As you like it -- who plans the Renaissance Village?: a case study of non-gentrifiers' perceptions of a gentrification process
Date
2015
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
In 2007, the Brookview Apartment complex in the industrial suburb of Claymont, Delaware was razed for the development of a high density, mixed use New Urban village called Darley Green driven by a collaboration of local government and several local organizations. Through a case study analysis of interviews, newspaper articles and other resources, this dissertation investigates the perceptions of non-gentrifying residents and merchants, an under-studied population in gentrification research. First, an historical context that led to a community renaissance is elicited from resident interview and various resources. The consensus is that the town began a downhill trend when, post-desegregation, the town's school district and high school closed in 1990. This time is mourned as the end of the town's best days. Respondents indicated dismay at the influx of a "drug culture." Secondly, a group of 16 residents and merchants, chosen for proximity to the gentrifying site were interviewed. Using a theoretical framework combining critical interpretations of neoliberalism and Michel Foucault's concept of governmentality, this study found that despite their proximity, respondents are confused about the development plans and skeptical about the motives of local government and agencies. Most were in favor of the demolition of the run-down Brookview, but blamed its condition on a combination of lack of county oversight and "slum landlords." They concur that Claymont needs revitalization, but they are wary about high density development as the centerpiece of this renaissance, indicating a lack of understanding about the basic design tenets of New Urbanism. The choice of a New Urban design is discussed. Prior to demolition, the Brookview complex fell into slum-level disrepair, and respondents indicated concern that the new development would suffer a similar fate. However, respondents are cautiously optimistic that the town can rebound. To that end, a policy recommendation for formal tenant organization to better utilize property code enforcement is offered. Further critical analysis of the current trend of state-led gentrification is encouraged. In addition to adding to the dearth of gentrification research focusing on non-gentrifiers, this work also contributes to a growing body of research about suburban gentrification.