Perspective on Gentrification

write ONE main body paragraph utilizing one of the reasons you developed as the topic sentence (refer back to your Outlining assignment), bringing in one your evidences that prove your reason, then explaining your evidence in your own words.

This is my reason and evidence, you’re writing my paragraph from the quotation and explanation from here to make one big paragraph

'Together, these stories suggest that while gentrification can cause social discord and make residents anxious about the future, it neither produces measurably more departures from neighborhoods nor usually makes residents economically worse off….." (Cortright, 2015)

This quote from Cortright's article presents a different perspective on gentrification, arguing that it does not necessarily lead to more neighborhood departures or economic hardship for residents. The author contends that gentrification might lead to increased wealth and income, as seen in the example of New York City's public housing residents. This viewpoint challenges the traditional negative narrative of gentrification, suggesting it can benefit those living in areas undergoing such transformations.

"The legal battle culminated in an enforceable consent decree to shelter the homeless—the Callahan decree—that Mayor Ed Koch's administration voluntarily signed in 1981." (Greenberg, 2021)

This quote highlights a significant moment in New York City's history when the government acknowledged its responsibility to provide shelter for people without homes. The Callahan decree showcases an essential instance of public policy addressing housing inequities. It can be interpreted as an example of how legal and political processes can be harnessed to challenge systemic issues, like homelessness and housing insecurity, often associated with gentrification and economic disparities.

"Rejected outright by protesters was the possibility that residents and their representatives could negotiate an agreement with the city to provide more affordable units and stricter protection for rent-stabilized tenants. The level of distrust toward the city was remarkable but not surprising." (Greenberg, 2021)

This quote underscores the deep seated mistrust that can exist between city authorities and residents, particularly in the context of housing issues and gentrification. This lack of trust can stymie attempts to reach agreements or enact policies that could benefit local communities, like creating more affordable housing and stronger tenant protections. This sense of distrust is essential to understanding the dynamics and impacts of gentrification, as it points to the need for more transparent, inclusive, and equitable decision making processes in urban development.

Here is a sample:

Although low income and long-term residents of gentrifying neighborhoods and cities have access to more job opportunities and services, they don’t necessarily become financially stable; by not being able to thrive in a gentrifying environment, they are left with deprived quality of life. When a community undergo economic and social revolution and new services that either weren’t there or were poorly provided are made available, it’s natural to conclude that quality of life for the residents of that community have gone up. Physically improved properties and public spaces, new businesses, and increased public safety are all indicators of local investment. As a result, communities expand and grow; convenience takes place and local residents experience the benefits of satisfying their necessities and running errands within easy reach. As services are made available, jobs are also made accessible. Higher job demand and geographic comfort makes it easier for local residents to find and keep employment. However, gentrification doesn’t always mean affordable; more job alternatives doesn’t guarantee higher compensation. Therefore, financial stability and living conditions for the financially vulnerable can detriment. In his article, author Michael Greenberg puts it this way, “The hard fact is that behind the wildfire of new construction, new restaurants, retail outlets, bars, music halls, cafés, tech and media start-ups, and nearly full employment, real poverty in New York is on the rise” (11). Alongside all the benefits, gentrification also increases living expenses. Residents may enjoy significant cutbacks from their commuting burden as getting to work and places in general becomes easier; they may have diversity and better options at hand, but prices can go up so high it can surpass their capacities. Consequently, left with fewer options and bounded to manage with what they can afford and receive, vulnerable residents experience physical displacement.