In the five boroughs, it is evident that many structures make up the places we all call home. But recently one structure, or rather complex, has become threatened. As of 1992, the Hope VI Project has become recognized as the force to remove tenants from public housing residences and relocate them to build mixed income buildings, thus increasing gentrification. As residences are given the necessary resources to move out of public housing, they are also given the option to move back. But the truth of the matter is that even with this option and new mixed income structures taking the spot of the place the tenants once called home, the families can hardly afford it. In order to justify the unjust and forced removal of these families from public housing complexes around the city, public authoritative figures (who have never lived in public housing) claim that they are places of “apocalyptic social decay” (Audacity of Hope VI; Edward Goetz) or that there are “few worth saving” (Audacity of Hope VI; Edward Goetz). But residents of these complexes beg to differ, as they are the ones who actually live there and state these “projects” to be home and places of community that can and should not be taken from them.
As a way to depict this controversial and rapid pacing situation, I have done a photovoice project. As I was beginning to get my topic of economic diversity intact, I began to think of certain destinations in the city that best fit the diversity I was looking for. Soon afterwards, I began my photography in lower Manhattan; but more specifically avenues A,B, and C. As I was taking these pictures I began to see that it is not just N.Y.C.P.H. that is being limited here in the city; it is also older neighborhood houses, stores and other structures that are being demolished for new condominiums and mixed income buildings. I felt that this needed to be brought to peoples’ attention as these are the same neighborhoods that many of us and other people have grown up in and learned to characterize as their community. With this being said, I attempted to capture as much of this destruction of communities and diverse economic standings, along with the rising levels of gentrification, in the following pictures.
As a way to depict this controversial and rapid pacing situation, I have done a photovoice project. As I was beginning to get my topic of economic diversity intact, I began to think of certain destinations in the city that best fit the diversity I was looking for. Soon afterwards, I began my photography in lower Manhattan; but more specifically avenues A,B, and C. As I was taking these pictures I began to see that it is not just N.Y.C.P.H. that is being limited here in the city; it is also older neighborhood houses, stores and other structures that are being demolished for new condominiums and mixed income buildings. I felt that this needed to be brought to peoples’ attention as these are the same neighborhoods that many of us and other people have grown up in and learned to characterize as their community. With this being said, I attempted to capture as much of this destruction of communities and diverse economic standings, along with the rising levels of gentrification, in the following pictures.
This picture was taken a few blocks away from Tompkins Square Park. The area itself has been greatly gentrified; going from a predominately Hispanic middle class neighborhood to a now wealthier neighborhood that is seeing more white people. I feel this picture greatly illustrates the economic differences in this area. Growing up, I came to this area a lot with my parents to occupy ourselves, and down this particular block it was lined with five story lower income buildings. To me I felt connected and at home with these buildings because they were what I characterized my family and myself with. But as the years progressed, and I became more aware of the area, I saw the buildings I once recognized myself with were disappearing. In their place stood new condominiums and offices in their place, while homes like the one on the left were left to sort of “decompose” until a bulldozer comes along or nothing at all.
These pictures were taken on Avenue A. The first thing that is plainly evident is the contrast in the buildings. While the one on the left is one of many public housing complexes in the area, this structure on the right was built about two years ago. The irony here is that, though you cannot see clearly in the picture, is that despite this building being fairly new many of its apartments are empty. This situation is a given with the construction of mixed income houses and condominiums, both. They are built in such strict income guidelines that those who apply cannot afford to live there. This also stems from the issue of “prime real estate.” This housing building is in a very popular area in the city; surrounded by tattoo parlors, restaurants, parks and many shopping outlets. Because of this rents go up in public housing, forcing families to leave for the creation of buildings people can’t afford like this one. This part the demolition and relocation of residents of public housing gets me a little agitated because though the heads of these projects start out with one idea, they sacrifice the well being of others and for more empty apartments. I don’t see how this is an improvement to anyone.
This was taken on Second Avenue. In this area, it has again become an epitomized example of a sort of resistance of gentrification. But as seen from the picture, not every neighborhood will be enthusiastic with such changes happening in their lives. From this stems resistance and such feelings against the construction of these complexes result in the vandalization of them, as seen in the picture above. This sort of deconstruction can be taken two ways; one may see it just as it is, a felony. But others may see it as the people of the neighborhood speaking out and claiming the area they know as their home. As their community and the community of others is taken over and remodelled, this may be the residents only way to be heard.
This is my own neighborhood on the Upper West Side. My public housing building can be seen right in between the two towering new buildings. When I first moved here when I was eleven, the block of my house was composed of a few schools and some run down buildings that weren’t being used for a long time. When I got older, I soon began to see and even hear that my community was changing. With loud construction noises and steel frames going up all around me, I witnessed my housing complex being left behind purposely. Now my projects either stick out with unwanted attention or are looked over completely. My family, along with the other member of Amsterdam Houses, now await for letters stating hikes in rent or the day when we are to be relocated because we are in “prime real estate” areas.
The Hope VI project and its aids can be characterized as a bittersweet issue. Though they allow for gentrification and some areas are definitely reacting positively to it (socially, economically, etc.), some areas do not have that luxury and are being forced out of their own communities. I live in public housing, and I know personally what it feels like to see rents go up and the neighborhood that you have lived in for years change right before your eyes. So, yes, it is definitely a conflicting issue because both sides have its pros and cons. The economic diversity in neighborhoods all around the city is becoming increasingly evident and its presence is starting to affect the general population as new racial and social diversity inhabit these places. One thing is certain though; to have countless people pick up and leave their homes because of force or inability to afford it is growing and regardless of its positive outcomes, it is still a prominent problem that occurs in the boroughs that needs to be addressed and fixed.
The Hope VI project and its aids can be characterized as a bittersweet issue. Though they allow for gentrification and some areas are definitely reacting positively to it (socially, economically, etc.), some areas do not have that luxury and are being forced out of their own communities. I live in public housing, and I know personally what it feels like to see rents go up and the neighborhood that you have lived in for years change right before your eyes. So, yes, it is definitely a conflicting issue because both sides have its pros and cons. The economic diversity in neighborhoods all around the city is becoming increasingly evident and its presence is starting to affect the general population as new racial and social diversity inhabit these places. One thing is certain though; to have countless people pick up and leave their homes because of force or inability to afford it is growing and regardless of its positive outcomes, it is still a prominent problem that occurs in the boroughs that needs to be addressed and fixed.