"I used to be able to walk these sidewalks."
Is Skid Row growing or shrinking?
Yes.
While more development occurs on the edges of the neighborhood...
...those living on the streets are pitching their tents on more sidewalks.
(Also, see quote at the top from our guide Suzette Shaw).
One reason these two seemingly opposing forces can co-occur is because some of the area development is apartment buildings most here would never be able to afford. This economic conundrum--the poorest living in very expensive areas--is common in cities throughout the country.
Lastly, many don't know this, but Skid Row is an official downtown neighborhood (pic 4) that has also shrunk over the years to now being about 50 square blocks.
The encroachment into (and of) L.A.'s homeless community is one of many aspects revealed in our upcoming video about our visit to Skid Row.
We're in the middle of editing and look forward to premiering in the next week or so. Stay tuned.