District B covers North Houston which includes Kashmere Gardens, Acres Homes, Fifth Ward, Greenspoint neighborhoods and others. The 2019 Census indicated that District B contains approximately 195,000 residents. The overall racial composition of the area is predominately Black (46%) and Hispanic (48%) with majority of residents earning a median household income between $25,000-$50,000.
OPPORTUNITIES:
The community faces both challenges and opportunities. Severe flooding and an aging population have fueled area population loss. District B neighborhoods are facing a constellation of interconnected challenges such as food deserts, limited access to healthcare, inadequate housing, and insufficient job opportunities. Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses community involvement, policy initiatives, and strategic partnerships.
Access to Healthy Foods:
Food deserts are defined as areas with limited access to affordable and nutritious food. This lack of access contributes to poor diet, higher levels of obesity, and other diet-related diseases.
Lack of Healthcare:
Inadequate healthcare access in low-income neighborhoods can lead to unaddressed health issues and higher emergency room usage for primary care.
Housing:
Affordable housing is often scarce in low-income areas, leading to overcrowding, substandard living conditions, and homelessness.
Jobs:
Unemployment or underemployment is common, often due to a lack of local job opportunities or skills mismatch.
Transportation:
Inadequate public transportation infrastructure limits residents’ mobility and access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
Historical Identity:
Underrepresented communities are at risk of losing their historical identities as new people and businesses move in, as a result of a neighborhood “upgrade”.
Heat Islands:
Low-income households often bear a disproportionate burden from heat islands, facing increased health risks due to limited access to cooling measures, higher energy bills for air conditioning, and fewer green spaces for relief, impacting overall well-being.
Cross-Cutting Strategies will need to be implemented to effectuate change:
· Community Engagement: Actively involve community members in planning and
decision-making processes.
· Policy Advocacy: Advocate for policies that address systemic issues affecting low-income neighborhoods.
· Partnerships: Collaborate with NGOs, government agencies, and private entities to leverage resources and expertise.
· Sustainable Development: Ensure that solutions are sustainable and environmentally friendly.
The challenges faced by low-income neighborhoods such as District B, are deeply interlinked and require comprehensive, community-driven solutions. By addressing these issues holistically and fostering collaboration across different sectors, it is possible to create meaningful change that improves the quality of life for residents in these communities.
With input, guidance, and recommendations from experts in the industry, the GEJ Development team has comprised transformative community redevelopment concepts designed to create a more vibrant, healthier, and economically empowered community for District B residents. The beautification of streetscapes and renovation of declining residential and retail properties will serve to attract new business, shoppers and visitors to the area.
Proposed concepts for re-development will enhance neighborhood aesthetics, improve healthcare accessibility, ensure convenient access to groceries and foster entrepreneurial opportunities.