Gentrification:Pros and Cons

Merriam-Webster defines gentrification as the process of renewal and rebuilding accompanying the influx of middle-class or affluent people into deteriorating areas that often displaces poorer residents. There are North Carolina cities that have been going through this process over the past few years. The News and Observer recently did a story about Rosemary and John Abram and how gentrification in Durham has impacted them.

With every story having two sides we are going to list some of the pros and cons of gentrification.

Spoiled.com defined some pros for gentrification as "The new, shiny buildings create an upscale look to these neighborhoods", and also "Public safety is getting better. You won’t see anything traumatizing happening outside your favorite quaint brick-oven pizzeria." Atkinson and Bridge did a study pointing out other pros like "unoccupied houses become occupied and reduction of vacant homes Increase in local fiscal revenues". Also, "decreased crime rates and the reduction of suburban sprawl."

On the other hand Spoiled.com has pointed to public safety getting better but not for the Black and Latino communities. "The PD keeps these gentrified neighborhoods clean by criminalizing and removing Black and Latino (predominately young males) from these upgraded areas." While Atkison and Bridge points to "affordable housing in the area becomes scarce… and eventually non-existent".

The debate of is gentrification good or bad will continue on as new developments are being built to improve neighbors while pushing former residents out. How do you feel about gentrification?