Although the debate over how to approach neighborhoods characterized by poverty and neglect is a complicated and controversial subject, I think the two most important aspects to keep in mind are who will benefit from proposed projects, and when. New development generally means overall improvement to the neighborhood. But who is advantaged by such increases in value? The people living there currently, or those who will soon find it an acceptable place to move and/or start a business? Another key feature that needs consideration is the timeframe in which these benefits will take place, and how they, too, will develop over time. In other words, will the majority of people see immediate gains, or will they have to wait for investments to accrue? This highlights an important issue around the gentrification of neighborhoods because it points out that current residents may not be able to survive such waits. So, in regards to Mayor Bloomberg’s plans for Willet’s Point, I am skeptical of his intentions to maintain the neighborhood’s affordability for those who have few or no other options. Furthermore, as Dan Bilefsky describes the battle of those standing up to the mayor in his “Concern for Underclass As the City Progresses On Its Willets Point Plan,” “history and precedent” don’t signal optimism for their cause (2).
–Sophia Curran
