It's an interesting concept, but I don't think they make it past the idea that there is no general consensus on whether gentrification is actually bad. I think if this group could gather more statistics/data on how large this level of displacement is when gentrification takes place then they might have a stronger case. While I understand the logic behind their belief they definitely need the data to back it up.
The capital for renovation is not being put in the hands of the residents. That and the institution of private property are the main problem. Like intentional efforts to bring low income people live in wealthier areas, this could have positive effects. Pricing people out of their homes, and communities is awful. Some areas the social services are too overwhelmed to help people. It still isn't right to herd people in New Orleans onto a plane, and give them zero information, until they read, 'Welcome to Omaha'.
I read the article. It reeks of someone who lives in a gated community. Poor people are going to live in cheap housing, period. If they settle in a run down place and start fixing it up, the value rises. This is basic economics or maybe I am missing the point of the article?
Gentrification isn't when poor people fix up the community, it's when wealthy investors begin to pour money into a low income neighborhood effectively raising property values, but ultimately displacing the poor people. For example where I live a major train station is in the final stages of planning, so there has been a ton of development. A ton of people I grew up with had to move because things were just too expensive. To add to that most small business have been closed down by the numerous large chains moving into town.
"If gentrification was a human rights violation, gentrification would be a human rights violation."It's an interesting concept, but I don't think they make it past the idea that there is no general consensus on whether gentrification is actually bad. I think if this group could gather more statistics/data on how large this level of displacement is when gentrification takes place then they might have a stronger case. While I understand the logic behind their belief they definitely need the data to back it up.
Very interesting read. I'd like to see some discussion on improving the standard of living in a neighborhood while not displacing the poor, at risk residents. It seems the root cause here isn't gentrification but rather limited opportunities for poor people of color to advance.