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Inner East Athens is located just to the east of downtown and northeast of the UGA campus. This area has historically been home to working-class Black households. In recent years, it has experienced housing pressure from new development and ownership shifts that have brought more University of Georgia students into the area. As property developers purchase local homes and repurpose them for student use, the prices of all properties have increased. This in turn raises rents and property taxes for local residents, a process sometimes described as student-driven gentrification or "studentification." In addition, an existing lack of neighborhood amenities, such as grocery stores, and high rates of poverty have created hardships including food and housing insecurity for long-time area residents. Despite these pressures, these residents have maintained strong connections to this neighborhood and have worked to preserve its identity and resist displacement.
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Census block groups that define Inner East Athens
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In Spring 2024, the Community GIS class at the University of Georgia, taught by Dr. Jerry Shannon and Dr. Aidan Hysjulien, worked with Rashe Malcolm and other community partners to create this report providing more information on the current conditions in the neighborhood and their recent historical context. The goal was to better inform efforts for equitable redevelopment in the area that would resist further gentrification but provide economic opportunity for existing residents.
In addition, students in a partner course on historical geographies of East Athens taught by Dr. Hilda Kurtz conducted archival research to provide more in-depth perspectives on the historical forces that have shaped this community.
In addition, students in a partner course on historical geographies of East Athens taught by Dr. Hilda Kurtz conducted archival research to provide more in-depth perspectives on the historical forces that have shaped this community.
Link to the Community GIS class report:
Mapping Inner East Athens: Current and Future Considerations for Development
Mapping Inner East Athens: Current and Future Considerations for Development
Links to storymaps from the historical geographies of East Athens class:
Aerial view of Triangle Plaza, with UGA and downtown Athens in the background.