Gentrification
D. Morris
Gentrification
Dr. W. Holmes
Poli 304 Seminar in Urban Problems
Gentrification or Economic Development
Historic preservation has traditionally been simply restoring historically significant architectural or geographical sites for aesthetic value or for the benefit of future generations to better understand the ways and styles of the past. As the National Trust for Historic Preservation explains, “when historic buildings and neighborhoods are torn down or allowed to deteriorate, a part of our past disappears forever. When that happens, we lose history that helps us know who we are, and we lose opportunities to live and work in the kinds of interesting and attractive surroundings that older buildings can provide” (NTHP web site).
Recently the use of historic preservation has also begun to be viewed by cities and towns as a means to economic development and urban renewal. According to advocates, historic preservation has aided in local economic and community revitalization, increased tourism and employment, and preserved regional history, culture, and pride. However, historic preservation has often lacked public support due to a negative reputation. Some see it, not as a means to revitalizing local communities, but rather, as simply driving the problems further under the surface or into other areas, namely, as a means to gentrification. This reputation is not entirely unfounded, as there have been instances when gentrification was exactly the intended goal.
There is a fundamental dichotomy and tension within economic development policies in general, and specifically with historic preservation, between the need to bring in wealthy residents and new businesses and the likelihood that it will drive out or alienate low to moderate-income local residents. Historic preservation will, of course, not work for every struggling area in the nation, but for those that can use it, alone or in conjunction with other methods of economic development it is
Gentrification
Dr. W. Holmes
Poli 304 Seminar in Urban Problems
Gentrification or Economic Development
Historic preservation has traditionally been simply restoring historically significant architectural or geographical sites for aesthetic value or for the benefit of future generations to better understand the ways and styles of the past. As the National Trust for Historic Preservation explains, “when historic buildings and neighborhoods are torn down or allowed to deteriorate, a part of our past disappears forever. When that happens, we lose history that helps us know who we are, and we lose opportunities to live and work in the kinds of interesting and attractive surroundings that older buildings can provide” (NTHP web site).
Recently the use of historic preservation has also begun to be viewed by cities and towns as a means to economic development and urban renewal. According to advocates, historic preservation has aided in local economic and community revitalization, increased tourism and employment, and preserved regional history, culture, and pride. However, historic preservation has often lacked public support due to a negative reputation. Some see it, not as a means to revitalizing local communities, but rather, as simply driving the problems further under the surface or into other areas, namely, as a means to gentrification. This reputation is not entirely unfounded, as there have been instances when gentrification was exactly the intended goal.
There is a fundamental dichotomy and tension within economic development policies in general, and specifically with historic preservation, between the need to bring in wealthy residents and new businesses and the likelihood that it will drive out or alienate low to moderate-income local residents. Historic preservation will, of course, not work for every struggling area in the nation, but for those that can use it, alone or in conjunction with other methods of economic development it is
Cited: Dewan, K. “Many Residents Aim to Save Meat Packers Along with Neighborhood’s Gritty Charm.” New York Times. NY, NY. June 4, 2001. Pro Quest. Dickinson, Rachel Kotkin, Joel. “For Retailers in Some City Centers, Gentrification is a Four-Letter Word.” New York Times. NY, NY. June 27, 1999. Pro Quest. Kremen, Judith Mansnerus, Laura. “ Legislating Feverishly in the Name of Historic Preservation.” New York Times. NY, NY. January, 9, 2000. Pro Quest. Missouri State Department of Economic Development, Main Street Program website National Trust for Historic Preservation. November 6, 2002. http://www.nationaltrust.org/. Reese, Laura A Robertson, Tatsha. “Fort Hiss Families Vow to Preserve a Heritage.” Boston Globe. Boston, MA. April 7, 1999. Pro Quest. Robertson, Tatsha Rural Heritage Program. National Trust for Historic Preservation. December 13, 2002. http://www.ruralheritage.org/. Santoro, Phil Snyder, Mike. “An Elusive Vision/ New Plans for Historic Fourth Ward Face Old Obstacles.” Houston Chronicle. Houston, Texas. January 9, 2000. Pro Quest. Tangretti, Thomas Wagner, Mathew. “The National Main Street Center.” Economic Development Review. Spring 1996. vol. 14, iss. 2, p76. EBSCOHOST. 2002 New York City Housing and Vacancy Survey http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/housing/nychvs/nychvs.html The State of New York City’s Neighborhoods, 2003, by Denise Previti and Michael Schill