This episode we look at using natural areas and urban parks to promote economic develop and revitalization in underserved neighborhoods as a possible solution to gentrification.
Over the past several years, Metroparks Toledo has taken on a massive project to redevelop and rejuvenate Toledo’s waterfront in downtown and adjacent, lower income and working class neighborhoods, putting over $100 million dollars into green spaces and amenities for residents of the East Toledo and Vistula neighborhoods, along with the city center.
Now typically when large building projects like this take place, eventually new development pushes the existing residents out, sometimes leaving many of them homeless. This has happened time and time again in communities all across the country, as their leaders ignore those at the bottom in favor of attracting wealthier residents.
So I asked Matt Killiam, Outreach Administrator for Metroparks Toledo, what measures Metroparks took to make sure gentrification wouldn’t happen.