A Village of New Growth Fighting Gentrification By Madeline Harden News Editor
Spread designed by Emily Zeiler
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he village of Chauncey has seen a recent uptick of economic activity, thanks to the expansion of the Baileys Trail System, the opening of several lodging companies and a number of events associated with the trails. But with all the activity occurring in the up and coming village, the concern of gentrification looms in the air. The Oxford Dictionary defines gentrification as “the process whereby the character of a poor urban area is changed by wealthier people moving in, improving housing, and attracting new businesses, typically displacing current inhabitants in the process.” This process typically occurs through an increase in rent and property values that eventually drive out original residents. Historic conditions can play a huge role in gentrification. Chauncey’s history has deep ties to coal, an industry that has largely disappeared from the area. Given Chauncey’s past, there is a more apprehensive outlook on the quick economic growth. “I do believe that there is a general cautiousness of any type of economic development given a history of boom and bust industries (salt, coal, clay), inadequate assistance programs, and broken promises over the years,” Julia Paxton, an Ohio University professor who carried out research in her economics of altruism class centered around Chauncey’s gentrification, wrote in a statement.
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