1) Unfortunately due to other commitments, the Project group was only able to Holly St. and part of Marlo Heights. Of what I saw, there were lots of similarities between the two places. Both places had lots of very new and stylish apartment complexes popping up, especially Marlo Heights. Holly St. also had alot of new and big houses. These complexes and houses were most of the time intermixed with the original houses that looked like they were older and more worn down. These complexes will most likely hurt the original residents by increasing property value to unaffordable prices and will force them to move. If they are only renting their place, it may mean that the property owner will evict them so he can sell the property to the developers who will then destroy the house to make way for a new complex.
One way I did see they were different is in the commercial zone. Holly St seemed to have alot more commerce especially along 7th and Cesar Chavez. There were an increasing amount of fancier restaurants that would not be able to be afforded by local residents. If this number increases then the residents wont be able to buy food in their own neighborhood and would have to go somewhere else to buy their food. In Marlo Heights it seemed to be more residential and the few business that I saw seemed to stay the same as before.
2) As always the physical aspects of gentrification is the same in both South African and US. An older neighborhood is being renovated and the original, poor residents are being pushed out by the rich. Just as you see in US the whole neighborhood is still in the process of renovation so its salt and peppered with new and old houses.
There are a few differences however. For example, in South Africa it seems they have a more positive view on gentrification. They see it as an opportunity to better their neighborhood and make it safer. For example, both the liquor store owner and the security guard hope that the nearby houses are bought by developers so that they can renovate it and make it nice and safe. It also seems that the residents hope the neighborhood can be renovated so that their basic needs can be met.
Also in South Africa it seems that gentrification is less of a race issue. Here in the US it always seems that some groups (hispanic, black) are being pushed out by white residents. This can prove to be a racial and cultural issue. However in South Africa it seems that the new residents are an even mix of white and black (at least from the pictures).
3) As stated in the article, it is important to maintain good relations with neighboring neighborhoods because as opposed to corporations that can relocated, universities cannot. This is not really what happens as many communities see universities as wall off centers that only seek to their needs. In order to combat this it could be beneficial to seek more communications between the two in form of representatives of each meeting every so an then to upkeep the relationships. They can suggest ways of how the university can invest in the neighborhood in ways of volunteering, building, or donations.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Colony Park Readings
Colony Park Readings, discuss terms: gentrification, low-income housing, Mueller Development, what are goals of Colony Park Neighbors? What are you beginning to understand about communities and your group projects?
After reading the Colony Parks readings I have noticed some similarities between Colony Park and Holly St. The current style of Austin's city management has caused problems and distrust in both communities. They feel that there is nobody to represent them and that the city does not care for them nor for their needs. Like in Colony Park there is a trash problem because they occur in area where residents do not claim as theirs and where the local government does nothing about it. In Holly St. the problem is not as bad because it mostly occurs in the alleys around the neighborhood. Finally a difference in Holly is that there is not much of a gang problem there compared to Colony Park, at least in the schools. I went to a Community School Alliance meeting in Martin MS and there were some APD officers who said that there is only one confirmed gang per school in the area; a number that is low compared to a few years back.
Gentrification is occurring at an increasingly faster pace in the communities east of I-35. Holly is very affected by this as houses and lots are being bought by developers and made into condos or nice, big houses. This in turn increases the prices of the land which drives away older residents.
The Mueller Development is complete remodeling of the neighborhood up north. New houses and businesses including a giant HEB are being built an expected to be complete in 2017. It is causing problems because it is supposed to serve a percentage of under-privileged residents but all the new building along with lack of affordable resources (food, housing) is making it hard for them to stay in this neighborhood.
Food desert is when there is no food options, no healthy food options, or no affordable healthy food options in a neighborhood. Holly St. is struggling with some of this problem. There are a lot of restaurants in this area but some of them are targeted mainly to wealthier residents from other areas of Austin. Also there are not alot of grocery stores that sell healthy food options except for the HEB that is unaffordable for alot of residents.
After reading the Colony Parks readings I have noticed some similarities between Colony Park and Holly St. The current style of Austin's city management has caused problems and distrust in both communities. They feel that there is nobody to represent them and that the city does not care for them nor for their needs. Like in Colony Park there is a trash problem because they occur in area where residents do not claim as theirs and where the local government does nothing about it. In Holly St. the problem is not as bad because it mostly occurs in the alleys around the neighborhood. Finally a difference in Holly is that there is not much of a gang problem there compared to Colony Park, at least in the schools. I went to a Community School Alliance meeting in Martin MS and there were some APD officers who said that there is only one confirmed gang per school in the area; a number that is low compared to a few years back.
Gentrification is occurring at an increasingly faster pace in the communities east of I-35. Holly is very affected by this as houses and lots are being bought by developers and made into condos or nice, big houses. This in turn increases the prices of the land which drives away older residents.
The Mueller Development is complete remodeling of the neighborhood up north. New houses and businesses including a giant HEB are being built an expected to be complete in 2017. It is causing problems because it is supposed to serve a percentage of under-privileged residents but all the new building along with lack of affordable resources (food, housing) is making it hard for them to stay in this neighborhood.
Food desert is when there is no food options, no healthy food options, or no affordable healthy food options in a neighborhood. Holly St. is struggling with some of this problem. There are a lot of restaurants in this area but some of them are targeted mainly to wealthier residents from other areas of Austin. Also there are not alot of grocery stores that sell healthy food options except for the HEB that is unaffordable for alot of residents.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Week 8: Gentrification
After reading the 3 articles, here are the things I found the most interesting and shocking:
1) The most vulnerable people when dealing with gentrification are the renters. I had always thought that most people could hold out if they really wanted to or could afford to. Nobody could forced them out as long as they are able to pay their payments. However with renters, they can be forced out at anytime, no matter if they can pay or not. They can be evicted or if somebody buys out the house/ apartment their are in they can tell them to move.
2) I did not know that East Austin has such a rich history extending all the way back to the Civil War era. One that started with French diplomacy and freed slaves and reached what it is today. I did not know that there were black communities in both west and east Austin and that the government forced all of them to move into the east side and stopped basic public services on the west side to "convince" them to move. I had always assumed, for some reason, that the history of east side did not extend further back than World War II.
3) I saw that there is a big distrust among the east Austin residents of the local government. They feel that since they never seem to care about their needs, they just do not feel like participating. They also do not want to raise issues because they feel that their lack of education and language barriers will make them seem as uninformed or dumb. Finally, it could be that the government system itself could be a problem because they are not able to elect a representative that represents their needs.
1) The most vulnerable people when dealing with gentrification are the renters. I had always thought that most people could hold out if they really wanted to or could afford to. Nobody could forced them out as long as they are able to pay their payments. However with renters, they can be forced out at anytime, no matter if they can pay or not. They can be evicted or if somebody buys out the house/ apartment their are in they can tell them to move.
2) I did not know that East Austin has such a rich history extending all the way back to the Civil War era. One that started with French diplomacy and freed slaves and reached what it is today. I did not know that there were black communities in both west and east Austin and that the government forced all of them to move into the east side and stopped basic public services on the west side to "convince" them to move. I had always assumed, for some reason, that the history of east side did not extend further back than World War II.
3) I saw that there is a big distrust among the east Austin residents of the local government. They feel that since they never seem to care about their needs, they just do not feel like participating. They also do not want to raise issues because they feel that their lack of education and language barriers will make them seem as uninformed or dumb. Finally, it could be that the government system itself could be a problem because they are not able to elect a representative that represents their needs.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
CRAFT Model
From text: What are the 5 stages of CRAFT model? Review the files uploaded to your Project Folders--- what types of research will be important to your project. List 3 important points you have gained so far from your research and the "R" in CRAFT model.
1. Contact
2. Research
3. Action
4. Feedback
5. Teaching
In order to complete our project we have to complete many different types of research. We will be researching online and at libraries to look for demographics and history of the area. We will also be conducting surveys around the neighborhood to understand more about the history and how they identify themselves. Finally the biggest portion will be tour visits to the neighborhood. We are planning on doing multiple visits to all of the neighborhood to note down how many/ what type of businesses there are in the area. We will also see what type of housing there is around the area to see if we can see any patterns of gentrification. Finally we will see what type of leadership there is around the neighborhood and work with them.
We have not yet done much research for the GPD project however we have lots of observations from Project 2014 events. 1. There is not much information online about the neighborhood. There is some government facts about the area but information about the history and recent development is lacking. 2. There is a good base of community involvement among the neighborhood and that will make it easier for us to acquire information and get help from the residents. 3. There are 2 neighborhood associations which can also help us acquire more information.
1. Contact
2. Research
3. Action
4. Feedback
5. Teaching
In order to complete our project we have to complete many different types of research. We will be researching online and at libraries to look for demographics and history of the area. We will also be conducting surveys around the neighborhood to understand more about the history and how they identify themselves. Finally the biggest portion will be tour visits to the neighborhood. We are planning on doing multiple visits to all of the neighborhood to note down how many/ what type of businesses there are in the area. We will also see what type of housing there is around the area to see if we can see any patterns of gentrification. Finally we will see what type of leadership there is around the neighborhood and work with them.
We have not yet done much research for the GPD project however we have lots of observations from Project 2014 events. 1. There is not much information online about the neighborhood. There is some government facts about the area but information about the history and recent development is lacking. 2. There is a good base of community involvement among the neighborhood and that will make it easier for us to acquire information and get help from the residents. 3. There are 2 neighborhood associations which can also help us acquire more information.
Beginner's Guide to Community Practice Story
Text: Beginner's Guide to Community Practice, discuss which story in the book had the greatest impact on you.
I liked reading the story of Ricardo Levins Morales in "Visual Griot". It showed how important research and listening is important to the objective of your project. Sometimes we get so caught up with our ideas and trying to put them into action that we forget to listen to what is going on in the neighborhood. Just by listening we can better understand how we can better help the community with what it truly needs. I was also very impressed with Ricardo has experienced and in how many things he has been involved. It is amazing that he has done a 26,000 mile hitchhiking trip and am just in awe at all the stories he must have heard during that time.
Also it is important to realize how much effect images can have over an issue. Like every year, we have had to design a theme for Project 2014 and now I realize that it is not something we can forget about. We have to chose a strong and adequate image that conveys what we hope to achieve with our service.
I liked reading the story of Ricardo Levins Morales in "Visual Griot". It showed how important research and listening is important to the objective of your project. Sometimes we get so caught up with our ideas and trying to put them into action that we forget to listen to what is going on in the neighborhood. Just by listening we can better understand how we can better help the community with what it truly needs. I was also very impressed with Ricardo has experienced and in how many things he has been involved. It is amazing that he has done a 26,000 mile hitchhiking trip and am just in awe at all the stories he must have heard during that time.
Also it is important to realize how much effect images can have over an issue. Like every year, we have had to design a theme for Project 2014 and now I realize that it is not something we can forget about. We have to chose a strong and adequate image that conveys what we hope to achieve with our service.
Monday, October 7, 2013
About me
My name is Luis Tardio and I am a 4th year Microbiology major. I am applying to Med school this year and I am interested in becoming either a primary care physician or a pathologist. I am interested in taking care of people and helping them feel better, especially people in under-served and underrepresented communities; but I am also interested in the more hard science approach of pathology. I was born in Santiago Chile but I have lived 10 years in the US (Sugar Land, TX); however all my family either lives in Chile or in Europe (France, Spain, Netherlands). I am taking this class because I am in the organization the Project. I will be doing alot of interaction with members of the community this year and I want to learn techniques that will better help me understand where they are coming from and what I can do to better promote our message. I am really looking forward to being in this class and working with all of y'all!
Cultural Identity Items
The 5 objects that represent my cultural identity:
1-Chilean Souvenir: It is a reminder of my country of origin and where my family comes from. I have it on my desk so that every time I look at it I remember my family that is in Chile and all the fun times I have spent with them.
2- Chilean Soccer Jersey: It represent the Chilean spirit that is alive all over the world. There aren't many of us (only 17 million!) but where ever you go you will always find a group of Chileans hanging out. Here in Austin I hang out with a group of Chileans and we usually get together to play soccer and celebrate Chileanism. For example, for Chile's Independence Day (September 18th) we got together and ate lots of Chilean food and drinks like Pastel de Choclo, Asado, mote con huesillo, and pisco sour.
3- Soccer Ball: I love to play soccer and have done so since very little. But I also believe that soccer is not just a sport but an international language. For example, I have done lots of traveling and in all of those places I have been able to join in a street pick up game. I have been able to play and celebrate with them even though we do not even speak the same language.
4- Barcelona FC Scarf: I associate this scarf with my family. 50 years ago, my grandfather decided that he was a fan of Barcelona, and he instilled that passion for the team in all of his descendants. So today, while many of us may not see eye to eye on things, we always come together and support that one team when it is playing.
5- Project Shirt: This is the shirt of the organization I am most involved with, The Project. With this organization, I have really found a home in UT and a place where I fit in. I am currently the Logistics Chair and I enjoy doing my work for Project because I really believe in its cause and because it has provided me with so much. Through it, I have meet some amazing people that are awesome to work with and make great friends.
1-Chilean Souvenir: It is a reminder of my country of origin and where my family comes from. I have it on my desk so that every time I look at it I remember my family that is in Chile and all the fun times I have spent with them.
2- Chilean Soccer Jersey: It represent the Chilean spirit that is alive all over the world. There aren't many of us (only 17 million!) but where ever you go you will always find a group of Chileans hanging out. Here in Austin I hang out with a group of Chileans and we usually get together to play soccer and celebrate Chileanism. For example, for Chile's Independence Day (September 18th) we got together and ate lots of Chilean food and drinks like Pastel de Choclo, Asado, mote con huesillo, and pisco sour.
3- Soccer Ball: I love to play soccer and have done so since very little. But I also believe that soccer is not just a sport but an international language. For example, I have done lots of traveling and in all of those places I have been able to join in a street pick up game. I have been able to play and celebrate with them even though we do not even speak the same language.
4- Barcelona FC Scarf: I associate this scarf with my family. 50 years ago, my grandfather decided that he was a fan of Barcelona, and he instilled that passion for the team in all of his descendants. So today, while many of us may not see eye to eye on things, we always come together and support that one team when it is playing.
5- Project Shirt: This is the shirt of the organization I am most involved with, The Project. With this organization, I have really found a home in UT and a place where I fit in. I am currently the Logistics Chair and I enjoy doing my work for Project because I really believe in its cause and because it has provided me with so much. Through it, I have meet some amazing people that are awesome to work with and make great friends.
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