Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Gentrification Notes from Class 5/21


Gentrification: Negative
  • ·     Displacement: people who have lived in communities have to leave because they no longer can afford to live there.
  • ·     Rise of rent—rent prices go up, property taxes go up—people can’t afford to stay.
  • ·     Small businesses can be shut—may not be able to afford higher rates but bigger stores can. Also, new residents may not be interested in these businesses.
  • ·     Put in more private schools and close public schools—less public schools/programs available for low-income residents.
  • ·     Gas prices—high-income areas.
  • ·     Historical buildings and things of significance moved or taken down.
  • ·     Culture/identity of a community is changed.
  • ·     Higher taxes take a while to actually have a positive  impact


Gentrification: Positive
  • ·     Lower crime rate—clean up the neighborhood, more business. Get rid of the “riff raff” More police
  • ·     Cleaner/nicer looking—property values go up, health benefits, more pride
  • ·     Availability of shopping, movie theaters, more options for residents
  • ·     Healthier food options—Whole Foods, trader Joes’s
  • ·     More jobs—more businesses coming in that need staff
  • ·     Better education—more educational support—more tax money
  • ·     Greater political clout/better political representation
  • ·     Better health—hospitals, treatment centers
  • ·     Improved amenities/safety: better streets, more crosswalks, better lighting
  • ·     Parks, recreation centers
  • ·     Better trash services
  • ·     If you get in on the ground floor, you can buy a home that increases in value.

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