Talk:Metropolitan Gardens
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Among the things I know (or believe) about Metro Gardens, but cannot yet document:
- At the time of its demolition it was the only HABD housing project in which lead paint had been fully eradicated.
- The stock of subsidized housing in Birmingham declined by nearly 400 units when Metro Gardens was replaced by Park Place. (This should be easy to demonstrate.)
- Deception and intimidation were used to persuade Metro Gardens residents to move while also gaining their nominal assent to the Hope VI project. For example, according to residents, a sign-up sheet for one community building was later circulated as a petition of support for the demolition.
- No one in authority tried to determine what became of removed Metro Gardens residents. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some moved in with relatives, or moved away, while those who could afford cars moved into apartments in Jefferson County, but outside the city limits. The drastic decline in Birmingham schools enrollment in 2002-03 may have been one consequence of this project. -- Rob 13:39, 29 August 2008 (PDT)