The development of the Central Canal was viewed as an attempt to mitigate a public eyesore that resulted from years of neglect and an inherent desire to beautify downtown Indianapolis. Despite construction occuring in the 1970’s, the Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development (formerly known as the Indianapolis Redevelopment Commission) began land allocation and clearance projects decades before. As a result, the Canal Walkway transformed what was considered one of the city’s largest follies into an attractive asset that displaced many and took no prisoners in the pursuit. The reality is that our development systems can reflect our values. Development is what we make of it — either the rules will expand, or narrow, prosperity and opportunity.
Pictured above are various headlines that compare the journalism language surrounding development. The Indianapolis Recorder (left) and The Indianapolis Star (right)
Gentrification vs. Equitable Development
Gentrification is a development process that profoundly changes the real estate value in a certain geographical area or neighborhood. While this appearance-based improvement process often results in economic and infrastructure improvements, it also tends to compromise cultural assets, historic communities and the needs of long-standing residents. In contrast, Equitable Development reduces disparities and fosters improvements in existing communities, approaching placemaking that sustains healthy, vibrant and inclusive environments. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) asserts:
“Equitable Development is driven by priorities and values as well as clear expectations that the outcomes from development need to be responsive to underserved populations and vulnerable groups, in addition to using innovative design strategies and sustainable policies. Acknowledging and understanding both is necessary for sustaining environmental justice. Lower-income citizens and people or color are successfully guiding the changes that occur within their communities rather than reacting to them. This unique narrative is often missing from prevailing planning, design, and place-based discussions. EPA sees value in elevating this narrative because it draws attention to solutions from environmental justice actions. In the context of environmental justice and planning, equitable development improves public involvement; supports collaborative problem solving; and makes a visible difference in communities that are underserved, under-resourced, and overburdened."
Changing the narrative of development will require in-depth historical understandings of the geographical areas. This will include highlighting, not hiding, the profound injustices and the creation of authentic, equitable, well-intentioned partnerships between developers, community members and the government municipalities.
Work Cited
Header Photo: Kathleen M. Johnston. City seeks funding for canal: waterway may require annual budget of $750,000 by 1988. The Indianapolis News. November 4, 1986. Photo by Gary Moore.Ted Knap. Rowboat Trip Down Canal Stirs Fond Memories of Another Era: boys shout, anglers stare along waterway with colorful past. The Indianapolis Times. September 12, 1956. Canal’s Value Set at $1,312,317. The Indianapolis Star. May 1, 1958. Douglass Davidoff. Shops, apartments to replace canal weeds. Indianapolis News. January 23, 1985. Rob Schneider.Downtown canal beautification moves ahead. The Indianapolis Star. August 11, 1983. Steve Mannheimer. Canal redevelopment to have italian floor. The Indianapolis Star. August 11, 1985. Rob Schneider. Minority-owned firm makes big for development. The Indianapolis Star. May 10, 1989. Rob Schneider. City receives funds to extend renovation of Downtown canal. The Indianapolis Star. July 7, 1988. Andy Olofson. $3.8 Million Value Put on Canal. The Indianapolis Star. May 12, 1958. Fred D. Cavinder. Discover The Canal. The Indianapolis Star. August 13, 1978. Jim Nelson. Downtown home ownership is possible, but expensive. The Indianapolis Recorder. May 26, 1990. Mike Ramey. Canal hearing latest test of neighborhood clout.The Indianapolis Recorder. July 25, 1992. Mike Ramsey. Community Vs. Goldsmith. The Indianapolis Recorder. December 5, 1992. George Fox. Leave the canal residents alone. The Indianapolis Recorder. November 14, 1992. Redevelopment commission charged with failing to build homes for the needy. The Indianapolis Recorder. October 22, 1966. There can be no equality without equity. The Indianapolis Recorder. June 20, 1992.