Gentrification

Gentrification has brought to the modern world its own version of social segregation and this is one of the most prominent reasons why it should be restricted at all costs. At Urbany Community Development, we are at the forefront to prevent the gentrification of communities by developing affordable apartments and supportive housing units for communities where low income families can find their place in society in an affordable manner. The fact is that gentrification often brings in radical changes to the community that makes it uninhabitable for the original residents, who then have no option but to look for a new home. The resulting increase in prices all around, the speedy urbanization of the locale and the influx of people who are unfamiliar with the local customs and practices is not always good and situation like the ones described below is what we hope to prevent with our affordable and supportive housing projects.

Seattle

Perhaps one of the most dramatic examples of gentrification, Seattle’s identity as home to one of the oldest African- American communities is slowly but surely being erased by  influx of ‘outsiders’. A dramatic negative outcome of the gentrification taking place here is that the ‘native’ population is now far less likely to be paying higher rents than their newcomer counterparts and they are also far less likely to have a mortgage approved when compared with the latter.

Seattle’s inhabitants were treated first hand to how deeply the gentrification had affected the populace in early 2014 when two masked individuals blocked the way of a Microsoft employee bus. The individuals were holding aloft a sign that said ‘Gentrification stops here’, expressing what was in the minds and hearts of thousands of Seattle residents who were being displaced from their home. The metropolis gained dubious distinction as the second most gentrified location in the country between the years 2000 to 2007.

Jersey City

With young, affluent urbanites flocking to Jersey City, the shadow of gentrification has inevitably fallen on this northern New Jersey location, making life challenging for the families that have had generations living here and calling it home. The influx of these young professionals is a direct consequence of the escalating rental rates in New York City. With housing becoming unaffordable in the latter area, the perfect choice for working professionals is to look for a home in a location that offers reasonably easy access to NYC but comes without the sky high accommodation costs. Jersey City fits the bill perfectly and this has become a curse for the district’s original inhabitants now.

One of the more significant changes that gentrification has wrought in this Northern New Jersey location is in the political fabric. This is an expected outcome when ‘outsiders’ move into any area in such numbers and change the dynamics of the society that the original inhabitants can no longer sustain their lifestyle there, feel residents.

Jersey City’s waterfront area is one of the locations where the impact of gentrification is visible most clearly. The brand new housing high end complexes are a throwback to Wall Street. The new comers are also slowly but steadily inching out the older residents in areas around the NY- NJ subway station, clearly because these are the places that offer excellent access to their workplaces.  Jersey City natives have even coined a term for these newcomers- ‘interlopers’ they call them. Sadly, given the effect that these newcomers have had on the area’s rental levels, real estate prices and general living costs, the discontent and growing frustration does seem justified indeed!