Redevelopment Without Displacement: A Boston Experiment

The city of Boston is trying to establish a model for gentrification mitigation in the Upham's Corner section of Dorchester.

1 minute read

February 13, 2018, 7:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Boston, Massachusetts

The groundbreaking of the Four Corners/Geneva Commuter Rail station project in 2010. | MassDOT / Flickr

Laura Crimaldi reports on efforts by the city of Boston and community partners to shore up the neighborhood of Upham's Corner against the expected forces of gentrification.

"A glance at Uphams Corner shows Boston’s building boom hasn’t made its way here — yet," explains Crimaldi. "But city officials know the waves of gentrification are approaching, and so do the residents of this Dorchester neighborhood, who worry an influx of affluent renters could spur a rise in rent that will drive out longtime low-income residents."

The city is investing in properties and allowing redevelopment—with the specific goal of not creating any displacement for current residents. It's a "delicate balance," writes Crimaldi, but one that pins its ambitions on the preferences of the residents who live in this diverse part of Boston.

Monday, February 12, 2018 in The Boston Globe

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