Queen Latifah is giving back to her hometown of Newark, New Jersey, by building affordable housing in the city.
The actress, through the BlueSugar Corporation, of which she serves as co-president, is developing multifamily townhomes with GonSosa Development.
According to NJ.com, the project will include “20 three-family town homes and a three-story mixed-used building with an additional 16 units;” the 16 units will be affordable, while 60 units will be the market rate.
In a statement to NJ.com, Cristina Pinzon, a spokeswoman for the developers, said affordable housing in Newark is needed.
“They understand 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.”
Latifah, who was born in Newark, has spoken highly of the city before. In May, she was the commencement speaker at Rutgers-Newark and said, “I couldn’t be more proud to be one of Newark’s own today, this is home.”
The housing development is expected to be fully completed by December 2021 and will have a fitness center and commercial space that will be rented to nonprofits. Prices for the market rates start around $1,800, and the affordable housing units will be based on income.
