Best way to revitalize a neighborhood? (Atlanta, Decatur: real estate, renters, crime)

[BackInATL2011]

I was wondering what you guys felt was the number one way a neighborhood in Atlanta becomes gentrified. I want to say schools but if Bankhead all of a sudden had one of the best schools in America would it be enough to start the process? BeltLine project assumes greenspace and more transit options is effective enough to revitalize a neighborhood. WestEnd BeltLine started in 2008, was there a benefit yet or are people waiting on the streetcar to hurry and buy in the WestEnd? Jobs? A lot of people seem to wish that the new Falcons Stadium employing the nearby residents will help Vine City, etc. Ponce City Market seems to have put that part of Old4Ward on steroids but that area had started being revitalized long before Ponce City Market was announced. Seems like our mayor knows reducing crime is very important obviously but would declaring marshall law in English Avenue line people up to call their local English Avenue realtor? How about tourist attractions like the emphasis in the Centennial Olympic park area? Streetcar, like Sweet Auburn District is hoping for? I am however a huge fan of the mayors emphasis with youth centers for after school activities.

Its obviously an all of the above but was curious what others felt, if they had to pick, was the number one thing that you could do - to start the long process of revitalization.

[ATLTJL]

Attract young gay men. Lots of them.

The only tried and true way turn a neighborhood from the ghetto to absolutely prime real estate in 10 years or under.

[cwkimbro]

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

Attract young gay men. Lots of them.

The only tried and true way turn a neighborhood from the ghetto to absolutely prime real estate in 10 years or under.

I was about to suggest this!

I think schools are the ultimate answer, but parks/greenways are the starting answer.

Most urban pioneers start as yuppies, singles, etc...

They are looking for an area with character, potential, and new investment in the community.... and an area where other singles are. Parks are the easiest way to get that started.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

Attract young gay men. Lots of them.

Young straight folks are fine, too. You just need more energetic bodies.

[bryantm3]

gentrification ≠ revitalization

[lorilove]

All of these options are important but at different stages so I voted for Reduce Crime simply because I believe it must come first.

[Atlwarrior]

I would having stable married couples as home buyers and not renters with kids move in. A community is simple the combination of many local families.

[aries4118]

Hard to choose.

I would say in this order...

1. Location/Potential Hipness, Unbelievable bargain factor.
2. Reducing Crime/Neighborhood Enhancements (Parks/Trails)
3. Schools.
4. Transit Options.
5. Youth Recreation Centers/More Jobs.



Though--I do think schools are the true magic bullet. Improve schools, and everything else will happen very rapidly.
But since young humans are not widgets and we are dealing with human beings--improving/changing schools is a slow and steady process. That's why I listed schools as #3, even the "improving" of schools should begin at the same time as numbers 1 and 2.

[Iconographer]

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

Attract young gay men. Lots of them.

The only tried and true way turn a neighborhood from the ghetto to absolutely prime real estate in 10 years or under.

Exactly what I was going to say. Send in the gays!
I think that fostering a sense of community is also important. Neighborhoods like Inman Park, Candler Park, Virginia-Highland, Grant Park and Decatur have done this through sponsoring numerous festivals and home tours. It's a great means of showcasing the neighborhood to potential investors.

[red92s]

Good public schools