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An Uphill Battle

Published: Thursday, May 8, 2008 4:37 PM PDT

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Reader Lee Wilson hits a critical point: Barrio Logan is most definitely the next gentrification battleground. As downtown has redeveloped--particularly after the construction of Petco Park--Barrio Logan residents have seen rents and land prices skyrocket and a trickle of new developments on its border with downtown that signal gentrification and the threat of widespread displacement. EHC members want to see Barrio Logan redeveloped and improved, but to the benefit of its residents, local businesses and historic cultural heritage. But they know that big developers and speculators have other interests.

Stark proof of this dynamic can be found in Eric Wolff’s recent City Beat article. The article includes some amazingly revealing and shockingly disrespectful quotes from developer Greg Paquette--and a dose of good sense from EHC community leader Maria Martinez.

The remarkable thing about this moment for Barrio Logan is that the real estate market has actually given the community room to breathe, and, more importantly, to plan. The gentrification dynamic is probably one of two top reasons the community plan update must be successful, and must be truly community driven. The city faces an uphill battle to balance competing interests and prove that it doesn’t have a hidden agenda to redevelop the neighborhood--whether in service to “smart growth” principles that ignore community needs or to developer profit margins.

-- LAURA BENSON

Reader Feedback

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Comments so far on this story:

1. Emily Serafy Cox wrote on May 12, 2008 2:38 PM:
"Just an editorial note: You reference EHC, but no where the article do you say what EHC is an acronym for. Thanks!"

2. Christine wrote on May 15, 2008 4:14 PM:
"Barrio Logan--get out the vote: Look at which candidates are being supported by developers. I think you guys are in Falconers district---I may be wrong. He is for sure the developers dream candidate. So is Jerry Sanders and jan Goldsmith for city attorney. So vote vote vote! You have the power but for the love of od, if we want to do anything we have to keep Aguirre."

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