The topic of gentrification has become popular among discussions in Chicago. Latino communities in Chicago, like Pilsen, have recently been the target of this. Why is it that people decide to move into impoverished neighborhoods? Most argue that it helps bring “back to life” neighborhoods. Others say it’s simply the taking of culture and taking advantage of the low prices. But can the effects of gentrification be good in a community like Pilsen.
As I drove east down Cermak, into Pilsen, the neighborhood I once called home. The only thing recognizable was the businesses that managed to stay opened after the changes. The family owned restaurants and stores have turned into cafes and art galleries. The walls that were once covered in murals are …show more content…
Families that have managed to stay in Pilsen all have the same experience “Everyday it becomes harder”. “Things are changing too quickly”. Home owner’s property tax has had a significant increase. In the case of Jonathan and Alex their families rent abruptly changed from $850 to $1,000. I also spoke to Mauricio and Saul Rodriquez, twins both 21 years old, current university students that grew up in Pilsen who have been offered by developers to purchase their family home. These offers are made to low income families who struggle to keep up with payments. These homes are bought then later torn down for apartment complex’s or simply fixed and sold to much higher prices than which they were …show more content…
It also ignores the political and economic forces that can either stall or facilitate gentrification. Like those developers buying homes and lots in Pilsen further increasing this housing crisis that is happening in big cities. It shows that the consequences of gentrification are negative to those incumbent residents of Pilsen. But it does not oppose the idea that gentrification can have those positive effects while not furthering racial and urban inequality. Rather, it states not to rely on the gentrification process for urban renewal but to put forth the change.
Despite gentrification being able to provide positive effects in Pilsen it is too late. In the case of Pilsen gentrification and its effects are not a good thing. It displaced families, pushed out family owned businesses, and further increased the housing crisis in Chicago. Pilsen if used as an example can be important. It can show and help facilitate this change in the renewal of urban spaces and creating affordable homes without displacing its residents, or taking advantage of those new
As I drove east down Cermak, into Pilsen, the neighborhood I once called home. The only thing recognizable was the businesses that managed to stay opened after the changes. The family owned restaurants and stores have turned into cafes and art galleries. The walls that were once covered in murals are …show more content…
Families that have managed to stay in Pilsen all have the same experience “Everyday it becomes harder”. “Things are changing too quickly”. Home owner’s property tax has had a significant increase. In the case of Jonathan and Alex their families rent abruptly changed from $850 to $1,000. I also spoke to Mauricio and Saul Rodriquez, twins both 21 years old, current university students that grew up in Pilsen who have been offered by developers to purchase their family home. These offers are made to low income families who struggle to keep up with payments. These homes are bought then later torn down for apartment complex’s or simply fixed and sold to much higher prices than which they were …show more content…
It also ignores the political and economic forces that can either stall or facilitate gentrification. Like those developers buying homes and lots in Pilsen further increasing this housing crisis that is happening in big cities. It shows that the consequences of gentrification are negative to those incumbent residents of Pilsen. But it does not oppose the idea that gentrification can have those positive effects while not furthering racial and urban inequality. Rather, it states not to rely on the gentrification process for urban renewal but to put forth the change.
Despite gentrification being able to provide positive effects in Pilsen it is too late. In the case of Pilsen gentrification and its effects are not a good thing. It displaced families, pushed out family owned businesses, and further increased the housing crisis in Chicago. Pilsen if used as an example can be important. It can show and help facilitate this change in the renewal of urban spaces and creating affordable homes without displacing its residents, or taking advantage of those new