The birth after the impoverished

Image from www.stationnorth.org

When we drive or walk through areas that are in poverty we tend to believe nothing will change. We believe that bringing that certain area to the same level of demand in surrounding areas will be close to impossible. Majority of the time it takes a lot of effort to bring a neighborhood "back". Will creating a better atmosphere help regain the neighborhoods strengths and minimize the weaknesses? Perhaps the neighborhoods surrounding Station North can answer that question. Property values started to boom which indicates popularity and demand for those houses that once were overlooked due to their impoverished characteristics. This was also a bad situation for people already living in those areas. It's obvious that gentrification took over.

Nothing is bound to stay the same over time. Neighborhoods change just as much as people do. I think without Station North, Baltimore will be struggling. Station North has brought so many unique artists and talented individuals to show the true value of our city. In a sense, it has brought some life into the city. There is more value to those houses, museums, studios and surrounding areas because of Station North.

With change, there are many issues and concerns. Was it fair to drive out originals from Station North? Did they do that on purpose? It was obvious the population couldn't afford luxury housing, why would they drive them out knowing it was going to take time to rebuild their lives in a different area?



Questions for Ben Stone:
1. Who are benefiting from Station North? The artists or property owners?
2. Do you think Station North can be expanded? Could this same idea help in other impoverished neighborhoods in Baltimore?
3. Are there any cons about having Station North? Such as crime rates/drug deals?

A common ground

With any community, there are bound to be issues. Whether it's an increase in crime, inflation in property or various environmental concerns, a sense of unity will be present regardless of the problems. These changes within a community will either break or make the certain population within that area. Gentrification has been on the rise in many areas in Baltimore. There are many people to this day still fighting for their voices to be heard about this issue. On a personal view, it seems unfair. Why should someone leave a community just because the demand for everything surrounding them is high? Perhaps, that's how the economy keeps civilians on their toes. Change is inevitable. Some may like it and some may disagree with it but without it, growth is limited. Station North is a good example of gentrification. Although it's now known as the Arts and Entertainment district, knowing that individuals once had to move out of this "district" because they could no longer afford what they once called home boggles my mind. But on the other hand, this is the economy. While it may seem unfair, without gentrification there is no real birth of new communities. 











The picture was taken from:: http://thiederman.com/common-ground-is-valuable-real-estate/