Last night, we held our first in a series of community meetings for the Metro owned lots in Mariachi Plaza. It was a packed event, filled with community members looking to get information and join the community development process.

At the meeting, we took the opportunity to talk about our work, and share our vision for the 60 units, mixed used project, where 30 of those units will be for Transition Age Youth from Jovenes Inc. Additionally, we’re partnering with OMULA, to create a cultural center for Mariachis and we will continue our work with the 1st Street Business Association to activate the plaza for community use.

At East LA Community Corporation, we know first-hand the need for affordable housing. We received over 3,000 applications for Cielito Lindo, our newest built affordable housing development with 50 units. 

Himelda, an East LA Community Corporation member for over 10 years, shared her story of fighting for affordable housing and an equitable living. In 2003, Himelda was displaced and is still fighting, not just for her and her family, but for her community. She wants to keep her family in Boyle Heights, the place where her children grew up. “I want families to have options. The option to stay in the community they built and love,” said Himelda. “We fight every day to continue. I know people who have been displaced because of an $800 rent increase, and that’s not right.”

We want to thank all of the families and individuals that came out last night to our first Mariachi Plaza community meeting. There will be many more to come, along with the formation of work groups that will help design and create the development. Stay tuned, and keep a look out on our calendar for the next meeting.

For additional information, please contact Fernando Abarca.