2008 Woodie Awards
Gentrifying New York's Neighborhoods
Different Perspectives On Re-urbanization Highlight Positive and Negative Effects
Adam REICHARDT and Parice GRANT
Issue date: 10/3/07 Section: Features
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The presence of gentrification in New York City conjures many different ideas depending on the perspective from which it comes. For some, gentrification is a dirty word indicative of an affluent social group snatching housing from those who are less fortunate. For others, gentrification means the re-urbanization of a once destitute neighborhood; the residents in the higher tax bracket contribute to the improvement of community infrastructure. Whatever it means, it brings change, and change can either be looked at as a good or bad thing.
The Process of Gentrification
Gentrification in NYC is hardly a new development. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, artists and galleries occupied areas such as SoHo, TriBeCa and Chelsea. Residential housing was in high demand. Upscale amenities were built around these areas, where retail renters eventually priced out the artists, pushing them into the North Chelsea community.
During the first stage of gentrification, the initial resident influx starts off innocently enough. The new social group, usually comprised of single artists and students of a similarly low income, move into a neighborhood populated by low-income families.
Consequentially, the idea of rent increases takes root. Landlords assume other high-income residents will be attracted to the neighborhood because they feel they have something to contribute to the new social groups blossoming in that area.
As the socioeconomic movement becomes increasingly progressive, a middle-class slowly eases into the fabric of the community. The middle class group requires affordable housing, but has the ability to pay more than the base rate of the lower-income residents. Retail developers become aware of the changes in the community and they begin building businesses catering to the middle-class.
The business model of gentrification has a significant impact: the low-income community becomes completely priced-out and families are displaced to the nearest low-income neighborhood. Currently, neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens are experiencing this first hand.
The Process of Gentrification
Gentrification in NYC is hardly a new development. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, artists and galleries occupied areas such as SoHo, TriBeCa and Chelsea. Residential housing was in high demand. Upscale amenities were built around these areas, where retail renters eventually priced out the artists, pushing them into the North Chelsea community.
During the first stage of gentrification, the initial resident influx starts off innocently enough. The new social group, usually comprised of single artists and students of a similarly low income, move into a neighborhood populated by low-income families.
Consequentially, the idea of rent increases takes root. Landlords assume other high-income residents will be attracted to the neighborhood because they feel they have something to contribute to the new social groups blossoming in that area.
As the socioeconomic movement becomes increasingly progressive, a middle-class slowly eases into the fabric of the community. The middle class group requires affordable housing, but has the ability to pay more than the base rate of the lower-income residents. Retail developers become aware of the changes in the community and they begin building businesses catering to the middle-class.
The business model of gentrification has a significant impact: the low-income community becomes completely priced-out and families are displaced to the nearest low-income neighborhood. Currently, neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens are experiencing this first hand.
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Karen Hergenroeather
posted 10/03/07 @ 9:36 PM EST
This was a very interesting, well thought out and researched article. I will be interested in following Mayor Bloombergs' plan.
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