Gentrification

Gentrification in New York City

Change might be necessary, but does it have to erase our authenticity and true cultural values.

A city should be an inclusive space for all its dweller. A city should not be a place where only the affluent can afford to live, while the less fortunate pushed out.

Today Bushwick Avenue in Brooklyn is undergoing though changes. some refer to these changes as economic growth, while others might define it as gentrification

After 2 weeks same building was already sold

Soon new developments will spread in Bushwick as it happened elsewhere
East Harlem, Manhattan

East Harlem, Manhattan

What would be left, traces of the once existing buildings, Queensboro, Queens

Pierre moved to Bushwick in Brooklyn few years ago, now worried if the rent comes up, he wont be able to afford it

For David his neighborhood in Bushwick changed a lot in the last 5 years!

Like the tenants, gentrification also affects old owners, but in a different way

"People are sneaking in!!! My apartments are for 2 to 3 people but 10 to 12 are sharing one small apartment!” Owner of an old building in Queensboro, Queens

What the residents may experience, can be overseen by many... however, what can't be overseen is the dramatic changes that the city is witnessing

To the point that most cities are becoming alike, Queensboro, Queens

The economic pressure will eventually push the old residents elsewhere, where they can find more affordable rent rates, Lower East Side, Manhattan

When the older community will eventually seize to exist, this will lead ... to getting rid of the old & brining in the new, Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Gentrification today, is not only affecting the community feel of cities or pushing out older or less fortunate residents, but seems also to be transforming cities to be exact copies with no real character in architecture or design

Gentrification in New York City

Fadi Asmar

Photography