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Study: Brownsville Could Be Next to Face Gentrification

A new map shows that parts of Brownsville have already begun gentrifying, while other sections may be up next for the economic shift.
Brownsville, BK Reader
A mural on the side of C-Town on Belmont Ave and Thatford Ave Photo: brownsvillejusticecenter.blogspot.com

A new study from the National Community Reinvestment Coalition reveals that Brownsville could be the next neighborhood facing gentrification, reports Patch. 

With the report titled "Shifting Neighborhoods," the Washington, D.C. nonprofit also released an interactive map that shows that parts of Brownsville have already begun gentrifying, while other sections may be up next for the economic shift. The map reveals six Brownsville sections where real estate prices have been on the rise; in some areas they have nearly doubled. Yet, annual salaries on average just increased by $5,0000. 

Still, Brownsville has not yet seen the displacement witnessed in Brooklyn neighborhoods most affected by gentrification, such as East Williamsburg, where a big portion of the Hispanic community has been displaced, and Bushwick, which saw a decrease in its Black community.

The study, using U.S. Census Bureau and economic data, identified more than 1,000 neighborhoods in 935 cities and towns nationwide where gentrification occurred between 2000 and 2013. 

In 230 of those neighborhoods, rapidly rising rents, property values and taxes forced more than 135,000 residents to move away. Seven cities accounted for nearly half of the gentrification nationally: New York City, which ranked third after San Diego and Washington D.C., as well as Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Chicago.

A new map shows that parts of Brownsville have already begun gentrifying while other sections may be up next for the economic shift.
Map and data provided by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition

The study shows that in the largest cities like NYC, Los Angeles and Chicago, gentrification and displacement were spread out in different neighborhood clusters. In smaller cities, like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Baltimore, gentrification was concentrated near downtown business districts.

"We've shown that the influx of new, wealthier people into once struggling neighborhoods also drove out more than 135,000 people from a handful of booming cities," said Jason Richardson, NCRC's director of research and co-author of the study. "We've also shown that revitalization of struggling neighborhoods is unevenly distributed."

Not surprising, the study indicates that gentrification and cultural displacement often go hand in hand, excluding existing residents from the benefits of a revitalizing neighborhood. Yet, the authors point out that this doesn't have to be the ultimate outcome if local communities work toward preserving affordable housing options for the people who have called these neighborhoods home for decades.

"Policies like the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and promotion of affordable housing goals should help diminish the cultural displacement that accompanies gentrification," Richardson said. "But strong national policies and local action are also essential. Inclusive zoning rules, tax and rent controls, opportunity zones, split rate taxes and other policies are not exclusive of investment. They create the circumstances for inclusive neighborhood revitalization that preserve the vitality and character of neighborhoods."

To see the complete report, go here.




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