Our beachfront makes us different. But in everything else about the redevelopment story below and others I've read, the process seems similar:
Revitalization, Restaurants, Renovations, Race & Rock and Roll; Clubs, Condos & a Center for the performing arts; Trader Joe's, Tripling values, Transitional neighborhoods & Trolleys; Boutiques, office Buildings, & vacant Buildings; Sidewalks, Streetlights, Shoppers & Safety. A work in process. But you can see the future. ======================================= National Perspectives: Signs of Recovery in a `Riot Corridor' Adapted from Signs of Recovery in a `Riot Corridor' - New York Times <http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/02/realestate/02nati.html?pagewanted=all\ > December 2, 2007 It has taken nearly 40 years, but signs of revitalization are finally emerging. A few years ago, there were mostly boarded-up storefronts and empty lots. Now, there are new cafes and restaurants, a theater and nightclubs. The last of the "riot corridors" three thoroughfares ravaged by looting and arson in 1968 to gentrify. Transformed, with renovations of old row houses, construction of condos and the opening of boutiques and restaurants. It's more of a work in progress than a finished product. There are still vacant and dilapidated buildings on and off the strip, but fewer and fewer. Renewal of this largely African-American neighborhood began about five years ago. The changes to the neighborhood have generally been welcomed by older African-American residents and store owners who said that crime and loitering had declined. "This was basically an area fairly crime-infested. Now, over all, it is getting much better." A transitional neighborhood, but changes even in the last two years are noticeable in terms of safety and appearance. The area has also become more expensive. Until recently, when the market slowed, speculators had been buying, renovating and reselling properties for a profit, and pushing up housing prices -- in many cases tripled in value. Other projects include a 540,000-square-foot office building. The nightclub scene is booming, too -- including the Rock and Roll Hotel, a bar and music forum that has attracted popular bands like Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. Meanwhile, the area's biggest cultural attraction, a 1938 movie theater, reopened last year as the Atlas Performing Arts Center. $30 million in improvements like new sidewalks and street lights and $19 million more to buy trolley cars. Although restaurants and bars have made a comeback, dollar stores, fast-food eateries and check-cashing outlets remain mainstays. "Even though the bars are fun and cool," said a resident, she still has no interest in strolling up and down the block during the day. "It just needs more shopping," she said. An as-yet-unsuccessful effort to lure the supermarket chain Trader Joe's. "There's activity all through here. Is it 14th Street? Not yet. But you can see the future." ======================= Happy Hanukkah
