"Some are optimistic that the gentrification of Alphabet City will beat the odds by preserving the edge that made the area interesting in the first place"
http://www.businessweek.com/stories/2001-06-10/alphabet-city-the-abcs-of-gentrification
Anti-gentrification graffiti, Lower Park Slope, New York City
Image Reference: http://members.multimania.co.uk/gentrification/
Definitions
"gentrify": convert (a working-class or inner-city district etc.) into an area of middle-class residence. gentrification/gentrifier- Oxford English Dictionary (1993).
"gentrify, -fied, -fying": to convert (an aging area in a city) into a more affluent middle-class neighborhood, as by remodeling dwellings, resulting in increased property values and in displacement of the poor.gentrification - Webster's Dictionary of the American Language (1988).
After reading the article "Alphapet City: the ABCs of Gentrification along with some other research papers on the subject I noticed some interesting patterns in the process. The article talks about the gentrification of Avenue C on the south eastern corner of Manhattan and explains some of the drastic changes in demographics, infrastructure, culture and economy that occurred there. I've mentioned some of the patterns below with self titled characterisation of the observations.
The 'Cleaning Trap'
It seems that early on in the gentry process a period street 'cleaning' occurs where local community activists and even squatters drive out drug dealers who contribute to an unsafe environment. Once crime rates drop local investment increases as the area is more desirable. The irony of this situation is that the residents responsible for cleaning up the 'rif raf' are later forced to move elsewhere when the popularity of their district significantly increases rental prices.
The Bohemian Influence
I have noticed in several articles about gentrification that Bohemian type residents inhabit an area once it becomes safe and cultivate an artistic culture that proves to very attractive to the more affluent middle classes who begin to descend on the area. Once this affluent trickle becomes a flood the area has suddenly become 'trendy'.
'A strong neighborhood feeling grew out of the patchwork of communities thrown together on these mean streets. The area became known for its easygoing ambiance. Here everyone, particularly the anti-Establishment, had a home.'
http://www.businessweek.com/stories/2001-06-10/alphabet-city-the-abcs-of-gentrification
It seems the gentrification process goes; cheap rent, housing infrastructure, community activism, safe streets, Bohemian influence, cultural patchwork, sense of community, middle class influx, Renovation and rental increase, 'Trendification' and New development, Poodles replace pit bulls on sidewalk.
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