Metropolization process and social segregation in NYC

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there were an unprecedented concentration of power and wealth which was accompanied by the increasing exclusion of people and territories for instance the Bronx and its inhabitants.

II A massive gentrification from Manhattan to the Bronx

A gentrification project in the Bronx was held by Manhattan’s “property developers and businessmen”.It aimed to building “film studios and loft apartments” there even were “plans for two 25-storey towers built by Somerset Partners and Chetrit, housing 1,196 apartments (which could be ) rent(ed) for $3,000 or more a month.

This project is a direct consequence of the metropolization of Manhattan. It is a massive gentrification (process of renovating and improving a house or district so that it conforms to the middle-class taste) only in favour of the upper class. Because of the lack of space due to its growing concentration of population and power, Manhattan’s inhabitants have to move to another place nevertheless, they still want to live close to Manhattan. The obvious solution is to expand in the Bronx and to construct building suitable for the upper class. However, this project is done without the the Bronx’s inhabitants agreement. Therefore, it “has been met with howls of protest by residents (of the Bronx) furious at outsiders coming in and changing their community.” that’s why they have decided to fight back and adopted the slogan “The Bronx is not for sale”.

The howls of protest of residents of the Bronx is understandable because it is definitely not in their interests : the minimal rental of the 25-storey will be of $3,000per month but most of Bronx people only earn $25 000/year thus it would be impossible for them to live there.

To conclude, urban restructuration should aim at reducing inequalities which are very high in New York City. However, the launch of this project seems to aim at the widening of the gap between rich and poor people by invading their space and letting them live in their poverty.

Instead of this project of extending Manhattan, they should establish the policy of empowerment zones this project would be much more adapted to the situation of the Bronx. Moreover, in the long-term the Bronx could be suitable for the middle class or even for Manhattan’s inhabitant’s.