Photo: AP Images/Invision
During her commencement speech at Rutgers University- Newark back in May, Queen Latifah told the class of 2018, “I couldn’t be more proud to be one of Newark’s own today, this is home.”
Now, as co-president of BlueSugar Corporation, the actress and hip-hop legend is returning home to build a $14 million housing project in the same city she was born in.
With the help of GonSosa Development, the complex will consist of 23 family town homes, 16 smaller units, a fitness center, plus a commercial space that will be made available for nonprofits to rent. “The 60 units in the townhouses will be market rate; the 16 units in the building will be affordable,” NJ.com reports.
Photo via: BlueSugar Corporation and GonSosa Development
The rental price for market rate units are set to start at $1,800 a month, while rent for units in the affordable housing building will be based on the individual’s income.
“BlueSugar and GS Developers share the belief that decent, affordable housing should be available to everyone regardless of their financial situation,” said Cristina Pinzon, a spokesperson for the developers, said in a statement. “The principals in both companies have strong connections to Newark and the surrounding area and have seen this need firsthand. They understand know how difficult it is to make ends meet for many residents and want to be part of the solution. They remain dedicated to making life better in communities like Newark.”
The multi-family town homes will be located on Springfield Avenue and South 17th Street with market rate units expected to open by December 2020 and affordable housing units completed in December 2021.