“But to one neighborhood group, it became a symbol of gentrification. And they fought it hard.”

“The residents have been very clear: They don’t want this project,” said Allison Lasky, 35, a CVA volunteer. “They don’t see benefits for them. There’s no affordability.”

“When you give these incentives, we are investors in these projects, and just like these other investors who want to see a return, we want to see a return as well,” said Tristan Taylor, 36, a CVA volunteer.”