on gentrification and the middle class squeeze

There's an article in yesterday's Bee (not linking to the actual story because I can't find it) about how Curtis Park residents are very concerned about the proposed developments for the Curtis Park Village that's set to be built in the railyard area behind Sacramento City College.

And I have to tell you, I'm a little concerned about the concern.

While, I completely understand the environmental impact concerns and issues regarding increased traffic congestion - and I do believe that the developers should do everything in their powers to address and take care of these concerns - I am also very excited about the prospects. I mean, anything to help bring the area up is a step in the right direction. Right now the streets between City College and Hollywood Park are really in need of transformation. While some of the owners and residents keep their properties neat and well-maintained, a growing number of the houses in that section (as well as the nearby businesses) seem to be in increasing states of disrepair. And while I'm not necessarily a huge fan of gentrification - then again, we
we're talking about an answer to the classic middle class squeeze - I think it would be nice and, yes, advantageous, to see this area improve.

And I think the Curtis Park Village development could be a factor in that happening. Sure, I'm a little worried about what kinds of generic shops and restaurants may go in there (Panda Bear Express, et al) but really, I'd rather have those businesses then the decrepit money store or shady liquor store that currently take up space on Sutterville.

If the Curtis Park Village means increasing home values for those who already own in the area (a great way for someone to improve his or her net worth) as well as cleaning up the rentals, then the increase in traffic congestion seems like a worthwhile trade-off.