This article by Matthew DeBord appeared in today's L.A. Times Opinion Section. The title and subtitle just about say it all: "The Gang's All Here - The dream of owning a house turns into reality shock when the neighborhood is home to drug turf wars and bikers." Mr. DeBord and his family purchased a home in Glassel Park last year and were "following a particular gentification script." They had some expectations that this marginal neighborhood was slowly improving -- yes, they did due diligence and checked it out before they bought -- but they found that the Avenues gang is still firmly entrenched there. And it probably will be for years to come.
The article is touching and true. It puts the lie to the idea that if a locality's homes obtain "correct price discovery" then wonderful people will flock to buy homes there and magically turn the area into a dream neighborhood. No, they won't, necessarily -- some neighborhoods will still be degraded, regardless of attractive home prices. Gangs, crime and blight move in and become impossible to get out. And the community stays a less desirable place to live, no matter what the average home price is. Hats off to DeBord and his family for having the heart, guts and sense of humor to stick this out.
No comments:
Post a Comment