Jessica Kiska, a resident of Norwalk, Connecticut for her entire life has directly seen the affects of gentrification in the South Norwalk (SoNo) area in recent years. We both sat down in my dorm room and discussed the changes that have occurred over the years. Since the police station move, and the addition of the luxury loft apartments in the SoNo area, Jessica said with a smile on her face, “I feel safer walking downtown knowing that the police station is down the street. In addition, they added luxury apartments, which I feel made it an environment that deters crime.” When we talked about other projects in Norwalk, like the 95/7 project, Jessica wasn’t so enthusiastic. “I would love to see what they plan on doing, but right now the empty space is a eyesore. I really hope they turn that lot into something grand. It has so much potential to positively impact the area.” She sat on my bed for a second, imaging what could be done. When asked why she thought that Norwalk was a good candidate for gentrification, she replied, “Norwalk is like a melting pot. It has many people of diverse backgrounds, yet wealthy areas surround it.” Jessica also commented on the fact that Norwalk is a waterfront community, which leads to a lot of potential. Jessica was very happy to talk to me about her personal experience with gentrification and concluded with, “Gentrification of an urban town like Norwalk can never go wrong.”
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Current Progress
Avalon Norwalk-
Background
What factor has the possibility of positively and negatively affecting a neighborhood at the same time? The positive aspect of gentrification could be that the value of one’s property could increase and new businesses could develop. There also could be an increase in tax revenue and the “increase the social acceptance of gay people and racial and ethnic minorities” (Betsky A). At the same time, there is the possibility of increased rent, house prices and taxes. Gentrification can cause these changes in formerly depressed areas.
Gentrification, in simple terms, occurs when rich people buy property in a less affluent area and build expensive houses, which would increase the value and cost of other houses in the neighborhood. Benjamin Grant, who is a writer, and someone who studies urbanism, defined gentrification as: “changes in an area resulting from wealthier people buying housing property in a less prosperous community.” (Grant B). In Norwalk, Connecticut, there is a huge gentrification that is happening all over the city. There are several projects; the SoNo lofts, Avalon luxury apartments, and the development of the formerly empty 95/7 lot.
South Norwalk, otherwise known as SoNo, is known for its high crime rate and for its general lack of safety. The SoNo lofts were build on run down waterfront property. These Loft’s condominiums have been sold for as much as $500,000 for 1,200 square feet (Norwalk Condo Guide). The Lofts were built in 2004. One of the first gentrification projects to happen in the South Norwalk area were the Lofts that were built in 2004.
Avalon Communities has recently bought what used to be a shopping mall on Belden Avenue. This shopping mall was right around the corner from a bus station, and in recent years, the property had become run down. Avalon Communities is a prestigious Real Estate Investment Trust (Avalon Communities). Avalon Communities’ goals are: “developing, redeveloping, acquiring, and managing apartment communities all across the United States” (Avalon Communities).
Norwalk Redevelopment Agency’s mission is “to enhance the physical, economic and social environment of the Norwalk Community by securing and administering the resources to deliver these goals” (Norwalk Redevelopment Agency).
Gentrification will positively impact Norwalk by bringing in money to the area. Doing this, will also make the surrounding towns more valuable if Norwalk’s value increases. The only problem that could possibly happen, is that people who have been lifelong residents of Norwalk, may have to relocate to a town with less value because the town may not be affordable for them anymore. Long time residents that would be able to afford the effects of gentrification are happy and excited yet the less fortunate are nervous what is to happen next.
Works Cited
"Apartment Rentals with Convenience, Service, and Amenities - Avalon Communities." Apartments for Rent. Web. 06 Nov. 2009.
Home | Norwalk Redevelopment Agency. Web. 07 Nov. 2009.
"SONO LOFTS CONDO. Norwalk CT Condos | Norwalk Townhouses | Norwalk Real Estate." Norwalk CT Condos| Norwalk Townhouses | Norwalk Real Estate. Web. 07 Nov. 2009.
Betsky, A (1997) Queer space: architecture and same-sex desire, New York: William Morrow & Co. (ISBN 0688143016).
Benjamin Grant (June 17, 2003). "Urban gentrification is associated with movement PBS Documentaries with a point of view: What is Gentrification?". Public Broadcasting Service.
