Amidst the contrasting images of campus life and surrounding neighborhoods, Grand Canyon University (GCU) is at the heart of a transformative effort in Phoenix. While students enjoy a vibrant university environment, the nearby community grapples with challenges such as crime and economic hardship.
Located near 27th Avenue and Camelback Road, GCU’s campus is a hub of activity with its new amenities and bustling student life. Just beyond the university’s borders, however, the area is marked by strip malls and businesses struggling with the realities of drugs and prostitution. As efforts to improve the neighborhood intensify, visions for the future diverge between the university’s ambitions and the hopes of long-standing local business owners.
Community Efforts for Change
Initiatives like 27Collab aim to bridge the divide by investing resources into the region between Indian School Road and Northern Avenue. This coalition, consisting of around 80 community organizations, collaborates with GCU and the Phoenix Police Department to enhance safety and promote business development.
“Everything they’re doing is making things better, not worse,” said Daniel Son, a local business owner. Son’s family has owned the United Beauty Supply store at the corner of 27th Avenue and Camelback Road for 25 years. Despite a history of frequent crime, Son acknowledges the improvements brought about by GCU’s involvement.
Safety and Security Concerns
For GCU students like Alexis Arreguin and Jadyn Swob, the campus offers a sense of security. However, stepping off-campus comes with warnings to remain cautious. Arreguin and Swob engage with the local community through outreach efforts, highlighting a shared concern for the safety and well-being of area residents.
Revitalization efforts aim to create a safer environment, especially for children exposed to challenging circumstances. “It’d be encouraging for me to just see how the kids’ lives can be impacted through some of the cleanup efforts,” Swob remarked.
Challenges and Perspectives
Residents and business owners share varied perspectives on the changes taking place. Alex, a local who grew up in the area, noted the pervasive issues of violence and crime. “We’re used to seeing people getting shot … stabbed … drugged up,” he said, reflecting on the harsh realities faced by the community.
Eric Abraham, owner of Best Farmers Market, expressed skepticism about GCU’s broader impact beyond its campus. He remains hopeful yet cautious about the potential displacement of the refugee community that his store serves.
A Vision for Transformation
GCU President Brian Mueller emphasizes a commitment to transforming the area for the benefit of both the university and the local community. The university’s Five-Point Plan seeks to foster collaboration and ensure that developments are inclusive and beneficial.
With crime rates reportedly down in the area and ongoing investments in security and infrastructure, GCU hopes to foster a neighborhood characterized by unity rather than division. “We strongly believe that we can live out our faith right here,” said Mueller, underscoring a vision of shared progress and prosperity.
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