Gentrification: The Negative Consequences Of Urban Renewal

Words: 1433
Pages: 6

Urban renewal is a program created by Title I of the Housing Act of 1949. This land redevelopment program has had significant impacts on the history and demographics of major metropolitan areas around the nation. Unfortunately, consequences of urban renewal projects often involve relocation of small local businesses, relocation of community residents, the demolition of community structures, and the use of eminent domain to take private property for public use. Gentrification is the process of higher socioeconomic status groups migrating to lower socioeconomic neighborhood communities with the consequent transformation of these low status areas to higher status neighborhood communities. The process of gentrification is one of many systemic pressures …show more content…
The neighborhoods have been frequently ignored and have been under-resourced. Residents of cities such as New York, Nashville, Chicago, Indianapolis, and Washington D.C., just to name a few, have been subjected to the peaks and valleys that come along with the processes of urban renewal, revitalization, and gentrification. One can assume that the politically empowered upper class population perceive gentrification as a catalyst for essential community improvement. However, improvement and progress should not come at the expense of maintaining a sense of community. The severe consequences of gentrification for the community members are frequently ignored, especially those long-time residents who do not have the privilege of financial security. These particular individuals suffer from displacement, which is a consequence of …show more content…
One specific example of this shift is in an area known as Fountain Square. Jim Walker, who is an art collector, started his business in the area because rent was cheap. He was apart of changing the area from a down and out area to a thriving cultural community. Nevertheless, this change attracted others to the area, which increase property values and resulted in Jim Walker having to close his business because he was forced out by the rising property taxes in the area.
The second type of gentrification occurs when private investors transform commercial districts from convenience stores and pawnshops into yoga studios, fine dining, and high-end retail stores (Smith 2014). The third type of gentrification is by forced state intervention. Gentrification through forced intervention is implemented by rezoning, investments and permits in revitalization efforts, and the demolition of public housing (Smith 2014). The terms and actions of gentrification vary but they all ensure the same outcome of community