Revitalization Versus Gentrification, Part One

A historic African-American community and home to many Orlando's poorest residents, Parramore has been the target of redevelopment plans for many decades. Now, the mayor of Orlando is spearheading a new initiative to clean up and rebuild Parramore that feeds off the growing success of the city's Downtown east of the Interstate. However, concerns around whether the new investment will benefit the current residents are growing. As the first major mixed-use development opens in Parramore, some officials and advocates are taking a closer look at the plans, and trying to apply lessons from redevelopment efforts in other cities to make sure that the area doesn't fall victim to outright demolition and gentrification.