Regarding the extensive discussion below between you and flagamuffin about whether gentrification is good for the earlier inhabitants. Let me suggest that every city handles their low-income areas differently. I live in a gentrified neighbourhood of Toronto known as Cabbagetown. I have no doubt that the existence of this neighbourhood has brought political and activist attention to the people next door and nearby. This neighbourhood is squished between two low income housing developments, one, the largest high-rise community in Canada, the other Canada's largest and oldest social housing project. Both neighbourhoods benefit from the gentrified neighbourhood in between. The neighbourhood to the south is undergoing a revitalization in which people were moved out of their apartment blocks, one block at a time and then moved back in after they were rebuilt. An athletic centre has been added to the middle of the community. You can argue that from my point of view, I would assume gentrification is good for everyone. But what do the ones affected think? The redevelopment was done in consultation with the community in an effort to give them cleaner, safer, better homes. The violence and death in the community has a long history.The original housing, boxy and undifferentiated, is being replaced by glass-and-steel buildings, low- to high-rise, that address human needs rather than some imagined set of priorities. And by mixing market-priced units with subsidized apartments, Regent Park’s ghetto-like aura has finally started to lift.
Toronto Star
but oky, you seem to be arguing for gentrification in your last line.others do not have that freedom or ability to choose their residence as easily.
this is so true. There is not enough low-income housing. Toronto Housing Wait List Passes 90,000 Households, 165,723 People - In San Francisco, it seems they've closed the wait list because it was too long.
When I think of gentrification, I think of old run-down neighbourhoods. Housing is cheap so artists move in and turn warehouses into studios and storefronts into galleries and coffee shops. Gradually the neighbourhood becomes hip and prices start to go up. I see now that I am somewhat naive. Gentrification includes my neighbourhood, but is usually more destructive. I just found this article about my a neighbourhood just south and west of mine: Gentrification. It’s the process by which wealthy people take over a poor or working class area, driving up costs.. thx oky. Interesting to learn more.