Let's Hear it for Gentrification! (No it's not a disease)
Gentrification(jĕn'trə-fĭ-kā'shən) n.
The restoration and upgrading of deteriorated urban property.
When Danny and I bought our house in Spring of 2001, we got a few "surprised" looks. "Oak Cliff, really.... are you sure it's safe?"
Both of us were born and bred in Oak Cliff. During "white flight" in the 80's, neither of our families fled to the suburbs. So when it came time to set down roots- Oak Cliff was the only place that really felt like home to both of us. So we took a chance and bought a house in Elmwood. The houses are tudor-styled and not unlike what you would see over off of Greenville Ave. and the "M" Streets (at a fraction of the cost). We have been living happily in this wonderful community since. The street where we live is amazing and we are surrounded by neighbors who care and watch out for each other. It's not uncommon to drive past and see us gathered on a lawn just shooting the breeze or helping each other out. Don't get me wrong, I don't live with rose-covered glasses. We set the alarm and I don't set out anything that we don't want stolen, yada, yada, yada.
But in the past couple of years, some remarkable things have been happening in this area. Today we participated in one. Bishop Arts is an area that has been around for quite some time, but in the past 7 years, more and more restaurants and businesses have opened. There is a wonderful, eclectic group of people you can see there. Today was the second annual Mardi Gras Parade. Our church entered a float inviting people to "Come Grow With Us". We have a community garden planted, maintained, and used by members and non- members in the OC. We paraded down Davis Street and I was shocked at the number of people crowded into Bishop Arts. It was truly an amazing sight. No one was in danger, no gun shots rang out, perfectly safe and full of many kinds of people from all walks of life.....How amazing that Bishop Arts is fast-becoming a destination for people from all over the Metroplex!
It reminds me of a biking tour we took last fall, "On the Trail of Lee Harvey Oswald". We took the route that Lee H. Oswald used following the assassination of Kennedy into Oak Cliff. We were by the Texas Theatre when a woman looked at our tour guide and asked him when we would be in Oak Cliff. Our guide stifled a giggle and explained that we had been in the OC once we crossed the bridge. Her reply was a shocked look. I laughed (in my head- I didn't want to be rude).
Anyway- we are a small community- BUT- we are a strong community. I thank the Lord everyday for such an opportunity to see Oak Cliff get its second chance! Having grown-up here- I am proud for Oak Cliff! So come on down and give us a try….Seriously- what are you afraid of?
