Turnover on Winthrop Avenue

In a previous entry, I mentioned the proposal for developing 5217 N. Winthrop and contrasted it with the building that was put up across the street, at 5218. The 5217 project, including the zoning variance, was approved at the last meeting of Alderwoman Smith's planning and zoning committe.

In the last couple of weeks, I've noticed some activity on other properties on the block. 5224 N. Winthrop, a six flat, is now empty, work lights are visible through its windows, and its garage has been demolished. And there's a big dumpster outside 5201 N. Winthrop, although I don't know if this property is changing hands, and I've heard they don't have the required permits for renovations.

Is all this good news or bad?

One good thing about all this is that it looks like none of these buildings will be torn down and replaced with an oversized red brick condo. Another good thing is that it shows a trend toward greater investment in the neighborhood. The people who buy the condos will bring wealth with them, and that could help commerce.

But gentrification isn't such good news to those who are displaced by it. The bagger at the Jewel, the cashier at Blockbuster, the gas station attendant -- they all need a place to live. One of the units in 5217 will be sold at below market value under an affordable housing program. But that one unit is offset by dozens of low rent units that have been lost.

Certainly, the neighborhood started a decade or so ago from a point where there was too much concentration of poverty. The pendulum is swinging.