Sharon Zukin laments the loss of uniqueness and authenticity of New York City neighborhoods as these areas conforms to corporate norms. Zukin believes the diminishing presence of mom-and-pop shops and the influx of commercial monopolies, such as Starbucks, a disgrace. Unfortunately with the rise of gentrification in a neighborhood, or market evolution, comes the suppression and exile of the residents who once made this region heterogeneous.
Despite Zukin’s critical view of gentrification, New York is known as a constantly modernizing, cosmopolitan city. Locally owned, one-of-a kind businesses and the colorful characters that manage them do give New York City its charm. The number of such original shops has dwindled and in their place name brand corporations have flourished. I do see Zukin’s point as she describes the “loss of soul” in the city as consumerism has become a means of individualism, but New York is too fast-paced a city to hope for a complete stop of gentrification and capitalism. Actually, I believe these newcomers have brought with them new hopes and ideas, and consequently, a “new” soul. The “soul” of the gentrified neighborhood now has a blend of “soul” from original and incoming residents.
With rising property value, the residents who first began diversifying such neighborhoods are struggling to now remain in their homes. The property market is competitive and although New York is always in a state of upgrade, I do not see that as a means to evict locals. Some apartment complexes have in place rent control to allow residents some stability. Neither newcomers nor longstanding residents have more of a claim to the neighborhood. Unfortunately, as the market pursues its course living in New York can almost be described as survival of the fittest.
-Roseann Weick
