The East Bay Greenway: exploring the paradox of environmental gentrification

The San Francisco Bay Area has a close and contentious relationship with gentrification, displacement, and environmental justice. Little research to date has explored how these three factors interact with one another through the process of environmental gentrification. Through a case study of the proposed East Bay Greenway development project in Alameda County, California this research examines if environmental gentrification is being considered by urban planners, city officials, and community residents during the early planning stages of the greenway. Rather than measuring gentrification after development, this study is uniquely situated to offer an analysis before greening efforts take place in disadvantaged urban communities within the San Francisco Bay Area. Through providing a valuable snapshot of an area prior to the completion of a countywide sustainable development project, the research offers a more complete understanding of the complex relationship between environmental gentrification, environmental justice, and sustainable development than has thus far been done. Data for this study was gathered from planning documents, an online questionnaire and semi-structured interviews with stakeholders. Insights from this case study can benefit community residents, activists, and urban planners.