06-13-2011, 08:00 AM
I think the city can only get so much out depending on what it puts into it. There's really a lot of potential there. It's sad to see downtown and half-decent buildings go to waste. The city might have to work a little harder to make sure that whatever section-8 gets brought in via ArtSpace doesn't present a problem. Not all poor are drug addled, criminals, or winos. Especially in this current economy. Oddly as it sounds, with a larger base of disadvantaged, they might be able to be a little more selective of who they get in, even among section-8. It should be made clear that it's an opportunity not to be wasted. Not to mention there's a lot of art talent that goes unappreciated and stuck with limited work or underpaying jobs. A nice location with room to do their thing just might be what it takes to make that break.
I don't see ArtSpace as hugely helping or hurting the city. But rather as something that could be leveraged either way depending on how it's managed.
If they can be more strict in policy than in some other cities, troublemakers should be sent packing to other locations and the next person in line for aid should get a shot at those apartments. A well written policy in regards to eviction could keep things nice. Blow it badly at ArtSpace, and you don't get back in. If you're on aid, your next pad made readily available in this city with assistance should be at somewhere like the Oaks. Since ArtSpace isn't the only game in town for public housing, something like this could be used to effect. (Can't complain about aid regarding the city, since you got another assisted location approved in a timely fashion. Can't complain about ArtSpace discriminating, because the next person taking that space would be on aid... Maybe with a possibility that they got a transfer from what is now your new apartment. See how that works?)
I don't see ArtSpace as hugely helping or hurting the city. But rather as something that could be leveraged either way depending on how it's managed.
If they can be more strict in policy than in some other cities, troublemakers should be sent packing to other locations and the next person in line for aid should get a shot at those apartments. A well written policy in regards to eviction could keep things nice. Blow it badly at ArtSpace, and you don't get back in. If you're on aid, your next pad made readily available in this city with assistance should be at somewhere like the Oaks. Since ArtSpace isn't the only game in town for public housing, something like this could be used to effect. (Can't complain about aid regarding the city, since you got another assisted location approved in a timely fashion. Can't complain about ArtSpace discriminating, because the next person taking that space would be on aid... Maybe with a possibility that they got a transfer from what is now your new apartment. See how that works?)