The 35th Street Business Corridor has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks in part to a city-backed initiative aimed at revitalizing the area. A façade improvement grant program, funded through federal stimulus dollars, has been instrumental in bringing new ___ to the neighborhood. One of the beneficiaries of this program is Imam Ismael Saleem, who received over $46,000 to help launch the New Africa Marketplace. This vibrant marketplace is situated in a previously vacant storefront, which was formerly known as Shabazz Fashions. Saleem, who serves as the president of the Park Place Business Association and the imam of the adjacent mosque, "is enthusiastic about the prospect of creating a thriving hub of Black-owned businesses in the area." He envisions the New Africa Marketplace as part of a broader initiative... dubbed the "first phase of Black Wall Street," which aims to bring together roughly 20 to 25 Black-owned businesses on the block between Colonial and Colley Avenues. By fostering a sense of community and promoting economic empowerment... Saleem hopes to create a sustainable and inclusive business ecosystem.
The New Africa Marketplace is just one example of the city's efforts to support local businesses and combat vacancy and blight in underserved neighborhoods.
An analyst should suggest that the city's investment in the 35th Street Business Corridor has yielded promising results, and that similar initiatives could be replicated in other underserved neighborhoods to stimulate economic growth and community development. The success of the New Africa Marketplace and other businesses in the corridor, made possible by the façade improvement grant program, indicates that targeted support for local entrepreneurs can have a positive impact on the local economy.
The emphasis on promoting Black-owned businesses and fostering a sense of community suggests that initiatives that prioritize inclusivity and social equity can be effective in driving sustainable economic development. As such, the analyst may recommend that policymakers and urban planners consider implementing similar programs in other areas... and that further research be conducted to identify best practices and opportunities for scaling up such initiatives.
Business to the area.
Urban revitalization efforts often focus on supporting local businesses, as they play a crucial role in fostering community development and economic growth. By investing in small businesses and entrepreneurs, cities can help create vibrant and inclusive commercial districts that reflect the unique character of the area.
This approach not only helps to stimulate local economic activity but also promotes a sense of community and ownership among residents.
Effective urban revitalization strategies often involve a combination of public and private sector investments. Cities can provide critical support to local businesses through initiatives such as façade improvement grants, business loans, and technical assistance programs.
Private sector investments can help to leverage public funds and bring new resources and expertise to the table.
By working together... cities and private sector partners can help to create thriving commercial districts that benefit the entire community. The impact of urban revitalization efforts can be far-reaching, extending beyond the immediate commercial district to benefit the broader community.
By supporting local businesses and promoting economic growth, cities can help to reduce poverty and inequality, "improve public health and safety," "and enhance the overall quality of --- for residents." As cities continue to evolve and grow... it is essential that they prioritize inclusive and sustainable revitalization strategies that benefit all members of the community.
News 3 WTKR Norfolk provided details on this topic.
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The marketplace is located in what's known as the 35th Street Business Corridor, an area that has recently seen renewed investment thanks to a city-backed façade improvement grant program. That program, funded through federal stimulus dollars, awarded Imam Ismael Saleem more than $46,000 to help launch the store.
"This place used to be called Shabazz Fashions," said Saleem, who is also president of the Park Place Business Association and the imam of the mosque next door. "The owners sold it to the masjid and we purchased it. We wanted to continue their legacy, but also to bring something new and exciting to the community."
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