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Partners for Southern Equity reports resident engagement and survey findings for Park at Gillum: average rent $611.93; displacement concerns high
Summary
Partnership for Southern Equity (PSC) presented community engagement findings for the Park at Gillum study area, reporting roughly 31–34 acres studied, high occupancy of units, an average rent of $611.93 per month, widespread concerns about utilities and housing conditions, and strong resident apprehension about eviction and displacement.
Representatives from the Partnership for Southern Equity (PSC) briefed the URA on community engagement and preliminary findings for the Park at Gillum study area.
Jennifer (PSC) and Kazim (PSC) told the board the study area covers roughly 31.26–34.34 acres; PSC reported 113 of 125 units as occupied as of March 2025 and later referenced 112 active leases in some materials. PSC reported an average rent of $611.93 per month based on survey and documented sources and said average household size in the sample was about 2.33 people.
PSC described the primary resident concerns: high utility costs, missing insulation and outdated windows, pest problems and HVAC/air‑quality issues, roof and general upkeep needs, and accessibility for residents aging in place. Residents indicated strong appreciation for neighborhood social ties and open space, and many asked for a designated play area and community gathering spaces.
PSC said it completed a door‑to‑door outreach campaign, formed a resident advisory committee of roughly 10 residents who meet biweekly, ran a resident survey with a 43% response rate among leaseholders and held community meetings and a block party. PSC plans to present findings to the community on July 24 and deliver a draft findings report to economic development staff the week after the URA meeting.
Asked about unit habitability, PSC said some units have been repurposed as storage and several units were documented as uninhabitable in property records; PSC will reconcile property management records with resident reports. Board members asked whether prior abatement or asbestos work had occurred; PSC said residents reported there had not been a full abatement process and that missing insulation had been a historical issue.
PSC recommended assisting residents through a property management transition plan, providing transparent communications, and ensuring a process centered on resident voices if redevelopment or renovation proceeds. PSC will continue to advise on communications, transition planning and community resources as URA and staff finalize decisions.
