RIO PIEDRAS: In mid-2018, Oscar began conversations with residents in different communities in Río Piedras about the potential for a solid redevelopment project. Because the University of Puerto Rico is located in Río Piedras, it can attract investors and buyers. A very strong community organization already exists, working with the political structures to take over primarily abandoned spaces, like La Milagrosa and the central part of Río Piedras.
Beautiful abandoned buildings and houses in communities like Santa Rita can entice developers and people who want to move back to Puerto Rico to invest and buy. Oscar has been in conversation with people from the diaspora and young Puerto Ricans about acquiring buildings or homes, attractive because they are in good repair and prices are low. In mid-2019, Oscar attended a meeting with Melissa Mark Viverito, former Speaker of the New York City Council and her guest, an expert in fundraising from the U.S., who were impressed by what the community organization is trying to achieve. Both are interested in helping the organization to build a residential project for artists like El Barrio’s ArtSpace PS 109 in New York City. Once the Fundación OLR-Libertá starts functioning, it will definitely be an asset to Río Piedras.
The Restoration of the Foundation’s Future Headquarters in Rio Piedras
