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What We Do

Combating Negative Effects of Gentrification in the West Grove

What is Gentrification?

The Urban Displacement Project defines “gentrification” as a process of neighborhood changes in a historically disinvested neighborhood, by means of real estate investment and new higher-income residents moving in - as well as demographic change - not only in terms of income level, but also in terms of changes in the education level or racial make-up of residents. Understanding gentrification is complex and requires an understanding of the historic conditions, policies, and practices that created the conditions for gentrification. Although gentrification can be positive, it is often associated with displacement, which means that in some communities, long-term residents are not able to stay to benefit from new investments in housing, healthy food access, or transit infrastructure.

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For more information on this topic, visit the Urban Displacement Project’s website: Gentrification Explained.

 

West Grove: Historically Segregated and Disinvested

The West Grove is a historically black and Bahamian community that remained racially-segregated until 1954. The historic conditions of racial segregation, redlining, and discriminatory policies affecting the West Grove community, are well documented by the the UM Law Center for Ethics and Public Service, which has conducted extensive research on the disparate impact these conditions have had on the black community.

Most notably, a pattern of disinvestment emerged and continued to affect the West Grove community—that is, the purposeful decision to withdraw investment (money and real estate development) or refrain from investing in neighborhood improvements, businesses, or shared spaces in the community.

 

Effects of Disinvestment

By 2019, the West Grove community was experiencing increased real estate speculation, requests from developers for land use and zoning changes, and significant changes to the historic character of the neighborhood. As a result of these changes, black and low-income residents of the West Grove have been at higher risk of losing their home, being evicted, displaced, or relocated to hyper-segregated neighborhoods.

 

CBA Response to Negative Effects of Gentrification

Working with the Center for Ethics and Public Service and Legal Services of Greater Miami, GRACE created a model community benefits agreement (CBA) which strives to expand housing and job opportunities for former and current black residents of the West Grove. GRACE began negotiating CBAs with developers on Charles and Plaza Avenue requesting land use and zoning amendments for their proposed development projects in the West Grove.

 

Activities & Milestones

  • Built a coalition of over ten West Grove community-based, civic, and faith-based organizations and established Grove Rights and Community Equity, Inc.

  • Conducted in-depth research on zoning, land use, segregation, and displacement of individuals living in West Grove.

  • Conducted Fair Housing fact investigation.

  • Monitored evictions.

  • Engaged developers in negotiations around Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs).

  • Hosted a Town Hall at St. James Baptist Church on February 7, 2020, regarding CBA negotiations for rezoning projects in Coconut Grove Village West.

  • Developed a framework for CBAs related to rezoning projects in Coconut Grove Village West.

  • Active participant and effort opposing the redistricting of West Grove

  • Hosted a community meeting at the Greater Saint Paul A.M.E. Church to discuss and inform the community about our opposition to proposed development on Southwest Corner of Grand Avenue and Douglas Road

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