Concern about amassing and neglecting property can't be blamed on "gentrification"

Better that Shiloh Baptist Church organize a conference on property management.

From email:

Shiloh Baptist Church’s Gentrification Forum

On Saturday, October 13, 2007, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Shiloh Baptist Church Family Life Center will host a forum to address the sensitive, yet significant issue of gentrification. The forum will take place in the Family Life Center and any Shiloh member or community member who wants to be a part of the solution as we deal with the challenges of changing neighborhoods should plan to attend. A description of the forum is provided below.

The Lived Experience of Gentrification: What You Need to Know!Gentrification has spawned emotional disputes in cities around this nation. Here in Shaw, the District of Columbia is no different. Here at Shiloh, we know the politics and pain of gentrification only too well. This forum provides an opportunity for Shiloh members and community residents to better understand gentrification as a process and discuss the perils and pleasures of gentrification and finally develop a plan of action for dealing with neighborhood change in the Shaw area.

PresenterMargaret Simms, Senior Fellow, The Urban Institute and Former Interim President of the Joint Center For Economic and Political Studies

A community panel – For and Against Gentrification – will follow Dr. Simms’ presentation.

Finally, we will hear from participant about possible next steps.

Suggested background readings: “Root Shock: How Tearing Up City Neighborhoods Hurts American and What We can Do About It” (hardcover)by Mindy Fullilve.

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I have Fullilove's book, although I haven't read it yet. In my opinion it does repeat the arguments in the Use Value of Place chapter from Urban Fortunes. But neighbohrood change is a lot more complicated that accusing us whiteys of "American Apartheid" as Fullilove does, at least in presentations. American Apartheid has little to do with Shiloh having acquired many neighboring properties and letting them languish to the point where there are calls for demolition. And demolition of eligible for designation properties isn't the answer. The solution to disinvestment is investment, not demolition. And the Church shouldn't be allowed to attempt to deflect attention to their property "management" failings by calling it gentrification.

Note that what I call churchly blight was discussed on the H-Urban list a couple weeks ago, with some great discussion. Original query, my response, and the response from Tim Gloege of Ntore Dame.