Negative Effects Of Proposition 555

Negative Impact of Proposition 555

Proposition 555 is for increased funding to re-develop the unsecured and dilapidated city by conversing old housing stock to high-rent apartments, a lucrative area and green space for parks, arts, and recreation for leisure activities. When Proposition 555 is enacted in a city, damaged and run down houses and apartments for low-income residents, such as Section 8 housing, would be obliterated.

In this modern society, Proposition 555 seems likely to improve our living conditions with clean and luxurious buildings and peaceful parks. It is true that if Proposition 555 is enacted, everything will be new and the number of visitors and new comers will be increase. However, Proposition 555 not only has advantages,

It is obviously unaffordable for the original residents in favelas. The original residents now have to leave their homes and find under-developed and unsafe places (Menichiello, The Borgen Project). The increased rents directly show that gentrification is only focused on the titles to the lands and new businesses of affluent people rather than improving the living conditions for everyone.

Additionally, loss of affordable housing causes increased rate of homelessness. Low-income residents not only lose their homes, but they would also lose their job if they do not find new places where affordable houses can be found and their jobs are close to. It is not easy to move to other places from their homes and have new jobs.

A New York City Housing and Vacancy survey done by U.S. Census Bureau reported that the median household income in New York City only increased 0.5% from 2005 to 2010, the income in Washington Heights increased 16.1%, in Highbridge and Concourse, the household income increased 15.3 %, and the median income in Kingsbridge Heights decreased 16% . And, rents in both New York City and Washington Heights increased 11%, in Highbridge and Concourse, rents increased 10.5%, and they increased 7.5% in Kingsbridge Heights

Highbridge and Concourse, the Bronx district with the highest number of homeless families, saw its total rise 37% over the same five years. Also, Kingsbridge Heights had the most dramatic increase, with 94% more families entering shelter than in 2005.

The study reported by ICPH pointed out not only the negative aspect of gentrification, but it also shows the relationship between gentrification and homelessness. Since the proportion of rents for housing became large, the low-income and even median-income families seek to find the other places to live, in the worst case, some of them become homeless

Besides, the characteristics that each place has would be vanished because of gentrification. Every place shows their own unique characters through the works done by local artists and musicians. People can see the culture and soul of a place from the street paintings, antique buildings, and so on. And, as the creative artworks attract visitors and new-comers, the other infrastructure comes and then rent also increases. It is good for a place to be famous and popular. However, gentrification would lead artistes to lose their work