Gentrification: Across the Globe, Austin and the UT Community

      Seeing the communities of Mueller, Holly and Marlo Heights in person, you can see the similarities, differences, and possibly what is in store for the future.  The three communities share rebuilding, growth and positive and negative change.  It is, in many ways, ones perspective.  For me, Mueller seemed so sterile and boring.  Everything looks the same, so perfect, unlike who we are as individuals, unique and wonderful.  Supposedly an affordable community, but you have to wonder if it is affordable for the people who are former residents.  Affordable is a relative term.  Is the average cost of housing in Mueller affordable to everyone?  Certainly not.

      From all appearances, it would seem that Marlo Heights is undergoing changes but maybe in a less obtrusive way.  The new housing is apparent and seems to blend in and not stand out as much as Mueller; however, it is still happening.  Change, regardless of how you view it, is occurring.

      Holly Street appears to be in the early stages of gentrification.  The new homes are large and most of them don't fit in with the older architecture.  The massive home size is offensive and overbearing.  The average price of a home in the Holly Neighborhood in 2010 was $192,000.00.  The new homes in Holly today are selling for upwards of $300,000. - $400,000.00.  It is hard to imagine the current residents will be able pay the taxes as their home values increase.

     With the exception of Mueller, the neighborhoods are in a food desert.  The convenience and affordability of healthy options are scarce.  In reality, there are minimal options for grocery shopping.  As we see new development, will it include accessible, affordable food options for those individuals who are on a fixed or limited income.

      Looking across the globe, the community in Johannesburg appears to be thriving and you see growth, development, affordable housing, and yet, as the author says the area is being gentrified but shows drastically different versions of "normal" coexisting within blocks of each other.  Therein, I believe, is the greater problem.  How do we clean up crime, beautify an area, provide adequate housing that is affordable to an already struggling people, and not isolate ourselves from others?

     I believe the University of Texas can have an impact in these communities.  The first step, as we know, is relationship building.  We have an opportunity to get into the minds and hearts of Holly, Marlo, and Colony Park.  Talk to the residents, show an interest in their well-being, ask questions, listen to their answers, show concern, and be flexible.  As relationships are built and understanding on both parts is evident, then we can have a positive impact.

     The involvement of the university can go beyond that.  We have a group of bright, diverse students within the walls of UT.  Send them into the schools to mentor, to show others what can be achieved, let them use their interests to train and equip others and let them be a role model for children and adults.  Help them grow gardens, provide transportation, and be the hands and feet they need to have their world, as they describe needs, blossom.   We also have a great resource with the Conflict Mediation Center.  Use them as facilitators as developers and community leaders sit down to articulate the differences in needs, wants and desires.

     PROJECT 2014 has a great opportunity ahead to help the neighborhood. We can demonstrate who we are through clean-up, beautifying and getting to know the but mainly through listening to what they see as needs.  Let's take this opportunity to show them we care and are concerned about them!  I am convinced we can have a sustainable program by working along side Holly Street residents.   Because what starts here really can change the world....