News
JPMorgan Chase opens new community center in Linden neighborhood
By Clay Gordon
WBNS — 10TV
Investing in the Linden neighborhood is noticeable when driving down Cleveland Avenue. Lots have been cleared and construction is underway on a new library, and excavators are breaking ground on new developments.
“Since the 1960s, we basically gutted out this neighborhood, and so now this is a renaissance,” said Stephanie Hightower, President & CEO of the Columbus Urban League. “To actually see now… about $150 million investment, you still need probably another $200 million because this is just the tip of the iceberg and when you’ve had a neighborhood that you haven’t invested in in years… you’re basically starting from the ground up.”
JPMorgan Chase cut the ribbon on the new Northern Lights Community Center Branch Wednesday morning. It includes a space for community gatherings and it’s a spot where residents can access resources to build generational wealth, even if they are not a Chase customer.
“It’s important people feel like they have access. This is a community center, so people feel like they can come in here. If our young people know they are welcome, that’s how you begin to not only heal but teach the next generation about wealth building,” Hightower said.
This branch is part of a national effort by JPMorgan Chase, marking the 19th community center branch in the U.S. CEO Jamie Dimon visited Linden to ring in the opening.
“We’ve been investing in Columbus since I’ve been here,” said Dimon. “Think of the religious institutions, the businesses, and invite them in, to learn about a mortgage, how to bank, how to have a product, how to save money, and how… to buy a house, the things that we should be teaching people. And it lifts up society. It works.”
The Northern Lights Community Center Branch was part of a $1.5 million investment, according to Chase. It’s part of the ongoing One Linden Community plan by the City of Columbus.
See the full story at 10TV.com
