A piece in The Nation argues a Denver highway plan will further shrink the black community in that city through the use of eminent domain.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is revamping the section of I-70 that runs through Denver, and some worry it will further divide the community. "The CDOT’s plan would condemn 56 homes and 17 businesses—a more extensive use of eminent domain than was required for the construction of the highway in the first place," Caroline Tracey reports for The Nation. Activists opposing the project point out that there were other possible reroutes that would have left more homes undisturbed.
"The resurgence of urban highway expansion comes at a moment of demographic transition. After decades of exodus, affluent white residents are returning to city centers," Tracey writes. The article points out that in many cities with increasing property values, there's been a rush to create improvements.
Tracey argues that these improvements cater to the desires of newer, richer, whiter residents. Saying that those whose homes are not taken by eminent domain may lose their homes to increasing property values.
FULL STORY: Redlining Returns To Denver, but With a Neoliberal Twist
I-70 Expansion in Denver Still Facing Scrutiny
A planned expansion of Interstate 70 through Denver might have federal approval, but a growing coalition of local groups and state political leaders are pushing back on the idea.
Stormwater Improvements Linked to Freeway Project in Northeast Denver
The funding needed to complete the Two Basin Drainage Project in Denver would come as a package deal with a $1.2 billion plan to overhaul I-70. Residents are concerned that they might be getting more than they bargained for.
Denver's I-70 Expansion Undercuts Alternatives
To fund a wider I-70 on its route through Denver, the regional planning commission set aside $50 million in federal funds before considering other projects.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
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