Gentrification in America: Voices Lost and Found

Gentrification. The word has many different meanings to people based on their view ofthe changes that happen in a neighborhood.

To some, gentrification means safer streets and moreeconomic development and job opportunities.  To others, it means higher rents and  being moved out of a long-time home.

Gentrification is always an socio-economic issue, a mergingof cultures, where richer citizens movie in and displace poorer residents.Often times, gentrification has a racial impact, with whites moving into areas historicallyoccupied by people of color. Changes such as these not only alter the economicsof a neighborhood, but also the culture. 

Below, you’ll find a list of links that will take you to across-section of articles that explore the economic, cultural and politicalimpacts of gentrification.

In this issue of the 247 Zine, we want to explore the voicesof those impacted by gentrification and what the changes have meant tothem.  We’re starting the issuewith a few items to spark your interest and will be adding more as the monthgoes on.  We also hope you willcomment by text or video to add your voices to this issue.

How has gentrification changed your neighborhood?  Where you forced to leave?  If you’ve stayed, or been one of thoseto move in, how are you interacting with the newcomers or old-timers in yourneighborhood?

Look through the following articles and resources and thenjoin us. We hope to add your voice to the discussion.

Invincible Cities: http://invinciblecities.camden.rutgers.edu/intro.html

The New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/17/nyregion/thecity/17harl.html

USAToday: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-04-19-gentrification_x.htm?POE=click-refer

Oregon Live: http://blog.oregonlive.com/oregonianspecial/2008/03/judith_mowry.html

The Oregonian: http://www.oregonlive.com/special/index.ssf/2008/04/speak_listen_heal_index_page.html

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gentrification

PBS: http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2003/flagwars/special_gentrification.html

Portland Gentro: http://portlandgentro.typepad.com/

Planetizen: http://www.planetizen.com/node/147

Euro BRSG: http://eurobrsg.wordpress.com/2008/06/20/the-downside-to-gentrified-neighborhoods/

NHI: http://www.nhi.org/online/issues/142/gentrification.html