The whole arts-overlay district and green-line extension are fantastic... but without rent control, the effect will be to:
1. Make Union Square the place-to-be 2. Drive up rents 3. Get rid of "blight" and "clean up" the square. 4. Bring in higher-end businesses 5. Price out long-time residents and the artists 6. Price out long-time businesses 7. Make Union Square hella lame a la Harvard Square
Sadly I think Davis Square is near the end-stages of this same game. I don't think it's inevitable, but it is if people don't challenge it.
union square is next
Date: 2007-03-28 04:48 pm (UTC)1. Make Union Square the place-to-be
2. Drive up rents
3. Get rid of "blight" and "clean up" the square.
4. Bring in higher-end businesses
5. Price out long-time residents and the artists
6. Price out long-time businesses
7. Make Union Square hella lame a la Harvard Square
Sadly I think Davis Square is near the end-stages of this same game.
I don't think it's inevitable, but it is if people don't challenge it.