Link: Art districts help secure small business dreams in Arizona
Date Published: September 12, 2008
Summary: This is a story about how urban redevelopment in downtown Phoenix’s art district helped local artists explore business ventures that, eventually, sort of re-built that area. I think it’s particularly relevant in today’s Athens because it deals with gentrification and how development in low-income areas can affect a community. With all the redevelopment happening in Athens, I think it’s fitting.
Date Published: February 22, 2003
Summary: This is a story about how Redwood City government is forcing local small business owners to sell property or relocate so as to have a bigger, incoming cinema bring big business to the area. This is especially relevant to Athens’ downtown because businesses like Urban Outfitters, Zaxby’s and (soon) American Eagle are moving in and displacing small businesses.
Link: YUPPIES IN THE ‘HOOD: Proposed gentrification of poorer areas of city sparks clash of values and cultures
Date Published: June 24, 1995
Summary: This article is about gentrification and the clash of cultures (middle class and low-income) that come along with it. It is written about Vancouver. I think it’s particularly interesting and relevant, again, because gentrification is such a huge issue in Athens. I think this article does a good job of showing both sides of the equation — those who see gentrification as a problem, as well as the possible benefits of gentrification.