Giamo's Thoughts: Gentrification

What is gentrification? 

Gentrification is a process when local residents are forced to move out of their community. 

The reason these local residents have to move is because of an influx in more affluent residents and businesses within the community. 

Different parts of the neighborhood such as restaurants, grocery stores, housing, taxes, insurance and other things become too expensive for the local residents to afford. 

How can gentrification negatively affect people? 

There are many negative affects of gentrification such as people losing their homes, businesses having to close and children having to switch schools. 

Another negative affect of gentrification is losing the traditions and customs of the local community. When new and more affluent residents move into an area they often replace the traditions of the past with their own style. 

Who does gentrification benefit? 

The people that benefit from the process of gentrification are landlords, owners of constructions companies, members of local government and the affluent residents. 

Once the process is completed, the property value of that community will increase and allow for the local government to tax the residents at higher rates. 

Overall, the community will have improved parks, schools, roads, grocery stores because there will be more money entering into the community. 

Is gentrification a problem? 

Yes, gentrification is a problem because of the pain and suffering it can cause a lot of people who have lower incomes. 

For people who are forced to re-locate it can cause financial, emotional and in some situations physical damages. 

 

If you had to move to a new community or city where would you move? 

I would want to move to Sosua in the Dominican Republic. The climate is tropical and there are many beautiful people I would like to meet.  

More importantly the cost of living in Sosua is very inexpensive. The average monthly cost of a single bedroom apartment is around USD $250. 

Do you see gentrification happening in your community or city? 

In Miami there is a lot of gentrification that has already happened and still happening today.

 For example there is a community named Wynwood in Miami  that has two blocks of expensive restaurants and exciting nightlife, but the rest of the community is surrounded by homeless or low income people.