NYC--The City of Hidden Opportunities:
The Impact of Gentrification On Public Schools In Chelsea, New York
Public schools in Chelsea, New York, and ultimately their students, are affected by this influx of money and people into their neighborhood, while lower-middle class students endure the effects of gentrification. Attracting more diversity to public schools by investing in innovative learning opportunities will solve the vicious cycle public schools are stuck in within gentrifying cities.
Imagine coming home from work one day to find a letter sitting on your doorstep saying that your rent will double in only two months. In shock, you realize that your income will no longer suffice to support your monthly rent payments. Your home and place of comfort will no longer belong to you. You won't even be able to live in the town where you grew up anymore. The rent of every apartment complex around you has skyrocketed, and there's nothing you can do to stop the soaring prices. This is gentrification-- difficult to overcome and inevitable.
Gentrification affects many major cities all around the world and the people living in them. Gentrification occurs when companies, developers, and investors come to lower income neighborhoods in attempt to improve the area. However, these improvements raise prices and end up kicking out the locals who are unable to afford the costs of living in a gentrified city. Studies reveal that neither race nor income predicts displacement rates but, instead, household displacement varies based on level of education. Gentrification tends to benefit highly educated and wealthy households while negatively affecting less educated households (Florida). Gentrification and displacement go hand in hand because “displacement is becoming a larger issue where the pressure for urban living is accelerating” (Florida).
Gentrification, as well as the displacement of households, will worsen over time as everyday prices skyrocket such as paying rent and filling up your car with gas rise. Rising prices affect the majority of the population in gentrifying cities as it “makes it much harder for working families to get by” (Morfoot). As the physical prices of necessities rise, “the price of life” also skyrockets. Many local residents fear that although they have always lived in numerous apartments around their hometowns, they many not even be able to afford renewing their lease anymore. The issue of gentrification making prices skyrocket in cities is a pressing issue as the middle class suffers tremendously from these rapidly growing prices.
Chelsea, New York, is one neighborhood in the borough of Manhattan that is especially affected by gentrification. One source of wealth from gentrification that has been brought into Chelsea stems from the High Line. This structure in Chelsea used to be an old railroad, but now it has been beautified and turned into a modernized park that stretches over a mile long. The High Line in Chelsea is a melting pot of cultures. It brings in people from all different backgrounds, but while attracting diversity, the High Line can potentially make the economic differences stand out even more. Overall, Chelsea’s High Line almost creates its own community amidst the unintended monument.
Filmmaker Mark Levin, director of Class Divide (2016), a documentary on gentrification within Chelsea, is a resident of Chelsea and has endured many changes as a result of gentrification. He has always lived in Chelsea and refers to himself as an “urban pioneer” (Misra,). For all of his life, Levin has resided in various studios throughout the gentrifying Chelsea neighborhood, but now he fears he might also become “one of the displaced” (qtd. in Misra) since rents are skyrocketing too fast for an independent filmmaker to keep up with. Levin himself is not of the lower class, but the fact that even he may have to move out of his own neighborhood as a result of gentrification just shows how many people are affected by gentrification in their own city.
The relationship between the two opposite socioeconomic classes that make up a gentrifying city defines the mood of the city. Generally, I think there is a lot of built-up tension within economic classes. Director Mark Levin states that there won’t naturally be much interaction between the opposite classes; however, he thinks that communication between these two extremes of society is necessary for each socioeconomic opposite to grow and learn from others around them. Levin states that tensions between the “two groups will always be there,” and although gentrification may significantly transform neighborhoods, “change is inevitable” (qtd. in Misra). It is important that we break down these imaginary barriers between economic extremes earlier on, as the conflicts between the two would likely be lessened.
Through all of their differences, the two opposite classes of society still have many similarities, even though they come from such contrasting backgrounds. Although many would think that very wealthy people and extremely poor people have nothing in common, they surprisingly face many of the same challenges such as, “[Both] communit[ies] feel pressures and suffer from the destabilizing forces of gentrification” (Morfoot). Additionally, each of these communities have to “adapt to the changing circumstances” (Morfoot) in their environment as a result of gentrification. Lastly, both opposing socioeconomic classes worry about the future as gentrifying areas are very economically unstable.
Not only does gentrification affect socioeconomic classes, but it also affects diversity as well. Gentrification influences almost all kinds of diversity, but it specifically influences cultural diversity. Gentrification brings an exclusiveness into cities, ultimately affecting the race or even status of those it attracts. Levin refers to this cultural disruption as “the threatening of the human mix” (qtd. in Morfoot). In fact, gentrification upsets so many balances that occur naturally in society. Disrupting these naturally existing diversities within a city will not only create a conformed society, but will leave many more repercussions as well.
Public Schools in Chelsea struggle to maintain a successful business and a thriving school environment in gentrifying areas where there is an influx of upper-middle class people. As newcomers generally tend to send their kids to high quality, private schools, the public schools, which aren't receiving as many funds, are “left to flounder remaining segregated, low-quality, apartheid schools” (Bloom). For cities undergoing gentrification, public schools end up enduring a vicious cycle of struggling to attract middle-class parents to their lower quality schools.
There are public schools that end up thriving in gentrifying neighborhoods, but it is solely because of the their exclusive academies designed to attract middle-class parents. However, in the case of adding gifted academies within public schools, more money is put into making these programs appeal to middle-class parents as opposed to putting the money towards lower-class kids who could further benefit from these programs. Whether there is a lower quality public school struggling to sustain itself or an academy within a public school attempting to attract the middle-class, both situations are not ideal.
The success of public schools is in the hands of “middle class gentrifiers” (Bloom) to choose to help society or not by enrolling their kids in public schools. If the middle class starts gravitating towards public schools, it will better the quality of education received in the public schools.
Public schools in Chelsea, New York, and ultimately their students, are affected by this influx of money and people into their neighborhood, while lower-middle class students endure the effects of gentrification. Attracting more diversity to public schools by investing in innovative learning opportunities will solve the vicious cycle public schools are stuck in within gentrifying cities. By solving the problem through attracting more diverse students into these programs for talented students, more diversity will come into the programs. An increase in students with varying backgrounds into public schools will provide a win-win situation for everyone attending the school regardless of their socio-economic background. Although the enrolment of middle-class students in public schools would be an ideal situation, it is too much to ask middle-class parents to suddenly send their kids to public schools instead just because it would benefit others. The solution to the problem public schools are faced with when they try to attract the middle-class is to focus on attracting children from diverse backgrounds. Schools need to start putting money into building thriving, high quality public schools with unique hands-on opportunities. Although innovative learning opportunities within schools is not a cheap solution, it will attract middle-class students and keep them there.
Now, imagine worrying not only about where you and your family will live next, but also about the added pressures of letting your children down because you no longer have the means to send them to a school which will provide them with the high quality education they deserve. “Am I not good enough to be a parent?” “What kind of role model am I if I give up the fight to a better life?” “Will my child ever forgive me?”-- These are the questions thousands of parents who experience gentrification ask themselves everyday, but these questions should no longer exist. No children should have to suffer consequences resulting from their family's income-- but, all children have a right to have a high quality education that will stimulate their minds and give them the opportunities they deserve.
Gentrification affects many major cities all around the world and the people living in them. Gentrification occurs when companies, developers, and investors come to lower income neighborhoods in attempt to improve the area. However, these improvements raise prices and end up kicking out the locals who are unable to afford the costs of living in a gentrified city. Studies reveal that neither race nor income predicts displacement rates but, instead, household displacement varies based on level of education. Gentrification tends to benefit highly educated and wealthy households while negatively affecting less educated households (Florida). Gentrification and displacement go hand in hand because “displacement is becoming a larger issue where the pressure for urban living is accelerating” (Florida).
Gentrification, as well as the displacement of households, will worsen over time as everyday prices skyrocket such as paying rent and filling up your car with gas rise. Rising prices affect the majority of the population in gentrifying cities as it “makes it much harder for working families to get by” (Morfoot). As the physical prices of necessities rise, “the price of life” also skyrockets. Many local residents fear that although they have always lived in numerous apartments around their hometowns, they many not even be able to afford renewing their lease anymore. The issue of gentrification making prices skyrocket in cities is a pressing issue as the middle class suffers tremendously from these rapidly growing prices.
Chelsea, New York, is one neighborhood in the borough of Manhattan that is especially affected by gentrification. One source of wealth from gentrification that has been brought into Chelsea stems from the High Line. This structure in Chelsea used to be an old railroad, but now it has been beautified and turned into a modernized park that stretches over a mile long. The High Line in Chelsea is a melting pot of cultures. It brings in people from all different backgrounds, but while attracting diversity, the High Line can potentially make the economic differences stand out even more. Overall, Chelsea’s High Line almost creates its own community amidst the unintended monument.
Filmmaker Mark Levin, director of Class Divide (2016), a documentary on gentrification within Chelsea, is a resident of Chelsea and has endured many changes as a result of gentrification. He has always lived in Chelsea and refers to himself as an “urban pioneer” (Misra,). For all of his life, Levin has resided in various studios throughout the gentrifying Chelsea neighborhood, but now he fears he might also become “one of the displaced” (qtd. in Misra) since rents are skyrocketing too fast for an independent filmmaker to keep up with. Levin himself is not of the lower class, but the fact that even he may have to move out of his own neighborhood as a result of gentrification just shows how many people are affected by gentrification in their own city.
The relationship between the two opposite socioeconomic classes that make up a gentrifying city defines the mood of the city. Generally, I think there is a lot of built-up tension within economic classes. Director Mark Levin states that there won’t naturally be much interaction between the opposite classes; however, he thinks that communication between these two extremes of society is necessary for each socioeconomic opposite to grow and learn from others around them. Levin states that tensions between the “two groups will always be there,” and although gentrification may significantly transform neighborhoods, “change is inevitable” (qtd. in Misra). It is important that we break down these imaginary barriers between economic extremes earlier on, as the conflicts between the two would likely be lessened.
Through all of their differences, the two opposite classes of society still have many similarities, even though they come from such contrasting backgrounds. Although many would think that very wealthy people and extremely poor people have nothing in common, they surprisingly face many of the same challenges such as, “[Both] communit[ies] feel pressures and suffer from the destabilizing forces of gentrification” (Morfoot). Additionally, each of these communities have to “adapt to the changing circumstances” (Morfoot) in their environment as a result of gentrification. Lastly, both opposing socioeconomic classes worry about the future as gentrifying areas are very economically unstable.
Not only does gentrification affect socioeconomic classes, but it also affects diversity as well. Gentrification influences almost all kinds of diversity, but it specifically influences cultural diversity. Gentrification brings an exclusiveness into cities, ultimately affecting the race or even status of those it attracts. Levin refers to this cultural disruption as “the threatening of the human mix” (qtd. in Morfoot). In fact, gentrification upsets so many balances that occur naturally in society. Disrupting these naturally existing diversities within a city will not only create a conformed society, but will leave many more repercussions as well.
Public Schools in Chelsea struggle to maintain a successful business and a thriving school environment in gentrifying areas where there is an influx of upper-middle class people. As newcomers generally tend to send their kids to high quality, private schools, the public schools, which aren't receiving as many funds, are “left to flounder remaining segregated, low-quality, apartheid schools” (Bloom). For cities undergoing gentrification, public schools end up enduring a vicious cycle of struggling to attract middle-class parents to their lower quality schools.
There are public schools that end up thriving in gentrifying neighborhoods, but it is solely because of the their exclusive academies designed to attract middle-class parents. However, in the case of adding gifted academies within public schools, more money is put into making these programs appeal to middle-class parents as opposed to putting the money towards lower-class kids who could further benefit from these programs. Whether there is a lower quality public school struggling to sustain itself or an academy within a public school attempting to attract the middle-class, both situations are not ideal.
The success of public schools is in the hands of “middle class gentrifiers” (Bloom) to choose to help society or not by enrolling their kids in public schools. If the middle class starts gravitating towards public schools, it will better the quality of education received in the public schools.
Public schools in Chelsea, New York, and ultimately their students, are affected by this influx of money and people into their neighborhood, while lower-middle class students endure the effects of gentrification. Attracting more diversity to public schools by investing in innovative learning opportunities will solve the vicious cycle public schools are stuck in within gentrifying cities. By solving the problem through attracting more diverse students into these programs for talented students, more diversity will come into the programs. An increase in students with varying backgrounds into public schools will provide a win-win situation for everyone attending the school regardless of their socio-economic background. Although the enrolment of middle-class students in public schools would be an ideal situation, it is too much to ask middle-class parents to suddenly send their kids to public schools instead just because it would benefit others. The solution to the problem public schools are faced with when they try to attract the middle-class is to focus on attracting children from diverse backgrounds. Schools need to start putting money into building thriving, high quality public schools with unique hands-on opportunities. Although innovative learning opportunities within schools is not a cheap solution, it will attract middle-class students and keep them there.
Now, imagine worrying not only about where you and your family will live next, but also about the added pressures of letting your children down because you no longer have the means to send them to a school which will provide them with the high quality education they deserve. “Am I not good enough to be a parent?” “What kind of role model am I if I give up the fight to a better life?” “Will my child ever forgive me?”-- These are the questions thousands of parents who experience gentrification ask themselves everyday, but these questions should no longer exist. No children should have to suffer consequences resulting from their family's income-- but, all children have a right to have a high quality education that will stimulate their minds and give them the opportunities they deserve.
Works Cited
Bloom, Ester. “When Neighborhoods Gentrify, Why Aren’t Their Public School Improving?”
The Atlantic. The Atlantic, n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2017.
Florida, Richard. “This Is What Happens After a Neighborhood Gets Gentrified.” The Atlantic.
City Lab, n.d. Web. 21 Feb. 2017.
Misra, Tanvi. “Kids and Class Collide in NYC’s Gentrifying Chelsea.” City Lab. City Lab, n.d.
Web. 22 Feb. 2017.
Morfoot, Addie. “Documentary Class Divide Shows Two Worlds Colliding On a West Chelsea
Corner.” Crain’s New York Business. Crain’s New York Business, n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2017.
Raboteau, Emily. “Playgrounds I Have Known.” Nonstop Metropolis: A New York City Atlas.
Ed. Rebecca Solnit, and Joshua Jelly-Schapiro. Oakland: University of California Press,
2016. 174-178. Print
Bloom, Ester. “When Neighborhoods Gentrify, Why Aren’t Their Public School Improving?”
The Atlantic. The Atlantic, n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2017.
Florida, Richard. “This Is What Happens After a Neighborhood Gets Gentrified.” The Atlantic.
City Lab, n.d. Web. 21 Feb. 2017.
Misra, Tanvi. “Kids and Class Collide in NYC’s Gentrifying Chelsea.” City Lab. City Lab, n.d.
Web. 22 Feb. 2017.
Morfoot, Addie. “Documentary Class Divide Shows Two Worlds Colliding On a West Chelsea
Corner.” Crain’s New York Business. Crain’s New York Business, n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2017.
Raboteau, Emily. “Playgrounds I Have Known.” Nonstop Metropolis: A New York City Atlas.
Ed. Rebecca Solnit, and Joshua Jelly-Schapiro. Oakland: University of California Press,
2016. 174-178. Print