[lbo-talk] RE: public housing (was: decentralization, Whole Foods style)

[Hilary Russ]

Well I think you've found the common ground in this thread. The problem with
gentrification is that it is economic development that displaces the poor
people that developers say it's supposed to help. But if you can foster
economic delevlopment and improvement of housing and services _without_
doing that, you've won. No one, not even urban planners, think those
high-rise housing projects are a good idea anymore. The trend has been for
mixed income, low-density housing, as well as mixed use (commercial and
residential) and mixed size (large and small businesses). These kinds of
projects, especially when they seek out community input first, usually go
over well.

-Hilary

*** *** ***
> Thanks for the story.  However, the situation is abit diffeent in the
Baltimore neighborhood where I live.  This is a racially diverse and well
integrated community, mostly cooperatives condominiums, and townhouses - low
to moderate income.  We have several housing projects -some are being closed
new are being built.  The community association is very active, especially
in new development issues.  Although I sense a fair amount of NIMBY behavior
and prejudice against institutional development among the residents, these
are certainly not the defining trends.  Our residents have been opposing
certain development proposals and supporting others.  There is certainly
support for "upscale" (middle-class by non-Baltimore standards) housing
development - mainly for the consideration for property values, but there
was also support for half-way homes for subtance abuse patinets and housing
projects.
>
In essence, our residents tend to oppose 'ghetto-like' developments i.e.
projects that are enclaves not well integrated into the community or
commercial/institutional development that attract people who are otherwise
not attached to the community.  That may include outpatient drug treatment
programs or homeless shelter but also a wealthy church or a chain retail
outlet.  OTOH, our residents supported development of new Hope VI project
after our community association won concessions from the developers that the
project will be integrated into the community, both architecturally and
socially, and two drug recovery centers that are integrated into the
community.


> Wojtek