3375 S Hoover St
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Directly adjacent to USC’s University Park Campus lies a community shopping center known as the University Village. It was built in 1974 as part of the Hoover Redevelopment Project in an effort to “improve the area surrounding USC and beautify the South-central Los Angeles area.” The 14.6 acre retail and office complex, consisting of a grocery store, movie theater, small shops, and an array of dining options, is bordered by Jefferson Blvd, McClintock Ave, 30th Street, and Hoover Street. Initially, the shopping center was designed to cater to the needs of both the community and the university and was praised for its diversity. However, USC’s $25-million acquisition of the shopping center in 1999 challenged the original intentions behind the project.
Currently, USC administrators and students consider the University Village to be a place that it “is dated, has limited retail offerings, and needs to be replaced.” USC’s Master Plan to revitalize the area involves tearing down the University Village, along with two USC-owned apartment complexes, in order to build a new shopping center, “The Village at USC.” This new center is said to include “350,000 square feet of community-serving retail, new student housing and academic space, and will increase the quality of life for students and the community.” This plan, however, reflects a significant emphasis on university interests while ignoring essential community needs. Once the only space that integrated the community and the university, the new Village with its upscale retail, restaurants and student housing, will do very little for the community. USC’s overt attempt to gentrify the area, and thus push out the surrounding low-income community, counters the university’s claim that it is most concerned with helping the community.
The Figueroa Corridor Coalition for Economic Justice (FCCEJ), a community advocacy group, along with many local residents and business owners, have expressed concern over the potentially harmful affects this new development would have on the community. Some of these issues already plaguing the community, including the ongoing elimination of affordable housing, dramatically increased traffic, air pollution, and decreased pedestrian and public safety, are consequences of the university’s expansion and growing demand for student housing over the years. As an organization that aims to alleviate some of the negative effects on community stability and affordable housing that have arisen in the area immediately surrounding USC, the FCCEJ has responded by expressing its concern that this new development might worsen the situation. USC is set on moving forward with its master plan. However, the FCCEJ has collaborated with the university to ensure that this new development includes and benefits all members of the community.
While it cannot offset the gentrifying effects this plan will have on the community, USC must recognize its moral responsibility to adhere to the needs of the community. In 2012, the $1-billion Village at USC plan was approved by Los Angeles City Council, but not without the promise of substantial community benefits. The provisions outlined in the community benefits agreement include a $20 million contribution from the university that will go towards maintaining affordable housing in the surrounding area, a promise to hire 30% of the workforce for the project from within a five mile radius from campus, and the creation of a legal clinic at its Gould School of Law to help local residents with tenant-landlord disputes.
For More Information
“$1-billion Village at USC approved by L.A. council panel.” (2012, Oct 12). Los Angeles Times.
Loeterman, Dan. "Residents Oppose Master Plan - SAJE :: Shift Power, Change Lives." Residents Oppose Master Plan - SAJE :: Shift Power, Change Lives. Web. 14 May 2013. <http://www.saje.net/site/c.hkLQJcMUKrH/b.3998783/>.
“University Park Campus Master Plan History.” University Park Campus Master Planning. Web. May 2013. <http://www.usc.edu/community/upcmasterplan/background/history/1961/>.
The Figueroa Corridor Coalition for Economic Justice (FCCEJ), a community advocacy group, along with many local residents and business owners, have expressed concern over the potentially harmful affects this new development would have on the community. Some of these issues already plaguing the community, including the ongoing elimination of affordable housing, dramatically increased traffic, air pollution, and decreased pedestrian and public safety, are consequences of the university’s expansion and growing demand for student housing over the years. As an organization that aims to alleviate some of the negative effects on community stability and affordable housing that have arisen in the area immediately surrounding USC, the FCCEJ has responded by expressing its concern that this new development might worsen the situation. USC is set on moving forward with its master plan. However, the FCCEJ has collaborated with the university to ensure that this new development includes and benefits all members of the community.
While it cannot offset the gentrifying effects this plan will have on the community, USC must recognize its moral responsibility to adhere to the needs of the community. In 2012, the $1-billion Village at USC plan was approved by Los Angeles City Council, but not without the promise of substantial community benefits. The provisions outlined in the community benefits agreement include a $20 million contribution from the university that will go towards maintaining affordable housing in the surrounding area, a promise to hire 30% of the workforce for the project from within a five mile radius from campus, and the creation of a legal clinic at its Gould School of Law to help local residents with tenant-landlord disputes.
For More Information
“$1-billion Village at USC approved by L.A. council panel.” (2012, Oct 12). Los Angeles Times.
Loeterman, Dan. "Residents Oppose Master Plan - SAJE :: Shift Power, Change Lives." Residents Oppose Master Plan - SAJE :: Shift Power, Change Lives. Web. 14 May 2013. <http://www.saje.net/site/c.hkLQJcMUKrH/b.3998783/>.
“University Park Campus Master Plan History.” University Park Campus Master Planning. Web. May 2013. <http://www.usc.edu/community/upcmasterplan/background/history/1961/>.
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