Pros And Cons Of Gentrification

The world is constantly changing. Within all changes there are mixed views and controversy. This happens especially when the topic is about gentrification. According to the article “What is Gentrification?”, gentrification is a term for “the arrival of wealthier people in an existing urban district”(Grant). Now the concept itself is like a mathematical equation: economic increase plus a safer neighborhood equals a positive reputation. Still, there are those who believe the idea of gentrification produces a negative outcome for the community. Despite the cons to gentrification one should strongly take into consideration the positive effect it leaves in a community. The question now is, why are there residents against the idea, if gentrifying
There are those who would comment that gentrification will change the atmosphere of a community. However, what if that meant protecting its citizens by increasing the protection for the neighborhood? In the article series York&Fig, Marina Bellizzi, a former citizen of Highland Park, a city which is facing gentrification, was interviewed on how much her hometown has changed since she left for college. She attended a local high school in Highland Park describing her time there as embarrassing and underprivileged; “we had pregnant teenagers, we had unsuccessful teachers. So, there was a lot of shame that was thrown at going to my high school” (“Gentrifiers”). Now since the drastic changes made in the city Bellizzi says that the high school is being “perceived as this positive place” ( “Gentrifiers”). I too graduated from a high school that was considered underprivileged for over two decades because of the school’s rundown buildings and lack of security seen around campus. Now, the institution has earned itself a positive reputation, buildings are now remodeled and strict security officers are seen patrolling all entrances. According to LA Weekly, reporter Art Tavana stated that the result of gentrification in the Los Angeles area has affected the crime rate, “for the past 11 years, crime rates in L.A have generally dropped.” The author of the article described that demographics have changed saying
The increase in rent results in residents who cannot afford housing being forced to look for a new home or in possible cases face eviction. On the contrary, despite the negative stigma towards gentrification, it is ultimately helpful for the community. People will move out regardless of gentrification. There are other factors for families leaving. Families will leave a city because of personal reasons or job transfers. Based on the United States Census, 40.2% of Americans moved within different counties within the same state ("Census Bureau”). There is also the concept of a loss of cultural awareness along with a loss of a family orientated city. Communities who undergo the process of gentrification were at one point filled family operated businesses relying on citizens to consume products being sold locally. Many of these cities had a certain culture that would unite the population. There are those who feel that gentrification promotes a white, high class environment, undermining the culture of minorities. Yet, what many do not realize is, gentrification creates multiculturalism. According to L.A Weekly, “today the Grand Central Market, which originally catered strictly to a Mexican food plate, now includes a diverse menu of vendors”(Tavana). He also explains that gentrification in Los Angeles is a chance to to provide to connect the creative and working class in its “jigsaw puzzle of 88 neighborhoods”. In other words Tavana