Historical February–March 2000 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
It can often be harmful to proclaim victory precipitously. Cognizant of that fact, I still have to say that Skinker DeBaliviere is now a model.
The neighborhood remains racially diverse as it has been for over 30 years.
There are also richer and poorer, younger and older, students and workers, professionals and artists. Stability has been achieved through the efforts of many dedicated neighbors and the support of anchor institutions. Crime is down. People feel more comfortable stepping out at night.
The community garden and the soon to happen playground serve to bring neighbors together for common ends and break down various barriers. Property values are also up and some homes stay on the market for only a few days.
Some of my fellow social scientists would say this is impossible.
If a neighborhood becomes more than 30% black, whites will flee. And, indeed they did flee from many other neighborhoods. Here, historically interesting housing, church loyalties, and a remarkable group of leaders created an anomaly: real and enduring diversity. Of course, as one neighbor recently noted, we have to always be vigilant to protect what we have. Complacency would not work here. Perhaps the most encouraging development that bodes well for continued stability is the regeneration of commerce on Delmar.
A neighborhood will always reflect its edges. Joe Edwards’ Pageant will be (and already is) the catalyst to more and more improvement. So, I have given in to pride and gratitude today and celebrate our neighborhood.
Some residents may wonder what the fuss was about. Our continuing history series will explain why this achievement is so sweet and so special.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February–March 2000.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2000_02.pdf, printed page(s) 2; PDF page(s) 2.
