gentrification
Just out of reach: Housing prices climb on Grand Rapids' Westside
by (Andrew Sisson)
Submitted 12-08-2015 under OPINION
Nestled in Grand Rapids' lower Westside neighborhood of John Ball Park lies a nearly 13-acre haven, a reprieve for people like myself who had not previously thought of living in the city, let alone falling in love with it and wanting to raise my...
Affordable housing workshop to tackle development issues in Grand Rapids
Submitted 11-24-2015 under NONPROFITS
In March 2015, the City hosted its first annual Strong Neighborhoods, Strong Cities Neighborhood Summit. Over 350 community leaders, organizers and citizens gathered to join in the conversation about how to strengthen Grand Rapids neighborhoods. At...
When Critical Discourse is anything but: A Midwest call out of art scenes and community
by (Briana)
Submitted 09-30-2015 under OPINION
The opinions expressed in this article are those of their respective contributors only. The views expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of The Rapidian, its management or fellow employees. Last night found me at the the second...
How We Grow: The inertia of the lone call to action
by (Jeremy Moore)
Submitted 09-10-2015 under VOICES
“…But do not struggle for the Dreamers. Hope for them. Pray for them, if you are so moved. But do not pin your struggle on their conversion. The Dreamers will have to learn to struggle themselves, to understand that the field for their...
A street on the division
by (Maja Tosic)
Submitted 09-02-2015 under LOCAL LIFE
Time travel exists. Just go down to South Division. When you first arrive, hip, up and coming businesses such as Propaganda Donuts and Have Company are all clustered near central points of downtown. But as you venture down the six long blocks...
Long-time residents to lead panel discussion on economic growth
by (jleff)
Submitted 08-11-2015 under OPINION
Racial justice advocates and neighborhood leaders are hosting an event that is meant to spark a hard conversation about whether economic growth in Grand Rapids benefits everyone. The event, titled How We Grow, is being hosted by Equity Drinks,...
Candidates answer citizen questions on gentrification, race, police, LGBTQIA
by (Holly)
Submitted 08-01-2015 under NEWS
For our last set of citizen questions answered by the mayoral candidates, we’re addressing questions of social ills and issues: housing and gentrification, race, police relations and welcoming LGBTQ residents. All questions were collected at...
Who pays the cost: Cycles of disinvestment, economic exclusion, gentrification, redlining still plague Grand Rapids
by (jamiel_robinson)
Submitted 05-26-2015 under PLACE-MATTERS
It is a sign of a thriving city to see regular reinvestment and renewal in residential and business districts. New construction and rehabilitation of existing buildings and neighborhoods can be effective in meeting changing demands of both residents...
City officials monitor growth trends, watch for indicators of gentrification
by (Scott Trumbo)
Submitted 08-21-2014 under NEWS
Grand Rapids is one of the few economies in Michigan to be making a rebound. In recent years there has been a lot of high end construction in the downtown area. There are now all kinds of restaurants, shops and businesses that cater to high end...
Public discussion provokes examination of social issues in Grand Rapids
by (dansteenwyk)
Submitted 02-28-2014 under NEWS
What are today’s urban successes, challenges and crisis? And what can individual citizens acting within their rights to urban space do to meet the challenges and crisis of today? Those questions were at the forefront of the “Right to the...