The decline of Woodlawn began in the 1930's when the original Irish, German, and English population moved to the suburbs. In the 1960's, as racial housing restrictions were lifted, numerous blacks left the neighborhood, leaving behind aging rental dwellings and an underclass of disorganized families who had no other market choice. The Blackstone Rangers and other gangs gained increasing power in the community; they were initially supported by public and private organizations in hopes that they would become positive role models for Woodlawn's numerous juveniles; however, these efforts collapsed because of the fraudulent gang leaders. Ironically, public support had encouraged the gang members in their terrorism of the neighborhood. They left behind a depopulated, demoralized ghetto. The destruction was completed by a wave of arson and vandalism, partly because investors wanted to recuperate their losses. Although this kind of total destruction often makes room for upscale real estate development, the toll it takes on inhabitants and crime victims is high. The main sufferers are not only the migrant underclass but the struggling black and white working class who lose their real estate investments. In addition, the example of Woodlawn discourages investment in other low-income neighborhoods. To stabilize underclass neighborhoods, society must restore the economic viability of the housing and assure an acceptable level of personal security.