A Village of New Growth Fighting Gentrification

Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in The New Political’s Summer Magazine: “Coming Home.”

The 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.  

But despite its past, Paxton believes there is a sense of optimism among residents and locals due to the village’s recent boom of local business owners and increased tourism brought on by the Baileys Trail System. 

“The people I have spoken with are hopeful about the opportunities associated with the Baileys and are particularly keen on making sure the opportunities accrue to the local residents,” Paxton wrote in an email interview. “Some tangible benefits to the Chauncey residents include improvements to the local park, new sidewalks, a connector to the bike path, and of course, access to a premier trail system.” 

Local empowerment is one of the main goals of the organizations and entrepreneurships spearheading the development of the Baileys Trail System. Many of the opening businesses are owned and run by locals, avoiding uncontrolled economic growth. 

The research project executed by Paxton’s class laid out a breakdown of Chauncey’s housing data and potential gentrification prevention strategies. From the class’s research on property exchange in Chauncey from 2018 to 2019, right around the time the trail system opened, 72% of purchases were made by Chauncey locals after a 109% increase of property sales in 2018. These are promising numbers that could ensure local economic success if the trend continues.

“I am tracking the local ownership and it is too early to tell [if the trend will continue]. I would anticipate outside investment in the Chauncey region,” Paxton wrote.

“The village council can choose to create housing and zoning restrictions if they want to have greater control in the purchase of property.”  

A major development coinciding with the construction of the trails are Airbnb and lodging options popping up along the trailheads. While these are opportunities for local business owners, potential risks also arise for the village, such as current tenants potentially being pushed out to make way for short-term renters. 

Paxton’s class presentation suggested that zoning bans for specific areas and density could be the solution to the potential risks of Airbnbs. Zoning laws can be used to regulate residential and commercial properties along with affordable housing to keep power within the hands of the community.

On Nov. 7, 2020 the Council of the Village of Chauncey passed an ordinance to create a planning commission with the purpose of serving as an emergency measure to deal with the potential detrimental impact on the village that Airbnbs near residences and businesses could have. 

Amy Renner, the mayor of Chauncey, did not respond to requests for comment at this point regarding Chauncey’s zoning laws. 

Although not a resident of Chauncey, Paxton shares many hopes for the village’s future. 

“Based on my conversations with residents, however, it seems like most are interested in improving the quality of life of Chauncey,” Paxton said. “They want Chauncey to be affordable, with excellent services, a sense of community, and economic opportunities.”