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Pros And Cons Of Gentrification

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The world is always changing whether it is technology or medicine. Within these changes there are mixed views and controversy. This happens especially when the topic is about gentrification. According to the definition from Merriam-Webster, gentrification is “the process of renewal and rebuilding accompanying the influx of middle class into deteriorating area that often displaces poorer residents”. Now the concept itself is like a mathematical equation economic increase plus a safer neighborhood equals a positive reputation. Still there are those who believe the idea of gentrification is bad for the community, causing family oriented shops to go out of business and a loss of culture within the city. There are cons to gentrification, but, one …show more content…

Many would comment that gentrification will change the atmosphere of a city. What if that meant protecting its citizens by establishing a safer neighborhood? In the article series “York&Fig At the Intersection of Change”, Marina Bellizzi, a former citizen of Highland Park, a city which is facing gentrification, was interviewed on how much her hometown has changed since she left for college. She attended a local high school in Highland Park describing her time there as embarrassing and underprivileged, “we had pregnant teenagers, we had unsuccessful teachers. So, there was a lot of shame that was thrown at going to my high school” (“Gentrifiers”). Now Bellizzi says that the high school is being “perceived as this positive place” ( “Gentrifiers”). This is one of the many pieces of evidence that prove how a safer community changes the perspective of a town. Another piece of evidence that proves how gentrification can change for the better is seen in the city of Los Angeles. According to LA Weekly, reporter Art Tavana stated that the result of gentrification in the Los Angeles area has affected the crime rate, “For the past 11 years, crimes rates in L.A have generally dropped”. The author of the article describes that demographics have changed saying “gang members on a street corner throwing gang signs are now equivalent to members of the Tea Party hanging out in West Hollywood” (Tavana). In other …show more content…

A positive reputation is what many visitors often look at when deciding where to explore. If one is living in the L.A county in cities such as Calabasas or Westwood, where there is a safe community with economic status, the reaction from non residents is positive because of its reputation. California is commuter state, everyone is always on the go using multiple sources of transportation. So, it is common to see Californians often visiting neighboring cities. Its rare for someone to want to visit a run down neighborhood. For those who drive through non gentrified areas in Los Angeles such as South Central think dirt and smog. Unfortunately this has created a negative image of homelessness and gang members. No one honestly wants to take a stroll in a neighborhood where they often have to be alert for danger. Those who come out of state to visit California often go to the places where gentrification has taken over. Therefore people much rather visit places with a positive and welcoming atmosphere where one can feel safe. The more visitors, the more money goes towards the

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