politics and photography and art and...

so it's pretty rare that I venture into the political here at BCL. because what could I possibly say (rant) that hasn't already been said (ranted) far better than I could?

but here's something local I care about. it's a gentrification issue and I struggle with those having just bought my first home in what has historically (since rioting in the 60's) been a blighted part of the city.

anyway. if you've been here with any regularity, you've seen dozens of pictures taken at Capital City Market (which I've been incorrectly calling Florida Avenue Market). it's one of the most artistically stimulating places I've ever been. and it happens to be a big reason I moved into this neighborhood. even with all of its problems.

so after reading this article about the prospect of having the market "revitalized" (i.e. razed for condos), I popped down at lunch with SH and took some cellphone pictures at my favorite Italian market, A. Litteri's...

*btw, I'm also experimenting with extremely low resolution images. postage stamp sized pics. so please bear with the tiny-ocity while I improve my technique.

Comments

[Therese Brown]

Wow...I hope something can be done to save the market and other enterprises that are vital to the community.

Re-gentrification is a complex issue, to be sure, but gems like this, well, it's a crime to lose them.

More power to them...and thanks for your images and words, as always!!

[sean]

its a political game orange is playing. watch and see if he doesnt make tons off of this.

its quite the bullshit that this may get tanked. as soon as the first luxury condo owner moves in, bye bye to maryland all the businesses vital to dc restaurants.
yeah, it pisses me off.

the office of planning came up with a plan a coupla years ago that freaking rocked. rocked squared.

it was perhaps too people friendly, which this town doesnt seem to like...

[Richard Layman]

I have a paper I work on from time to time called "The Language of Revitalization." In it, blight is a bad word. Blight is a legal term also, used to justify takings that meet the test of the Fifth Amendment clause within the Bill of Rights/Constitution.

When it comes to neighborhoods, the problem that the word blight describes is really one of disinvestment. The solution isn't clearance/demolition, but investment.

Although this particular issue is one less of "gentrification" than crony capitalism. They aren't in this "to improve" and to draw upper-income people, it's really more about the Growth Machine making more money through connections, and yes, intensification of land use.

Although, I think in the end this project may not succeed. In order for it to not succeed, heavy duty organizing is required. Because for the next 120 days, the pro-forces will be working hard. Of course, they get paid to work hard. We don't.