History was made on August 12, 2016 at the Jordan Downs Public Housing Community. After eight years of a public engagement process and working with the community to come up with the vision of the new Jordan Downs,the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) along with Watts residents, community leaders, developers and elected city officials celebrated the ceremonial demolition of this 700 unit development.
Mayor Eric Garcetti, Councilmember Joe Buscaino, Assemblyman Mike Gibson and HACLA Commissioners were present to celebrate this milestone.
“A zip code should not define who we are. Our hearts and dreams should define where we go. That is what today is about,” said Mayor Garcetti.
This is a promise kept to the residents who are looking forward to making progress on the $1 billion redevelopment plan for the new Jordan Downs. The first phase of the project —a collaborative public-private effort led by Mayor Garcetti, Councilmember Buscaino and HACLA — will replace 49 acres of distressed federal public housing, with 250 units of new affordable housing, 120,000 square feet of retail, nearly two acres of park space, and an expansive community center.
With the start of the Jordan Downs demolition and construction, the Watts community and its residents will benefit from hundreds of jobs and a new urban village aimed to improve socioeconomic and overall quality of life of Watts residents.
“The new Watts will have more jobs, in fact, 30% of the work force that will build the new Jordan Downs will come from the community in Watts. It’s the new Watts that will welcome back residents who have paid their dues to society and make sure that they have their fair shot at participating in the job market allowing them to provide for their families and ensure they can live safe and prosperous lives”, said Councilman Joe Buscaino.
Construction is slated to begin later this year.
Click here to watch the video from KTLA 5 News.