What is the bright side of blight?
Over a month ago I came across this New York Times The Bright Side of Blight Op-Ed piece. The post in general is
about neighborhood revitalization efforts but in particular talks about
Philadelphia neighborhood Kensington. Just like
anyone this author is a strong proponent of holistic development and therefore
compares a local CDC's effort to start revitalization efforts by employing
land-based strategies to a scatter-shot approach.
Furthermore, I realized that the author was talking
about New Kensington CDC (where we have three very intelligent, highly capable
and dedicated VISTAs). I understand that only relying on land-based strategies
or job training agencies or even getting rid of crime in the area is not
going to regenerate a neighborhood. Neighborhood revitalization is complex and
it requires a stable political environment, right mix of community activists
and leaders, organizations dedicated to one goal and plenty of planning, money
and TIME. But this author's criticism reminded me of few other times where
community economic development professionals have faced criticism for taking on
a particular project. The criticism is that most of this projects at times
bring in negative aspects or are too short sighted.
Many forget that these efforts take vision, time
and above all need a dedicated patient leader. During the LA NTI, New Kensington
was recognized for their Sustainable 19125 efforts and that is a start. That
initiative is not an answer to end of blight but just the start of the
regeneration of this neighborhood.
So my question here is what do you think is the
bright side of blight? Is there any?
Use the comment section below to share your
thoughts.