Roxbury residents frustrated with a wave of gentrification are hoping a new development project results in plenty of affordable housing units and subsidized spots for local businesses.
Neighbors will have a chance to weigh in on the project at a community meeting Thursday, when developers present their plans for city-owned land at 526-528 and 530 Dudley St. — the site of the now-demolished Ideal Theatre.
“We need the greatest good to come out of public parcels, and to stop evictions and the displacement crisis in Roxbury,” Helen Matthews, of the activist group City Life/Vida Urbana, said Tuesday.
The city’s Department of Neighborhood Development and Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative will host Thursday’s community meeting, set for 6 p.m. at 550 Dudley St. in Roxbury.
At the meeting, developers will discuss their plans in response to the city’s request for proposals for the three vacant lots. The RFP states the community wants the site developed for mixed-use — commercial and residential.
“In Roxbury, we need more affordable housing at a price point that matches our income levels,” said Darnell Johnson of Reclaim Roxbury.
Any housing component must designate a minimum of one-third of all housing units for low- and moderate-income households, according to the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative development standards.
Kai Grant, owner and chief curator of Black Market Dudley, said the new development needs to include subsidized spaces for up-and-coming small businesses.
“This helps create opportunities for micro-businesses to stay in the community,” Grant said. “It’s important for developers to serve the needs of the surrounding neighbors and important that they remember the indigenous community.”
According to the RFP, “Special emphasis should be made to ensure that maximum opportunities are afforded to local, small and disadvantaged businesses, as well as people of color and women, in the areas of job creation and training, business development and the procurement of goods, services and construction services in association with construction projects.”
The “strongly discouraged” uses of the property include liquor stores, hair and nail salons, check cashing, fast food, dollar stores and marijuana dispensaries.
