Well said Chad. It's a shame when people are so pessimistic, it really is.
Anyway...The Pearl is already changing that area for the better. Just wait in 5-7 more years, it will be completely different.
The Farmer's Market has taken off and will surely get larger with the "green movement" of our generation; one that is finally starting to happen in SA. I visit the market at least 3 Saturdays each month and it's really awesome. The great thing is that it's not just a bunch of tourists and visitors, but all types of people who live here; young, old, gay, straight, rich, middle class, students, professionals, etc.
I encourage anyone who has not checked out the Pearl, do so now! I guarantee you will enjoy it.