I don't know what you guys are talking about...
...I've lived, more or less, in this area for my entire life of almost 29 years, and it's a shit-hole.
Pape to Greenwood --> mini-Islamic state.
Greenwood to Woodbine --> OK, I'll admit, it's getting nicer...there are a few nice shops around, like the Renaissance Cafe, and I have a particular affection for the 12th Fret just east of Woodbine.
Woodbine to VP --> disgusting, particularly at Main. I take a bus from Main St. station very often, and there is no progress...just the potential for a mugging. Just the other week, I saw some gangster looking white guy with a blue bandanna hanging out of his pocket, a tear-drop tattoo under his eye and a tattoo on his neck - "DRC". Hmm...I wonder what he could be about...oh, yeah right...a
Dawes Road Crips member! Then we have a mini-Bengali/Bangladesh area from Dawes to VP.
Progress? I must be missing something.