I am getting caught up on some earlier posts re gentrification and development, and thank all for their varied perspectives and concerns. Very informative.

I left the South Wedge for the 19thW partially because of gentrification; and it is a concern of mine. I saw it happen in Cornhill, or at least that’s how it looks from the outside looking in. (Note that I am totally pleased to be in the 19thW and it was a wiser decision to buy here, better house, nice neighbors, huge community involvement, etc.).

But it was the gentrification that turned my head to other neighborhoods. I knew, even though I had contributed to the uplifting of the Wedge that I could not afford to live there any longer. Over a 30-40 year period the upgrading of the Wedge (people buying cheap houses and fixing them up, smart decisions re attracting businesses, strong neighborhood groups working with the city, and businesses, etc.) led to huge increases in rentals and housing sales that could really be felt by 2008.

For example, in 2008 on Hickory Street houses began to sell for over $100K; that was the talk of the street! However, one also gets less house for their dollars there. Houses are generally made better in 19thW (and some other areas). But the Wedge was and maybe still is the hottest housing market in the city in the last few years. I also give credit to SWPC for its stellar decisions re community development. Neighborhood preservation groups can make a huge difference if they have good leadership who also care about a neighborhood. That is and was certainly the case there. They were hugely significant in the turn around. Improvements in neighborhoods can lead to gentrification (and for me that always means those with less money are less likely to be able to stay in the n’hood.); but does it always? I don’t know…I have not studied urban development. Someone has though.

I also noticed and have previously that neighbors often hear about development/change via the grapevine. While the grapevine is invaluable for staying in touch, it can also unintentionally spread distortions and different understandings about an event. It would be MOST helpful if 19thWNA would be the central communication vehicle for rapid updates on plans/suggestions re development in the Ward. Like weekly. After any meetings if they would post updates to their site, shotgun it out via their email db and send it over to Loc19, it would be very helpful. Have a great, warm fall day!