MSU study focuses on GR gentrification

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Gentrification may be taking place in Grand Rapids' East Hills neighborhood, but it's not necessarily bad or good, a 2002 Michigan State University study concluded.

The people behind a letter that went out to certain East Hills residents are focused on gentrification, which the dictionary defines as "the process of renewal and rebuilding, accompanying the influx of middle-class or affluent people into deteriorating areas that often displaces poorer residents."

The group appears to be fighting against the gentrification of the East Hills neighborhood.

Even nine years ago, the study found gentrification in the Grand Rapids neighborhood. It defines it as a process of property restoration in lower-income neighborhoods.

But the effects can be positive and negative.

For example, gentrification can improve the viability of the neighborhood, but it also can also displace lower-income residents.

It can increase the home ownership rate, but at the same time, lead to a loss of diversity in the neighborhood. It can provide new jobs, but decrease social services and cause conflict between old and new residents.

The 2002 study looked at several factors to determine if gentrification was taking place in the East Hills neighborhood. It said after decades of decline, home ownership was on the rise -- the opposite of most of the city.

More whites moved into the predominantly black neighborhood, jumping from 33% in 1990 to nearly 44% in 2000. The study said 75% of the structures in the area appeared to have undergone some form of renovation.

Since the 2002 study, the East Hills neighborhood has grown significantly.

Most of the businesses recently targeted, vandalized and burned include the condos, The Winchester, Meanwhile and Green Well -- which have all sprung up within the past four years.

Has the issue ever been on city officials' radar?

"I think that we have worked really hard to create a community where there is diversity around housing -- to make sure there is a place for people, regardless of their income," said Rosalynn Bliss, one of the city commissioners for the East Hills neighborhood. "That's why even in the city, we've worked really hard to develop a good solid policy around low-income housing. We work really hard and spend millions of dollars to make sure that there is low-income housing in every community."

The focus should be on finding the person or people responsible for the vandalism, arson and threats, Bliss added.

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The 2002 MSU study