Place-making and Place-taking: An Analysis of Green Gentrification in Atlanta Georgia

Despite the benefits of urban greenspace, Atlanta’s Westside Park is causing gentrification and displacement pressures in Grove Park, a low-income African-American community in northwest Atlanta, Georgia. This study used data from qualitative semi-structured interviews with community stakeholders, a content analysis of public documents, and participant observation in community forums to understand the interplay between the climate crisis, Atlanta’s racialized development history, and constructed conceptions of place. After analyzing the data to distill common themes, this research found that green gentrification stemming from the Westside Park development represents the latest form of place-taking along a spatio-temporal continuum of displacement catalyzed by green initiatives, authenticating the inherent conflict between green initiatives situated within western and capitalist worldviews and place-keeping policies that support deep democracy and autonomy in marginalized communities. In sum, place-making for some is inherently the place-taking from others. I consequently recommend policy initiatives that promote equity and climate resilience