Gentrification and Displacement

[Erwin Miciano]

Growing up gentrification has always had a negative connotation whenever brought up in media or conversation. In my main perspective, it has affected many low wage earners and families who pay rent in these areas and in different ways are forced out of their neighborhoods. Whether it's through eviction, rent hikes or lease non-renewals. This also affecting small businesses in similar areas.

This being a close subject of mine, I've personally lived in gang ridden neighborhoods and now in my adult-life see the same homes selling for over a million.

Now I'm not knocking on the positive effects of reduced gang activity and creating safer neighborhoods through gentrification.

But I am starting to see gentrification the same way automation is in the production & service industry. Instead of trying to slow down or prevent the progress that comes along with gentrification and automation, how could we help or ease those who are displaced due to these phenomenons?

Please looking for honest and human solutions.