Prior to this trip, I had a positive experience visiting the High Line but last Friday opened my eyes to how gentrification has really impacted West Chelsea. The image I chose to represent the High Line shows the stark contrast between the run-down forgotten brick buildings and the sleek glass buildings that have been funded by the wealthy. Although the surrounding area was modern-looking, trendy, and full of greenery and art, the aftermath of gentrification was apparent. All over the park read black signs with a bold white font reading “Protect the Plants. Stay on the path.” This stuck out to me because this shows that the plants are the most crucial aspect of this park and not the hundreds of people who needed to move out of their homes or close their businesses in response to sudden rent spikes. Signs with ridiculously expensive real estate options and modern buildings that seemed to devour any underdeveloped land flanked both sides of the High Line as tourists gathered at the areas with the prettiest views of the city. These High Line views were millions of tourists visit every year are cherry picked. They fail to show that not every aspect of New York City is as perfect as it seems to be. But as a main tourist attraction that isn’t really its purpose. I suppose only those who have read up on the effects of the High Line’s establishment in West Chelsea could have really noticed and be disturbed by the harsh consequences of the park existence. With houses with peeling paint, scaffolding, run-down gas stations, closed family owned stores seeming so insignificant when compared to the might of high-end buildings and their unlimited power it surprised me that these older buildings are still in place. If these buildings were able to stay since the parks release who knows how much longer they have until they are demolished and modernized?
I like how you chose to focus on the aspects of the High Line that most people don’t typically think of. Most visitors, including myself, get caught up in the beauty of the High Line and forget to consider how this massive creative and historical project has affected the surrounding neighborhoods. It is important that you pointed out how the gentrification caused by the construction of the High Line has reshaped Chelsea for the better for the wealthy, but for the worse for countless middle and working class families. It is a depressing thought to realize that maybe in the near future the few older apartments will be torn down and modernized. Yet, until that happens we should continue to appreciate the quaint, charming architecture that still stands in the city.
It was very interesting that you brought up the sign where it states to not touch the plants because it shows how the purpose of the High Line has drastically changed. What started off as a medium to transport essentially materials to lower Manhattan, turned into a symbol of gentrification. As you said, through the heightened importance of the High Line, it takes away from the area around it. The site turning into an attraction brings about bigger businesses that stomp out smaller businesses as you mentioned. Its interesting to see how much disparity there is around the High Line, as it includes everything from condos to old apartments. Its also unfortunate that despite the old buildings left, the gentrification will surely not stop until the area looks like all the other wealthier parts of Manhattan. I am not sure if this is right or wrong, or matters or not. However, for the purpose of being responsible members of society, it is important to notice the issues with our city to take precautions against it. Even if we cannot stop it, it is at least important to remember what has transpired to be living testaments of history to internalize and learn from the effects of gentrification: even in a nyc that may one day be completely gentrified.