Reply to Chevy Chase Community Center Redevelopment

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]What I always find funny about these “Ward 3 is white because of racism” folks is that they’re almost always white transplants who made the decision to move to ward 3. Ward 3 is white because that’s where white people like them decided to move, and then they cry that it’s racist that people like them decided to move there.

For instance, here’s Matt Frumin, who’s from Michigan:

“I’ve been saying this: Ward 3 came to look the way it did” — that is to say, White and rich — “because of exclusion based on intentional policies — exclusion and then segregation,” Frumin told me. “And we need intentional policies to remedy what happened in the past.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/01/31/making-dcs-ward-3-an-example-all-land/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=wp_local

Frumin, the reason ward 3 is full of well-off white people like you is because that’s where you and other well-off white people like you decided to move to. You could have moved to any other neighborhood in the city if you thought white people moving to ward 3 was segregationist. But being a white person, moving to a neighborhood, and then acting like it’s a travesty when other white people do the same thing is idiotic.

(The article is funny too, because Frumin says ward 3 is white because of segregation, and then goes on to say that he thinks his black friend didn’t buy a house in Tenleytown because his friend didn’t want to be around so many white people.)[/quote]

Okay but its not a welcoming place.  Extreme racial concentration in any direction has some inertia to it to forestall diversity.  This is one building that we are talking about here.  And yet, look at the response from *some* of the residents.  It's more than outsized.  I understand that change can be challenging, and concerns about the impact on our predominantly white and wealthy neighborhood have been voiced.

It is crucial to acknowledge that diversity is a cornerstone of vibrant and thriving communities. While the initial reaction might be apprehension, let's take a moment to consider the positive aspects of incorporating public housing into our neighborhood.

Fostering Inclusivity: Public housing provides an opportunity to create a more inclusive community. By welcoming residents from diverse backgrounds and economic situations, we strengthen the fabric of our neighborhood, fostering understanding and unity among us all.

Breaking Down Socioeconomic Barriers: Integrating public housing into our community helps break down socioeconomic barriers. It provides families with access to the same resources, educational opportunities, and community services that we enjoy. This can contribute to creating a more equitable society for everyone.

Cultivating a Rich Tapestry of Cultures: Diversity brings with it a wealth of perspectives, traditions, and experiences. Embracing public housing means embracing a richer tapestry of cultures within our neighborhood. This can lead to a more vibrant and dynamic community life, where we learn from one another and celebrate our differences.

Enhancing Community Services: The redevelopment could lead to an enhancement of community services. A new library combined with public housing facilities can create a space that benefits all residents, providing improved access to education, healthcare, and social services.

Strengthening Our Collective Social Responsibility: Embracing public housing on this site is an opportunity for our neighborhood to showcase its commitment to social responsibility. By participating in projects that address housing inequality, we contribute to the broader societal goal of creating communities that work for everyone.

Change is undoubtedly challenging, and it's natural to feel a sense of attachment to the familiar. However, let's approach this redevelopment with an open mind, understanding that the inclusion of public housing is not a threat but an opportunity for our neighborhood to evolve into a more diverse, inclusive, and socially responsible community.

Let's come together, engage in constructive dialogue, and work towards building a future that reflects the values of compassion, understanding, and unity that define our neighborhood.[/quote]

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