In 2013, 94 percent of Paradise residents were black, while 80 percent of residents in the town of Fort Mill overall were white. Because of its aging population, homeownership rates in Paradise are about 20 percent higher than in the rest of Fort Mill. Property values today range from as low as $10,000 to as high as $80,000 on some streets. The Paradise neighborhood had been overpromised and under-delivered. Older Paradise residents don't have the financial or physical options.
The problem is that the elderly populations who have worked all of their lives are feeling the pinch from the rise of property taxes. They have fixed incomes and end up having to juggle between paying for necessities such as prescriptions and utilities or paying the taxes on a home that is mortgage-free that belongs to them.
This project will help to reduce the additional amounts added to their budgets from the increase of property taxes. It will allow each one to be less stressed about juggling basic needs.
The long-term impact is extended life from less stress on our most vulnerable populations and keeping them living comfortably in the homes they own and paid for.
