private and public funds, including a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Raise Up intends to apply for another HUD grant to support the long-term vision for this neighborhood. We follow through. Do you want us to continue following up on a story? Let us know.
