Gentrification Or Segregation?

By: Anika Islam, Ishrat Ali and Fatima Saleh

One of the many newly opened frozen yogurt shops in Astoria

showing the addition of luxury stores.

In recent years, gentrification in Astoria has been growing, leading to a greater separation
between social classes. Gentrification is the process in which a neighborhood undergoes change
to fit the standards of the arriving middle and upper classes. With the upper and middle class
emerging in neighborhoods inhabited by existing residents in the working class, these long time
residents tend to be displaced due to the continuous increase of the cost of living. Because of the
difference in social class of the gentrifiers and the people affected by gentrification, a large
divide is fostered between these people in the community.
I think gentrification is a bad thing, just the word because I think it separates people.
When were talking about gentrification were talking about the separation of people. The thing
is if were constantly divided, and going out in our own directions there's always going to be
suffering, stated by John Henry, a working member of Astoria.
Henry, a 37 year old, has been working in Astoria for seven years. Because of his
extensive familiarity with the neighborhood, he was able to acknowledge the change undergoing
within Astora due to gentrification. This concept of people going in opposing directions, as
Henry elaborates, is shown through the shift in population of certain races. According to a report
on gentrification by the NYU Furman Center, In gentrifying neighborhoods, the share of the
population that identified as black declined from 37.9 percent to 30.9 percent which, relative to
the high New York City population, is considered dramatic. Correspondingly, the share of the
population that identified as white increased in gentrifying neighborhoods from 18.8 percent to
20.6 percent. As these population of races go in their separate ways, a division of class and
culture is established and is evident in many New York City neighborhoods.
Gentrification affects people differently depending on their position in life. Henry notes,
I've been affected by it but in a positive way cause Im a homeowner in Brooklyn so my
property value goes up. But I also understand how if you're not a homeowner how that can affect
you like forcing you to leave your home, the place you've lived all your life.
 As a way to counteract gentrification, Henry suggests an increase of community
involvement.
One thing I encourage people to do is be involved in their block association and to love
everybody that's in the community, no matter what race, color, just working together. Never lose
in touch that community is common unity. I didnt have to struggle so now Im in the
opportunity to give to the community. I can give and help somebody whos an immigrant thats
trying to help their family.
Although gentrification has its negative effects, depending on the way it is approached
and collaborative work with the people in the community, it may be turned to have its positive
affects for all.