Affordability

Even in San Francisco, gentrification is more tolerated now, according to this San Francisco Chronicle article. San Francisco has a low crime rate, and, like New York City, it has grown steadily in population since 1980. It is considered one of the Big 6 real estate markets in the US — along with New York City, Boston, Washington DC, Chicago, and Los Angeles — all cities tied into the international economy. Although the Big 6 generally have problems with gentrification, most other US cities are awash in affordable housing. Philadelphia, the nation's fifth largest city, has some gentrified areas, but the average house costs $110,000. In large sectors of the city a rowhouse costs $40,000 or less. Large swaths of Philly, Chicago, and other major cities are still depopulating, and need an influx of people in general and the middle-class in particular. If gentrification is no longer a "dirty word" in San Francisco, as this article says, perhaps it will be less of an issue going forward in cities that really need it.

LEED platinum apartment building brings seniors and children together in a downtown infill location.

The plan to transform Somerville, Massachusetts, and connect it to an emerging economy also honors and enhances old neighborhoods.

The Old Colony housing project, which is considered the most physically distressed site in the Boston Housing Authority portfolio, is being redeveloped as The Homes at Old Colony. The first phase of 116 units includes an apartment building, five townhouse buildings, and a community center. The developer is seeking LEED green building certification for both its buildings and its neighborhood. Now phase 2, by developer Beacon Communities, has began with demolition of old buildings. It will include 169 new affordable units. The South Boston project, one of the last to receive funding from the HOPE VI program, is located close to many amenities including subway and bus public transit lines, Carson Beach and three neighborhood parks, and stores within about a half mile. The master plan provides improved access and connections to the surrounding neighborhood.

NextGen new urbanists have published a booklet to makes the case that “Mid-tier” towns and cities represent the most dynamic opportunity for revitalization in the US presently.

The key to combat this trend is adopting policies and taking actions that provide affordable housing, and more housing, in location-efficient areas, the report says.