Gentrification is happening in many cities across the United States. It’s a process that focuses on renovating lower-income urban neighborhoods which simultaneously changes the culture of the area. Ultimately, property value and rent increases, wealthier people move in and local residents become displaced.
In St. Petersburg Florida, history has proven that gentrification is a systemic issue that does very little to include and consider the predominantly African American residents of the south side. St. Pete & The Burg: A City Divided tells the history of St. Petersburg which puts into perspective the gentrification issues that began in the 80’s and 90’s with the demolition of the Gas Plant neighborhood and the Jordan Park village. Not only are those areas facing the same issues today, but illegal acts of robo-signing to foreclose on mortgages without people’s consent is also contributing to gentrification. In St. Petersburg, community members are mobilizing and fighting the system on different fronts.
This is an ongoing project. Part two will go in depth to explain the affordable housing issue as it pertains to the area.
27 дек 2018
