William C. "Bill" Dusch | City of Concord website
William C. "Bill" Dusch | City of Concord website
In a recent development in Concord, North Carolina, WeBuild Concord and the City of Concord have embarked on a joint effort to revitalize the Logan neighborhood, with a particular focus on affordable housing initiatives. The project aims to bring positive changes to the historically African-American community.
AJ Clark, a resident and president of the Logan Community Association, reminisced about the neighborhood's past, stating, "When I grew up, we had everything in this community that you could’ve ever wanted." However, acknowledging the need for change, he added, "everything else has changed, and change is going to happen whether you want it or not."
Patrick Graham of WeBuild Concord emphasized the importance of creating wealth and stability within the community, saying, "We want to see people have wealth and develop stability for this community." This sentiment was echoed by nearby resident Robert Neal, Sr., who highlighted the lack of essential amenities like a grocery store and fair housing, stating, "We’re missing a grocery store; we’re missing fair housing."
The collaborative effort between WeBuild Concord and the City of Concord has already seen progress with the groundbreaking of the Lincoln Street Townhomes, a 26-unit townhome community designed to provide affordable housing options. The initiative aims to offer long-time residents and renters in the neighborhood an opportunity for homeownership, addressing the issue of housing affordability in the area.
"We’re missing a grocery store; we’re missing fair housing," voiced Neal, Sr., reflecting the community's needs. Clark expressed hope for the future, stating, "This is the beginning of something new." He also expressed concerns about the potential of pricing residents out of the community with the upcoming changes.
The project signals a new chapter for the Logan neighborhood, with plans for further development, including businesses, neighborhood renovations, and enhanced community amenities. WeBuild Concord is encouraging interested individuals to apply online, emphasizing inclusivity and community involvement in the revitalization efforts.