In Gentrification Amid Urban Decline: Strategies for America's Older Cities, written by Michael Lang, the process of gentrification is seen upon the "Darien Street" community in Philadelphia. Darien Street was a "back street", because its not connected to any of the city's main sections. It was even unpaved for most of the time. Darein Street was populated by only Italian families, but after WWII, the government talked about building a cross-town highway, all the families moved out. When the Italians moved out, the houses dating from 1885 and low-rent, went to poor African American families. In the 1970's, Darien Street was at its lowest point and had little property value. The houses were abandoned, the roofs were caving in, broken windows and heaters. Although deep in decay, the houses still had a European charm and people appreciated the architecture. There was no car traffic and children were safe due to being an Alley in the populous Bella Vista neighborhood. The houses were close together and created a very tight-knit community. It was inexpensive and a short distance from the city life of Philadelphia. The city government did not was to hesitate and rehabilitate it. The gentrification began in 1977, to a corner house a school teacher re-modelled and lived in. The next years mainly white middle class men moved into the old houses. The first displacement of the original Darien Street occupants happened in 1979. About two years later five of seven families were evicted because of the inflated house pricing. The only two families left, were renters and expected to leave. In five years, from 1977 to 1982, the original population went from seven African Americans families and one white family to two African American families and eleven white families. The rent increased 488 per cent, so around $500 a month compared to what it used to be, $85. The only positive that came out of the gentrification of Darien Street was an increase of property tax revenues and better quality homes.
No comments:
Post a Comment